CN117999007A

CN117999007A - Aerosol generating device and method of operating the same

Info

Publication number: CN117999007A
Application number: CN202380013052.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 金龙焕; 权宁范; 金东星; 林宪一; 张锡水
Original assignee: KT&G Corp
Current assignee: KT&G Corp
Priority date: 2022-09-05
Filing date: 2023-09-04
Publication date: 2024-05-07

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising: a heater configured to heat the cigarette; a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the heater; a timer configured to count a current date; and a controller configured to: calculating a temperature rise time of the cigarette by using a temperature sensor; setting a threshold based on the current date; when the temperature rise time is less than the threshold, power is supplied to the heater according to a default temperature profile, and when the temperature rise time is greater than or equal to the threshold, power is supplied to the heater according to a first correction profile.

Description

Aerosol generating device and method of operating the same

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device and a method of operating the same.

Background

In recent years, there has been an increase in the need for smoking methods that replace conventional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing need for methods of generating aerosols by heating aerosol-generating substances in cigarettes rather than methods of generating aerosols using burning cigarettes. Accordingly, studies on a heating type cigarette or a heating type aerosol-generating device have been actively conducted.

At the same temperature, the specific heat of moisture is higher than that of air, and the thermal capacity of moisture is also greater than that of air. Thus, when a user inhales an aerosol having a high moisture content, the aerosol is perceived to be hotter than air at the same temperature.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

In aerosol-generating devices, it is important to control the temperature of the heater.

The ambient environment needs to be considered when controlling the temperature of the heater of the aerosol-generating device. In particular, when the temperature of the heater is controlled, it is necessary to characterize seasons such as summer damp-heat and winter cold-dry.

The task of the present disclosure is to distinguish summer and other seasons by using a timer included in an aerosol-generating device, and to precisely control the temperature of a heater of the aerosol-generating device by reflecting seasonal features.

The present disclosure provides an aerosol-generating device capable of distinguishing between a normal cigarette and an excessively moist cigarette, and a method of operating the aerosol-generating device.

The present disclosure provides an aerosol-generating device including a temperature profile corresponding to each of a normal cigarette and an over-wet cigarette, and a method of operating the aerosol-generating device.

Solution to the problem

According to an embodiment, an aerosol-generating device comprises: a heater configured to heat the cigarette; a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the heater; a timer configured to count a current date; and a controller configured to: calculating a temperature rise time of the cigarette by using a temperature sensor; setting a threshold based on the current date; when the temperature rise time is less than the threshold, power is supplied to the heater according to a default temperature profile, and when the temperature rise time is greater than or equal to the threshold, power is supplied to the heater according to a first correction profile.

According to an embodiment, a method of operating an aerosol-generating device comprises: heating the cigarettes by a heater; measuring the temperature of the heater by a temperature sensor; counting the current date by a timer; and controlling the power supplied to the heater by the control signal, wherein controlling the power includes: calculating a temperature rise time of the cigarette by using a temperature sensor; setting a threshold based on the current date; when the temperature rise time is less than the threshold, power is supplied to the heater according to a default temperature profile, and when the temperature rise time is greater than or equal to the threshold, power is supplied to the heater according to a first correction profile.

The beneficial effects of the invention are that

Aerosol-generating devices and methods of operation thereof according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may distinguish normal cigarettes from over-wet cigarettes based on the temperature rise time of the cigarettes.

Additionally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide temperature profiles corresponding to each of a normal cigarette and an over-wet cigarette.

Additionally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may distinguish summer from other seasons and reflect seasonal features to accurately control the temperature of the heater of the aerosol-generating device.

However, the effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and the effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the present specification and drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 to 3 are views showing examples in which cigarettes are inserted into an aerosol-generating device;

figures 4 and 5 show examples of cigarettes;

Fig. 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment;

Fig. 7A is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment;

fig. 7B is a perspective view showing an operation state of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment shown in fig. 7A, with some components separated from the aerosol-generating device;

fig. 8 is an exemplary diagram for illustrating a default temperature profile of an aerosol-generating device;

fig. 9A is an exemplary diagram for illustrating a first calibration curve of an aerosol-generating device;

Fig. 9B is an exemplary diagram for illustrating a second correction curve of the aerosol-generating device; and

Fig. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operation of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

Best mode for carrying out the invention

According to an embodiment, the aerosol-generating device comprises: a heater configured to heat the cigarette; a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the heater; a timer that counts a current date; and a controller configured to control electric power supplied to the heater by a control signal, wherein the controller is further configured to: calculating a heating time of the cigarette by using a temperature sensor; setting a threshold based on the current date; when the temperature rise time is less than the threshold, power is supplied to the heater according to a default temperature profile, and when the temperature rise time is greater than or equal to the threshold, power is supplied to the heater according to a first correction profile.

According to an embodiment, the controller may be further configured to: distinguishing a first season from a second season different from the first season based on the current date; and setting the threshold to a first threshold corresponding to the first season or a second threshold corresponding to the second season.

According to an embodiment, the default temperature profile may comprise a first preheating section and a first smoking section, the first correction profile comprises a second preheating section and a second smoking section, and the second preheating section may be longer than the first preheating section.

According to an embodiment, the first preheating section may include a first preheating rising section, a first preheating holding section, and a first preheating falling section, the second preheating section may include a second preheating rising section, a 2-1 preheating holding section, a second preheating falling section, and a 2-2 preheating holding section, and the first preheating rising section may be shorter than the second preheating rising section.

According to an embodiment, the 2-1 nd preheating holding section may be longer than the first preheating holding section, and the temperature variation in the second preheating falling section may be greater than the temperature variation in the first preheating falling section.

According to an embodiment, the first smoking section may comprise a first smoking descending section and a first smoking retaining section, and the second smoking section may comprise a second smoking retaining section.

According to an embodiment, the controller may be further configured to: distinguishing a first season from a second season different from the first season based on the current date; for a first season, supplying power to the heater according to a first correction curve; and for a second season, supplying power according to a second correction Qu Xianxiang heater that is different from the first correction curve.

According to an embodiment, the first correction curve may include a second preheating section and a second smoke sucking section, the second correction curve may include a third preheating section and a third smoke sucking section, the second preheating section may include a second preheating rising section, a 2-1 preheating holding section, a second preheating falling section and a 2-2 preheating holding section, and the third preheating section may include a third preheating rising section, a 3-1 preheating holding section, a third preheating falling section and a 3-2 preheating holding section, wherein a time of a sum of the 2-1 preheating holding section, the second preheating falling section and the 2-2 preheating holding section is greater than a time of a sum of the 3-1 preheating holding section, the third preheating falling section and the 3-2 preheating holding section.

Aspects of the invention

As terms used to describe the various embodiments, general terms currently in wide use are selected in consideration of functions of structural elements in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the meaning of the terms may vary depending on the intention, judicial cases, the advent of new technology, and the like. In addition, in some cases, terms that are not commonly used may be selected. In this case, the meaning of the term will be described in detail at the corresponding part in the description of the present disclosure. Thus, terms used in various embodiments of the present disclosure should be defined based on meanings of the terms and descriptions provided herein.

In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements. In addition, the terms "device", "section", and "module" described in the specification refer to a unit for processing at least one function and operation, and may be implemented by hardware components or software components, and combinations thereof.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown so that those having ordinary skill in the art may readily implement the disclosure. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 to 3 are illustrations showing examples in which cigarettes are inserted into an aerosol-generating device.

Referring to fig. 1, the aerosol-generating device 1 comprises a battery 11, a controller 12 and a heater 13. Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the aerosol-generating device 1 further comprises a vaporiser 14. The cigarette 2 may be inserted into the interior space of the aerosol-generating device 1.

The elements associated with this embodiment are shown in the aerosol generator 1 of fig. 1 to 3. Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other common elements besides those shown in fig. 1-3 may also be included in the aerosol generator 1.

Furthermore, although the aerosol-generating device 1 is shown in fig. 2 and 3 as comprising a heater 13, the heater 13 may be omitted if desired.

In fig. 1, the battery 11, the controller 12, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. Further, fig. 2 shows that the battery 11, the controller 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. Further, fig. 3 shows that the carburetor 14 and the heater 13 are arranged parallel to each other. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to the examples shown in fig. 1 to 3. That is, the arrangement of the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14 may be changed according to the design of the aerosol generator 1.

When the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the aerosol generator 1 operates the heater 13 and/or the vaporiser 14 to generate aerosol from the cigarette 2 and/or the vaporiser 14. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and/or the vaporiser 14 may be delivered to the user via the cigarette 2.

The aerosol generator 1 may heat the heater 13 if required even when the cigarette 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generator 1.

The battery 11 supplies electric power for operating the aerosol generator 1. For example, the battery 11 may supply power for heating the heater 13 or the carburetor 14 and power for operating the controller 12. In addition, the battery 11 may supply electric power for operating a display, a sensor, a motor, or the like mounted in the aerosol generator 1.

The controller 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. In detail, the controller 12 may control the operations of other elements included in the aerosol generator 1, as well as the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. Furthermore, the controller 12 may check the status of each component in the aerosol generator 1 to determine if the aerosol generator 1 is in an operational state.

The controller 12 includes at least one processor. A processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program capable of being executed in the microprocessor. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

The heater 13 may be heated by electric power supplied from the battery 11. For example, the heater 13 may be located outside the cigarette when the cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generator 1. Thus, the heated heater 13 may raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance in the cigarette.

The heater 13 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 13 includes a conductive trace, and the heater 13 may be heated when a current flows through the conductive trace. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and any type of heater may be used as long as the heater is heated to a desired temperature. Here, the required temperature may be set on the aerosol generator 1 in advance, or may be set by a user.

In addition, in another example, the heater 13 may include an induction heating type heater. In detail, the heater 13 may include a conductive coil for heating the cigarette in an induction heating method, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that may be heated by the induction heating type heater.

For example, the heater 13 may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette 2 according to the shape of the heating element.

Furthermore, a plurality of heaters 13 may be present in the aerosol generator 1. Here, the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged to be inserted into the cigarette 2 or arranged outside the cigarette 2. Furthermore, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged to be inserted into the cigarette 2, while other heaters may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. In addition, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the examples shown in fig. 1 to 3, but may be manufactured in various shapes.

The vaporizer 14 may generate an aerosol by heating the liquid composition, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to a user after passing through the cigarette 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 may move along the air flow channel of the aerosol generator 1, and the air flow channel may be configured for delivering the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 to a user through a cigarette.

For example, the vaporizer 14 may include a liquid storage unit, a liquid delivery unit, and a heating element, but is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid delivery unit and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generator 1 as separate modules.

The liquid reservoir may store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising tobacco-containing material having volatile tobacco flavor components, or may be a liquid comprising non-tobacco material. The liquid storage unit may be attached to/detached from the vaporizer 14, or may be integrally manufactured with the vaporizer 14.

For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, spices, flavors, or vitamin mixtures. The flavor may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavor ingredients, but is not limited thereto. Flavoring agents may include ingredients capable of providing a variety of fragrances or flavors to a user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin a, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the liquid composition may include aerosol formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid delivery element may deliver the liquid composition of the liquid reservoir to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer element may be a core such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery element. For example, the heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the heating element may comprise a conductive wire, such as a nichrome wire, and may be positioned to extend around the liquid transport element. The heating element may be heated by a supply of electrical current and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. Thus, an aerosol can be generated.

For example, the vaporizer 14 may be referred to as a cartomizer or atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

In addition, the aerosol generator 1 may include general-purpose elements in addition to the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generator 1 may comprise a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting tactile information. Furthermore, the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise at least one sensor (suction sensor, temperature sensor, aerosol-generating article insertion detection sensor, etc.). Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 may be manufactured with the following structure: in this structure, outside air may be introduced or inside air may be discharged even in a state in which the cigarette 2 is inserted.

Although not shown in fig. 1to 3, the aerosol generator 1 may be configured as a system together with an additional carrier. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generator 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 may be heated in a state where the bracket and the aerosol generator 1 are coupled to each other.

The cigarette 2 may resemble a conventional burning cigarette. For example, the cigarette 2 may be divided into a first portion comprising aerosol-generating material, a second portion comprising a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 2 may also include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance in the form of particles or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generator 1 and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generator 1, or a part of the second part and the entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generator 1. The user may draw on the aerosol while maintaining the second portion through the user's mouth. In this case, the aerosol is generated by the external air passing through the first portion, and the generated aerosol passes through the second portion and is delivered to the mouth of the user.

For example, external air may be introduced through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generator 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air channels formed in the aerosol generator 1 and/or the size of the air channels may be adjusted by the user. Thus, the amount and quality of smoking can be adjusted by the user. As another example, outside air may flow into cigarette 2 through at least one aperture formed in the surface of cigarette 2.

Hereinafter, an example of the cigarette 2 is described with reference to fig. 4 and 5.

Fig. 4 and 5 show examples of cigarettes.

Referring to fig. 4, cigarette 2 includes tobacco rod 21 and filter rod 22. Fig. 4 shows that the filter rod 22 comprises a single segment, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may comprise a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a first segment configured to cool the aerosol and a second segment configured to filter specific components contained in the aerosol. Furthermore, filter rod 22 may also include at least one segment configured to perform other functions, as desired.

The diameter of the cigarette 2 may be in the range of about 5mm to about 9mm, and the length of the cigarette 2 may be about 48mm, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be about 12mm, the length of the first section of the filter rod 22 may be about 10mm, the length of the second section of the filter rod 22 may be about 14mm, and the length of the third second section of the filter rod 22 may be about 12mm, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

Cigarettes 20 may be packaged via at least one package 24. The package 24 may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or through which internal air may be exhausted. For example, cigarettes 2 may be packaged via a package 24. As another example, cigarettes 2 may be double wrapped via at least two wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be packaged via the first package 241, and the filter rod 22 may be packaged via the packages 242, 243, 244. Furthermore, the entire cigarette 2 may be repacked via the fifth package 245, the fifth package 245 being a single package. When filter rod 22 includes multiple segments, each segment may be packaged via separate packages 242, 243, 244.

The first and second packages 241 and 242 may be manufactured by conventional filter packages. For example, the first and second packages 241 and 242 may be porous packages or non-porous packages. Further, the first and second packages 241 and 242 may be manufactured by oil resistant paper and/or aluminum laminated paper packages.

The third package 243 may be manufactured by a hard package. For example, the basis weight of the third package 243 may be in the range of about 88g/m ² to about 96g/m ², preferably in the range of about 90g/m ² to about 94g/m ². In addition, the thickness of the third package 243 may be in the range of about 120 μm to about 130 μm, for example, about 125 μm.

Fourth package 244 may be manufactured from an oil resistant hard package. For example, the basis weight of the fourth package 244 may be in the range of about 88g/m ² to about 96g/m ², such as in the range of about 90g/m ² to about 94g/m ². In addition, the thickness of the fourth package 244 may be in the range of about 120 μm to about 130 μm, for example about 125 μm.

The fifth package may be manufactured using microbial filter white paper (MFW). Here, MFW refers to paper specifically prepared to have much improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness as compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth package 245 may be in the range of about 57g/m ² to about 63g/m ², such as about 60g/m ². In addition, the thickness of the fifth package 245 may be in the range of about 64 μm to about 70 μm, preferably about 67 μm.

The fifth package 245 may include a predetermined material. Here, silicon may be used as an example of a specific material. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change in temperature, non-oxidizing property, resistance to various chemicals, water resistance, electrical insulation, and the like. However, any material having the above characteristics may be applied (or coated) to the fifth package 245 even if it is not silicon.

The fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the cigarettes 2 from burning. For example, if the tobacco rod 210 is heated by the heater 13, the cigarette 2 may burn. In detail, when the temperature of any one of the substances included in the tobacco rod 310 rises above the ignition point, the cigarette 2 may burn. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper 245 includes a non-combustible material, the cigarettes 2 can be prevented from burning.

In addition, the fifth package 245 may prevent the aerosol-generating device 1 from being contaminated by substances generated in the cigarettes 2. Liquid may be generated from the cigarette 2 by the user's suction. For example, since the aerosol generated from the cigarette 2 is cooled by air from the outside, a liquid (e.g., moisture or the like) can be generated. Since the cigarettes 2 are wrapped by the fifth wrapper 245, it is possible to prevent the liquid generated from the cigarettes 2 from leaking outside the cigarettes 2.

The tobacco rod 21 may include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may include other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and/or organic acids. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may include a flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, sprayed onto the tobacco rod 21.

The tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in various forms. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as a sheet or a wire. Further, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as cut tobacco formed of minute pieces cut from a tobacco sheet. Further, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat conducting material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil, such as aluminum foil. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may evenly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, and thus, may increase thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and may improve taste of tobacco. Furthermore, the heat conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may serve as a base for heating by an induction heater. Here, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 may include an additional base in addition to the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21.

The filter rod 22 may comprise a cellulose acetate filter. The shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod having a hollow portion inside. In addition, filter rod 22 may comprise a concave rod. When the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may have a different shape.

The first segment of the filter rod 22 may comprise a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first section may be a tubular structure including a hollow portion inside. When the first section is inserted into the heater 13, the internal substance of the tobacco rod 21 can be prevented from being pushed rearward, and a cooling effect on the aerosol can be produced. The diameter of the hollow included in the first section may be implemented in a range of about 2mm to about 4.5mm, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

The length of the first segment may be implemented in a range of about 4mm to about 30mm, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the first segment may be about 10mm, but is not limited thereto.

The stiffness of the first segment can be controlled by controlling the amount of plasticizer during the manufacture of the first segment. In addition, the first segment may be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube made of the same material or different materials into the interior (i.e., the hollow portion) of the first segment.

The second section of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by heating the tobacco rod 21 by the heater 13. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

The length or diameter of the second section may be determined in various ways depending on the form of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the second segment may suitably be implemented in the range of about 7mm to about 20 mm. For example, the length of the second section may be about 14mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second section may be made by braiding polymer fibers. In this case, the flavouring liquid may be applied to the fibres made of polymer. Alternatively, the second section may be manufactured by braiding together individual fibres having the flavouring liquid applied thereto and fibres made of a polymer. Alternatively, the second section may be formed from a curled polymeric sheet.

For example, the polymer may be formed of a material selected from Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose Acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

Since the second section is formed of polymer fibers or crimped polymer sheets, the second section may include single or multiple channels extending in the longitudinal direction. Herein, a channel refers to a channel through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

For example, the second section comprising the curled polymeric sheet may be formed of a material having a thickness of between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, for example between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Additionally, the entire surface area of the second segment may be between about 300mm ²/mm and about 1,000mm ²/mm. In addition, the aerosol-cooling element may be formed from a material having a specific surface area of between about 10mm ²/mg and about 100mm ²/mg.

The second segment may comprise a thread containing volatile flavour ingredient. Here, the volatile flavor component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, in the wire, a sufficient amount of menthol may be filled such that more than 1.5mg of menthol may be provided to the second segment.

The third segment of the filter rod 22 may comprise a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third section may suitably be achieved in the range of about 4mm to about 20 mm. For example, the length of the third section may be about 12mm, but is not limited thereto.

The third segment may be manufactured such that the scent is generated by spraying a flavoring liquid onto the third segment. Alternatively, individual fibers to which the flavoring liquid is applied may be inserted into the third section. The aerosol generated by the tobacco rod 21 is cooled as it passes through the second section of the filter rod 22 and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user through the third section. Thus, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the persistence of the fragrance delivered to the user can be enhanced.

Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may comprise at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may generate a fragrance or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a configuration in which a liquid containing a flavoring material is packaged with a film. For example, the capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to fig. 5, the cigarette 3 further includes a front end plug 33. The front end plug 33 may be located on the side of the tobacco rod 31, i.e. the side facing the filter rod 32. The front end plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from overflowing outward, and can prevent liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 31 into the aerosol-generating device (1 in fig. 1 to 3) during smoking.

Filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first section 321 may correspond to the first section of the filter rod 22 of fig. 4, and the second section 322 may correspond to the second section of the filter rod 22 of fig. 4.

The diameter and overall length of the cigarette 3 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the cigarette 2 of fig. 4. For example, front end plug 33 may be about 7mm in length, tobacco rod 31 may be about 15mm in length, first section 321 may be about 12mm in length, and second section 322 may be about 14mm in length, although embodiments are not limited thereto.

The cigarettes 3 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. The package 35 may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or through which internal air may be discharged. For example, front end plug 33 may be packaged via first package 351, tobacco rod 31 may be packaged via second package 352, first segment 321 may be packaged via third package 353, and second segment 322 may be packaged via fourth package 354. In addition, the entire cigarette 3 may be repackaged by a fifth wrapper 355.

Further, the fifth package 355 may have at least one aperture 36. For example, the holes 36 may be formed in a region surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but are not limited thereto. Perforations 36 may be used to transfer heat generated by heater 13 shown in fig. 2 and 3 to the interior of tobacco rod 31.

Further, second section 322 may include at least one bladder 34. Here, the capsule 34 may generate a fragrance or aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a configuration in which a liquid containing a flavouring material is packaged using a film. For example, the capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

The first wrapper 351 may be a combination of a conventional filter wrapper and a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the total thickness of the first package 351 may be in the range of about 45 μm to about 55 μm, for example, may be about 50.3 μm. In addition, the thickness of the metal foil of the first package 351 may be in the range of about 6 μm to about 7 μm, for example, may be about 6.3 μm. Additionally, the basis weight of the first package 351 may be within about 50g/m ² to about 55g/m ², for example, may be about 53g/m ².

The second package 352 and the third package 353 may be made of conventional filter packages. For example, the second package 352 and the third package 353 may be porous packages or non-porous packages.

For example, the porosity of the second package 352 may be 35,000cu, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the second package 352 may be in the range of about 70 μm to about 80 μm, for example, may be about 78 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the second package 352 may be within about 20g/m ² to about 25g/m ², for example, may be about 23.5g/m ².

For example, the porosity of the third package 353 may be 24,000cu, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the third package 353 may be in the range of about 60 μm to about 70 μm, for example, may be about 68 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the third package 353 may be within about 20g/m ² to about 25g/m ², for example, may be about 21g/m ².

The fourth package 354 may be made of PLA laminate paper. Here, PLA laminated paper refers to three-ply paper including a paper ply, a PLA layer, and a paper ply. For example, the thickness of the fourth package 354 may be in the range of about 100 μm to about 120 μm, for example, may be about 110 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the fourth package 354 may be in the range of about 80g/m ² to about 100g/m ², for example, may be about 88g/m ².

The fifth package may be manufactured with MFW. Here, MFW refers to paper that is specifically prepared to have much improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness as compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth package 355 may be within about 57g/m ² to about 63g/m ², for example, may be about 60g/m ². In addition, the thickness of the fifth package 355 may be in the range of about 64 μm to about 70 μm, for example, may be about 67 μm.

A specific material may be added to the fifth package 355. Here, silicon may be exemplified as a specific material. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change in temperature, non-oxidizing property, resistance to various chemicals, water resistance, electrical insulation, and the like. However, even if the specific material is not silicon, any material having the above-described characteristics may be applied (or coated) to the fifth package 355.

The front end plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the front end plug 33 may be generated by adding a plasticizer (e.g., glyceryl triacetate) to the cellulose acetate tow. The Shan Dan denier (denier) of the filaments comprising the cellulose acetate tow may be in the range of about 1.0 to about 10.0, for example, may be about 4.0 to about 6.0. For example, the filament of the front end plug 33 may have a single denier of 5.0. In addition, the cross section of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 may be of the Y-shaped type. The total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of about 20,000 to about 30,000, for example, may be about 25,000 to about 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be 28,000.

In addition, the front end plug 33 may include at least one channel, as desired, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel may be manufactured in a variety of ways.

The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to fig. 4. Accordingly, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 is omitted hereinafter.

The first section 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first section may be a tubular structure including a hollow portion inside. The first section 321 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., glyceryl triacetate) to the cellulose acetate tow. For example, the Shan Dan denier and the total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the Shan Dan denier and the total denier of the front end plug 33.

Second section 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The filaments comprising second section 322 may have a single denier in the range of about 1.0 to about 10.0, for example, about 8.0 to about 10.0. For example, the filaments of second segment 322 may have a single denier of 9.0. Additionally, the cross-section of the filaments of second section 322 may be of the Y-shaped type. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be in the range of about 20,000 to about 30,000, for example, may be about 25,000.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device 600 according to another embodiment.

The aerosol-generating device 600 may comprise a controller 610, a sensing unit 620, an output unit 630, a battery 640, a heater 650, a user input unit 660, a memory 670, a communication unit 680 and a timer 690. However, the internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 600 is not limited to that shown in fig. 6. That is, depending on the design of the aerosol-generating device 600, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that some of the components shown in fig. 6 may be omitted or new components may be added.

The sensing unit 620 may sense a state of the aerosol-generating device 600 and a state around the aerosol-generating device 600 and transmit the sensed information to the controller 610. Based on the sensed information, the controller 610 may control the aerosol-generating device 600 to perform various functions, such as controlling operation of the heater 650, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol-generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, displaying a notification, etc.

The sensing unit 620 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 622, an insertion detection sensor, and a suction sensor 626, but is not limited thereto.

The temperature sensor 622 may sense the temperature at which the heater 650 (or aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 600 may comprise a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 650, or the heater 650 may be used as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 622 may also be arranged around the battery 640 to monitor the temperature of the battery 640.

The temperature sensor 622 may measure the temperature at which the heater 650 (or aerosol-generating substance) is heated and provide the measured temperature to the controller 610. The controller 610 may calculate the time for the measured temperature to reach a temperature at which the aerosol-generating substance volatilizes using the temperature sensor 622, and may determine the humidity state of the cigarette 2 (see fig. 2) by comparing the calculated temperature rise time with a preset threshold. The controller 610 may control the power supplied to the heater 650 in response to the humidity state of the cigarette.

The insertion detection sensor 624 may sense insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 624 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and may sense signal changes according to insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article.

Suction sensor 626 may sense suction by a user based on various physical changes in the airflow channel or airflow pathway. For example, aspiration sensor 626 may sense aspiration of a user based on any of temperature changes, flow changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

The humidity sensor 628 according to an embodiment may directly measure the amount of moisture contained in the cigarette 2 (see fig. 2), and may provide information about the measured humidity to the controller 610. For example, the humidity sensor 628 may be arranged in the receiving channel 1004h (see fig. 7A) of the aerosol-generating device 600. The humidity sensor 628 according to another embodiment may measure the amount of moisture that condenses around the cigarette 2 (see fig. 2) after it is heated. The amount of moisture evaporation during heating of an overly wet cigarette may be greater than during heating of a normal cigarette. Thus, when heating an excessively wet cigarette, more condensation may result than when heating an ordinary cigarette. For example, the humidity sensor 628 may be disposed around an outer hole 1002p (see fig. 7A) of the aerosol-generating device 600 overlapping the accommodation channel 1004h (see fig. 7A) in the thickness direction, or may be disposed at the door 1003 (see fig. 7A).

The humidity sensor 628 may be one of a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, and an optical sensor. The above is merely an example, and the humidity sensor 628 is not limited thereto.

The sensing unit 620 may include at least one of a temperature/humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a position sensor (e.g., a Global Positioning System (GPS)), a proximity sensor, and a red, green, blue (RGB) sensor (illuminance sensor), in addition to the above-described temperature sensor 622, insertion detection sensor 624, and suction sensor 626. Since the function of each of the sensors can be intuitively inferred from the names of the sensors by those of ordinary skill in the art, a detailed description of these sensors can be omitted.

The output unit 630 may output information about the state of the aerosol-generating device 600 and provide the information to a user. The output unit 630 may include at least one of a display unit 632, a haptic unit 634, and a sound output unit 636, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 632 and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 632 may also function as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit 632 may visually provide information to the user about the aerosol-generating device 600. For example, the information about the aerosol-generating device 600 may refer to various information such as a charge/discharge state of the battery 640 of the aerosol-generating device 600, a warm-up state of the heater 650, an insertion/removal state of the aerosol-generating article, or a state in which the use of the aerosol-generating device 600 is limited (e.g., an abnormal object is sensed), etc., and the display unit 632 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 632 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display panel, or the like. In addition, the display unit 632 may be in the form of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) light emitting device.

The haptic unit 634 may provide information about the aerosol-generating device 600 to a user in a haptic manner by converting an electrical signal into mechanical or electrical stimulation. For example, the haptic unit 634 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electro-stimulation device.

The sound output unit 636 may audibly provide information about the aerosol-generating device 600 to a user. For example, the sound output unit 636 may convert an electric signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

The battery 640 may supply power for operating the aerosol-generating device 600. The battery 640 may supply power so that the heater 650 may be heated. In addition, the battery 640 may supply power required for operating other components in the aerosol-generating device 600 (e.g., the sensing unit 620, the output unit 630, the user input unit 660, the memory 670, and the communication unit 680). The battery 640 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 640 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The heater 650 may receive power from the battery 640 to heat the aerosol-generating substance. Although not shown in fig. 6, the aerosol-generating device 600 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a Direct Current (DC)/DC converter) that converts power of the battery 640 and supplies the converted power to the heater 650. In addition, when the aerosol-generating device 600 generates an aerosol in an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 600 may further comprise a DC/Alternating Current (AC) that converts DC power of the battery 640 into AC power.

The controller 610, the sensing unit 620, the output unit 630, the user input unit 660, the memory 670, and the communication unit 680 may each receive power from the battery 640 to perform functions. Although not shown in fig. 6, the aerosol-generating device 600 may further include a power conversion circuit, such as a Low Dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts power of the battery 640 to supply power to the corresponding components.

In an embodiment, the heater 650 may be formed of any suitable resistive material. For example, suitable resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like. In addition, the heater 650 may be implemented by a metal wire, a metal plate on which conductive traces are arranged, a ceramic heating element, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, the heater 650 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 650 may include a base that heats the aerosol-generating substance by the heat generated by the magnetic field applied by the coil.

In an embodiment, the heater 650 may include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 650 may include a first heater for heating cigarettes and a second heater for heating liquids.

The user input unit 660 may receive information input from a user or may output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 660 may include a keypad, a dome switch (dome switch), a touch pad (contact capacitance method, piezoresistive film method, infrared sensing method, surface ultrasonic conduction method, overall tension measuring method, piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a wheel switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in fig. 6, the aerosol-generating device 600 may further include a connection interface, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to other external devices through the connection interface, such as a USB interface, to transmit and receive information, or to charge the battery 640.

The memory 670 is a hardware component that stores various types of data processed in the aerosol-generating device 600, and may store data processed by the controller 610 and data to be processed. Memory 670 may include at least one type of storage medium from: flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro memory, card type memory (e.g., secure Digital (SD) or extreme digital (XD) memory, etc.), random Access Memory (RAM), static Random Access Memory (SRAM), read Only Memory (ROM), electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), programmable Read Only Memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 670 may store operating time, maximum number of puffs, current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data regarding a user's smoking pattern, etc. of the aerosol-generating device 600.

The communication unit 680 may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic apparatus. For example, the communication unit 680 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 682 and a wireless communication unit 684.

The short-range wireless communication unit 682 may include, but is not limited to, a bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a Wireless LAN (WLAN) (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) communication unit, an ant+ communication unit, and the like.

The wireless communication unit 684 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN)) communication unit, and the like. The wireless communication unit 684 may also identify and authenticate the aerosol-generating device 600 within the communication network by using subscriber information, such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI).

Timer 690 may output time information measured from the reference time. The timer 690 may count a clock signal of a predetermined frequency to generate and output time data according to the current time. Timer 690 may count the current date. For example, when the reference time is 0 on 1 month 1 day 1 of 1970, the timer 690 may measure the time flow from 0 on 1 month 1 day 1 of 1970. When the reference time of the timer 690 is 0 on 1 month 1 day 1 in 1970, the timer 690 may output time information on 0 on 1 month 1 day 1 in 1971, assuming that 1 year has elapsed since the time at which the time information was measured from 690.

The reference time of the timer 690 may be synchronized with the time when the aerosol-generating device 600 is manufactured. In this case, the initial synchronization time may be determined by a supplier during the manufacturing process of the aerosol-generating device 600, and the reference time of the timer 690 may be synchronized with the initial synchronization time.

Memory 670 may store visual information output from timer 690. After the memory 670 is initialized at the time of manufacture or transportation of the aerosol-generating device 600, the memory 670 may receive and store visual information output from the timer 690 when the timer 690 begins measuring visual information.

The memory 670 may periodically store visual information output from the timer 690 according to any period, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The memory 670 may store visual information when a preset operation is performed. The preset operation may include at least one of a reset or start of the controller 610, a release of a transport mode, an end of a suction operation (e.g., a heating operation of a heater), a start of a charging operation, or a reception of a user input (e.g., a touch input or a button input), but the embodiment is not necessarily limited. When it is determined to perform the preset operation, the controller 610 may store the visual information output from the timer 690 in the memory 670.

The controller 610 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 600. In an embodiment, the controller 610 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

The controller 610 may control the temperature of the heater 650 by controlling the power supplied from the battery 640 to the heater 650. For example, the controller 610 may control the supply of electric power by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 640 and the heater 650. In another example, the direct heating circuit may also control the supply of power to the heater 650 according to a control command of the controller 610.

The controller 610 may analyze the result sensed by the sensing unit 620 and control a subsequent process to be performed. For example, the controller 610 may control the power supplied to the heater 650 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 620 to start or end the operation of the heater 650. As another example, the controller 610 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 650 and the time of supplying power based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 620 so that the heater 650 may be heated to a specific temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

The controller 610 may control the output unit 630 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 620. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 626 reaches a preset number, the controller 610 may inform the user that the aerosol-generating device 600 is about to terminate through at least one of the display unit 632, the haptic unit 634, and the sound output unit 636.

The controller 610 may use the temperature sensor 622 to determine the humidity state of the cigarette. The controller 610 may operate the heater 650 according to a temperature profile corresponding to the determined humidity state of the cigarette.

The controller 610 may distinguish between a first season and a second season different from the first season based on the current date counted by the timer 690. The first season may be a season other than summer, and the second season may be summer. For example, the controller 610 may classify june to june as the second season and the remaining time of the year as the first season. However, the above is an example, and the embodiment is not limited thereto. As another example, if the aerosol-generating device is intended for use in a southern hemisphere (e.g., australia), a period of time from 12 months to 2 months may be classified as the second season, while the remainder of the year may be classified as the first season.

Hereinafter, an aerosol-generating device that distinguishes a normal cigarette from an over-wet cigarette based on the temperature rise time of the cigarette 2 (see fig. 2) and applies a compensation curve when the cigarette corresponds to the over-wet cigarette, and an operation method of the aerosol-generating device will be described in detail with reference to fig. 7A to 11.

Fig. 7A is a perspective view showing the outside of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment. Fig. 7B is a perspective view showing an operation state of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment shown in fig. 7A, with some components separated from the aerosol-generating device.

Referring to fig. 7A, an aerosol-generating device 1000 may include a housing 1100 and a cover 1002. The cover 1000 may be coupled to one end of the housing 1100 such that the housing 1100 and the cover 1002 may together form an exterior of the aerosol-generating device 1000.

The housing 1100 forms part of the exterior of the aerosol-generating device 1000 and houses various components within the housing 1100 to protect the various components.

The cover 1002 and the case 1100 may be formed of a plastic material having low conductivity or a metal material surface-coated with a heat insulating material. Cover 1002 and housing 1000 may be formed, for example, by injection molding, three-dimensional (3D) printing, or assembling small parts formed by injection molding.

A holding device (not shown) for holding the coupled state of the cover 1002 and the housing 1100 may be formed between the cover 1002 and the housing 1100. The retaining means may comprise, for example, a protrusion and a groove. The coupled state of the cover 1002 and the case 1100 may be maintained by maintaining a state in which the protrusion is inserted into the groove, and the protrusion may be separated from the groove when the protrusion moves according to a manipulation button that may be pressed by a user.

In addition, the holding means may comprise, for example, a magnet and a metal member attached to the magnet. When a magnet is used in the holding device, the magnet may be mounted in either one of the case 1100 and the cover 1002, and a metal member attached to the magnet may be mounted in the other, or the magnet may be mounted in both of the case 1100 and the cover 1002.

An external hole 1002p into which the cigarette 2000 can be inserted may be formed in an upper surface of the cover 1002 coupled with the case 1100. Further, a guide rail 1003r may be formed on an upper surface of the cover 1002 to be adjacent to the outer hole 1002 p. A door 1003 capable of sliding movement along the upper surface of the cover 1002 may be formed at the guide 1003 r. The door 1003 can slide linearly along the guide 1003 r.

When the door 1003 moves along the guide 1003r in the arrow direction of fig. 7A, the outer hole 1002p and the insertion hole 1004p may be exposed so that the cigarette 2000 may be inserted into the case 1100. The outer hole 1002p of the cover 1002 exposes the insertion hole 1004p of the accommodation channel 1004h, which is capable of accommodating the cigarette 2000, to the outside.

When the outer hole 1002p is exposed to the outside by the door 1003, the user may insert the end 2000b of the cigarette 2000 into the outer hole 1002p and the insertion hole 1004p to mount the cigarette 2000 on the receiving channel 1004h formed inside the cover 1002.

The guide rail 1003r may have a groove shape. However, according to the embodiment, the guide rail 1003r is not limited to a specific shape. For example, the guide rail 1003r may have a convex shape and may extend in a curved shape instead of a linear shape.

The button 1009 may be formed in the case 1100. When the button 1009 is manipulated, the operation of the aerosol-generating device 1000 may be controlled.

In a state in which the cover 1002 is coupled to the case 1100, an external air introduction space 1002g allowing air to be introduced into the cover 1002 may be formed in a portion in which the cover 1002 is coupled to the case 1100.

Referring to fig. 7B, in a state in which the cigarette 200 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1000, the user may put the cigarette 2000 into the user's mouth to inhale the aerosol.

The housing 1100 may include an upper housing 1100a into which the cigarette 2000 is inserted to heat the cigarette 2000, and a lower housing 1100b supporting and protecting various components installed in the lower housing 1100 b. Hereinafter, "housing" 1100 means both upper housing 1100a and lower housing 1100 b.

A cover 1002 may be coupled to the housing 1100 to cover the cigarette support 4 coupled with the housing 1100. In addition, the cover 1002 may be separated from the case 1100 as needed.

Fig. 8 is an exemplary diagram for illustrating a default temperature profile of an aerosol-generating device.

Referring to fig. 6 and 8, the controller 610 of the aerosol-generating device 600 may calculate a temperature rise time t1 of the cigarette 2000 (see fig. 7A) by using the temperature sensor 622, and may determine the humidity state of the cigarette 2000 by comparing the calculated temperature rise time t1 of the cigarette 2000 with a preset threshold. When the temperature rise time T1 is less than the threshold value, the controller 610 may supply power to the heater 650 according to the default temperature profile TP.

In this case, the preset threshold, i.e. the time required for the excessively moist cigarette to reach the first target temperature T1, may be determined experimentally. If the heater 650 is operated according to the default temperature profile TP even when the time to reach the first target temperature T1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the user may feel heat due to moisture included in the cigarette 2000.

In an embodiment, the controller 610 may set the threshold based on the current date. In detail, the controller 610 may determine whether the current date belongs to a first season or a second season different from the first season based on the time counted by the timer 690. The first season may be a season other than summer, and the second season may be summer. The controller 610 may set the threshold value for the first season as a first threshold value and the threshold value for the second season as a second threshold value. The second season is relatively hot and humid compared to the first season. In this regard, the controller may set the second threshold to a value smaller than the first threshold. For example, the first threshold may be set to 22 seconds and the second threshold may be set to 20 seconds, the second threshold being less than the first threshold.

As shown in fig. 8, the default temperature profile TP includes a first preheating section P1 and a first smoking section P2, and the first preheating section P1 and the first smoking section P2 may be divided into subsections.

The first preheating section P1 may include: a first preheating rising section P11 in which the temperature rises to a first target temperature T1 (corresponding to a temperature rise time T1) in the first preheating rising section P11; a first preheating holding section P12, in which first target temperature T1 is held in the first preheating holding section P12; and a first preheat falling section P13 in which the temperature in the first preheat falling section P13 falls to a second target temperature T2. The first smoke sucking section P2 may include: a 1-1 st smoking descent section P21a, in which 1-1 st smoking descent section P21a the temperature is lowered to a third target temperature T3; a 1-2 smoking-decreasing section P21b, in which 1-2 smoking-decreasing section P21b the temperature decreases to a fourth target temperature T4; a1 st-3 rd smoking falling section P21c, in which 1 st-3 rd smoking falling section P21c the temperature falls to a fifth target temperature T5; and a first smoking-holding section P22 in which the fifth target temperature T5 is held in the first smoking-holding section P22. Here, as an example, the first preheating section P1 includes a first preheating rising section P11, a first preheating holding section P12, and a first preheating falling section P13. Further, the first smoking section P2 includes a1 st to 1 st smoking descending section P21b, a1 st to 3 rd smoking descending section P21c, and a first smoking-holding section P22. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and various modifications may be made according to the shape and type of the cigarette or heater.

Fig. 9A is an exemplary diagram for explaining a first correction curve of an aerosol-generating device.

Referring to fig. 6, 8 and 9A, when the aerosol-generating device 600 determines that the inserted cigarette 2000 (see fig. 7A) is an excessively wet cigarette, the aerosol-generating device 2000 may apply a first correction curve CP1 described below to operate the heater 650.

The controller 610 according to an embodiment may calculate the temperature rise time t2 of the cigarette 2000 by using the temperature sensor 622, and may determine the humidity state of the cigarette 2000 by comparing the temperature rise time t2 of the cigarette 2000 with a preset threshold. When the temperature rise time t2 is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the controller 610 may supply power to the heater 650 according to the first correction curve CP 1.

However, the method of determining the humidity state of the cigarette 2000 is not limited thereto. The controller 610 according to another embodiment may determine the humidity state of the cigarette 2000 by using the humidity sensor 628.

The humidity sensor 628 may directly measure the amount of moisture contained in the cigarette 2000, and may provide information regarding the measured humidity to the controller 610. For example, the humidity sensor 628 may be arranged in the receiving channel 1004h (see fig. 7A) of the aerosol-generating device 600. The humidity sensor 628 according to another embodiment may measure the amount of moisture that condenses around the cigarette 2 (see fig. 2) after it is heated. The amount of moisture evaporation during heating of an overly moist cigarette may be greater than for a normal cigarette. Thus, when heating an excessively wet cigarette, more condensation may result than when heating an ordinary cigarette. For example, the humidity sensor 628 may be disposed around an outer hole 1002p (see fig. 7A) overlapping with the accommodation channel 1004h (see fig. 7A) of the aerosol-generating device 600 in the thickness direction, or may be disposed at the door 1003 (see fig. 7A).

As shown in fig. 9A, the first correction curve CP1 includes a second preheating section P3 and a second smoking section P4, and the second preheating section P3 and the second smoking section P4 may be divided into subsections.

The second preheating section P3 may include: a second preheating rising section P31 (corresponding to the temperature rise time T2), in which the temperature rises to the first target temperature T1 in the second preheating rising section P31; a 2-1 nd preheating holding section P32, in which 2-1 nd preheating holding section P32 the first target temperature T1 is held; a second preheating falling section P33 in which the temperature is reduced to a fifth target temperature T5 in the second preheating falling section P33; and a 2-2 nd preheating maintaining section P34, in which 2-2 nd preheating maintaining section P34 the fifth target temperature T5 is maintained. The second smoking section P4 may include a second smoking-holding section P41, in which second smoking-holding section P41 a fifth target temperature T5 is held. Here, as an example, the second preheating section P3 includes a second preheating rising section P31, a 2-1 nd preheating holding section P32, a second preheating falling section P33, and a 2-2 nd preheating holding section P34. Further, the second smoking section P4 includes a second smoking-holding section P41. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and various modifications may be made according to the shape and type of the cigarette or heater.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9A, the second preheating section P3 of the first correction curve CP1 may be longer than the first preheating section P1 of the default temperature curve TP.

In particular, the second preheating rising section P31 of the first correction curve CP1 may be longer than the first preheating rising section P11 of the default temperature curve TP. For example, the time T2 when the first correction curve CP1 reaches the first target temperature T1 and the time T1 when the default temperature curve TP reaches the first target temperature T1 may differ by about 3 seconds to 4 seconds. That is, since the excessively wet cigarette contains a large amount of moisture as compared to the ordinary cigarette, the rate of temperature rise of the cigarette may be slowed.

The 2-1 nd preheating holding section P32 of the first correction curve CP1 may be longer than the first preheating holding section P12 of the default temperature curve TP. Thus, the moisture inside the cigarette 2000 can evaporate more, thereby reducing the initial heat.

In addition, the temperature change in the second preheating falling section P33 of the first correction curve CP1 may be greater than the temperature change in the first preheating falling section P13 of the default temperature curve TP. For example, the first preheating falling section P13 may be changed from the first target temperature T1 to the second target temperature T2, and the second preheating falling section P33 may be changed from the first target temperature T1 to the fifth target temperature T5. Since the ordinary cigarette contains less moisture than the excessively moist cigarette, the user is less likely to feel hot due to the moisture contained in the ordinary cigarette than the excessively moist cigarette. Thus, smoking with a normal cigarette may begin with the second target temperature T2 being higher than the fifth target temperature T5. However, since the excessively moist cigarette contains more moisture in the excessively moist cigarette than in the normal cigarette, in order to reduce the initial heat, the temperature change in the second preheating falling section P33 may be set to be greater than the temperature change in the first preheating falling section P13.

In addition, the second preheating section P3 of the first correction curve CP1 may further include a 2-2 nd preheating maintaining section P34 for maintaining the fifth target temperature T5, thereby reducing the initial heat.

Fig. 9B is an exemplary diagram for explaining a second correction curve of the aerosol-generating device.

Referring to fig. 6, 8, 9A and 9B, the controller 610 of the aerosol-generating device may distinguish between a first season and a second season different from the first season based on the current date counted by the timer. The first season may be a season other than summer, and the second season may be summer. The controller 610 may supply power to the heater according to the first correction curve CP1 for the first season, and the controller 610 may supply power to the heater according to the second correction curve CP2 for the second season.

As shown in fig. 9B, the second correction curve CP2 includes a third preheating section P5 and a third smoke-absorbing section P6. Furthermore, the third preheating section P5 and the third smoke-absorbing section P6 may be divided into sub-sections.

The third preheating section P5 of the second correction curve CP2 may include: a third warming-up section P51 (corresponding to a warming-up time T3), in which third warming-up section P51 the temperature rises to the first target temperature T1; a 3-1 rd preheating holding section P52, in which 3-1 rd preheating holding section P52 the first target temperature T1 is held; a third preheating falling section P53 in which the temperature in the third preheating falling section P53 is reduced to a fifth target temperature T5; and a 3-2 rd preheating holding section P54, in which 3-2 rd preheating holding section P54 the fifth target temperature T5 is held. The third smoke-absorbing section P6 may include a third smoke-holding section P61 in which the fifth target temperature T5 is held in the third smoke-holding section P61. In this example, the third preheating section P5 includes a third preheating rising section P51, a 3-1 rd preheating holding section P52, a third preheating falling section P53, and a 3-2 rd preheating holding section P54, and the third smoke-absorbing section P6 includes a third smoke-absorbing holding section P61. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and various modifications may be made according to the shape and type of the cigarette or heater.

The third preheating section P5 of the second correction curve CP2 may be longer than the first preheating section P1 of the default temperature curve TP and shorter than the second preheating section P3 of the first correction curve CP 1.

In particular, the 3-1 rd preheat maintaining zone P52 of the second correction curve CP2 may be longer than the first preheat maintaining zone P12 of the default temperature curve TP. Thus, the moisture inside the cigarette 2000 can evaporate more, thereby reducing the initial heat.

In addition, the temperature change in the third preheating falling section P53 of the second correction curve CP2 may be greater than the temperature change in the first preheating falling section P13 of the default temperature curve TP. For example, the first preheating decreasing section P13 may be changed from the first target temperature T1 to the second target temperature T2, and the third preheating decreasing section P53 may be changed from the first target temperature T1 to the fifth target temperature T5. In a normal cigarette, the user has a low possibility of feeling hot due to moisture inside the cigarette. Thus, the air intake can be performed at the second target temperature T2 higher than the fifth target temperature T5. However, since the excessively moist cigarette contains more moisture in the excessively moist cigarette than in the normal cigarette, in order to reduce the initial heat, the temperature change in the second preheating lower section P33 may be set to be greater than the temperature change in the first preheating lower section P13.

In addition, the third preheating section P5 of the second correction curve CP2 may further include a 3-2 rd preheating maintaining section P54 for maintaining the fifth target temperature T5, thereby reducing the initial heat.

Since the second correction curve CP2 is used for the second season, the start temperature of the second correction curve CP2 may be higher than the start temperature of the first correction curve CP 1. Therefore, the temperature rise time T3 for the second correction curve CP2 to reach the first target temperature T1 may be shorter than the temperature rise time T2 for the first correction curve CP 1. In this case, since the aerosol-generating device 600 is initially maintained at a high temperature, a user may feel a heat.

The second correction curve CP2 may alleviate the initial heat by including a longer warm-up time than the first correction curve CP1 after reaching the first target temperature T1.

Referring to fig. 9A and 9B, the warm-up time of the second correction curve CP2 after reaching the first target temperature T1 may be a period corresponding to the sum of the 3-1 rd, third, and 3-2 th warm-up-hold sections P52, P53, and P54. On the other hand, the warm-up time of the first correction curve CP1 after reaching the first target temperature T1 may be a period corresponding to the sum of the 2-1 st warm-up holding section P32, the second warm-up reducing section P33, and the 2-2 nd warm-up holding section P34. Here, the period of time of the sum of the 3-1 rd preheating holding section P52, the third preheating descending section P53 and the 3-2 nd preheating holding section P54 is greater than the period of time of the sum of the 2-1 nd preheating holding section P32, the second preheating descending section P33 and the 2-2 nd preheating holding section P34. In other words, the third smoke-absorbing section P6 of the second correction curve CP2 may be substantially similar to the second smoke-absorbing section P4 of the first correction curve CP 1.

In addition, the time for which the second correction curve CP2 maintains the first target temperature T1 (i.e., the 3-1 st preheating maintaining section P52) may be smaller than the time for which the first correction curve CP1 maintains the first target temperature T1 (i.e., the 2-1 nd preheating maintaining section P32).

Referring to fig. 6 to 10, a method of operating an aerosol-generating device may comprise: heating the cigarette 2000 by the heater 650 (S100); the temperature sensor 622 measures the temperature of the heater 650 to calculate the temperature rise time of the cigarette 2000 (S200); determining a humidity state of the cigarette 2000 by comparing the calculated temperature rise time of the cigarette 2000 with a preset threshold (S300); selecting a temperature profile corresponding to the determined humidity state of the cigarette 2000 (S410 and S420); and operating the heater 650 through the selected temperature profile (S500).

In particular, in heating the cigarette 2000 by the heater 650S 100, since the excessively wet cigarette contains a large amount of moisture as compared to the ordinary cigarette, the temperature rising rate of the cigarette may be slow when the evaporation of the moisture is delayed.

In S200, the controller 610 may determine the time required for the heater 650 to reach the preset first target temperature T1 as the warming time of the cigarette 2000.

In S300, the controller 610 may determine that the cigarette 2000 is a normal cigarette when the temperature rise time is less than the threshold value, and the controller 610 may determine that the cigarette 2000 is an excessively wet cigarette when the temperature rise time is greater than or equal to the threshold value.

Here, the preset threshold may represent the time required for the excessively wet cigarette to reach the first target temperature T1, and may be determined through experiments. If the heater 650 is operated according to the default temperature profile TP even when the time to reach the first target temperature T1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the user may feel heat due to moisture contained in the cigarette 2000.

In S410 and S420, S410: if the warm-up time is less than the threshold, the controller 610 may select a default temperature profile TP, S420: when the temperature rise time is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the controller 610 may select the first correction curve TP1.

In S500, the controller 610 may supply power to the heater 650 according to the default temperature profile TP when the temperature rise time is less than the threshold value, and the controller 610 may supply power to the heater 650 according to the first correction profile CP1 when the temperature rise time is greater than or equal to the threshold value.

The default temperature profile TP includes a first pre-heat section P1 and a first smoking section P2, and the first pre-heat section P1 and the first smoking section P2 may be divided into sub-sections. The first correction curve CP1 includes a second preheating section P3 and a second smoking section P4, and the second preheating section P3 and the second smoking section P4 may be divided into sub-sections.

The second preheating section P3 of the first correction curve CP1 may be longer than the first preheating section P1 of the default temperature curve TP.

In particular, the second preheating rising section P31 of the first correction curve CP1 may be longer than the first preheating rising section P11 of the default temperature curve TP.

The 2-1 nd preheating holding section P32 may be longer than the first preheating holding section P12. Thus, the moisture inside the cigarette 2000 can evaporate more, thereby reducing the initial heat.

In addition, the temperature change in the second preheating falling section P33 may be greater than the temperature change in the first preheating falling section P13. Since the user is unlikely to feel heat from the moisture contained in the ordinary cigarette, smoking at the second target temperature T2 higher than the fifth target temperature T5 is possible. However, since the excessively wet cigarette contains more moisture than the ordinary cigarette, in order to reduce the initial heat, the temperature change in the second preheating falling section P33 may be set to be greater than the temperature change in the first preheating falling section P13.

In addition, the second preheating zone P3 may further include a 2-2 nd preheating maintaining zone P34, in which the fifth target temperature T5 is maintained in the 2-2 nd preheating maintaining zone P34 to mitigate the initial heat.

It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art relating to the present embodiment that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the above-described features. Accordingly, the disclosed methods should be considered in descriptive sense and not in limiting sense. The scope of the disclosure should, therefore, be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the scope described in the claims will be construed as being included in the protection scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising:

a heater configured to heat a cigarette;

a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the heater;

A timer configured to count a current date; and

A controller configured to:

calculating a heating time of the cigarette by using the temperature sensor;

Setting a threshold based on the current date;

When the temperature rise time is less than the threshold, supplying power to the heater according to a default temperature profile; and

When the temperature rise time is greater than or equal to the threshold value, power is supplied to the heater according to a first correction curve.

2. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: distinguishing a first season from a second season different from the first season based on the current date; and setting the threshold to a first threshold corresponding to the first season or a second threshold corresponding to the second season.

3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein,

The default temperature profile includes a first pre-heat section and a first smoke-absorbing section,

The first correction curve includes a second preheating section and a second smoking section, and the second preheating section is longer than the first preheating section.

4. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 3, wherein,

The first preheating section includes a first preheating rising section, a first preheating holding section and a first preheating falling section,

The second preheating section comprises a second preheating rising section, a 2-1 preheating holding section, a second preheating falling section and a 2-2 preheating holding section, and

The first preheat rising section is shorter than the second preheat rising section.

5. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 4, wherein,

The 2-1 nd preheating hold section is longer than the first preheating hold section and the temperature change in the second preheating drop section is greater than the temperature change in the first preheating drop section.

6. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first smoking section comprises a first smoking descending section and a first smoking retaining section, and the second smoking section comprises a second smoking retaining section.

7. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to:

Distinguishing a first season from a second season different from the first season based on the current date,

Supplying power to the heater according to the first correction curve when the current date corresponds to the first season, and

When the current date corresponds to the second season, power is supplied to the heater according to the second correction curve different from the first correction curve.

8. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 7, wherein,

The first correction curve includes a second preheating section and a second smoke-absorbing section,

The second correction curve includes a third preheating section and a third smoke-absorbing section,

The third preheating section comprises a third preheating rising section, a 3-1 rd preheating holding section, a third preheating falling section and a 3-2 rd preheating holding section, wherein,

The time corresponding to the sum of the 2-1 st preheating holding section, the second preheating descent section and the 2-2 nd preheating holding section is longer than the time corresponding to the sum of the 3-1 rd preheating holding section, the third preheating descent section and the 3-2 rd preheating holding section.

9. A method of operation of an aerosol-generating device, the method of operation comprising:

heating the cigarettes by a heater;

Measuring the temperature of the heater by a temperature sensor;

Counting the current date by a timer; and

The power supplied to the heater is controlled by a control signal,

Wherein controlling the power comprises:

calculating a heating time of the cigarette by using the temperature sensor;

Setting a threshold based on the current date;

10. The method of operation of claim 9, wherein controlling the power comprises: distinguishing a first season from a second season different from the first season based on the current date; and setting the threshold to a first threshold corresponding to the first season or a second threshold corresponding to the second season.

11. The method of operation of claim 9, wherein,

12. The method of operation of claim 11, wherein,

13. The method of operation of claim 12, wherein,

14. The method of operation of claim 9, wherein controlling the power comprises:

When the current date corresponds to the second season, power is supplied to the heater according to a second correction curve different from the first correction curve.

15. The method of operation of claim 14, wherein,

The second preheating section comprises a second preheating rising section, a 2-1 preheating holding section, a second preheating descending section and a 2-2 preheating holding section,

The third preheating section comprises a third preheating rising section, a 3-1 rd preheating holding section, a third preheating descending section and a 3-2 rd preheating holding section,

The time corresponding to the sum of the 2-1 st preheating holding section, the second preheating dropping section and the 2-2 nd preheating holding section is longer than the time corresponding to the sum of the 3-1 rd preheating holding section, the third preheating dropping section and the 3-2 rd preheating holding section.