CN118102935A

CN118102935A - Aerosol generating device and system comprising an aerosol generating device

Info

Publication number: CN118102935A
Application number: CN202280069211.3A
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: 2021-11-01
Filing date: 2022-11-01
Publication date: 2024-05-28

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device and a system comprising an aerosol-generating device are disclosed. The aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure comprises an insertion space, a heater for heating the rod, a rod detection sensor, a display and a controller. The rod detection sensor includes a first inductance path and a second inductance path that are disposed to correspond to a first region and a second region of the insertion space, respectively. The controller determines a type of wand based on at least one of a signal corresponding to the first inductive path or a signal corresponding to the second inductive path. The controller supplies power to the heater when the determined type of stick is the same as a predetermined type, and outputs a screen corresponding to the determined type of stick on the display when the determined type of stick is different from the predetermined type.

Description

Aerosol generating device and system comprising an aerosol generating device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to aerosol-generating devices and systems including aerosol-generating devices.

Background

An aerosol-generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or substance by forming an aerosol. The medium may comprise a multicomponent material. The substance contained in the medium may be a multi-component flavouring substance. For example, the substance contained in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component. Recently, various researches have been conducted on aerosol generating devices.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

It is an object of the present disclosure to address the above and other problems.

It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device and a system comprising an aerosol-generating device that is capable of distinguishing between types of rods inserted into an insertion space.

It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device and a system comprising an aerosol-generating device capable of providing information to a user about the type of rod inserted into an insertion space.

It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device and a system comprising an aerosol-generating device that is capable of informing a user of the insertion of a different type of stick than previously used.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device and a system comprising an aerosol-generating device that is capable of determining whether to heat a heater according to the type of rod inserted into an insertion space.

Technical proposal

An aerosol-generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above and other objects may comprise: a housing having an insertion space defined therein; a heater configured to heat the rod inserted into the insertion space; a stick detection sensor configured to output a signal corresponding to the insertion space; a display; and a controller. The sensor may include a first inductance path provided to correspond to a first region of the insertion space and a second inductance path provided to correspond to a second region of the insertion space. The controller may determine a type of the stick inserted into the insertion space based on at least one of the signal corresponding to the first inductance path or the signal corresponding to the second inductance path. The controller may supply power to the heater when the determined type of the stick is the same as the predetermined type, and may output a screen corresponding to the determined type of the stick on the display when the determined type of the stick is different from the predetermined type.

A system for achieving the above and other objects according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include an aerosol-generating device and a wand. The aerosol-generating device may comprise: a housing having an insertion space defined therein; a heater configured to heat the rod inserted into the insertion space; a stick detection sensor configured to output a signal corresponding to the insertion space; a display; and a controller. The rod detection sensor may include a first inductance path provided to correspond to a first region of the insertion space and a second inductance path provided to correspond to a second region of the insertion space. The controller may determine a type of the stick inserted into the insertion space based on at least one of the signal corresponding to the first inductance path or the signal corresponding to the second inductance path. The controller may supply power to the heater when the determined type of the stick is the same as the predetermined type, and may output a screen corresponding to the determined type of the stick on the display when the determined type of the stick is different from the predetermined type. The rod may comprise a wrapper configured to encapsulate the aerosol-generating substance, and the wrapper may comprise a first partial wrapper formed to have a first thickness to correspond to the first region and a second partial wrapper formed to have a second thickness to correspond to the second region.

Advantageous effects

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the types of rods inserted into the insertion space may be distinguished.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, information about the type of stick inserted into the insertion space may be provided to the user.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a user may be notified of the insertion of a different type of stick than previously used.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, whether to heat the heater may be determined according to the type of the rod inserted into the insertion space.

Further applications of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description that follows. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art, it is to be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as the preferred embodiments of the disclosure, are given by way of example only.

Drawings

The foregoing and other objects, features, and other advantages of the disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2 to 4 are views for explaining an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 5 and 6 are views for explaining a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 7 to 10 are diagrams for explaining a configuration of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 10 is a view for explaining an arrangement of a plurality of inductance channels according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11 is a graph illustrating a frequency change of a current corresponding to insertion of a rod according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 12 is a view for explaining the type of stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 13 and 14 are flowcharts illustrating an operation method of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 15 and 16 are views for explaining the operation of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even though they are depicted in different drawings, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

In the following description, for constituent elements used in the following description, suffixes "module" and "unit" are used only in consideration of convenience of description. "Module" and "unit" do not have mutually distinguishing meanings or functions.

Further, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, when a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein may obscure the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Further, the drawings are provided only for better understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and are not intended to limit the technical ideas disclosed in the present specification. Accordingly, the drawings should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and the like may be used herein to describe various components. However, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element. However, it should be understood that intermediate components may be present. On the other hand, when one component is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another component, there are no intervening components present.

As used herein, the singular is also intended to include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to fig. 1, the aerosol-generating device 10 may comprise a communication interface 11, an input/output interface 12, an aerosol-generating module 13, a memory 14, a sensor module 15, a battery 16, and/or a controller 17.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 10 may be composed of only a body. In this case, the components included in the aerosol-generating device 10 may be located in the body. In another embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 10 may be comprised of a cartridge and a body containing an aerosol-generating substance. In this case, the components included in the aerosol-generating device 10 may be located in at least one of the body or the cartridge.

The communication interface 11 may include at least one communication module for communicating with external devices and/or networks. For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wired communication, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB). For example, the communication interface 11 may comprise a communication module for wireless communication, such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), zigBee, or Near Field Communication (NFC).

Input/output interface 12 may include an input interface (not shown) for receiving commands from a user and/or an output interface (not shown) for outputting information to a user. For example, the input interface may include a touch panel, physical buttons, a microphone, and the like. For example, the output interface may include: display means for outputting visual information, such as a display or a Light Emitting Diode (LED); audio means for outputting audible information, such as a speaker or buzzer; a motor for outputting haptic information, such as haptic effects, etc.

The input/output interface 12 may transmit data corresponding to commands entered by a user through the input interface to another component (or components) of the aerosol-generating device 10. The input/output interface 12 may output information corresponding to data received from another component (or other component) of the aerosol-generating device 10 through the output interface.

The aerosol-generating module 13 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substance. Here, the aerosol-generating substance may be a substance in a liquid, solid or gel state capable of generating an aerosol, or a combination of two or more aerosol-generating substances.

According to one embodiment, the liquid aerosol-generating substance may be a liquid comprising tobacco material having volatile tobacco flavour components. According to another embodiment, the liquid aerosol-generating substance may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material. For example, the liquid aerosol-generating substance may comprise water, solvents, nicotine, plant extracts, flavors, flavoring agents, vitamin mixtures, and the like.

The solid aerosol-generating substance may comprise a solid material based on a tobacco raw material, such as reconstituted tobacco sheet, cut filler or particulate tobacco. In addition, the solid aerosol-generating substance may comprise a solid material having a taste controlling agent and a flavouring material. For example, the taste control agent may include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, and the like. For example, the flavoring material may comprise natural materials such as herbal granules, or may comprise materials containing aromatic components such as silica, zeolite or dextrin.

In addition, the aerosol-generating substance may also include an aerosol-former, such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

The aerosol-generating module 13 may comprise at least one heater (not shown).

The aerosol-generating module 13 may comprise a resistive heater. For example, the resistive heater may include at least one conductive trace. The resistive heater may be heated when current flows through the conductive trace. At this time, the aerosol-generating substance may be heated by a heated resistive heater.

The conductive trace may include a resistive material. In one example, the conductive trace may be formed from a metallic material. In another example, the conductive trace may be formed from a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.

The resistive heater may include conductive traces formed in any of a variety of shapes. For example, the conductive trace may be formed in any one of a tubular shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, a rod shape, and a coil shape.

The aerosol-generating module 13 may comprise a heater using an induction heating method. For example, the induction heater may comprise an electrically conductive coil. By adjusting the current flowing through the conductive coil, the induction heater can generate an alternating magnetic field whose direction is periodically changed. At this time, when an alternating magnetic field is applied to the magnet, energy loss may occur in the magnet due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss. In addition, the lost energy may be released as thermal energy. Thus, the aerosol-generating substance located in the vicinity of the magnet may be heated. Here, the object that generates heat due to the magnetic field may be referred to as a susceptor.

At the same time, the aerosol-generating module 13 may generate ultrasonic vibrations to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substance.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may be referred to as a cartomizer (cartomizer), a nebulizer (atomizer), or a vaporizer (vaporizer).

The memory 14 may store a program for processing and controlling each signal in the controller 17. The memory 14 may store processed data and data to be processed.

For example, the memory 14 may store applications designed to perform various tasks that may be handled by the controller 17. The memory 14 may selectively provide some of the stored applications in response to a request from the controller 17.

For example, the memory 14 may store data regarding the operating time of the aerosol-generating device 10, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, the number of uses of the battery 16, at least one temperature profile, the inhalation pattern of the user, and data regarding charging/discharging. Here, "suction" refers to inhalation by the user. "inhalation" refers to the act of drawing air or other substances into the user's mouth, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

The memory 14 may include at least one of volatile memory (e.g., dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), static Random Access Memory (SRAM), or Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory), a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), or a Solid State Drive (SSD).

The sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing suction (hereinafter referred to as a "suction sensor"). In this case, the suction sensor may be implemented as a proximity sensor, such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing suction (hereinafter referred to as a "suction sensor"). In this case, the suction sensor may be implemented by a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as "temperature sensor") for sensing the temperature of the heater included in the aerosol-generating module 13 and the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance. In this case, the heater included in the aerosol-generating module 13 may also be used as a temperature sensor. For example, the resistive material of the heater may be a material having a predetermined temperature coefficient of resistance. The sensor module 15 may measure the resistance of the heater according to the temperature change, thereby sensing the temperature of the heater.

For example, in the case where the body of the aerosol-generating device 10 is formed to allow insertion of a rod therein, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing insertion of the rod (hereinafter referred to as a "rod detection sensor").

For example, in the case where the aerosol-generating device 10 includes a cartridge, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing the mounting/dismounting of the cartridge and the position of the cartridge (hereinafter referred to as "cartridge detection sensor").

In this case, the stick detection sensor and/or the cartridge detection sensor may be implemented as an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, or a hall sensor (or hall IC) using the hall effect.

For example, the sensor module 15 may comprise a voltage sensor for sensing a voltage applied to a component (e.g. the battery 16) provided in the aerosol-generating device 10 and/or a current sensor for sensing a current.

The battery 16 may supply power for operating the aerosol-generating device 10 under the control of the controller 17. The battery 16 may supply power to other components provided in the aerosol-generating device 10. For example, the battery 16 may supply power to a communication module included in the communication interface 11, an output device included in the input/output interface 12, and a heater included in the aerosol-generating module 13.

The battery 16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 16 may be a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery or a lithium polymer (Li-polymer) battery. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, when the battery 16 is rechargeable, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be 10C, and the discharge rate (C-rate) thereof may be 10C to 20C. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Further, for stable use, the battery 16 may be manufactured such that 80% or more of the total capacity can be ensured even when 2000 charge/discharge is performed.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may further comprise a Protection Circuit Module (PCM) (not shown), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 16. A Protection Circuit Module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to an upper surface of the battery cell 16. For example, in order to prevent overcharge and overdischarge of the battery 16, when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 16 when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 16, or when an overcurrent flows through the battery 16, a Protection Circuit Module (PCM) may cut off an electrical path to the battery 16.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may further comprise a charging terminal to which power supplied from the outside is input. For example, the charging terminal may be formed at one side of the body of the aerosol-generating device 10. The aerosol-generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using power supplied through the charging terminal. In this case, the charging terminal may be configured as a wired terminal of USB communication, pogo pin, or the like.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may further comprise a power terminal (not shown) to which power supplied from the outside is input. For example, the power line may be connected to a power terminal provided at one side of the main body of the aerosol-generating device 10. The aerosol-generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using power supplied through a power line connected to the power terminal. In this case, the power terminal may be a wired terminal for USB communication.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may wirelessly receive power supplied from the outside through the communication interface 11. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may receive power wirelessly using an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication. The aerosol-generating device 10 may use wirelessly supplied power to charge the battery 16.

The controller 17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 10. The controller 17 may be connected to each component provided in the aerosol-generating device 10. The controller 17 may send and/or receive signals to and/or from each component to control the overall operation of each component.

The controller 17 may include at least one processor. The controller 17 may use a processor included therein to control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 10. Here, the processor may be a general-purpose processor such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a special purpose device, such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or may be any other hardware-based processor.

The controller 17 may perform any of a variety of functions of the aerosol-generating device 10. For example, the controller 17 may perform any one of various functions (e.g., a warm-up function, a heating function, a charging function, and a cleaning function) of the aerosol-generating device 10 according to the state of each component provided in the aerosol-generating device 10 and a user command received through the input/output interface 12.

The controller 17 may control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol-generating device 10 based on data stored in the memory 14. For example, the controller 17 may control the supply of a predetermined amount of power from the battery 16 to the aerosol-generating module 13 for a predetermined time based on data regarding a temperature profile, inhalation pattern of the user, stored in the memory 14.

The controller 17 may use a suction sensor included in the sensor module 15 to determine whether suction is occurring or not. For example, the controller 17 may check for temperature changes, flow changes, pressure changes, and voltage changes of the aerosol-generating device 10 based on the values sensed by the puff sensor. The controller 17 may determine the occurrence or non-occurrence of aspiration based on the value sensed by the aspiration sensor.

The controller 17 may control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol-generating device 10 in accordance with the number of occurrences or non-occurrences of suction and/or suction. For example, the controller 17 may perform control such that the temperature of the heater is changed or maintained based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 14.

The controller 17 may perform control such that the power supply to the heater is interrupted according to a predetermined condition. For example, the controller 17 may perform control such that when the stick is removed, when the cartridge is detached, when the number of times of suction reaches a predetermined maximum number of times of suction, when suction is not sensed for a predetermined period of time or more, or when the remaining capacity of the battery 16 is less than a predetermined value, power supply to the heater is interrupted.

The controller 17 may calculate the remaining capacity with respect to the full charge capacity of the battery 16. For example, the controller 17 may calculate the remaining capacity of the battery 16 based on values sensed by a voltage sensor and/or a current sensor included in the sensor module 15.

The controller 17 may perform control such that the heater is supplied with power using at least one of a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) method or a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) method.

For example, the controller 17 may perform control such that a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and a predetermined duty ratio is supplied to the heater using a PWM method. In this case, the controller 17 can control the amount of electric power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and the duty ratio of the current pulses.

For example, the controller 17 may determine the target temperature to be controlled based on the temperature profile. In this case, the controller 17 may control the amount of electric power supplied to the heater using a PID method that is a feedback control method using a difference between the temperature of the heater and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference with respect to time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference with respect to time.

Although the PWM method and the PID method are described as examples of a method of controlling power supply to the heater, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any one of various control methods, such as a proportional-integral (PI) method or a proportional-derivative (PD) method, may be employed.

Meanwhile, the controller 17 may perform control such that power is supplied to the heater according to a predetermined condition. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning a space of an insertion rod is selected in response to a command input by a user through the input/output interface 12, the controller 17 may perform control such that a predetermined amount of power is supplied to the heater.

Fig. 2 to 4 are views for explaining an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device 10 may comprise a body 100 and/or a cartridge 200.

Referring to fig. 2, the aerosol-generating device 10 according to the embodiment may include a body 100, the body 100 being formed such that the rod 20 may be inserted into an inner space formed by the housing 101.

Rod 20 may resemble a conventional combustion cigarette. For example, the rod 20 may be divided into a first portion comprising aerosol-generating material and a second portion comprising a filter or the like. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating material may be included in the second portion of the rod 20. For example, a flavouring substance in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

The entire first portion is inserted into the insertion space of the aerosol-generating device 10 and the second portion may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first portion may be inserted into the insertion space of the aerosol-generating device 10, or a part of the second portion and the first portion may be inserted. In this case, the aerosol may be generated by passing external air through the first portion, and the generated aerosol may be delivered into the mouth of the user through the second portion.

The main body 100 may be configured such that external air is introduced into the main body 100 in a state in which the stick 20 is inserted therein. In this case, the external air introduced into the main body 100 may flow into the user's mouth via the stick 20.

The heater may be provided in the body 100 at a position corresponding to a position where the rod 20 is inserted into the body 100. Although the heater is shown in the drawings as a conductive heater 110 including a pin-shaped conductive trace, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The heater may use power supplied from the battery 16 to heat the inside and/or outside of the wand 20. Aerosol may be generated from the heated rod 20. At this time, the user may hold one end of the rod 20 in the mouth to inhale the aerosol containing the tobacco material.

Meanwhile, the controller 17 may perform control such that power is supplied to the heater in a state in which the rod 20 is not inserted into the main body according to a predetermined condition. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning the space of the insertion rod 20 is selected in response to a command input by the user through the input/output interface 12, the controller 17 may perform control such that a predetermined amount of power is supplied to the heater.

The controller 17 may monitor the number of puffs based on a value sensed by a puff sensor from a point in time when the wand 20 is inserted into the main body.

When the wand 20 is removed from the main body, the controller 17 may initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14.

Referring to fig. 3, an aerosol-generating device 10 according to an embodiment may comprise a body 100 and a cartridge 200. The body 100 may support the cartridge 200, and the cartridge 200 may contain an aerosol-generating substance.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be configured to be removably mounted to the body 100. According to another embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be integrally configured with the body 100. For example, the cartridge 200 may be mounted to the body 100 in such a manner that at least a portion of the cartridge 200 is inserted into an insertion space formed by the housing 101 of the body 100.

The main body 100 may be formed to have a structure in which external air may be introduced into the main body 100 in a state in which the cartridge 200 is inserted. Here, the external air introduced into the main body 100 may flow into the mouth of the user via the cartridge 200.

The controller 17 may use a cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 15 to determine whether the cartridge 200 is in the installed state or in the detached state. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may transmit a pulsed current through a first terminal connected to the cartridge 200. In this case, the controller 17 may determine whether the cartridge 200 is in the connected state based on whether the pulse current is received through the second terminal.

The cartridge 200 may comprise a heater 210 configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance and/or a reservoir 220 configured to contain the aerosol-generating substance. For example, a liquid delivery element impregnated with (containing) an aerosol-generating substance may be provided within the reservoir 220. The conductive traces of the heater 210 may be formed in a structure that wraps around the liquid transport element. In this case, when the liquid delivery element is heated by the heater 210, an aerosol may be generated. Here, the liquid transport element may comprise a core made of, for example, cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers or porous ceramics.

The cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 230 configured to allow insertion of the rod 20. For example, the cartridge 200 may include an insertion space formed by an inner wall extending in a circumferential direction along the direction of the insertion rod 20. In this case, the insertion space may be formed by opening the inner side of the inner wall up and down. The rod 20 may be inserted into an insertion space formed by the inner wall.

The insertion space into which the rod 20 is inserted may be formed in a shape corresponding to a shape of a portion of the rod 20 inserted into the insertion space. For example, when the rod 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the insertion space may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

When the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion space, the outer surface of the rod 20 may be surrounded by and contact with the inner wall.

A portion of the rod 20 may be inserted into the insertion space, and the remaining portion of the rod 20 may be exposed to the outside.

A user may inhale the aerosol while biting one end of the rod 20 with the mouthpiece. The aerosol generated by the heater 210 may pass through the rod 20 and be delivered to the user's mouth. At this time, as the aerosol passes through the rod 20, the material contained in the rod 20 may be added to the aerosol. An aerosol of infusion material may be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the rod 20.

Referring to fig. 4, the aerosol-generating device 10 according to an embodiment may comprise a body 100 supporting a cartridge 200 and a cartridge 200 containing an aerosol-generating substance. The body 100 may be formed to allow the rod 20 to be inserted into the insertion space 130 therein.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may comprise a first heater for heating the aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 200. For example, when a user holds one end of the rod 20 in the mouth to inhale the aerosol, the aerosol generated by the first heater may pass through the rod 20. At this time, a fragrance may be added to the aerosol as it passes through the rod 20. The aerosol containing the fragrance may be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the wand 20.

Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 10 may comprise a first heater for heating the aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 200 and a second heater for heating the rod 20 inserted into the body 100. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 200 and the rod 20 using the first heater and the second heater, respectively.

Fig. 5 and 6 are views for explaining a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 5, the rod 20 may include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first portion described above with reference to fig. 2 may comprise a tobacco rod. The second portion described above with reference to fig. 2 may include a filter rod 22.

Figure 5 shows that the filter rod 22 comprises a single segment. However, the filter rod 22 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. Moreover, the filter rod 22 may also include at least one segment configured to perform other functions, as desired.

The diameter of the rod 20 may be in the range of 5mm to 9mm, and the length of the rod 20 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 segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 10mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 14mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 12mm, although the embodiment is not limited thereto.

The rod 20 may be wrapped with at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or through which internal air may be exhausted. For example, a wrapper 24 may be used to wrap the rod 20. As another example, the rod 20 may be double wrapped with at least two wraps 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped with a first wrapper 241. For example, the filter rod 22 may be wrapped with wrappers 242, 243, 244. The tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22, which are wrapped by the wrapper, may be combined. Rod 20 may be repacked by a single wrapper 245. When each of the tobacco rod 21 and filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped with a wrapper 242, 243, 244. The entire rod 20, consisting of multiple segments wrapped by a wrapper, may be repacked by another wrapper.

The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be formed of a common filter wrapper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous wrapper paper or non-porous wrapper paper. Further, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of an oil resistant paper sheet and an aluminum laminate packaging material.

The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard wrap paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrap 243 may be in the range of 88g/m2 to 96g/m 2. For example, the basis weight of the third wrap 243 may be in the range of 90g/m2 to 94g/m 2. Further, the total thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be in the range of 1200 μm to 1300 μm. For example, the total thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be 125 μm.

The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of oil resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of about 88g/m2 to about 96g/m 2. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 90g/m2 to 94g/m 2. Further, the total thickness of the fourth wrap 244 may be in the range of 1200 μm to 1300 μm. For example, the total thickness of the fourth wrap 244 may be 125 μm.

The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, MFW refers to specially manufactured paper having enhanced tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, and the like as compared to plain paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 57g/m2 to 63g/m 2. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be about 60g/m2. Further, the total thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the total thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 67 μm.

The predetermined material may be included in the fifth wrapper 245. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon exhibits characteristics such as heat resistance that hardly change due to temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water resistance, electrical insulation, and the like. However, any material other than silicon may be applied to (or coated on) the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation, so long as the material has the above-described characteristics.

The fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the burning of the rod 20. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 110, there is a possibility that the rod 20 burns. In detail, the rod 20 may burn when the temperature rises to a temperature above the ignition point of any one of the materials contained in the tobacco rod 21. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper 245 includes a non-combustible material, the burning of the rod 20 can be prevented.

In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the aerosol-generating device 10 from being contaminated by the substance formed by the rod 20. By suction from the user, a liquid substance may be formed in the wand 20. For example, when the aerosol formed by the rod 20 is cooled by outside air, a liquid material (e.g., moisture, etc.) may be formed. When the fifth wrapper 245 wraps the rod 20, the liquid material formed in the rod 20 may be prevented from leaking out of the rod 20.

The tobacco rod 21 may comprise an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material 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 flavors, humectants, and/or organic acids. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may include a flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, that is injected into the tobacco rod 21.

The tobacco rod 21 may be made in various forms. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as a sheet or wire. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as cut tobacco, which is formed of small pieces cut from a tobacco sheet. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can uniformly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, and thus, the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod can be increased, and the taste of tobacco can be improved. Furthermore, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may serve as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heater. Here, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 may include an additional susceptor 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 comprise a cylindrical or tubular rod having a hollow interior. Also, the filter rod 22 may include a fluted 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 be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first section may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior. The first segment may prevent the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed back when the heater 110 is inserted into the tobacco rod 21, and may also provide a cooling effect for the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow included in the first section may be a suitable diameter in the range of 2mm to 4.5mm, but is not limited thereto.

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

The second section of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated when the heater 110 heats the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can suck the aerosol cooled at an appropriate temperature.

The length or diameter of the second segment may be determined differently depending on the shape of the rod 20. For example, the length of the second section may be a suitable length in the range of 7mm to 20mm. Preferably, the length of the second section may be about 14mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second segment may be made by braiding polymer fibers. In this case, the flavouring liquid may also be applied to the fibres formed from the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be manufactured by braiding together additional fibers coated with a flavored liquid and fibers formed from 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 the group consisting of Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose Acetate (CA), and aluminum coil.

When the second segment is formed from woven polymer fibers or crimped polymer sheets, the second segment may include a single channel or multiple channels extending in the longitudinal direction. Here, a channel refers to a channel through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

For example, the second segment formed from the crimped polymer sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness of between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, such as between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Likewise, the total surface area of the second section may be between about 300mm2/mm and about 1000mm 2/mm. Furthermore, the aerosol-cooling element may be formed from a material having a specific surface area of between about 10mm2/mg and about 100mm 2/mg.

The second section may comprise a thread containing volatile flavour ingredient. Here, the volatile fragrance ingredient may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the strands may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide a second segment having 1.5mg or more menthol.

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

The filter rod 22 may be manufactured to produce a flavor. For example, a flavored liquid can be injected onto the filter rod 22. For example, additional fibers coated with a flavored liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22.

Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may comprise at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may generate a scent. The capsule 23 may generate an aerosol. For example, the pouch 23 may have a configuration in which a liquid including a flavoring material is wrapped by a film. The bladder 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to fig. 6, rod 30 may also include a front end plug 33. The front end plug 33 may be located on a side of the tobacco rod 31 that does not face the filter rod 32. The front end plug 33 prevents separation of the tobacco rod 31 and prevents liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 31 into the aerosol-generating device 10 during smoking.

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

The diameter and overall length of rod 30 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of rod 20 of fig. 4. For example, the front end plug 33 may be about 7mm in length, the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15mm in length, the first section 321 may be about 12mm in length, and the second section 322 may be about 14mm in length, although the embodiment is not limited thereto.

The rod 30 may be wrapped with at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 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 wrapped with a first wrapper 351, tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped with a second wrapper 352, first section 321 may be wrapped with a third wrapper 353, and second section 322 may be wrapped with a fourth wrapper 354. Moreover, the entire rod 30 may be repacked using a fifth wrapper 355.

In addition, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in an area of the fifth wrapper 355 surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. For example, perforations 36 may transfer heat formed by heater 210 shown in FIG. 3 into tobacco rod 31.

Likewise, second section 322 may include at least one bladder 34. Here, the bladder 34 may generate a scent. The bladder 34 may generate an aerosol. For example, the pouch 34 may have a configuration in which the liquid including the flavoring material is wrapped by a film. The bladder 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

The first wrapper 351 may be formed by combining a conventional filter wrapper with a metal foil such as an aluminum roll. For example, the total thickness of the first wrap 351 may be in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm. For example, the total thickness of the first wrap 351 may be 50.3 μm. Further, the thickness of the metal roll of the first wrap 351 may be in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm. For example, the thickness of the metal roll of the first wrap 351 may be 6.3 μm. Further, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 50g/m2 to 55g/m 2. For example, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 53g/m2.

The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be formed from conventional filter wrap paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be porous wrap or non-porous wrap.

For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35000CU, but is not limited thereto. Further, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm. For example, the thickness of the second wrap 352 may be 78 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be in the range of 20g/m2 to 25g/m 2. For example, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 23.5g/m2.

For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000CU, but is not limited thereto. Further, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be in the range of about 60 μm to about 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be 68 μm. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 can be in the range of about 20g/m2 to about 25g/m 2. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be 21g/m2.

The fourth wrapper 354 may be formed from 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 wrap 354 may be in the range of 100 μm to 1200 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrap 354 may be 110 μm. Further, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 80g/m2 to 100g/m 2. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 88g/m2.

Fifth wrapper 355 may be formed of sterile paper (MFW). Here, the aseptic paper (MFW) refers to paper which is particularly manufactured to be more improved in tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. than plain paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 57g/m2 to 63g/m 2. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 60g/m2. Further, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 67 μm.

Fifth wrapper 355 may include a preset material added thereto. Examples of the material may include silicon, but are not limited thereto. Silicon has properties such as temperature resistance, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water resistance, and electrical insulation. In addition to silicon, any other material having the above characteristics may be applied (or coated) onto fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

The front end plug 33 may be formed of cellulose acetate. For example, the front end plug 33 may be formed by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to the cellulose acetate tow. Shan Dan denier filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, shan Dan denier filaments making up the cellulose acetate tow may be in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, shan Dan denier filaments of the front end plug 33 may be 5.0. Also, the cross section of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 25000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 is 28000.

In addition, the front end plug 33 may include at least one channel, as desired. The cross-sectional shape of the channel may be made in various shapes.

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

The first section 321 may be formed from cellulose acetate. For example, the first section 321 may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior. The first section 321 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) 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 formed from cellulose acetate. Shan Dan denier filaments making up second section 322 may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the Shan Dan denier filaments of the second section 322 may be in the range of about 8.0 to about 10.0. For example, shan Dan denier filaments of second section 322 may be 9.0. Also, the filaments of second section 322 may be Y-shaped in cross-section. The total denier of second segment 322 may be in the range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of second segment 322 may be 25000.

Fig. 7 to 10 are diagrams for explaining a configuration of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 7, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an insertion space into which the rod 20 is inserted may be defined in an upper end of the housing 101 of the aerosol-generating device 10.

The insertion space may be formed to be recessed toward the inside of the case 101 to a predetermined depth so that the rod 20 is at least partially inserted therein. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of the portion of the rod 20 containing the aerosol-generating substance. For example, in case the rod 20 shown in fig. 5 can be used in an aerosol-generating device 10, the depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of the tobacco rod 21 of the rod 20.

The battery 16, the printed circuit board 710 and the heater may be provided in the housing 101 of the aerosol-generating device 10.

The components of the aerosol-generating device 10 may be mounted on one surface and/or an opposing surface of the printed circuit board 710. The components mounted on the printed circuit board 710 may transmit or receive signals therebetween through the wiring layers of the printed circuit board 710. For example, at least one communication module included in the communication interface 11, at least one sensor included in the sensor module 15, and the controller 17 may be mounted on the printed circuit board 710.

The printed circuit board 710 may be disposed adjacent to the battery 16. For example, the printed circuit board 710 may be disposed such that one surface thereof faces the battery 16.

The temperature sensor may be mounted on one surface of the printed circuit board 710. The temperature sensor may be implemented by a thermistor, which is an element that uses a characteristic that changes resistance according to temperature. For example, the temperature sensor may include a negative temperature coefficient thermistor (NTC thermistor) having a characteristic of decreasing resistance when the temperature rises.

The controller 17 may determine the temperature of the battery 16 based on the output of the temperature sensor. For example, the controller 17 may determine the output of the temperature sensor as the temperature of the battery 16. For example, the controller 17 may determine the result of compensating the output of the temperature sensor according to a preset standard as the temperature of the battery 16.

The display 720 may be provided at one side of the housing 101. The display 720 may display a picture in response to a signal transmitted from the controller 17.

The display 720 may include a cover glass 821, a display panel 823, and/or a touch panel 825.

The cover glass 821 may form the appearance of the aerosol-generating device 10 with the housing 101. The cover glass 821 may be in contact with a portion of the user's body. The cover glass 821 may protect the display panel 823 and/or the touch panel 825 from external impact.

The display panel 823 may be provided in a direction from the cover glass 821 toward the inside of the housing 101. For example, the display panel 823 may be disposed parallel to the cover glass 821.

The display panel 823 may output an image. The display panel 823 may output an image in response to a signal transmitted from the controller 17. For example, the display panel 823 may be implemented as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) panel, or the like, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The touch panel 825 may be disposed in a direction from the cover glass 821 toward the inside of the housing 101. For example, the touch panel 825 may be disposed parallel to the cover glass 821 and the display panel 823.

The touch panel 825 may detect a touch corresponding to contact with an object. For example, the touch panel 825 may detect a touch corresponding to contact with a portion of the user's body.

The touch panel 825 may include at least one touch sensor configured to detect a touch. For example, the touch sensor may include a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, and an infrared touch sensor, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The plurality of touch sensors included in the touch panel 825 may receive driving signals according to a preset period. In this case, each touch sensor may output an electrical signal corresponding to a state (e.g., pressure, magnetic field, capacitance, light amount) according to a driving signal.

At least one motor 730 generating vibrations for haptic effects may be disposed in the housing 101. The motor 730 may be mounted on the other surface of the printed circuit board 710. For example, the motor 730 may be implemented as a linear actuator, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The structure of the aerosol-generating device 10 is not limited to that shown in fig. 7. In some embodiments, the arrangement of the battery 16, printed circuit board 710, display 720, and motor 730 may vary.

Referring to fig. 8, the aerosol-generating device 10 may include a housing 101, a heater 110, an insertion space 130, a sensor module 15, a battery 16, a controller 17, a printed circuit board 710, and/or a rod detection sensor 800.

At least one sensor included in the sensor module 15 and the controller 17 may be mounted on the printed circuit board 710. The printed circuit board 710 may be electrically connected to the battery 16. The components mounted on the printed circuit board 710 may be operated by power supplied from the battery 16.

The inner wall 103 of the housing 101 may extend vertically. The inner wall 103 of the housing 101 may extend along the inner circumference of the housing 101. The inner wall 103 of the housing 101 may extend in the circumferential direction to have a cylindrical shape.

The inner wall 103 of the housing 101 may define an insertion space 130 into which the rod 20 is inserted. The insertion space 130 in the housing 101 may be a space formed to be recessed to a predetermined depth toward the inside of the aerosol-generating device 10 so that the rod 20 is at least partially inserted therein. The predetermined depth may correspond to the length of the portion of the rod 20 containing the aerosol-generating substance, such as the tobacco rod 21.

The insertion space 130 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of a portion of the stick 20. For example, when the rod 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the insertion space 130 may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

The heater 110 may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space 130. The heater 110 may heat the rod 20 inserted into the insertion space 130. The heater 110 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the position of the tobacco rod 21 of the rod 20 inserted into the insertion space 130. In the present disclosure, although the heater 110 is illustrated in the drawings as an induction heater that generates an alternating magnetic field whose direction is periodically changed by adjusting a current flowing through a conductive coil, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The rod detection sensor 800 may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space 130, and the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130. The rod detection sensor 800 may be elongated in a vertical direction along the insertion space 130.

The rod detection sensor 800 may be an inductive sensor including at least one coil. The coil of the rod detection sensor 800 may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space 130. For example, when the magnetic field around the coil through which the current flows changes, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include a frequency, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, an impedance value, and the like of the alternating current.

The rod detection sensor 800 may output a signal corresponding to a characteristic of the current flowing through the coil. For example, the rod detection sensor 800 may output a signal corresponding to an inductance value of the coil.

The controller 17 may determine whether the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 using the sensing sensor 151. For example, when the inductance value corresponding to the signal from the induction sensor 151 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the controller 17 may determine that the stick 20 has been inserted into the insertion space 130. For example, the controller 17 may determine that the stick 20 has been inserted into the insertion space 130 when a frequency change of the current corresponding to the signal from the induction sensor 151 is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference.

Referring to fig. 9 and 10, the insertion space 130 may have a cylindrical shape to correspond to the shape of the rod 20.

The heater 110 may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the insertion space 130. For example, the heater 110 may be disposed in the housing 101 along an inner wall 103 of the housing 101 defining the insertion space 130. In this case, it can be understood that the heater 110 surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the insertion space 130. The heater 110 may be of a tube type having a cavity defined therein such that the rod 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 is uniformly heated.

The heater 110 may be disposed to correspond to the first and second regions of the insertion space 130. Here, the first region of the insertion space 130 may correspond to the first region 1010 of the tobacco rod 21 of the rod 20. The second region of the insertion space 130 may correspond to the second region 1020 of the tobacco rod 21 of the rod 20. The heater 110 may be disposed to correspond to the first region 1010 and the second region 1020 of the tobacco rod 21 of the rod 20.

The rod detection sensor 800 may include a plurality of inductive channels 910 and 920. A plurality of inductive channels 910 and 920 may be provided around at least a portion of the heater 110. The plurality of inductance channels 910 and 920 may be formed in the shape of a tube having a cavity defined therein so as to correspond to the shape of the heater 110.

The plurality of inductance channels 910 and 920 may be disposed parallel to each other in a vertical direction. For example, the first inductance path 910 may be disposed adjacent to the lower end of the insertion space 130. For example, the second inductance path 920 may be disposed adjacent to the upper end of the insertion space 130. The first inductance path 910 may be disposed to correspond to a first region of the insertion space 130. The second inductance path 920 may be disposed to correspond to a second region of the insertion space 130.

Each of the plurality of inductive channels 910 and 920 may include at least one coil. An alternating current having a predetermined frequency may flow through each of the plurality of inductive channels 910 and 920.

The first wrapper 241 of the tobacco rod 21 surrounding the rod 20 may be formed as a metal foil in order to increase the thermal conductivity of the aerosol generating substance. When the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130, characteristics of the current flowing through each of the plurality of inductance channels 910 and 920 may be changed. For example, the frequency of the current flowing through each of the plurality of inductive channels 910 and 920 may be changed in response to insertion of the rod 20.

The wand detection sensor 800 may send signals corresponding to each of the plurality of inductive channels 910 and 920 to the controller 17. The controller 17 may determine a change in the characteristics of the current flowing through each of the plurality of inductive channels 910 and 920 based on the signal received from the wand detection sensor 800. For example, the controller 17 may calculate a frequency variation (hereinafter, referred to as a first frequency variation) of the current flowing through the first inductance path 910 and a frequency variation (hereinafter, referred to as a second frequency variation) of the current flowing through the second inductance path 920.

The controller 17 may determine whether the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 based on the signal received from the stick detection sensor 800. For example, when the frequency variation of the current flowing through any one of the plurality of inductance channels 910 and 920 is equal to or greater than a predetermined frequency variation, the controller 17 may determine that the stick 20 has been inserted into the insertion space 130.

Fig. 11 is a graph illustrating current flowing through the first inductor path 910 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 11, a current having a first frequency may flow through the first inductor path 910 until a point in time t1. When the rod 20 is inserted at the time point t1, the frequency of the current flowing through the first inductance path 910 may be changed to the second frequency. Meanwhile, when a predetermined period of time passes from the time point t1, a current having a first frequency may flow through the first inductance path 910 again at the time point t 2.

The controller 17 may calculate a frequency change of the current flowing through the first inductive channel 910 based on the first frequency and the second frequency. For example, the wand detection sensor 800 may include an inductance-to-digital converter (LDC). Here, an inductance-to-digital converter (LDC) may output a signal corresponding to a frequency of the current flowing through the first inductance path 910. In this case, the controller 17 may determine a frequency variation of the current flowing through the first inductance path 910 based on a signal received from an inductance-to-digital converter (LDC). An inductance-to-digital converter (LDC) may be mounted on the printed circuit board 710. Meanwhile, an inductance-to-digital converter (LDC) may be included in the controller 17.

The controller 17 may determine the type of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 based on the signal received from the stick detection sensor 800.

Referring to fig. 12, the first wrapper 241 surrounding the tobacco rod 21 of the rod 20 may include a first partial wrapper 1210 and a second partial wrapper 1220. The first partial wrapper 1210 may be an area of the first wrapper 241 surrounding the first region 1010 of the tobacco rod 21 of the rod 20. The second partial wrapper 1220 may be an area of the first wrapper 241 surrounding the second area 1020 of the tobacco rod 21 of the rod 20.

The first frequency variation may correspond to the thickness of the first partial wrap 1210. The second frequency variation may correspond to the thickness of the second partial wrap 1220. When the thickness of the first partial wrap 1210 and the thickness of the second partial wrap 1220 are different from each other, the first frequency variation and the second frequency variation may be different from each other.

The controller 17 may determine the type of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 based on at least one of the first frequency variation or the second frequency variation. For example, the controller 17 may determine the type of wand 20 based on whether the first frequency change is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold. For example, the controller 17 may determine the type of wand 20 based on whether the second frequency change is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold. For example, the controller 17 may determine the type of the stick 20 based on whether the sum of the first frequency variation and the second frequency variation is equal to or greater than a predetermined third threshold. For example, the controller 17 may determine the type of the stick 20 based on whether the difference between the square of the first frequency variation and the square of the second frequency variation is equal to or greater than a predetermined fourth threshold.

Referring to fig. 13, in operation S1310, the aerosol-generating device 10 may monitor a signal corresponding to the first inductive channel 910 and/or a signal corresponding to the second inductive channel 920. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may monitor at least one of a first frequency change corresponding to the first inductive channel 910 or a second frequency change corresponding to the second inductive channel 920 based on the signal corresponding to the first inductive channel 910.

In operation S1320, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130 based on the signal corresponding to the first inductive channel 910 and/or the signal corresponding to the second inductive channel 920. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine that the rod 20 has been inserted into the insertion space 130 when at least one of the first frequency variation or the second frequency variation is equal to or greater than a predetermined minimum variation.

According to one embodiment, upon determining that the rod 20 has been inserted into the insertion space 130 based on the signals corresponding to either one of the first and second inductive channels 910, 920, the aerosol-generating device 10 may check the signal corresponding to the other one of the first and second inductive channels 910, 920.

In operation S1330, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine the type of the rod 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 in response to the insertion of the rod 20. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine the type of rod 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 based on the signal corresponding to the first inductive channel 910 and/or the signal corresponding to the second inductive channel 920. This will be described below with reference to fig. 14.

Referring to fig. 14, in operations S1410 and S1420, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether the first frequency variation is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold.

Upon determining that the first frequency variation is equal to or greater than the predetermined first threshold, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine the type of the rod 20 as the first type in operation S1430. Here, the first threshold may correspond to a thickness of the first partial wrap 1210 included in the first type of rod 20.

Upon determining that the first frequency variation is less than the predetermined first threshold, the aerosol-generating device 10 may check for a second frequency variation in operation S1440.

In operation S1450, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether the second frequency variation is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold.

Upon determining that the second frequency variation is equal to or greater than the predetermined second threshold, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine the type of rod 20 as the second type in operation S1460. Here, the second threshold value may correspond to the thickness of the second partial wrapper 1220 included in the second type of rod 20.

Upon determining that the second frequency variation is less than the predetermined second threshold, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine the type of rod 20 as the third type in operation S1470.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine the type of rod 20 based on whether the sum of the first frequency variation and the second frequency variation is equal to or greater than a predetermined third threshold. According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine the type of rod 20 based on whether the difference between the square of the first frequency variation and the square of the second frequency variation is equal to or greater than a predetermined fourth threshold. Thus, the aerosol-generating device 10 may accurately determine the type of rod 20 even when the first frequency variation and/or the second frequency variation is small or the difference between the two frequency variations is small.

Referring again to fig. 13, in operation S1340, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether the type of the rod 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 is identical to a predetermined type. For example, the predetermined type may be a type of the stick 20 used by the user before the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space 130. For example, the predetermined type may be a type set by a user through the input/output interface 12.

Upon determining that the type of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 is different from the predetermined type, the aerosol-generating device 10 may output a screen corresponding to the type of the stick 20 on the display 720 in operation S1350. Here, the screen corresponding to the type of the stick 20 may include at least one object indicating the type of the stick 20 that may be used in the aerosol-generating device 10.

Referring to fig. 15, upon determining that the type of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 is different from a predetermined type, the aerosol-generating device 10 may output a screen 1500 corresponding to the type of the stick 20 on the display 720. Here, the screen corresponding to the type of the stick 20 may be a screen for setting the use mode of the aerosol-generating device 10. The mode of use of the aerosol-generating device 10 may correspond to the type of rod 20. For example, when the number of modes that can be set as the usage modes of the aerosol-generating device 10 is three, the number of types of rods that can be used in the aerosol-generating device 10 can be three.

The screen 1500 corresponding to the type of the stick 20 may include objects 1510, 1520, and 1530 corresponding to a plurality of types, respectively. In this case, when the type of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 is different from a predetermined type, an indicator 1540 indicating the type of the stick 20 currently inserted into the insertion space may be displayed. Accordingly, when a stick 20 different from the type of stick previously used by the user is inserted into the insertion space 130, the user can intuitively recognize the type of the selected stick 20 in response to the user input.

The user may select any one of the objects included in the screen 1500 corresponding to the type of the stick 20. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may receive a touch input for selecting any of the objects 1510, 1520 and 1530 output on the display 720. According to one embodiment, when the type of rod 20 is selected, the aerosol-generating device 10 may change the predetermined type to the selected type of rod 20.

Referring to fig. 16, upon receiving a touch input for selecting any one of the objects 1510, 1520, and 1530 respectively corresponding to a plurality of types, the aerosol-generating device 10 may output a screen corresponding to a predetermined type of change on the display 720. For example, upon receiving a user input for selecting an object 1520 corresponding to the type of the stick 20 currently inserted into the insertion space, the aerosol-generating device 10 may more clearly display the object 1520 corresponding to the type of the stick 20 currently inserted into the insertion space than the other objects 1510 and 1530. Thus, the user can intuitively recognize the type of the stick 20 selected in response to the user input.

According to one embodiment, upon receiving a user input for selecting an object 1520 corresponding to the type of the stick 20 currently inserted into the insertion space, the aerosol-generating device 10 may generate a vibration corresponding to a predetermined type of change using the motor 730.

Referring again to fig. 13, in operation S1360, the aerosol-generating device 10 may determine whether the type of rod 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 is selected.

Upon determining that the type of the rod 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 is the same as the predetermined type or selecting the type of the rod 20 inserted into the insertion space 130, the aerosol-generating device 10 may supply power to the heater 110 in operation S1370.

According to one embodiment, the memory 14 may store a temperature profile corresponding to the type of stick 20. For example, in the case where multiple types of rods may be used in the aerosol-generating device 10, the memory 14 may store multiple temperature profiles corresponding to the multiple types. In this case, the aerosol-generating device 10 may supply power to the heater 110 based on a temperature profile corresponding to the type of the rod 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 among the plurality of temperature profiles stored in the memory 14.

Meanwhile, upon determining that the type of the rod 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 is different from the predetermined type and selecting the type different from the type of the rod 20 inserted into the insertion space 130, the aerosol-generating device 10 may interrupt the power supply to the heater 110.

As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the types of sticks inserted into the insertion space can be distinguished.

Further, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, information about the type of stick inserted into the insertion space may be provided to the user.

Further, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the user may be informed of the insertion of a stick of a different type from the previously used stick.

Further, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, whether to heat the heater may be determined according to the type of the rod inserted into the insertion space.

Referring to fig. 1-16, an aerosol-generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may comprise: a housing 101 having an insertion space 130 defined therein; a heater 110 configured to heat the rod 20 inserted into the insertion space 130; a stick detection sensor 800 configured to output a signal corresponding to the insertion space 130; a display 720; and a controller 17. The sensor 800 may include a first inductive channel 910 disposed to correspond to a first region of the insertion space 130 and a second inductive channel 920 disposed to correspond to a second region of the insertion space 130. The controller 17 may determine the type of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 based on at least one of the signal corresponding to the first inductance path 910 or the signal corresponding to the second inductance path 920. The controller 17 may supply power to the heater 110 when the determined type of the stick 20 is the same as the predetermined type, and the controller 17 may output a screen corresponding to the determined type of the stick 20 on the display 720 when the determined type of the stick 20 is different from the predetermined type.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further comprise an interface 12 configured to receive user input. Upon receiving a user input through the interface 12 selecting the determined type of wand 20, the controller 17 may change the predetermined type to the determined type of wand 20.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further comprise an interface 12 configured to receive user input. Upon receiving a user input selecting the determined type of wand 20 through the interface 12, the controller 17 may output a screen corresponding to a predetermined type of change on the display 720.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further comprise an interface 12 configured to receive user input. Upon receiving a user input through interface 12 selecting the determined type of wand 20, controller 17 may power heater 110.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 17 may determine that the type of the stick 20 is the first type when the frequency variation of the current flowing through the first inductance path 910 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value. When the frequency variation of the current flowing through the first inductance path 910 is less than the first threshold value, the controller 17 may determine whether the type of the stick 20 is the second type based on whether the frequency variation of the current flowing through the second inductance path 920 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 17 may determine that the type of the stick 20 is the first type when the frequency variation of the current flowing through the first inductance path 910 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value. When the frequency variation of the current flowing through the first inductance path 910 is less than the first threshold value, the controller 17 may determine whether the type of the stick 20 is the second type based on whether the sum of the frequency variation of the current flowing through the first inductance path 910 and the frequency variation of the current flowing through the second inductance path 920 is equal to or greater than the third threshold value.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 17 may determine that the type of the stick 20 is the first type when the frequency variation of the current flowing through the first inductance path 910 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value. When the frequency variation of the current flowing through the first inductance path 910 is less than the first threshold value, the controller 17 may determine whether the type of the stick 20 is the second type based on whether the difference between the square of the frequency variation of the current flowing through the first inductance path 910 and the square of the frequency variation of the current flowing through the second inductance path 920 is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold value.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater 110 may be disposed to surround the insertion space 130, and the first and second inductance paths 910 and 920 may be disposed to surround the heater 110.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater 110 may be disposed to correspond to at least a portion of a first region of the insertion space 130 and at least a portion of a second region of the insertion space 130.

A system according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include an aerosol-generating device 10 and a wand 20. The aerosol-generating device 10 may comprise a housing 101 having an insertion space 130 defined therein, a heater 110 configured to heat a rod 20 inserted into the insertion space 130, a rod detection sensor 800 configured to output a signal corresponding to the insertion space 130, a display 720, and a controller 17. The rod detection sensor 800 may include a first inductance path 910 provided to correspond to a first region of the insertion space 130 and a second inductance path 920 provided to correspond to a second region of the insertion space 130. The controller 17 may determine the type of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space 130 based on at least one of the signal corresponding to the first inductance path 910 or the signal corresponding to the second inductance path 920. The controller 17 may supply power to the heater 110 when the determined type of the stick 20 is the same as the predetermined type, and the controller 17 may output a screen corresponding to the determined type of the stick 20 on the display 720 when the determined type of the stick 20 is different from the predetermined type. The rod 20 may include a wrapper 241 configured to encapsulate the aerosol-generating substance, and the wrapper 241 may include a first partial wrapper 1210 formed to have a first thickness to correspond to the first region and a second partial wrapper 1220 formed to have a second thickness to correspond to the second region.

Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or different from each other. Any or all of the elements of the above disclosed embodiments may be combined with each other in configuration or function.

For example, configuration "a" described in one embodiment of the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings and configuration "B" described in another embodiment of the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings may be combined with each other. That is, although a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is not possible to describe the combination.

While embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More specifically, various variations and modifications of the constituent parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement are possible within the scope of the present disclosure, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

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

A housing shaped to define an elongated insertion space;

A heater configured to heat a stick when the stick is inserted into the insertion space;

a stick detection sensor configured to output a signal associated with the insertion space;

A display; and

At least one of the processors is configured to perform,

Wherein the rod detection sensor includes:

A first inductance path provided to correspond to a first region of the insertion space; and

A second inductance path provided to correspond to a second region of the insertion space, and

Wherein the at least one processor is configured to:

determining a type of the rod based on at least one of a first signal corresponding to the first inductive path or a second signal corresponding to the second inductive path;

Supplying power to the heater based on the determined type of rod being the same as a predetermined type; and

Based on the determined type of stick being different from the predetermined type, the display is controlled to output a screen corresponding to the determined type of stick.

2. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, further comprising an input interface,

Wherein the at least one processor is further configured to change the predetermined type to the determined type of wand in response to receiving a user input via the input interface selecting the determined type of wand.

3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, further comprising an input interface,

Wherein the at least one processor is further configured to control the display to output a screen corresponding to the predetermined type of change in response to receiving a user input via the input interface selecting the determined type of wand.

4. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, further comprising an input interface,

Wherein the at least one processor is further configured to power the heater in response to receiving a user input via the input interface selecting the determined type of wand.

5. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to:

determining that the type of the rod is a first type in response to a frequency change of the current flowing through the first inductive channel being equal to or greater than a first threshold; and

In response to a frequency change of the current flowing through the first inductive channel being less than the first threshold, determining whether the type of rod is a second type based on whether the frequency change of the current flowing through the second inductive channel is equal to or greater than a second threshold.

6. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to:

In response to the frequency change of the current flowing through the first inductor channel being less than the first threshold, determining whether the type of rod is a second type based on whether a sum of the frequency change of the current flowing through the first inductor channel and the frequency change of the current flowing through the second inductor channel is equal to or greater than a second threshold.

7. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to:

In response to the frequency change of the current flowing through the first inductor channel being less than the first threshold, determining whether the type of rod is a second type based on whether a difference between a square of the frequency change of the current flowing through the first inductor channel and a square of the frequency change of the current flowing through the second inductor channel is equal to or greater than a second threshold.

8. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heater is arranged around the insertion space, and

Wherein the first and second inductive pathways are disposed around the heater.

9. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heater is arranged to correspond to at least a portion of the first region of the insertion space and at least a portion of the second region of the insertion space.

10. A system, the system comprising:

an aerosol-generating device; and

The rod is provided with a plurality of holes,

Wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises:

A housing shaped to define an elongated insertion space;

a heater configured to heat the rod when the rod is inserted into the insertion space;

A display; and

At least one of the processors is configured to perform,

Wherein the rod detection sensor includes:

A second inductance path provided to correspond to a second region of the insertion space,

Wherein the rod comprises a wrapper configured to encapsulate an aerosol-generating substance,

Wherein the wrap comprises:

A first partial wrapper having a first thickness to correspond to the first region; and

A second partial wrapper having a second thickness to correspond to the second region, and

Wherein the at least one processor is configured to: