KR20240097676A - Aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure includes an aerosol generator that includes a storage tank for storing an aerosol-generating material and a receiving portion through which an aerosol-generating article through which an airflow containing aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material passes is separably coupled, and which generates an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material; It relates to an aerosol generating device including a main body with one surface exposed toward the aerosol generator, a sensor unit that generates a signal regarding the physical quantity of the receiving unit, and a main body to which the aerosol generator is detachably coupled.

Description

Aerosol generating device {Aerosol generating device}

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device capable of obtaining accurate information regarding an aerosol generating article.

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for technologies to replace the method of supplying aerosols by burning common aerosol-generating articles. For example, an aerosol can be produced from an aerosol-generating material in a liquid state or a solid state, or an aerosol with a flavor can be supplied by generating vapor from an aerosol-generating material in a liquid state and then passing the generated vapor through a solid-state scent medium. Research on methods such as these is in progress.

An example of an aerosol generating device may include an aerosol generating device in which an aerosol generating article and a cartridge containing a liquid aerosol generating material are used together. This aerosol generating device has a structure in which an aerosol is generated by heating a liquid aerosol-generating material, and the generated aerosol passes through the aerosol-generating article and is inhaled by the user.

When aerosol-generating articles are reused, the quality of the aerosol supplied to the user is reduced. Accordingly, there is a need to provide information to users so that they do not reuse aerosol-generating articles, or to prevent the aerosol-generating device from performing an aerosol-generating operation when reuse of an aerosol-generating article that has already been used is attempted.

The problem to be solved through various embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of sensitively and accurately detecting physical quantities related to an aerosol generating article in relation to the function of preventing reuse of the aerosol generating article.

Another problem to be solved through various embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that can improve the reliability and accuracy of determining whether or not to use an aerosol generating article or the cycle of use.

Another problem to be solved through various embodiments of the present disclosure is to prevent damage to sensors included in the aerosol generating device and improve durability.

The problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings. will be.

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a storage tank for storing an aerosol generating material and a receiving portion to which an aerosol generating article through which an airflow containing an aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material passes is separably coupled, from the aerosol generating material. It may include an aerosol generator that generates an aerosol, and a main body with one side exposed toward the aerosol generator, a sensor portion that generates a signal regarding the physical quantity of the receiving portion, and to which the aerosol generator is detachably coupled.

The aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure provides the effect of more sensitively and accurately measuring physical quantities related to the aerosol-generating article by exposing the sensor portion toward the aerosol-generating article and the receiving portion of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the reliability and accuracy of determining the use cycle of an aerosol generating product by comparing the values of signals provided by two or more sensors.

The aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent damage to the sensor included in the aerosol generating device and improve durability by spatially separating the positions of the aerosol generating material and the sensor.

The problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings. will be.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an aerosol generator and an aerosol generating device including the same according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the structure and function of an aerosol generator included in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the structure and function of the main body included in the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the arrangement of the sensor of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure based on the II-II cross-section line of FIG. 1.
Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of sensors of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of sensors of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining the structure of an aerosol generating article that can be detachably coupled to an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining the structure of an aerosol generating article that can be detachably coupled to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The terms used in the embodiments are general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible while considering the function in the present invention, but this may vary depending on the intention or precedent of a person working in the art, the emergence of new technology, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply the name of the term.

When it is said that a part "includes" a certain element throughout the specification, this means that, unless specifically stated to the contrary, it does not exclude other elements but may further include other elements. In addition, terms such as "... unit" and "... module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which is implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software. It can be.

As used herein, when an expression such as “at least any one” precedes arranged elements, it modifies all of the arranged elements rather than each arranged element. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c. do.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in an internal space.

The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, a heater may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater may be heated when a current flows through the electrically conductive track.

The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element and, depending on the shape of the heating element, may heat the interior or exterior of the aerosol-generating article. The heater may heat the aerosol-generating article itself, or may heat an aerosol-generating material separately provided outside the aerosol-generating article. A plurality of heaters may be disposed in the aerosol generating device. The plurality of heaters may be arranged to be inserted inside the aerosol-generating article, or may be placed outside the aerosol-generating article. Additionally, some of the plurality of heaters may be disposed to be inserted into the interior of the aerosol-generating article, and others may be disposed outside the aerosol-generating article.

Aerosol generating articles may include tobacco rods and filter rods. Tobacco rods can be made from sheets, strands, or tobacco sheets can be made from cut fillers. Additionally, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

The filter rod may be a cellulose acetate filter. A filter rod may consist of at least one segment. For example, a filter rod may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters certain components contained within the aerosol.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

The aerosol generating device can form a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can charge the battery of an aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generating device are combined.

Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating devices of the various embodiments described above, or may be implemented in a variety of different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an aerosol generator and an aerosol generating device including the same according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The aerosol generating device 1 shown in Figure 1 shows components relevant to the present embodiment. In addition to the components shown in FIG. 1, other components may be further included in the aerosol generating device 1.

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1 may include an aerosol generator 10 and a main body 20. A control unit and a battery may be placed in the main body 20.

The aerosol generating device 1 may be a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol generator 10 in which an aerosol generating material is stored.

Additionally, the aerosol generating article 30 may be detachably coupled to the aerosol generator 10.

An aerosol-generating material may be stored inside the aerosol generator 10, and the aerosol-generating material stored in the aerosol generator 10 may be supplied to an atomizer included in the aerosol generator 10. Accordingly, the aerosol generating material can be aerosolized inside the aerosol generator 10 by the atomizer.

In the present disclosure, ‘aerosol’ may refer to particles generated by mixing air and vapor generated by heating an aerosol-generating material, and the expression may be used with the same meaning hereinafter. A detailed description of other components, such as the atomizer, will be described later.

The aerosol generator 10 may be detachably mounted on the main body 20 while containing the aerosol generating material. However, it is not limited to this, and an aerosol generating material may be injected into the aerosol generator 10 while the aerosol generator 10 is coupled to the main body 20.

The body 20 can support the aerosol generator 10. Components for operating the aerosol generating device 1 may be disposed inside the main body 20.

The internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1. In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1, the arrangement of components such as the aerosol generating device 10 and the main body 20 may be changed.

If desired, the aerosol generating device 1 may operate the aerosol generator 10 even when the aerosol generating article 30 is not coupled to the aerosol generator 10 .

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the structure and function of an aerosol generator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the aerosol generator 10 separated from the main body.

Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generator 10 may include a storage tank 11 for storing aerosol generating material, a receiving portion 12, an airflow passage 13, and an atomizer 14, but the embodiments are shown in FIG. It is not limited to the structure shown in 2. That is, the arrangement structure of the storage tank 11, the receiving part 12, the airflow passage 13, and the atomizer 14 can be modified in various ways.

The aerosol generator 10 may generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material stored in the storage tank 11. The aerosol generator 10 may hold an aerosol-generating material in any one of various states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, and a gel state. Aerosol-generating materials may include liquid compositions. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances, including volatile tobacco flavor components, or may be a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. For example, the aerosol-generating material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol.

For example, the liquid composition may include a solution of glycerin and propylene glycol in any weight ratio to which nicotine salt has been added. The liquid composition may contain two or more nicotine salts. Nicotine salts can be formed by adding a suitable acid, including an organic or inorganic acid, to nicotine. Nicotine may be naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine and may have a concentration of any suitable weight relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

The acid for forming a nicotine salt may be appropriately selected considering the absorption rate of nicotine in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 1, flavor or flavor, solubility, etc. For example, acids for the formation of nicotine salts include benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid. , citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid or malic acid, or a single acid selected from the group consisting of the above It may be a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group, but is not limited thereto.

Liquid material compositions may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavors, or vitamin mixtures. Fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavor ingredients. Flavoring agents may include ingredients that can provide various flavors or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the liquid material composition may include aerosol formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The storage tank 11 may store a liquid material composition. The storage tank 11 may be manufactured to be detachable from/attached to the aerosol generator 10, or may be manufactured integrally with the aerosol generator 10.

As an example of a method of use when the reservoir 11 is designed to be detachable from/attached to the aerosol generator 10, when the aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir 11 is depleted, the user can use the existing aerosol generator 10. You can continue smoking by replacing it with a new aerosol generator (10).

As another example of a method of use in which the storage tank 11 is manufactured to be detachable from/attachable to the aerosol generator 10, the performance of the components (e.g., atomizer, etc.) of the aerosol generator 10 deteriorates and a sufficient amount of If aerosol is not generated or leakage of aerosol-generating material occurs, the user can replace the existing aerosol generator (10) with a new aerosol generator (10) to ensure that a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated or to prevent leakage of aerosol-generating material. You can.

The storage tank 11 stores aerosol-generating substances, and may be disposed at the upper part of the airflow passage 13 and connected to or communicated with the internal space of the airflow passage 13.

An aerosol generating article 30 may be detachably coupled to the aerosol generator 10. The aerosol-generating article 30 may be a medium through which an airflow containing an aerosol passes. The space in the aerosol generator 10 where the aerosol generating article 30 is placed may be referred to as the receiving portion 12. The receiving portion 12 may provide a space in which the aerosol generating article 30 can be detachably coupled to the aerosol generator 10 (see Figure 1).

The receiving portion 12 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the aerosol-generating article. For example, if the aerosol-generating article is in the shape of a cylinder, the inner diameter of the receiving portion 12 is larger than the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article, and the inner peripheral surface of the receiving portion 12 may be spaced a certain distance from the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol-generating article. .

Once the aerosol generating article is coupled to the receiving portion 12 of the aerosol generator 10, the aerosol generating device may operate the aerosol generator 10 to generate an aerosol.

The aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 10 may be delivered to the aerosol-generating article 30 through an airflow passage 13, which will be described later, and discharged to the outside through the aerosol-generating article 30. At this time, the user may contact the aerosol-generating article 30 with his mouth and inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol-generating device 1 through the aerosol-generating article 30. A detailed description of the aerosol-generating article 30 according to one embodiment will be described later.

The aerosol-generating article coupled to the receiving portion 12 may receive aerosol from an airflow passage 13, which will be described later.

The receiving portion 12 accommodates the aerosol-generating article 30 and may be disposed on one side of the storage tank 11. The inner space of the receiving portion 12 for accommodating the aerosol-generating article 30 may be spatially separated from the storage tank 11, and the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 11 flows into the inner space of the receiving portion 12. It may not work.

The aerosol-generating article may be similar to a typical combustible aerosol-generating article. For example, an aerosol-generating article may be divided into a first part containing the aerosol-generating material and a second part containing a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second portion of the aerosol-generating article may also include a separate aerosol-generating material. An aerosol-generating material, for example in the form of granules or capsules, may be inserted into the second part.

The entire first portion of the aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the interior of the receiving portion 12, and the second portion of the aerosol-generating article may be exposed to the outside of the receiving portion 12. Alternatively, only a portion of the first portion of the aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the interior of the receiving portion 12. Alternatively, the entire first part and a portion of the second part of the aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the interior of the receiving portion 12.

The user may inhale the aerosol while holding the second portion with his or her mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part of the aerosol-generating article, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user's mouth by passing through the second part of the aerosol-generating article.

Airflow passageway 13 may be configured to allow aerosol to pass through the aerosol-generating article and be delivered to the user. An air stream containing aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material may pass through the air flow passage 13 and through the aerosol-generating article disposed in the receiving portion 12.

The opening and closing of the airflow passage 13 formed in the aerosol generator 10 and/or the size of the airflow passage 13 may be adjusted by the user. Accordingly, the amount of atomization, smoking sensation, etc. can be adjusted by the user. For example, a valve that is operated by a user's manual operation to adjust the size of the passage (13) or a valve that is operated by an electric signal to adjust the size of the passage (13) is disposed in the airflow passage (13). It can be.

The airflow passage 13 may include an air inlet 131, an aerosol generator 132, and an air outlet 133.

As an example, external air may flow into the airflow passage 13 through at least one air inlet 131 formed in the aerosol generator 10. As another example, external air may flow into the airflow passage 13 through at least one hole (not shown) formed in the main body.

The aerosol generator 132 delivers the aerosol generated by the atomizer 14, which will be described later, to the airflow passage 13. In the aerosol generator 132, the aerosol generated by the atomizer 14 may join the airflow of air introduced from the air inlet 131.

The outside air joins the aerosol in the aerosol generator 132 to form a new airflow, and the new airflow containing the aerosol can move toward the air outlet 133. An airflow containing aerosol and external air may move to the receiving portion 12 through the air outlet 133.

The airflow passage 13 communicates with the outside of the aerosol generator 10, and the receiving part 12 communicates with the airflow passage 13, so that the receiving part 12 can communicate with the outside. Therefore, external air and aerosol may flow into the receiving part 12.

The atomizer 14 may be referred to as a cartomizer or a vaporizer, but is not limited thereto. The atomizer 14 may be an element for heating the liquid material composition delivered from the reservoir 11 by the liquid delivery means.

Atomizer 14 may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the atomizer 14 includes an electrically conductive track, and the atomizer 14 may be heated as a current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the atomizer 14 is not limited to the above-described example, and may be any device that can be heated to a desired temperature without limitation. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device, or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

Additionally, the atomizer 14 may include, for example, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the atomizer 14 may include a conductive filament, such as nichrome wire, and may be wound around or placed adjacent to the liquid delivery means. The atomizer 14 can be heated by supplying an electric current and transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the atomizer 14, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, aerosols can be generated from aerosol-generating substances.

The atomizer 14 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element.

Additionally, a plurality of atomizers 14 may be disposed in the aerosol generator 10.

The shape and position of the atomizer 14 are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and may be manufactured in various shapes and placed in various positions.

The atomizer 14 operates by an electric signal or wireless signal transmitted from the main body, thereby converting the phase of the aerosol generating material received from the storage tank 11 into a gas phase to generate an aerosol. You can. Aerosol may refer to a gas in a mixed state of vaporized particles generated from an aerosol-generating material and air.

In one embodiment, the atomizer 14 can heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can pass through the aerosol-generating article and be delivered to the user. Specifically, the aerosol generated by the atomizer 14 can move to the aerosol-generating article along the airflow passage 13 of the aerosol generator 10, and the airflow passage 13 is the atomizer 14 generated by the atomizer 14. The aerosol may be configured to pass through the aerosol-generating article and be delivered to the user.

In another embodiment, the atomizer 14 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. At this time, the ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

The atomizer 14 may include a vibrator, and may atomize the aerosol-generating material by generating short-period vibration through the vibrator. The vibration generated from the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibration, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibration may be from about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

The atomizer 14 may further include a wick that absorbs aerosol-generating substances. For example, the wick may be arranged to surround at least one area of the vibrator or may be arranged to contact at least one area of the vibrator.

As a voltage (e.g., alternating voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and/or ultrasonic vibration may be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and/or ultrasonic vibration generated from the vibrator may be transmitted to the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the wick. . The aerosol-generating material absorbed into the wick may be converted into a gas phase by heat and/or ultrasonic vibration transmitted from the vibrator, and as a result, an aerosol may be generated.

For example, the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the wick may be lowered by the heat generated from the vibrator, and the aerosol-generating material with the lowered viscosity due to ultrasonic vibration generated from the vibrator may be converted into fine particles, thereby generating an aerosol. , but is not limited to this.

Meanwhile, as another example, the atomizer 14 may be an induction heating type heater. Specifically, the atomizer 14 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the aerosol-generating material by induction heating, and may include a susceptor that can be heated by a magnetic field generated by the coil.

The coil can apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. As power is supplied to the coil from the battery of the main body, a magnetic field may be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be a magnetic material that generates heat by an external magnetic field. As the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied, the aerosol-generating article may be heated by generating heat. Additionally, optionally, the susceptor may be located within the aerosol-generating article.

The atomizer 14 can be heated by power supplied from the battery of the main body. For example, when an aerosol-generating article is inserted into receptacle 12, atomizer 14 may increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material in reservoir 11.

The aerosol generator 10 may further include a liquid delivery means (not shown). The liquid delivery means may deliver the liquid material composition in the storage tank 11 to the atomizer 14. For example, the liquid delivery means may be, but is not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the structure and function of the main body included in the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The aerosol generating device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 as follows.

The main body 20 may include a coupling unit 21, a sensor unit 22, a control unit 23, and a battery 24.

The coupling portion 21 provides a space for the aerosol generator 10 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 to be detachably coupled. The coupling portion 21 may be formed in various shapes to which the aerosol generator 10 can be coupled. For example, in Figure 3, the aerosol generator 10 moves in the vertical direction to be coupled to or separated from the coupling portion 21, but by modifying this structure, the aerosol generator 10 moves in the left and right directions. Thus, it can be coupled to the coupling portion 21 or separated from the coupling portion 21.

The aerosol generator 10 may be coupled to the main body 20 by being coupled to the coupling portion 21, and may be separated from the main body 20 by being separated from the coupling portion 21.

The sensor unit 22 is for detecting the state of the aerosol generator 10 or the aerosol generating article 30 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The sensor unit 22 may generate a signal regarding the physical quantity of the receiving unit 12. For example, the sensor unit 22 can detect humidity, temperature, movement, etc. of the aerosol-generating article 30. The sensor unit 22 may include a plurality of sensors.

The sensor unit 22 may include at least one sensor (humidity sensor, puff sensor, temperature sensor, proximity sensor, etc.).

The sensor unit 22 may be disposed on the inner wall of the coupling unit 21. At least a portion of the sensor units 22 may be disposed to be exposed from the inner wall of the coupling unit 21 toward the inside of the coupling unit 21 . In this case, when the aerosol generator 10 is coupled to the coupling portion 21, at least a portion of the sensor portion 22 may be exposed toward the aerosol generator 10.

Also, as another example, when the aerosol generator 10 is coupled to the coupling portion 21, at least a portion of the sensor portion 22 may be in direct physical contact with the aerosol generator 10.

According to the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, the sensor portion 22 is disposed closer to the aerosol generator 10, so that the receptacle 12 and/or the aerosol generating article 30 coupled to the receptacle 12 Various physical quantities such as humidity and temperature can be measured more sensitively and accurately.

The sensor unit 22 may include metal. For example, the sensor unit 22 may include brass or stainless steel, but is not limited thereto.

The sensor unit 22 may have the form of a thin film, but is not limited thereto.

At least a portion of one surface of the sensor unit 22 exposed toward the aerosol generator 10 and/or the coupling unit 21 may be plated with metal. For example, the sensor unit 22 may be plated with gold, nickel, etc., but is not limited thereto. When the sensor unit 22 is plated, damage to one surface of the sensor unit 22 exposed toward the inside of the coupling unit 21 due to friction caused by repeated separation/joining of the aerosol-generating article 30 can be minimized. You can.

In addition, by plating the sensor unit 22, the electrical conductivity of the sensor unit 22 is improved, enabling more sensitive and accurate detection of the detection target.

The sensor unit 22 may be arranged in various ways. For example, at least a portion of the sensor unit 22 may be inserted into one surface of the main body 20. Specifically, at least a portion of the sensor unit 22 may be inserted into the inner wall of the coupling unit 21.

As another example, the sensor unit 22 may be attached to a part of the main body 20. For example, at least a portion of the sensor unit 22 may be attached to the inner wall of the coupling unit 21 using fastening means such as rivets, screws, protrusions, and grooves.

As another example, the sensor unit 22 may be attached to a part of the main body 20 using an adhesive material. For example, the sensor unit 22 may be attached to a portion of the main body 20 using double-sided tape.

For example, a plurality of sensor units 22 may be disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol generator 10 coupled to the coupling unit 21. Specifically, a plurality of sensor units 22 may be arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the receiving unit 12. As another example, a plurality of sensor units 22 may be arranged along the inner peripheral surface of the coupling unit 21.

Various embodiments of the arrangement of the sensor unit 22 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

The sensor unit 22 may include a sensor for detecting the humidity of the receiving unit 12 and/or the aerosol-generating article 30.

At least a portion of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generating unit 132 of the airflow passage 13 may be liquefied while flowing into the receiving part 12, and the liquefied aerosol may contain some moisture, and the receiving part 12 It may get wet or get on the aerosol-generating article 30 accommodated in. In one embodiment, the sensor unit 22 may generate a signal based on the amount of aerosol (or moisture) wet or on the aerosol-generating article 30. By providing a signal about moisture detected by the sensor unit 22 to the processor or memory of the main body 20, information about the moisture and/or humidity of the aerosol-generating article 30 can be detected.

In one embodiment, when there is a change in the amount of moisture wet or soiled in some area of the aerosol-generating article 30 accommodated in the receiving portion 12, a change in electromagnetic properties appears, and the sensor portion 22 responds to the change in electromagnetic properties. Generates related signals. The control unit may detect information about the moisture and/or humidity of the aerosol-generating article 30 based on the signal from the sensor unit 22.

For example, the sensor unit 22 may include a capacitive sensor (not shown). For example, the sensor unit 22 may include at least two plates arranged at regular intervals. The capacitive sensor may detect changes in humidity of the receptacle 12 and/or the aerosol-generating article 30. Capacitive sensors can detect changes in relative humidity.

The two plates included in the capacitive sensor can be made of a conductive material, such as a thin film material such as a polymer that acts as a dielectric. The capacitance between the two plates changes as the relative humidity of the air surrounding the capacitive sensor changes.

By measuring the capacitance between two plates included in the capacitive sensor, the relative humidity of the air surrounding the capacitive sensor can be determined. The capacitance sensor may measure the change in humidity of the aerosol-generating article 30 and/or the receptacle 12 by measuring the change in capacitance and/or the change in dielectric constant between the two plates.

The accuracy and reliability of humidity measurements from capacitive sensors can be further improved by using them in conjunction with other techniques such as impedance measurement or RC vibration.

The two plates included in a capacitive sensor can be called one channel. A capacitance sensor has multiple channels and can measure capacitance of multiple parts simultaneously. The resolution or accuracy of the detection system can be improved through multiple channels. For example, if a capacitive sensor has two channels, it can detect the relative humidity of two areas.

In addition to the capacitance sensor, the sensor unit 22 may include a humidity sensor that measures the humidity of the receiving unit 12 and/or the aerosol-generating article 30 based on other principles. The humidity sensor may be a capacitive sensor.

At least a portion of the sensor unit 22 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the upstream side of the airflow passing through the aerosol-generating article 30. At this time, another part of the sensor unit 22 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the downstream of the airflow passing through the aerosol-generating article 300.

Meanwhile, the service life of the aerosol-generating article 30 may be set in advance. Whether the aerosol-generating article 30 has exceeded its useful life can be determined by measuring the humidity (or moisture) of the aerosol-generating article 30. For example, the sensor unit 22 detects the amount of humidity (or moisture) of the aerosol-generating article 30, and when the value detected by the sensor unit 22 exceeds a preset value, the aerosol-generating article 30 ) can be considered to have exceeded its service life.

However, when the humidity around the aerosol-generating device 1 or the aerosol-generating article 30 increases, such as when the weather is humid or rainy, the humidity of the aerosol-generating article 30 increases even if the aerosol-generating article 30 is not used at all. It may increase and exceed a preset humidity value, and in this case, the aerosol-generating article 30 may be determined to have exceeded its useful life even though it has not been used at all.

The aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment according to the present disclosure measures the amount of change in humidity in at least two or more zones, so that even when the humidity of the unused aerosol generating article 30 increases due to the surrounding environment, the aerosol generating article ( 30) It is possible to accurately determine whether the service life has been exceeded.

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol-generating article 300 may be divided into a first region (B) and a second region (T). The airflow passing through the aerosol-generating article 300 may pass through the first area (B) and then pass through the second area (T) to reach the user.

With respect to the airflow passing through the aerosol-generating article 300, the first region (B) may be relatively upstream of the second region (T). That is, the second area T may be relatively downstream from the first area B with respect to the airflow of the aerosol-generating article 300.

The sensor unit 22 may include a plurality of sensors, and some of the plurality of sensors may be the first sensor 221 and the second sensor 222. The first sensor 221 and the second sensor 222 may generate a signal by detecting a change in humidity of the aerosol-generating article 30 and/or the receiving portion 12. The first sensor 221 and the second sensor 222 may be disposed along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article 30. From another perspective, the first sensor 221 and the second sensor 222 may be disposed along the longitudinal direction of the receiving portion 12. The first sensor 221 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first area (B) of the aerosol-generating article 30, and the second sensor 222 may be disposed in the second area (T) of the aerosol-generating article 30. It can be placed in a position corresponding to .

The first sensor 221 and the second sensor 222 may be the capacitance sensors described above.

The control unit 23 can receive the signal generated by the sensor unit 22. The control unit 23 may control the operation of the aerosol generator 10 based on the signal generated by the first sensor 221 and the signal generated by the second sensor 222. The control unit 23 may obtain information about humidity by comparing the signal of the first sensor 221 and the signal of the second sensor 222, and control the operation of the aerosol generator 10 based on the information about humidity. there is.

The airflow containing aerosol generated by the atomizer 14 of the aerosol generator 10 moves from the first area B toward the second area T. Therefore, the first area (B) is affected by aerosols earlier than the second area (T) and becomes more wet, and the change in humidity in the first area (B) is greater than the change in humidity in the second area (T). It becomes big. That is, in the case of the aerosol-generating article 30 that has been used once by the aerosol-generating device 1, the humidity of the first area (B) and the second area (T) is higher than that of the aerosol-generating article 30 that has not yet been used. The difference could be bigger. Then, if the humidity difference between the first area (B) and the second area (T) is greater than a predetermined amount, the useful life of the aerosol generating article 30 can be considered to have expired. Therefore, the control unit 23 compares the change in humidity in the first area (B) with the change in humidity in the second area (T) to determine whether the aerosol-generating article 30 has reached the end of its useful life. You can tell if it has not yet been used or if its useful life has not expired.

For example, when the humidity around the aerosol-generating article 30 becomes excessively high in situations such as wet or rainy weather, the humidity of the first area (B) and the second area (T) of the unused aerosol-generating article 30 The humidity all increases, and the difference in humidity between the first area (B) and the second area (T) may be smaller than a preset value. Conversely, when the humidity around the aerosol-generating article 30 is moderate or low, both the humidity of the first region (B) and the humidity of the second region (T) of the unused aerosol-generating article 30 are lowered, and the humidity of the first region (T) is lowered. The humidity difference between (B) and the second area (T) may be smaller than a preset value. Therefore, in the case of an unused aerosol-generating article 30, the difference in humidity between the first area (B) and the second area (T) is measured to be less than a preset value regardless of the surrounding humidity, so it can be determined to be unused.

Conversely, if the difference between the humidity change in the first area (B) and the humidity change in the second area (T) is greater than or equal to a preset value, the control unit 23 determines that the aerosol generating article 30 has already exceeded its useful life. The control unit 23 may stop the operation of the aerosol generator 10.

According to the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, by measuring the humidity of two or more areas of the aerosol-generating article 30 as described above, the unused aerosol-generating article 30 can be measured not only when it is dry but also due to the influence of weather. Even when the humidity increases, it is possible to accurately determine whether the use cycle of the aerosol-generating article 30 has expired.

After the aerosol-generating article 30, which is determined to have been used because its useful life has expired, is removed and a new aerosol-generating article 30 is inserted into the receiving portion 12, the control unit 23 operates again in the first area (B). It is possible to determine whether to operate the aerosol generator 10 by detecting the difference between the change in humidity and the change in humidity in the second area (T).

The sensor unit 22 may further include a third sensor 223. In one embodiment, third sensor 223 may detect insertion and/or removal of aerosol-generating article 30. For example, the third sensor 223 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and the aerosol generating article 30 is inserted. And/or a signal may be generated according to the operation being removed.

The third sensor 223 may be disposed on the opposite side of the first sensor 221 with respect to the second sensor 222 . In the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article 30 or the receiving portion 12 , the third sensor 223 may be disposed downstream of the air stream containing the aerosol than the second sensor 222 . However, the above arrangement of the third sensor 223 is only an example, and the third sensor 223 may be placed in various positions capable of detecting the insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article 30.

When insertion of the aerosol-generating article 30 is detected based on the signal from the third sensor 223, the control unit 23 uses the above-described first sensor 221 and second sensor 222 to use the receiving unit ( 12) and/or begin sensing the humidity of the aerosol-generating article 30. When the control unit 23 detects the removal of the aerosol-generating article 30 based on the signal from the third sensor 223, the control unit stops detecting humidity using the first sensor 221 and the second sensor 222. can do.

Meanwhile, when measuring the humidity of the receiving part 12 using the sensor unit 22, the humidity measurement of the receiving part 12 may be interrupted by the humidity of the liquid aerosol generating material provided in the storage tank 11. Therefore, by placing the storage tank 11 as far away from the sensor unit 22 as possible, the error in measuring humidity in the receiving unit 12 can be reduced.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the receiving unit 12 may be disposed between the storage tank 11 and the sensor unit 22. From another perspective, the sensor unit 22 may be disposed on the opposite side of the storage tank 11 with the receiving unit 12 interposed therebetween. Through this structure, the error in measuring humidity in the receiving part 12 of the sensor part 22 can be minimized.

Meanwhile, the sensor unit 22 may be located in a location spatially separated from the storage tank 11. That is, the sensor unit 22 is disposed in the main body 20, and the reservoir 11 is disposed in the aerosol generator 10 that is spatially separated from the main body 20, so the sensor unit 22 and the reservoir 11 are accommodated. It can be arranged with the unit 12 in between. Accordingly, since the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 11 is prevented from penetrating into the sensor unit 22, the possibility of damage or damage to the sensor unit 22 due to the aerosol-generating material can be reduced.

The control unit 23 generally controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. Specifically, the control unit 23 controls the operation of the aerosol generator 10 and the battery 24 as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device 1. Additionally, the control unit 23 may check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 1 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state.

The control unit 23 may determine whether the useful life of the aerosol generating article 30 has expired by the above-described method and control the operation of the aerosol generator 10 based on the determination. For example, the control unit 23 may stop the operation of the aerosol generator 10 when it is determined that the useful life of the aerosol generating article 30 has expired.

When the control unit detects that the aerosol-generating article 30 is inserted into the receiving portion 12 based on the signal from the third sensor 223, the control unit detects the signal from the first sensor 221 and the second sensor 222. The operation of the aerosol generator 10 can be controlled based on the signal. For example, when the control unit 23 detects the insertion of the aerosol-generating article 30 after detecting the removal of the aerosol-generating article 30 whose useful life has expired by the third sensor 223, the first sensor When the re-inserted aerosol generating article 30 is detected by 221 and the second sensor 222 to be in an unused state, the operation of the aerosol generator 10 may be resumed.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include various components in addition to the coupling unit 21, sensor unit 22, control unit 23, and battery 24. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include an output unit (not shown). The output unit may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting tactile information.

The output unit can output information to the outside. The output may provide the user with information regarding the lapse of useful life of the aerosol-generating article 30. For example, the control unit 23 controls the first area (B) and the second area (T) of the aerosol-generating article 30 based on the signal of the first sensor 221 and the signal of the second sensor 222. If it is determined that the useful life of the aerosol-generating article 30 has expired by detecting a difference in the humidity change, the user may be notified to replace the aerosol-generating article 30 through the output unit.

The control unit 23 may control the output unit to output information based on the signal of the first sensor 221 and the signal of the second sensor 222. Specifically, the control unit 23 detects the difference in the amount of change in humidity between the first area (B) and the second area (T) based on the signal of the first sensor 221 and the signal of the second sensor 222 to generate aerosol When it is determined that the product 30 is in an unused state, the user can be notified through the output unit that the use cycle of the aerosol-generating product 30 remains and that the aerosol-generating device 1 is operating normally.

The control unit 23 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. Additionally, those skilled in the art can understand that the present embodiment may be implemented with other types of hardware.

The battery 24 supplies the power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the battery 24 can supply power so that the aerosol generator 10 coupled to the coupling unit 21 can generate an aerosol, and can supply power necessary for the control unit 23 to operate. Additionally, the battery 24 can supply power necessary for the display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the main body 20 to operate.

Additionally, the main body 20 may be manufactured in a structure that allows external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even when the aerosol-generating article 30 is inserted.

Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of sensors of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a side of the aerosol generating device 1 of FIG. 1 cut along the II-II cross-sectional line. This is also the same for Figures 5 and 6, which will be described below.

Referring to FIG. 4 , at least a portion of the sensor unit 22 may have a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the receiving unit 12 . For example, when the surface of the receiving part 12 is a curved surface that forms part of a cylinder, the sensor part 22 may also be formed as a curved surface that forms part of the cylinder.

Both the receiving part 12 and the sensor part 22 include circular curved surfaces having the same radius of curvature, and the outer diameter of the receiving part 12 may be larger than the inner diameter of the sensor part 22. Accordingly, the accommodating part 12 and the sensor part 22 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by the difference between the outer diameter of the accommodating part 12 and the inner diameter of the sensor part 22. In this embodiment, the distance between the receiving part 12 and the sensor part 22 may be constant along the circumferential direction of the receiving part 12. Accordingly, since the sensor unit 22 is disposed at a certain distance from the accommodation unit 12, the sensor unit 22 can more sensitively and accurately detect the moisture and/or humidity inside the accommodation unit 12. there is.

5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the arrangement of sensors in an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1, the amount of change in humidity in a specific area of the receiving portion 12 may be greater than the amount of change in humidity in other areas. In this case, the distance between the area with a large change in humidity and the sensor unit 22 is set closer than the distance between the area with a small change in humidity among the entire area of the receiving unit 12 and the sensor unit 22, thereby reducing the humidity. The amount of change can be detected more sensitively and accurately.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a portion of the sensor portion 22 is spaced apart from the outer surface of the receiving portion 12 by a first distance A, and the other portion of the sensor portion 22 is spaced apart from the outer surface of the receiving portion 12. It may be arranged to be spaced apart from the outer surface by a second distance B.

For example, referring to FIG. 5, since the first distance A is shorter than the second distance B, the distance between the receiving unit 12 and the sensor unit 22 is the first distance A. When the amount of change in humidity in the corresponding area is greater than the amount of change in humidity in the area corresponding to the second distance B, the distance between the receiver 12 and the sensor unit 22 can be measured more sensitively and accurately. It can be done.

As another example, referring to FIG. 6, since the second distance B is shorter than the first distance A, the distance between the receiving unit 12 and the sensor unit 22 is the second distance B. When the amount of change in humidity in the corresponding area is greater than the amount of change in humidity in the area corresponding to the first distance A, the distance between the receiving unit 12 and the sensor unit 22 can be measured more sensitively and accurately. It can be done.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate embodiments of aerosol-generating articles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of aerosol-generating articles are described below with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

7, the aerosol generating article 40 includes a tobacco rod 41 and a filter rod 42. The first part described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a tobacco rod 41 and the second portion includes a filter rod 42 .

In Figure 7, the filter rod 42 is shown as a single segment, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 42 may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, filter rod 42 may include a segment that cools the aerosol and a segment that filters certain components contained within the aerosol. Additionally, if necessary, the filter rod 42 may further include at least one segment that performs another function.

The diameter of the aerosol-generating article 40 may range from 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length may be, but is not limited to, about 48 mm. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 41 is about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 42 is about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 42 is about 14 mm, and the length of the filter rod 42 is about 14 mm. The length of the third segment may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

Aerosol-generating article 40 may be packaged by at least one wrapper 44 . At least one hole may be formed in the wrapper 44 through which external air flows in or internal gas flows out. As an example, aerosol-generating article 40 may be packaged by one wrapper 44 . As another example, the aerosol-generating article 40 may be overlappingly wrapped by two or more wrappers 44 . For example, the tobacco rod 41 may be packaged by the first wrapper 441 and the filter rod 42 may be packaged by the wrappers 442, 443, and 444. And, the entire aerosol-generating article 40 can be repackaged by a single wrapper 44. If the filter rod 42 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by wrappers 442, 443, and 444.

The first wrapper 441 and the second wrapper 442 may be made of general filter paper. For example, the first wrapper 441 and the second wrapper 442 may be porous wrappers or non-porous wrappers. Additionally, the first wrapper 441 and the second wrapper 442 may be made of oil-resistant paper and/or aluminum laminate packaging.

The third wrapper 443 may be made of hard paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 443 may be within the range of 88 g/m2 to 96 g/m2, and preferably within the range of 90 g/m2 to 94 g/m2. Additionally, the thickness of the third wrapper 443 may be within the range of 120um to 130um, and may preferably be 125um.

The fourth wrapper 444 may be made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 444 may be within the range of 88 g/m2 to 96 g/m2, and preferably within the range of 90 g/m2 to 94 g/m2. Additionally, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 444 may be within the range of 120um to 130um, and may preferably be 125um.

The fifth wrapper 445 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper specially manufactured to improve tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 445 may be within the range of 57 g/m2 to 63 g/m2, and preferably 60 g/m2. Additionally, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 445 may be within the range of 64um to 70um, and may preferably be 67um.

The fifth wrapper 445 may be internally added with a predetermined material. Here, an example of a certain material may be silicon, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicone has properties such as heat resistance with little change depending on temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any material having the above-described characteristics can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 445 without limitation.

The fifth wrapper 445 can prevent the aerosol-generating article 40 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 410 is heated by an atomizer, there is a possibility that the aerosol-generating article 40 combusts. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of the materials included in the tobacco rod 410, the aerosol-generating article 40 may combust. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper 445 includes a non-combustible material, combustion of the aerosol-generating article 40 can be prevented.

Additionally, the fifth wrapper 445 can prevent the holder from being contaminated by substances generated from the aerosol-generating article 40. Liquid substances may be generated within the aerosol-generating article 40 by the user's puff. For example, liquid substances (eg, moisture, etc.) may be generated as the aerosol generated in the aerosol generating article 40 is cooled by external air. As the fifth wrapper 445 wraps the aerosol-generating article 40, liquid substances generated within the aerosol-generating article 40 can be prevented from leaking out of the aerosol-generating article 40.

The tobacco load 41 contains aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. Additionally, the tobacco rod 41 may contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants and/or organic acids. Additionally, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizer can be added to the tobacco rod 41 by spraying it on the tobacco rod 41 .

The tobacco rod 41 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 41 may be manufactured as a sheet or as a strand. Additionally, the tobacco rod 41 may be made of cut tobacco with finely chopped tobacco sheets. Additionally, the tobacco rod 41 may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. As an example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 41 can improve the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod by evenly dispersing the heat transmitted to the tobacco rod 41, thereby improving the taste of the tobacco. . Additionally, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 41 can function as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heating type atomizer. At this time, although not shown in the drawing, the tobacco rod 41 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding the outside.

Filter rod 42 may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, the shape of the filter rod 42 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 42 may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod with a hollow interior. Additionally, the filter rod 42 may be a recess type rod. If the filter rod 42 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

The first segment of filter rod 42 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure including a hollow interior. When the atomizer is inserted by the first segment, the internal material of the tobacco rod 410 can be prevented from being pushed back, and the cooling effect of the aerosol can also be generated. The diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The length of the first segment may be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the plasticizer when manufacturing the first segment. Additionally, the first segment may be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube made of the same or different material into the interior (eg, hollow).

The second segment of the filter rod (42) cools the aerosol produced by the atomizer heating the tobacco rod (41). Therefore, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

The length or diameter of the second segment may vary depending on the shape of the aerosol-generating article 40. For example, the length of the second segment may be appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second segment may be fabricated by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, the flavoring liquid may be applied to fibers made of polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be manufactured by weaving separate fibers coated with a flavoring agent and fibers made of polymer together. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed by a crimped polymer sheet.

For example, the polymer may be selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil. It can be made from materials.

As the second segment is formed by woven polymer fibers or crimped polymer sheets, the second segment may include one or a plurality of longitudinally extending channels. Here, the channel refers to a passage through which a gas (eg, air or aerosol) passes.

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

Meanwhile, the second segment may include threads containing volatile flavor components. Here, the volatile flavor component may be, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide the second segment with more than 1.5 mg of menthol.

The third segment of filter rod 42 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately adopted within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

In the process of manufacturing the third segment, it may be manufactured to generate flavor by spraying a flavoring liquid on the third segment. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the third segment. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 41 is cooled as it passes through the second segment of the filter rod 42, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user through the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the sustainability of the flavor delivered to the user can be improved.

Additionally, the filter rod 42 may include at least one capsule 43. Here, the capsule 43 may perform a flavor generating function or an aerosol generating function. For example, the capsule 43 may have a structure in which a liquid containing fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 43 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the aerosol generating article 50 may further include a shear plug 53 . The front end plug 53 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 51 opposite the filter rod 52. The front end plug 53 can prevent the cigarette rod 51 from leaving the outside, and prevents the liquid aerosol from the cigarette rod 51 from flowing into the aerosol generator (10 in FIGS. 1 and 3) during smoking. It can be prevented.

The filter rod 52 may include a first segment 521 and a second segment 522. Here, the first segment 521 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 42 in FIG. 4, and the second segment 522 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 42 in FIG. 4. You can.

The diameter and overall length of the aerosol-generating article 50 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the aerosol-generating article 50 of FIG. 7 . For example, the length of the shear plug 53 is about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 51 is about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 521 is about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 522 is about 14 mm. However, it is not limited to this.

Aerosol-generating article 50 may be packaged by at least one wrapper 55 . At least one hole may be formed in the wrapper 55 through which external air flows in or internal gas flows out. For example, the shear plug 53 is packaged by the first wrapper 551, the tobacco rod 51 is packaged by the second wrapper 552, and the first segment (51) is packaged by the third wrapper 553. 521) may be packaged, and the second segment 522 may be packaged by the fourth wrapper 554. And, the entire aerosol-generating article 50 can be repackaged by the fifth wrapper 555.

Additionally, at least one perforation 56 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 555. For example, the perforation 56 may be formed in an area surrounding the tobacco rod 51, but is not limited thereto. The perforation 56 may serve to transfer heat generated by the atomizer 14 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to the inside of the tobacco rod 51.

Additionally, the second segment 522 may include at least one capsule 54. Here, the capsule 54 may perform a flavor generating function or an aerosol generating function. For example, the capsule 54 may have a structure in which a liquid containing fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 54 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

The first wrapper 551 may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil combined with a general filter wrapper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 551 may be within the range of 45um to 55um, and may preferably be 50.3um. Additionally, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 551 may be within the range of 6um to 7um, and may preferably be 6.3um. Additionally, the basis weight of the first wrapper 551 may be within the range of 50 g/m2 to 55 g/m2, and may preferably be 53 g/m2.

The second wrapper 552 and the third wrapper 553 may be made of general filter paper. For example, the second wrapper 552 and the third wrapper 553 may be porous wrappers or non-porous wrappers.

For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 552 may be 35000CU, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the thickness of the second wrapper 552 may be within the range of 70um to 80um, and may preferably be 78um. Additionally, the basis weight of the second wrapper 552 may be within the range of 20 g/m2 to 25 g/m2, and may preferably be 23.5 g/m2.

For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 553 may be 24000CU, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the thickness of the third wrapper 553 may be within the range of 60um to 70um, and may preferably be 68um. Additionally, the basis weight of the third wrapper 553 may be within the range of 20 g/m2 to 25 g/m2, and may preferably be 21 g/m2.

The fourth wrapper 554 may be made of PLA lamination. Here, PLA laminate refers to three layers of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 554 may be within the range of 100um to 120um, and may preferably be 110um. Additionally, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 554 may be within the range of 80 g/m2 to 100 g/m2, and may preferably be 88 g/m2.

The fifth wrapper 555 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper specially manufactured to improve tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 555 may be within the range of 57 g/m2 to 63 g/m2, and preferably 60 g/m2. Additionally, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 555 may be within the range of 64um to 70um, and may preferably be 67um.

The fifth wrapper 555 may be internally added with a predetermined material. Here, an example of a certain material may be silicon, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicone has properties such as heat resistance with little change depending on temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any material having the above-mentioned characteristics can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 555 without limitation.

The shear plug 53 may be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the shear plug 53 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (eg, triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filament constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and preferably within the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filament of the shear plug 53 may be 5.0. Additionally, the cross section of the filament constituting the shear plug 53 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug 53 may be within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, and preferably within the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the shear plug 53 may be 28000.

Additionally, if necessary, the shear plug 53 may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel may be manufactured in various ways.

The cigarette rod 51 may correspond to the cigarette rod 41 described above with reference to FIG. 7 . Therefore, detailed description of the tobacco rod 51 will be omitted below.

The first segment 521 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure including a hollow interior. The first segment 521 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (eg, triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the mono denier and total denier of the first segment 521 may be the same as the mono denier and total denier of the shear plug 53 .

The second segment 522 may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filament constituting the second segment 522 may be within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and preferably within the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of second segment 522 may be 9.0. Additionally, the cross-section of the filament of the second segment 522 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 522 may be within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, and may preferably be 25,000.

Figure 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 1 includes an aerosol generator 10, a sensor unit 22, a control unit 23, a battery 24, an output unit 25, a communication unit 26, a memory 27, and a user input unit 28. may include. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 9. That is, those skilled in the art can understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1, some of the configurations shown in FIG. 9 may be omitted or new configurations may be added. there is. In addition, some of the components such as the sensor unit 22, the control unit 23, the battery 24, the output unit 25, the communication unit 26, the memory 27, and the user input unit 28 may be included in the main body. , may be included in the aerosol generator 10.

The aerosol generator 10 includes an atomizer 14 that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-6.

The atomizer 14 may receive power from the battery 24 to heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in FIG. 9, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (eg, DC/DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 24 and supplies it to the atomizer 14. Additionally, when the aerosol generating device 1 generates an aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a DC/AC converter that converts the direct current power of the battery 24 into alternating current power.

The sensor unit 22 may detect the state of the aerosol generating device 1 or the state surrounding the aerosol generating device 1 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 23. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 23 performs functions such as controlling the operation of the aerosol generator 10, restricting smoking, determining whether the aerosol generating article (30 in FIG. 1) is coupled to the aerosol generator 10, displaying a notification, etc. Different configurations of the aerosol generating device 1 can be controlled to perform various functions.

The sensor unit 22 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, an insertion detection sensor, and a puff sensor in addition to the above-described first sensor 221, second sensor 222, and third sensor 223, but is not limited thereto. No. Descriptions of the functions of the first sensor 221, the second sensor 222, and the third sensor 223 are the same as those described in FIG. 3 and are therefore omitted.

The temperature sensor may sense the temperature to which other components, such as atomizer 14, aerosol-generating material, or aerosol-generating article, are heated. The aerosol generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the atomizer 14, etc., or the atomizer 14 itself may serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, a temperature sensor may be placed around the battery 24 to monitor the temperature of the battery 24.

The puff sensor can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor may detect the user's puff based on any one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change, and pressure change.

In addition to the sensors described above, the sensor unit 22 includes a temperature/humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and It may further include at least one RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively deduced by a person skilled in the art from its name, detailed descriptions may be omitted.

The control unit 23 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 23 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. Additionally, those skilled in the art can understand that the present embodiment may be implemented with other types of hardware.

The control unit 23 can control the temperature of the atomizer 14 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 24 to the atomizer 14. For example, the control unit 23 can control power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 24 and the atomizer 14. In another example, the heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the atomizer 14 according to the control command of the control unit 23.

The control unit 23 can analyze the results detected by the sensor unit 22 and control subsequent processes. For example, the control unit 23 may control the power supplied to the atomizer 14 to start or end the operation of the atomizer 14 based on the result detected by the sensor unit 22. For another example, based on the results detected by the sensor unit 22, the control unit 23 heats the atomizer 14 to a predetermined temperature or supplies the atomizer 14 to maintain an appropriate temperature. You can control the amount of power and the time it is supplied.

The control unit 23 may control the output unit 25 based on the results detected by the sensor unit 22. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 926 reaches a preset number, the control unit 23 operates at least one of the display unit 251, the haptic unit 252, and the sound output unit 253. Through this, it is possible to notify the user that the aerosol generating device 1 will soon be shut down.

In one embodiment, the control unit 23 may control the power supply time and/or power supply amount to the heater 950 according to the state of the aerosol-generating article detected by the sensor unit 22. For example, when the aerosol-generating article 15 is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 23 controls the power supply time to the induction coil to increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol-generating article 15 is in a normal state. You can.

One embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing instructions executable by a computer, such as program modules executed by a computer. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. Additionally, computer-readable media may include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Communication media typically includes computer readable instructions, data structures, other data such as program modules, modulated data signals, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information delivery medium.

The battery 24 can supply the power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1. Battery 24 may supply power so that atomizer 14 can be heated. In addition, the battery 24 may be connected to other components provided in the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., aerosol generator 10, sensor unit 22, control unit 23, output unit 25, communication unit 26, Power required for the operation of the memory 27 and the user input unit 28 can be supplied.

Battery 24 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 24 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The output unit 25 can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1 and provide it to the user. The output unit 25 may include at least one of a display unit 251, a haptic unit 252, and an audio output unit 253, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 251 and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 251 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit 251 can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 to the user. For example, the information on the aerosol generating device 1 may include the charging/discharging state of the battery 24 of the aerosol generating device 1, the preheating state of the atomizer 14, the insertion/removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the aerosol It may refer to various information such as a state in which the use of the generating device 1 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display unit 251 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 251 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD) or an organic light emitting display panel (OLED). Additionally, the display unit 251 may be in the form of an LED light-emitting device.

The haptic unit 252 can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimulation or electrical stimulation to provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device 1 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 252 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The sound output unit 253 can provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 audibly to the user. For example, the audio output unit 253 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

The sensor unit 22, control unit 23, output unit 25, communication unit 26, memory 27, and user input unit 28 can perform their functions by receiving power from the battery 24. Although not shown in FIG. 9, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a power conversion circuit, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 24 and supplies it to each component. More may be included.

In one embodiment, atomizer 14 may comprise any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. It may be a metal or metal alloy containing, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the atomizer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate with electrically conductive tracks, and a ceramic heating element.

In another embodiment, the atomizer 14 may be an induction type heater. For example, the atomizer 14 may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol-generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by the coil.

In one embodiment, atomizer 14 may include multiple heaters. For example, the atomizer 14 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol-generating article and a second heater for heating the liquid substance.

The communication unit 26 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 26 may include a short-range communication unit 261 and a wireless communication unit 262.

The short-range wireless communication unit 261 includes a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, and an infrared (IrDA) communication unit. , infrared Data Association) communication unit, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, Ant+ communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto.

The wireless communication unit 262 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, and a computer network (eg, LAN or WAN) communication unit. The wireless communication unit 262 may use subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 1 within the communication network.

The memory 27 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1, and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit 23. The memory 27 is a flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM. (RAM, random access memory) SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk , and may include at least one type of storage medium among optical disks. The memory 27 may store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on the user's smoking pattern.

The user input unit 28 may receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 28 includes a key pad, a dome switch, and a touch pad (contact capacitive type, pressure resistive type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, and integral type). Tension measurement method, piezo effect method, etc.), jog wheel, jog switch, etc., but are not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 9, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and is connected to other external devices through a connection interface such as a USB interface. This allows information to be transmitted and received or the battery 24 to be charged.

The description of the above-described embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the equivalent scope of what is stated in the claims should be interpreted as being included in the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Those skilled in the art related to this embodiment will understand that the above-described substrate can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered from an explanatory rather than a restrictive perspective. The scope of the present invention is indicated in the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the equivalent scope should be construed as being included in the present invention.

1: Aerosol generating device 10: Aerosol generator
11: storage tank 12: receiving portion
13: airflow passage 14: atomizer
20: main body 21: coupling part
22: sensor unit 23: control unit
24: battery 25: output unit
30: Aerosol generating article

Claims (15)

An aerosol generator comprising a storage tank for storing an aerosol-generating material and a receiving portion through which an aerosol-generating article through which an airflow containing an aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material passes is separably coupled, and generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material; and
An aerosol generating device comprising: a main body with one surface exposed toward the accommodating portion, including a sensor portion that generates a signal regarding a physical quantity of the accommodating portion, and to which the aerosol generator is detachably coupled. According to paragraph 1,
At least a portion of the sensor unit is disposed at a position corresponding to an upstream stream of air passing through the aerosol-generating article. According to paragraph 1,
The aerosol generating device wherein the receiving portion is disposed between the storage tank and the sensor portion. According to paragraph 1,
The main body further includes a control unit that receives a signal from the sensor unit,
The sensor unit includes: a first sensor disposed to correspond to a first area of the aerosol-generating article; and
a second sensor disposed to correspond to the second region of the aerosol-generating article;
The control unit controls the operation of the aerosol generator based on the signal of the first sensor and the signal of the second sensor. According to clause 4,
The main body further includes an output unit that outputs information to the outside,
The control unit controls the output unit to output information based on the signal of the first sensor and the signal of the second sensor. According to clause 4,
The control unit controls the operation of the aerosol generator based on information about humidity obtained by comparing the signal of the first sensor and the signal of the second sensor. According to clause 4,
The sensor unit further includes a third sensor that generates a signal regarding an operation in which the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the receiving unit,
The control unit operates the aerosol generator based on the signal from the first sensor and the signal from the second sensor when it is detected that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the receiving portion based on the signal from the third sensor. An aerosol generating device that controls . According to paragraph 1,
The main body further includes a control unit that receives a signal from the sensor unit,
The sensor unit includes a capacitance sensor that detects a change in capacitance. According to clause 8,
The control unit controls the operation of the aerosol generator based on the change in capacitance of the receiving portion received from the capacitance sensor. According to clause 8,
The control unit is an aerosol generating device that detects the humidity of the aerosol generating article based on a signal received from the capacitance sensor. According to paragraph 1,
An aerosol generating device, wherein at least a portion of the sensor unit has a shape corresponding to an outer surface of the receiving unit. According to paragraph 1,
Part of the sensor unit is spaced apart from the outer surface of the receiving unit by a first distance, and another part of the sensor unit is spaced apart from the outer surface of the receiving unit by a second distance. According to paragraph 1,
An aerosol generating device, wherein at least a portion of one surface of the sensor portion exposed toward the aerosol generator is plated. According to paragraph 1,
The sensor unit is an aerosol generating device inserted into one surface of the main body. According to paragraph 1,
The sensor unit is an aerosol generating device attached to one surface of the main body.

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