Aerosol generating device and aerosol generating article

An aerosol generating article includes an aerosol generator including a first aerosol generating material which does not include nicotine; a tobacco filler arranged adjacent to an end of the aerosol generator and including a second aerosol generating material including nicotine; a cooler arranged adjacent to an end of the tobacco filler and configured to cool aerosol; and a mouth piece arranged adjacent to an end of the cooler.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT/KR2020/007572 filed Jun. 11, 2020, claiming priorities based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0071784 filed Jun. 17, 2019 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0042973 filed Apr. 8, 2020.

DESCRIPTION

Technical Field

One or more embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article.

Background Art

Recently, the demand for alternatives for traditional cigarettes has increased. For example, there is growing demand for an aerosol generating device which produces vapor by heating an aerosol generating material in cigarettes, rather than by combusting cigarettes. Accordingly, studies on a heating-type cigarette and a heating-type aerosol generating device have been actively conducted.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Solution to Problem

One or more embodiments include an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating article.

According to one or more embodiments, an aerosol generating article includes: an aerosol generator including a first aerosol generating material which does not include nicotine; a tobacco filler arranged adjacent to an end of the aerosol generator and including a second aerosol generating material including nicotine; a cooler arranged adjacent to an end of the tobacco filler and configured to cool an aerosol; and a mouthpiece arranged adjacent to an end of the cooler.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

An aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article according to one or more embodiments provide a user with satisfactory smoking experience.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

According to one or more embodiments, an aerosol generating article includes: an aerosol generator including a first aerosol generating material which does not include nicotine; a tobacco filler arranged adjacent to an end of the aerosol generator and including a second aerosol generating material including nicotine; a cooler arranged adjacent to an end of the tobacco filler and configured to cool aerosol; and a mouthpiece arranged adjacent to an end of the cooler.

According to one or more embodiments, an aerosol generating device includes: a heater heating an aerosol generating article; a first sensor detecting whether or not the aerosol generating article is inserted; and a controller controlling operation of the heater based on a sensing result from the first sensor.

According to one or more embodiments, an aerosol generating system includes: an aerosol generating device including a space into which an aerosol generating article is inserted, and heating the inserted aerosol generating article; and an external device controlling at least one function of the aerosol generating device by an application installed in the external device a wireless communication network.

Mode for the Invention

With respect to the terms in the various embodiments, the general terms which are currently and widely used are selected in consideration of functions of structural elements in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, meanings of the terms may be changed according to intention of one of ordinary skill in the art, a judicial precedence, the appearance of a new technology, and the like. In addition, in certain cases, a term which is not commonly used may be selected. In such a case, the meaning of the term will be described in detail at the corresponding portion in the description of the present disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the descriptions provided herein.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “over,” “above,” “on,” “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly over, above, on, connected or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly over,” “directly above,” “directly on,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numerals refer to like elements throughout.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown such that one of ordinary skill in the art may easily work the present disclosure. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements and/or components, these elements and/or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from other elements or components.

One or more embodiments include an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette) that may be coupled to the aerosol generating device. According to one or more embodiments, an aerosol generating article includes at least one of an aerosol generator, a tobacco filler, a cooler, and a filter unit (e.g., a mouthpiece or a mouthpiece unit). For example, the filter unit may be an acetate filter, and the cooler and the filter unit may include capsules and flavorings.

For example, an aerosol generator may include nicotine.

Materials, orders, and lengths of the aerosol generator and a tobacco filler are not limited to particular examples, and materials and lengths of a cooler and a filter unit are also not limited to particular examples.

An aerosol generating device may generate aerosol with nicotine by heating the aerosol generator and the tobacco filler, and the aerosol is discharged through the cooler and the filter unit to the outside.

For example, the aerosol generating device may generate aerosol by heating at least one of the aerosol generator and the tobacco filler of the aerosol generating article. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device may heat selectively or collectively the inside or the outside of the aerosol generating article.

A sheet formed of a heat conducting material may be arranged outside the aerosol generator and the tobacco filler of the aerosol generating article, and cigarette paper which fixes segments of the aerosol generating article may be arranged on an outer side of the sheet. Here, the aerosol generating device may generate aerosol by uniformly heating the outside of the sheet formed of the heat conducting material.

The aerosol generating device may automatically identify different aerosol generating articles and automatically select a best temperature profile for each of the aerosol generating articles according to the identification result.

Also, the aerosol generating device may recognize an external environment and may include a sensor installed therein for recognizing the external environment or may receive, through communication with an external device, weather information about an area where a user is located. The aerosol generating device may recognize the external environment and automatically select the best temperature profile according to the external environment, thereby providing a user with the abundant amount of smoke and best tastes.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown such that one of ordinary skill in the art may easily work the present disclosure. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

Also, even if omitted below, the above description may be applied to both an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article according to one or more embodiments.

FIGS.1A through1Care views illustrating examples of an aerosol generating article.

Referring toFIGS.1A through1C, an aerosol generating article100includes an aerosol generator110, a tobacco filler120, a cooler130, and a mouthpiece140. For example, the mouthpiece140may be a filter formed of cellulose acetate, and the cooler130and the mouthpiece140may include capsules and flavorings. Materials, orders, and lengths of the aerosol generator110and the tobacco filler120are not limited to particular examples, and materials and lengths of the cooler130and the mouthpiece140are also not limited to particular examples. Also, depending on a heating method of the aerosol generating article100, the aerosol generating article100may or may not include a heat conductor.

An outside of the aerosol generating article100may be surrounded by a packaging material (i.e., wrapper). Also, as shown inFIG.1, a heat conductor may be partially or entirely arranged between the packaging material and the aerosol generator110and the tobacco filler120.

The aerosol generator110may not include nicotine. Also, the aerosol generator110may include an aerosol generating material from which nicotine is removed. For example, the aerosol generator110may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol but is not limited thereto. For example, the aerosol generator110may include a material in which glycerin and propylene glycol are mixed at a ratio of about 8:2. However, the material is not limited to the mixture ratio described above. Also, the aerosol generator110may include other additives such as flavors, a wetting agent, and/or organic acid. In addition, the aerosol generator110may include a flavored liquid such as menthol or a moisturizer.

The aerosol generator110may include a crimped sheet, and the aerosol generator110may include an aerosol generating material which is impregnated into the crimped sheet. Also, the aerosol generator110may include the other additives, such as the flavors, the wetting agent, and/or the organic acid, and the flavored liquid which are absorbed into the crimped sheet.

The crimped sheet may be a sheet formed of a polymer material. For example, the polymer material may include at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, and polylactic acid. For example, the crimped sheet may be a paper sheet that does not generate a heat odor even when heated at a high temperature but is not limited thereto.

A length of the aerosol generator110may be within a range of about 4 mm to about 12 mm but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the aerosol generator110may be about 10 mm but is not limited thereto.

The tobacco filler120may include nicotine. Also, the tobacco filler120may include an aerosol generating material such as glycerin and propylene glycol. In addition, the tobacco filler120may include other additives such as flavors, a wetting agent, and/or organic acid. Moreover, the tobacco filler120may include a flavored liquid, such as menthol or a moisturizer, which is injected to the tobacco filler120.

As an example, the aerosol generating material may include pipe tobacco or a reconstituted tobacco material. In detail, the aerosol generating material may include nicotine which may be acquired by shaping or reconstituting tobacco leaves. As another example, the aerosol generating material may include free base nicotine, nicotine salt, or a combination thereof. In detail, the nicotine may be naturally generated nicotine or synthesized nicotine.

For example, the tobacco filler120may include a mixture of different types of tobacco leaves. Also, the mixture may be processed through various types of processing processes but is not limited thereto.

Nicotine salt may be formed by adding appropriate acid, including organic or inorganic acid, to nicotine. Acid for forming the nicotine salt may be appropriately selected in consideration of a blood nicotine absorption rate, a heating temperature of a heater, flavors or tastes, solubility, and the like. For example, the acid for forming the nicotine salt may be a single acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulic 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, saccharinic acid, malonic acid, and malic acid or may be a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group, but is not limited thereto.

The tobacco filler120may be manufactured in various forms. For example, the tobacco filler120may be formed as a sheet or a strand. Also, the tobacco filler120may be formed as pipe tobacco which is formed of tiny bits cut from a tobacco sheet.

A length of the tobacco filler120may be within a range of about 6 mm to about 18 mm but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco filler120may be about 12 mm but is not limited thereto.

The cooler130may decrease the temperature of the aerosol so that a user may puff aerosol at an appropriate temperature.

For example, the cooler130may be formed of cellulose acetate and may be a tube-type structure having a hollow inside. For example, the cooler130may be formed by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to a cellulose acetate tow. For example, mono denier of the cooler130may be 5.0, and total denier of the cooler130may be 28,000 but is not limited thereto.

For example, the cooler130may be formed of paper and may be a tube-type structure having a hollow inside. Also, the cooler130may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced.

The cooler130may be formed of laminated paper formed of multiple sheets of paper. For example, the cooler130may be formed of laminated paper formed of outer paper, intermediate paper, and inner paper, but is not limited thereto. An inner surface of the inner paper constituting the laminated paper may be coated with a preset material (e.g., polylactic acid).

When the cooler130is formed of paper, a total thickness of the cooler130may be in the range of about 330 μm to about 340 μm. Alternatively, the total thickness of the cooler130may be about 333 μm but is not limited thereto.

Also, when the cooler130is formed of paper, a total basis weight of the cooler130may be in the range of about 230 g/m2to about 250 g/m2. Alternatively, the total basis weight of the cooler130may be about 240 g/m2but is not limited thereto.

A diameter of the hollow included in the cooler130may be an appropriate diameter within a range of about 4 mm to about 8 mm, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the diameter of the hollow of the cooler130may be an appropriate diameter within a range of about 7.0 mm to about 7.5 mm but is not limited thereto. A length of the cooler130may be an appropriate length within a range of about 4 mm to about 30 mm but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the length of the cooler130may be about 12 mm but is not limited thereto.

The cooler130is not limited to the example described above and any coolers capable of cooling aerosol may be used.

The mouthpiece140may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to a cellulose acetate tow. A length of the mouthpiece140may be an appropriate length within a range of about 4 mm to about 30 mm but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the mouthpiece140may be about 14 mm but is not limited thereto.

The mouthpiece140may also be manufactured to generate flavors. As an example, a flavored liquid may be injected onto the mouthpiece140or an additional fiber coated with a flavored liquid may be inserted into the mouthpiece140.

Also, the mouthpiece140may include at least one capsule. As an example, the capsule may include a flavored liquid, and flavors may be generated by the flavored liquid leaking when the capsule is crushed. As another example, the capsule may include an aerosol generating material, and aerosol may be generated by the aerosol generating material leaking when the capsule is crushed. The capsule may have a configuration in which a flavored liquid or an aerosol generating material is wrapped with a film. The capsule may have a spherical or cylindrical shape but is not limited thereto.

Referring toFIG.1B, the tobacco filler120may include cooling holes150. For example, first cooling of aerosol may be performed by perforating the tobacco filler120, and secondary cooling of the aerosol may be performed as the first-cooled aerosol passes through the cooler130, Therefore, a cooling effect of the aerosol may be significantly increased. The cooler130may not include the cooling holes150according to a material thereof.

Referring toFIG.1C, the aerosol generator110may be arranged downstream from the tobacco filler120. In other words, the aerosol generating article100ofFIG.1Aand the aerosol generating article100ofFIG.1Chave a different order in which the aerosol generator110and the tobacco filler120are arranged.

FIGS.2A through2Gare views illustrating other examples of an aerosol generating article.

The aerosol generators210,211,212, and213ofFIGS.2A through2Emay be a combination of the aerosol generator110and the tobacco filler120ofFIGS.1A through1C. The aerosol generator240ofFIGS.2F and2Gis the same as the aerosol generator110ofFIGS.1A through1C.

The outside of an aerosol generating article200ofFIGS.2A through2Gmay be surrounded by a packaging material (i.e., wrapper). According to embodiments, the aerosol generating article200may further include a heat conductor.

The nicotine-including portion250may include nicotine acquired by shaping or reconstituting tobacco leaves. Alternatively, the nicotine-including portion250may include one of free base nicotine, nicotine salt, and a combination thereof. For example, the nicotine-including portion250may include a crimped sheet, and the nicotine-including portion250may include nicotine which is impregnated into the crimped sheet. Also, the nicotine-including portion250may include other additives, such as flavorings, a wetting agent, and/or organic acid, and a flavored liquid which are absorbed into the crimped sheet.

The crimped sheet may be a sheet formed of a polymer material. For example, the polymer material may include at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, and polylactic acid. For example, the crimped sheet may be a paper sheet that does not generate a heat odor even when heated at a high temperature but is not limited thereto.

A cooler220and a mouthpiece230illustrated inFIGS.2A through2Gare the same as described above with reference toFIGS.1A through1C. Also, depending on a heating method of the aerosol generating article200, the aerosol generating article200may or may not include a heat conductor.

A length extending portion214may be formed of cellulose acetate. For example, the length extending portion214may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to a cellulose acetate tow.

FIGS.3A through3Dare views illustrating examples of a cooler of an aerosol generating article.

Referring toFIGS.3A through3C, the coolers310,320, and330may have a configuration in which segments312,322, and332formed of polylactic acid are coupled to other segments311,321, and331, respectively. Here, the segments311,321, and331may be formed of cellulose acetate and/or paper. Also, the other segments311,321, and331may include hollows but are not limited thereto.

Referring toFIG.3D, the cooler340may be formed of paper and may be a tube-type structure having a hollow inside. For example, an inner surface or an outer surface of the cooler340may be coated with a preset material (e.g., polylactic acid).

Also, although not illustrated inFIGS.1A through3D, the aerosol generating articles100and200may further include a plug disposed at a front end thereof. For example, the plug may be formed of cellulose acetate but are not limited thereto.

FIGS.4A through4Nare views illustrating examples of a heating unit (i.e., heater) of an aerosol generating device.

Referring toFIGS.4A through4N, a heating temperature of inside and/or outside of an aerosol generating article may be selectively (or collectively) adjusted by internal heating heaters410,411, and412and external heating heaters420,421, and422.

Referring toFIGS.4I and4J, a first temperature achieved by a first internal heating heater411may be the same as or different from a second temperature achieved by a second internal heating heater412. According to a type of a medium included in an aerosol generating article, a first temperature and a second temperature may be different from each other.

FIGS.4K through4Millustrate examples in which the internal heating heater410and the external heating heater420are separated such that each portion of the aerosol generating article may be heated to a different temperature.

FIG.4Nillustrates an example in which an aerosol generating device includes a plurality of heating units411,412,421, and422.FIG.4Nillustrates two internal heating heaters411and412and two external heating heaters421and422, but the number of heaters is not limited to the example illustrated inFIG.4N. Also,FIG.4Nillustrates that the internal heating heaters411and412and the external heating heaters421and422are entirely heated but are not limited thereto. In other words, the internal heating heaters410,411, and412or the external heating heaters420,421, and422illustrated inFIGS.4A through4Nmay be heated entirely or partially.

FIGS.5A through5Care views illustrating examples of a coupling relationship between an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article.

Referring toFIG.5A, at least a portion of an aerosol generating article510may be surrounded by a packaging material530(hereinafter referred to as a heat conductive wrapper) including a heat conductive material. Here, the heat conductive wrapper530may be a heat conductor as illustrated inFIGS.1A through2G. The external heating heater520may be arranged near at least a portion of the heat conductive wrapper530. Here, the heat conductive material may be a paramagnetic material (e.g., aluminum, platinum, ruthenium, or the like) that does not function as a susceptor.

As an example, the external heating heater520may be an induction heater. When the external heating heater520is the induction heater, the heat conductive wrapper530of the aerosol generating article510may conduct heat generated by the susceptor. This is to maintain a section511of the aerosol generating article510, which is directly heated by the external heating heater520, in a high temperature state and conduct heat to a section512through the heat conductive wrapper530.

As another example, the external heating heater520may be an electro-resistive heater. When the external heating heater520is the electro-resistive heater, a length of the section511directly heated by the external heating heater520may be smaller than a total length of the heat conductive wrapper530. As such, while the section511of the aerosol generating article510may maintain a high temperature, the section512may maintain a relatively low temperature.

Referring toFIG.5B, a heat conductive wrapper550may surround at least a portion of the aerosol generating article510. Here, the heat conductive wrapper550may be a heat conductor as illustrated inFIGS.1A through2G. A heater540may be arranged outside or inside the portion of the aerosol generating article510surrounded by the heat conductive wrapper550. For example, the heat conductive wrapper550may include a paramagnetic material (e.g., aluminum, platinum, ruthenium, or the like) that does not function as a susceptor.

For example, power densities or heat capacities of area A and area B of the heater540may be different from each other. As an example, the heat capacities of the area A and the area B of the heater540may be made different by a difference in a pattern, a shape, a density, or the like of a heating electrode (e.g., an electrically conductive track). As another example, when the heater540is an induction heater, the heat capacities of the area A and the area B of the heater540may be made different by a difference in patterns, shapes, densities, or the like of coils or susceptors of the area A and the area B.

Referring toFIG.5C, a heat conductive wrapper570may surround at least a portion of the aerosol generating article510. Here, the heat conductive wrapper570may be a heat conductor as illustrated inFIGS.1A through2G. A plurality of heaters561and562may be arranged outside or inside the portion of the aerosol generating article510surrounded by the heat conductive wrapper570. For example, the heat conductive wrapper570may include a paramagnetic material (e.g., aluminum, platinum, ruthenium, or the like) that does not function as a susceptor.

As an example, the plurality of heaters561and562may be induction heaters and may be formed of a single coil or a plurality of coils. As another example, the plurality of heaters561and562may be electro-resistive heaters.

FIG.6is a view illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device.

Referring toFIG.6, an aerosol generating device610includes an identification sensor611and a controller612. The aerosol generating device610illustrated inFIG.6shows elements related to the present embodiment. Therefore, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment that the aerosol generating device610may further include other elements in addition to the elements illustrated inFIG.6.

The controller612may automatically identify an aerosol generating article620inserted into the aerosol generating device610. Also, the controller612may automatically activate the aerosol generating device610and/or select a best temperature profile for operating a heater, according to the identification result.

As an example, the identification sensor611may be a sensor that generates a magnetic field signal of a constant frequency and reads a frequency signal of a magnetic field that is reflected back from the aerosol generating article620. As another example, the identification sensor611may be a sensor that distinguishes an external color of the aerosol generating article620or a shape such as a band formed on the aerosol generating article620. As another example, the identification sensor611may also be configured to detect reflection, refractive index, or transmittance of light. As another example, the identification sensor611may be an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like.

The controller612may control overall operations of the aerosol generating device610. In detail, the controller612controls operations of other elements included in the aerosol generating device610, as well as operations of the identification sensor611and a heater. Also, the controller612may determine whether or not the aerosol generating device610is in an operable state by checking states of respective elements of the aerosol generating device610.

The controller612may be at least one processor. Here, the processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. Also, one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present embodiment pertains will understand that the processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

FIGS.7A through7Care views illustrating examples in which an element for identification is included in an aerosol generating article.

Referring toFIGS.7A through7C, in each segment of an aerosol generating article, an element for identification may include the same material or different materials. For example, referring toFIG.7C, an element for identification in each segment of the aerosol generating article may have the same material or the same color but may have a different thickness, area, shape, and the like. Alternatively, referring toFIG.7A or7B, an element for identification in each segment of the aerosol generating article may have a different material or color. The arrangement order of the elements for identification is not limited to a particular example.

FIG.8is a view illustrating another example of an aerosol generating device.

Referring toFIG.8, an aerosol generating device800includes a heater810, a temperature and humidity sensor820, and a controller830. The aerosol generating device800illustrated inFIG.8shows elements related to the present embodiment. Therefore, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment that the aerosol generating device800may further include other elements in addition to the elements illustrated inFIG.8.

The heater810illustrated inFIG.8may be at least one of the internal heating heaters410,411, and412and the external heating heaters420,421, and422illustrated inFIGS.4A through4N.

Referring toFIG.8, the aerosol generating device800may recognize an external environment and select a best temperature profile according to the recognized external environment to operate the heater810. Therefore, the aerosol generating device800may provide a user with vapor that best suits the user's taste.

To adjust quality (e.g., tastes or amount of vapor) of aerosol, the aerosol generating device800may operate according to a preset temperature heating condition (i.e., a temperature profile). In general, a temperature profile is uniformly applied in one uniform pattern to prevent a sensory difference in an aerosol from being generated due to variations between aerosol generating devices800, variations between aerosol generating articles850, or the like.

Referring toFIG.8, the temperature and humidity sensor820may be arranged inside the aerosol generating device800to acquire temperature information or humidity information of a current location where the aerosol generating device800is located. Therefore, the aerosol generating device800may apply various temperature profiles for heating the aerosol generating article850. For example, temperature profile A may be optimized for a hot and humid area, temperature profile B may be optimized for a cold and dry area, and temperature profile C may be optimized for an area that exhibits plain temperature and humidity. In this case, the aerosol generating device800may recognize an external environment of the aerosol generating device800through the temperature and humidity sensor820and select the most appropriate temperature profile from the temperature profiles A, B, and C on the basis of the recognition result.

For example, the aerosol generating device800may select a temperature profile by using a sensing value of the temperature and humidity sensor820or may select a temperature profile by using weather information received from an external device860.

Also, the aerosol generating device800may switch to another temperature profile in consideration of atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, and the like of a current location. For example, the aerosol generating device800may check location information of a user and accurately recognize weather information of the user's location based on the location information. Therefore, the aerosol generating device800may switch to another temperature profile based on the recognized weather information.

For example, the aerosol generating device800may select one temperature profile from among a plurality of temperature profiles according to temperature and/or humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor820.

Table 1 is a table for explaining a process in which the controller830determines a temperature profile for the heater810. Referring to Table 1, a memory of the aerosol generating device800may store criteria for distinguishing high temperature, room temperature, and low temperature and a criterion for distinguishing high humidity, normal humidity, and low humidity. For example, the controller830may further subdivide temperature and humidity, and in that embodiment, the number of temperature profiles generated by combinations of temperature and humidity may be more than nine. The controller830may check a sensing result from the temperature and humidity sensor820, and determine which criterion is the closest to external temperature and/or humidity of the aerosol generating device800. Therefore, the controller830may select an appropriate temperature profile from among a plurality of pre-stored temperature profiles. For convenience of description, Table 1 shows that the pre-stored temperature profiles are mapped to combinations of temperature and humidity, but are not limited thereto. In other words, pre-stored temperature profiles may be mapped only to an external temperature or may be mapped only to external humidity.

The controller830may finely adjust a preset temperature profile on the basis of temperature and/or humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor820.

Table 2 is a table showing an example of a plurality of fine adjustment units that are output from the aerosol generating device800. In detail, Table 2 shows nine fine adjustment unit groups. For example, the controller830may select one from among pre-stored temperature profiles as shown in Table 1, according to an external temperature detected by the temperature and humidity sensor820. Also, the controller830may finely adjust the selected temperature profile according to Table 2, based on external humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor820. In addition, the user may adjust or select a temperature profile through the aerosol generating device800.

Also, the aerosol generating device800may record smoking history for each location, temperature profile information selected at a corresponding location, and the like, thereby constituting a preset data collection (i.e., big data). Therefore, the aerosol generating device800may acquire the best temperature profile information applied to the aerosol generating article850in various situations and learn on the basis of the acquired information. As a result, when the user moves to a new area or latest weather information in the user's area cannot be acquired, the best temperature profile may be selected or a temperature profile may be adjusted, based on data stored in the aerosol generating device800and a sensing result from the temperature and humidity sensor820of the aerosol generating device800.

Also, the aerosol generating device800may include a plurality of temperature sensors and check whether or not the aerosol generating device800is overheated according to a temperature detected by the temperature sensors.

FIG.9is a view illustrating another example of an aerosol generating device.

Referring toFIG.9, an aerosol generating device900may further include a heater910, a battery920, a Protection Circuit Module (PCM)925, a first thermistor930, a second thermistor940, a temperature sensor960, and a temperature and humidity sensor970. The aerosol generating device900illustrated inFIG.9only shows certain elements related to the present embodiment. Therefore, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment that the aerosol generating device900may further include other elements in addition to the elements illustrated inFIG.9.

As illustrated herein, it is assumed that the heater910is arranged above the battery920, and a long portion of a PCB (Printed Circuit Board)950is arranged to face a front of the battery920. However, the location relationship between the elements may be different according to embodiments.

The heater910illustrated inFIG.9may be at least one of the internal heating heaters410,411, and412and the external heating heaters420,421, and422illustrated inFIGS.4A through4N. Also, the PCB950illustrated inFIG.9may correspond to the controller830illustrated inFIG.8.

The battery920may supply power to the heater910and may be arranged such that a top surface thereof faces a lower side of the heater910. Although not shown inFIG.9, the battery920and the heater910may be electrically connected to each other. The battery920may be connected to the heater910through the PCB950or may be directly connected to the heater910.

The PCM925may be arranged adjacent to the top surface of the battery920. The PCM925is a circuit for protecting the battery925and may prevent overcharging or overdischarging of the battery920. Also, the PCM925may prevent overcurrent from flowing into the battery920and cut off connections when a circuit connected to the battery920is short-circuited.

The first thermistor930is a resistor of which resistance is sensitively changed due to a temperature change and may be used to sense a temperature. The first thermistor930may be electrically connected to the PCM925arranged on the top surface of the battery920, and information measured by the first thermistor930may be transmitted to the PCB950through the PCM925.

The first thermistor930may be arranged adjacent to a front or rear surface of the battery920. For example, as illustrated inFIG.9, the first thermistor930may be arranged adjacent to the rear surface of the battery920. The first thermistor930may be arranged adjacent to the center of the front or rear surface of the battery920. The center of the front or rear surface of the battery920corresponds to a portion having the highest temperature in the battery920, and thus corresponds to a portion most affecting damage or explosion of the battery920. The aerosol generating device900may measure a temperature of the portion most affecting the damage or explosion of the battery920by using the first thermistor930, and whether or not the aerosol generating device900is overheated may be determined on the basis of the measured temperature.

The second thermistor940may be arranged between the heater910and the battery920. A space between the heater910and the battery920corresponds to a portion having the highest temperature in the aerosol generating device900, and thus corresponds to an appropriate portion for determining an overall overheating state of the aerosol generating device900. At least a portion of the PCB950may extend across the space between the heater910and the battery920, and the second thermistor940may be arranged adjacent to the at least portion of the PCB950extending across the space between the heater910and the battery920.

The PCB950may determine whether or not the aerosol generating device900is overheated, on the basis of temperatures measured by the first thermistor930and the second thermistor940. When the aerosol generating device900is determined as being overheated, the PCB950stand by until overheating is released, and then automatically perform a heating operation using the heater910.

The temperature sensor960may be arranged adjacent to the heater910to directly or indirectly measure a temperature of the heater910. The heater910is a portion most affecting a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device900, and characteristics of the aerosol generated from the cigarette may be changed according to the temperature of the heater910. The aerosol generating device900according to the present embodiment may determine whether or not the aerosol generating device900is overheated, on the basis of the temperature of the heater910measured by the temperature sensor960. Therefore, if hardware components inside the aerosol generating device900is not expected to be damaged by additional heating operation but the additional heating operation is expected to adversely affect the characteristics of the aerosol generated from the cigarette, the aerosol generating device900may be determined as being overheated.

The temperature and humidity sensor970may be arranged in the vicinity of a bottom surface of the battery920to measure temperature or humidity. The vicinity of the bottom surface of the battery920is a portion that is least affected by the heater910, and thus may have a similar temperature to an external housing constituting an exterior of the aerosol generating device900. The aerosol generating device900according to an embodiment may determine whether or not the aerosol generating device900is overheated, on the basis of a temperature of the vicinity of the bottom surface of the battery920measured by the temperature and humidity sensor970. Therefore, the aerosol generating device900may determine, as an overheating state, a state in which external temperature is excessively high.

The PCB950may determine whether or not the aerosol generating device900is overheated, on the basis of temperatures measured by at least two of the first thermistor930, the second thermistor940, the temperature sensor960, and the temperature and humidity sensor970. As described above, the aerosol generating device900according to an embodiment may determine an overheating state thereof by comprehensively considering possibility of damage to hardware components inside the aerosol generating device900, the characteristics of the aerosol generated from the cigarette, possibility of occurrence of safety issues due to the external temperature, and the like. Therefore, the aerosol generating device900may be maintained in the best state.

The aerosol generating device900may be connected to an external device through a wireless communication method and may be controlled through an application installed in the external device.

FIG.10is a block diagram illustrating an example in which an aerosol generating device is connected to an external device.

An aerosol generating device1010ofFIG.10may be the aerosol generating device810,820, or900described above with reference toFIGS.8through9.

An external device1020may be a smartphone, a tablet PC, a PC, a smart TV, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop, a media player, a micro server, a global positioning system (GPS) device, an e-book terminal, a digital broadcasting terminal, a navigation system, kiosk, an MP3 player, a digital camera, home appliances, and other mobile or non-mobile computing devices but is not limited thereto. Also, the external device1020may be a wearable device such as a watch, glasses, a hairband, and a ring having a communication function and a data processing function. However, the external device1020is not limited thereto and may include all types of devices capable of communicating with the aerosol generating device1010.

The aerosol generating device1010and the external device1020may be communicatively connected.

As an example, the aerosol generating device1010and the external device1020may be communicatively connected through a network. In this case, the network may include local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), value added network (VAN), a mobile radio communication network, a satellite communication network, and a combination thereof. Also, the network may refer to a comprehensive data communication network that allows the aerosol generating device1010and the external device1020to smoothly communicate with each other, and may include the wireless Internet and a mobile wireless communication network.

For example, wireless communication may include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, Zigbee, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), ultra-wideband (UWB), infrared Data Association (IrDA), near field communication (NFC), and the like but is not limited thereto.

As another example, the aerosol generating device1010and the external device1020may be communicatively connected by wire. Wire communication may include, for example, universal serial bus (USB), high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), recommended standard232(RS-232), plain old telephone service (POTS), or the like.

When the aerosol generating device1010and the external device1020are connected, a user may control the aerosol generating device1010through an application1030installed in the external device1020. For example, through the application1030, the user may turn on off power of the aerosol generating device1010and determine a temperature profile of a heater. Also, the user may update software of the aerosol generating device1010through the application1030.

The user may check information about the aerosol generating device1010through the application1030. For example, the user may check, through the application1030, states of elements (e.g., a battery, the heater, and the like) included in the aerosol generating device1010. Also, the user may check, through the application1030, environment information (e.g., temperature, humidity, the level of fine dust, and the like) about an area where the aerosol generating device1010is located. Also, the user may check information about a nearby service center through the application1030.

Those of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiments may understand that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the characteristics described above. The disclosed methods should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the present disclosure is defined in the following claims rather than in the foregoing description, and all differences within the equivalent range should be construed as being included in the present disclosure.