AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF

An aerosol generating device includes a receiving space into which an aerosol generating article is inserted, a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating article, an insertion detecting sensor configured to detect whether the aerosol generating article is inserted into the receiving space, a memory including a lookup table in which a preset value is matched to each aerosol generating article, and a controller. The controller is configured to, when it is detected through the insertion detecting sensor that the aerosol generating article inserted into the receiving space is moved from the receiving space during a heating operation of the heater, pause the heating operation of the heater, and determine whether to resume the heating operation of the heater according to whether the aerosol generating article is re-inserted into the receiving space within a preset grace time from a time point when the heating operation is paused.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2023-0023644 and 10-2023-0062518, respectively filed on Feb. 22, 2023 and May 15, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device capable of controlling a heating operation of a heater according to whether an aerosol generating article is inserted into a receiving space of the aerosol generating device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, there has been an increasing demand for smoking methods that replace general cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for a method of generating aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material in a cigarette rather than a method of generating aerosol by burning a cigarette. Accordingly, research on a heating-type cigarette or a heating-type aerosol generating device has been actively conducted.

An aerosol generating article inserted into a receiving space of an aerosol generating device may be partially separated or removed from the receiving space for various reasons. For example, when a user smokes in dry weather, an aerosol generating article may stick to the user's lips and come up.

When a heating operation of a heater is maintained when an aerosol generating article is partially separated from a receiving space, a sufficient amount of atomization may not be ensured and a sufficient smoking impression may not be provided to a user. Also, when a heating operation of a heater is maintained even when an aerosol generating article is completely removed from a receiving space, the heater may be overheated, which may increase power consumption and cause malfunction.

SUMMARY

An objective of the disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of providing a sufficient smoking impression and reducing unnecessary power consumption by applying smart-off technology.

Technical objectives to be achieved by embodiments are not limited thereto, and other unmentioned technical objectives will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes a receiving space into which an aerosol generating article is inserted, a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating article, an insertion detecting sensor configured to detect whether the aerosol generating article is inserted into the receiving space, a memory including a lookup table in which a preset value is matched to each aerosol generating article, and a controller. The controller is configured to, when it is detected through the insertion detecting sensor that the aerosol generating article inserted into the receiving space is moved from the receiving space during a heating operation of the heater, pause the heating operation of the heater, and determine whether to resume the heating operation of the heater according to whether the aerosol generating article is re-inserted into the receiving space within a preset grace time from a time point when the heating operation is paused.

According to an embodiment, an operating method of an aerosol generating device includes detecting, through an insertion detecting sensor, whether an aerosol generating article inserted into a receiving space is moved from the receiving space, during a heating operation of a heater, pausing the heating operation of the heater when the aerosol generating article is moved from the receiving space, and determining whether to resume the heating operation of the heater according to whether the aerosol generating article is re-inserted into the receiving space within a preset grace time from a time point when the heating operation is paused.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Regarding 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 can be changed according to intention, a judicial precedence, the appearance of a new technology, and the like. In addition, in certain cases, terms which can be arbitrarily selected by the applicant in particular cases. In such a case, the meaning of the terms 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.

The disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings for one of ordinary skill in the art to be able to perform the disclosure without any difficulty. However, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating an aerosol generating system, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.1, an aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device100and an aerosol generating article15.

The aerosol generating device100may include a controller110, a heater120, an insertion detecting sensor130, and a receiving space140. According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating article15may be accommodated in the receiving space140. The aerosol generating device100may generate aerosol by heating the aerosol generating article15inserted into the receiving space140through the heater120.

The aerosol generating article15may correspond to, but is not limited to, a cigarette. The aerosol generating article15may be any article including an aerosol generating material without limitation. The aerosol generating article15may include an aerosol generating material and a thermally conductive material TC. The aerosol generating article15may be heated and vaporized by the heater120of the aerosol generating device100to generate aerosol.

For example, the aerosol generating material may include at least one of, but not limited to, glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. Also, the aerosol generating material may include other additives such as flavors, a wetting agent, and/or organic acid. Also, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizer may be added to the aerosol generating material.

The thermally conductive material TC is a magnetic and conductive material and has characteristics of intrinsic permeability and dielectric constant. Accordingly, an inductance value of a coil and a capacitance value of a capacitor may vary according to the presence of the thermally conductive material TC and the movement of the thermally conductive material TC. For example, the thermally conductive material TC may be a metal material including at least one of aluminum, nickel, and iron. The thermally conductive material TC may be a metal foil such as an aluminum foil, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the thermally conductive material TC may be manufactured in the form of ink, tape, band, or paper.

The aerosol generating article15may be a cigarette-type article extending in one direction, according to an embodiment. In this case, the aerosol generating article15may include a tobacco rod including an aerosol generating material, a cooling rod for cooling aerosol, and a filter rod for filtering impurities. When the aerosol generating article15is a cigarette-type article, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by the thermally conductive material TC. The thermally conductive material TC surrounding the tobacco rod may evenly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod, thereby improving thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod.

According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating article15may be a cartridge-type article including a liquid aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating article15may include a storage in which a liquid aerosol generating material is accommodated, a wick for delivering the aerosol generating material from the storage, a heater surrounding the wick and configured to heat the aerosol generating material absorbed into the wick, and a contact terminal for connecting the heater to a battery.

In an embodiment, the heater120may heat the aerosol generating article15inserted into a receiving space of the aerosol generating device100.

For example, the heater120may be an induction heater. In detail, the heater120may include an induction coil for heating the aerosol generating article15by using an induction heating method and a susceptor that may be heated when a variable magnetic field generated by the induction coil passes through the susceptor.

In another example, the heater120may be an electrically resistive heater. In detail, the heater120may include an electrically conductive track, and may be heated when current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater120is not limited to the above examples, and may be any heater as long as it may be heated to a desired temperature without limitation. In this case, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generating device100, or may be set to a temperature desired by a user.

In an embodiment, the insertion detecting sensor130may include at least one of an inductive sensor132, a temperature sensor133, and a capacitive sensor134.

The inductive sensor132may detect whether the aerosol generating article15is removed from, partially is moved from, or inserted into the receiving space of the aerosol generating device100.

The inductive sensor132may measure a coil and an inductance value of the coil. According to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, when a magnetic field changes around a coil through which current flows, characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change.

As the aerosol generating article15is inserted into or removed from the receiving space140, current flowing through the coil may induce eddy current in the thermally conductive material TC of the aerosol generating article15. The eddy current flowing through the thermally conductive material TC may change characteristics of current such as a frequency of current flowing through the coil and an inductance value of the coil through mutual induction with the coil again.

The inductive sensor132may measure the changed characteristics of the current. For example, characteristics of current flowing through the coil may include a frequency value of alternating current, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, an effective resistance, and an impedance value. The inductive sensor132may further include a frequency measuring element, a rectifier, an amplifier, or an oscillation circuit that generates electrical vibration.

When the inductive sensor132measures an inductance value of the coil, it means that the inductive sensor132measures any one of characteristics of current flowing through the coil and obtains an inductance value through calculation from the measured characteristic value of the current. The temperature sensor133may detect whether the aerosol generating article15is removed from, partially moved from, or inserted into the receiving space of the aerosol generating device100. The temperature sensor133may detect a temperature change occurring when the aerosol generating article15is removed from, partially moved from, or inserted into the receiving space.

The capacitive sensor134may detect whether the aerosol generating article15is removed from, partially moved from, or inserted into the receiving space of the aerosol generating device100.

The capacitive sensor134may measure a capacitance value between two electrodes.

The capacitive sensor134may include two electrodes facing each other. A dielectric may be located between the two electrodes. Movement of the thermally conductive material TC according to insertion and removal of an aerosol generating material14into/from the receiving space140may affect an electric field between the two electrodes, and a capacitance between the two electrodes may change. The capacitive sensor134may measure the capacitance value.

In an embodiment, the controller110may determine whether the aerosol generating article15is inserted into the receiving space140based on a sensing value detected by the insertion detecting sensor130. In this case, the sensing value may include at least one of an inductance value measured by the inductive sensor132, a temperature value measured by the temperature sensor133, and a capacitance value measured by the capacitive sensor134.

In an embodiment, the controller110may be hardware that controls an overall operation of the aerosol generating device100. For example, the controller110may control not only operations of the heater120and the insertion detecting sensor130but also operations of other elements included in the aerosol generating device100. In an embodiment, the controller110may check a state of each of elements of the aerosol generating device100and may determine whether the aerosol generating device100is operable.

An internal structure of the aerosol generating device100is not limited to that shown inFIG.1. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment that some of elements of the hardware shown inFIG.1may be omitted or new elements may be further added according to a design of the aerosol generating device100.

FIG.2is a flowchart illustrating a method by which the aerosol generating device ofFIG.1controls power supply to a heater.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, in operation201, the controller110may detect, through the insertion detecting sensor130, whether the aerosol generating article15inserted into the receiving space140is moved from the receiving space140during a heating operation of the heater120. In this case, the movement of the aerosol generating article15may include a case where a front end FE of the aerosol generating article15deviates by a certain distance from a bottom surface of the receiving space140or a case where the front end FE of the aerosol generating article15facing the bottom surface of the receiving space140completely deviates from the receiving space140.

When a change amount of a sensing value detected by using the insertion detecting sensor130is different from a preset value, the controller110may determine that the aerosol generating article15is moved. For example, when a change amount of a sensing value detected by using the insertion detecting sensor130is equal to or greater than a preset value (or a first threshold value), the controller110may determine that the aerosol generating article15is moved.

In an embodiment, the controller110may detect an inductance change amount through the inductive sensor132, and may detect whether the aerosol generating article15is moved from the receiving space140of the aerosol generating device100. For example, the aerosol generating article15inserted into the receiving space140of the aerosol generating device100may include the thermally conductive material TC. A magnetic field may be generated on one surface of the inductive sensor132. When the thermally conductive material TC located in the magnetic field generated by the inductive sensor132is moved, the controller110may detect through the inductive sensor132that an inductance value is changed due to movement of the thermally conductive material TC. When an inductance change amount is greater than a preset value, the controller110may detect that the aerosol generating article15is moved from the receiving space140of the aerosol generating device100.

In another embodiment, the controller110may detect a temperature change through the temperature sensor133, and may detect whether the aerosol generating article15is moved from the receiving space140of the aerosol generating device100. For example, when the aerosol generating article15inserted into the receiving space of the aerosol generating device100is moved (or removed), the temperature sensor133may detect that an internal temperature of the aerosol generating device100rapidly increases. When a temperature change amount is greater than a preset value, the controller110may detect that the aerosol generating article15is moved from the receiving space140of the aerosol generating device100.

In another example, the controller110may detect a capacitance change amount through the capacitive sensor134, and may detect whether the aerosol generating article15is moved from the receiving space140of the aerosol generating device100. For example, the aerosol generating article15inserted into the receiving space140of the aerosol generating device100may include the thermally conductive material TC. Movement of the thermally conductive material TC according to insertion and removal of the aerosol generating article14into and from the receiving space140may affect an electric field between two electrodes, and a capacitance value between the two electrodes may change. When the thermally conductive material TC is moved between the two electrodes, the controller110may detect through the capacitive sensor134that a capacitance value is changed due to the movement of the thermally conductive material TC. When a capacitance change amount is greater than a preset value, the controller110may detect that the aerosol generating article15is moved from the receiving space140of the aerosol generating device100.

Although not shown inFIG.1, the aerosol generating device100may further include a memory1070(seeFIG.10) including a lookup table in which the preset value is matched to each aerosol generating article15. The preset value refers to a threshold value (i.e., a change amount of a sensing value) at which the atomization amount of aerosol provided to a user may be considered appropriate, and may be calculated experimentally and/or statistically for each aerosol generating article15. This is because even when movement of the aerosol generating article15in the receiving space140is the same, the amount of atomization is different when a type and/or content of an aerosol generating material included in the aerosol generating article15is different.

The preset value (i.e., a change amount of a sensing value) may be converted into a distance moved from a bottom surface of the receiving space140. When the aerosol generating article15is moved within a preset distance from the bottom surface of the receiving space140, the amount of atomization provided by the aerosol generating article15may provide a sufficient smoking impression to the user. For example, when the aerosol generating article15is moved within 4 mm from the bottom surface of the receiving space140, substantially the same amount of atomization may be provided to the user as the aerosol generating article15is normally inserted into the receiving space140.

In operation202, when the controller110detects through the insertion detecting sensor130that the aerosol generating article15inserted into the receiving space140is moved from the receiving space140during the heating operation of the heater120, the controller110may pause the heating operation of the heater120.

When movement of the aerosol generating article15occurs in the receiving space140regardless of the user's intention, the controller110may immediately turn off the heating operation of the heater120. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device100may prevent unnecessary power consumption.

Also, when the heating operation of the heater120is stopped when the aerosol generating article15is moved by the preset distance or more in the receiving space140, a low-quality smoking impression may be prevented from being provided to the user due to poor atomization, and when the heating operation of the heater120is stopped when the aerosol generating article15is completely removed from the receiving space140, overheating of the heater may be prevented, thereby preventing an increase in power consumption and a cause of failure.

When the controller110according to an embodiment detects through the insertion detecting sensor130that the aerosol generating article15inserted into the receiving space140is moved from the receiving space140during the heating operation of the heater120, the controller110may provide an alarm and/or warning to the user through an output unit1030(seeFIG.10).

For example, when it is detected through the insertion detecting sensor130that the aerosol generating article15inserted into the receiving space140is moved from the receiving space140during the heating operation of the heater120, the controller110may display through a display unit1032(seeFIG.10) a phrase or a pattern indicating that the aerosol generating article15is abnormally inserted or may display a flashing red screen. Also, the controller110may provide a preset vibration pattern through a haptic unit1034(seeFIG.10), or may output through a sound output unit1036(seeFIG.10) a sound such as a voice or a beep sound indicating that the aerosol generating article15is abnormally inserted.

In operation203, the controller110may determine whether the aerosol generating article15is re-inserted into the receiving space140within a preset grace time from a time point when the heating operation of the heater120is paused.

When a change amount of a sensing value detected by using the insertion detecting sensor130within the preset grace time is equal to or greater than a preset value (or a second threshold value), the controller110may determine that the aerosol generating article15is re-inserted. For example, when the preset grace time is 5 seconds, the controller110may determine that the aerosol generating article15is reinserted when a change amount of a sensing value detected for 5 seconds is greater than the preset value.

In contrast, when a change amount of a sensing value detected by using the insertion detecting sensor130within the preset grace time is less than the preset value (or the second threshold value), the controller110may determine that the aerosol generating article15is not re-inserted. For example, when the designated time is 5 seconds, when a change amount of a sensing value detected for 5 seconds is less than the preset value, the controller110may determine that the aerosol generating article15is not re-inserted.

In operation204, the controller110may determine whether to resume the heating operation of the heater120according to whether the aerosol generating article15is re-inserted into the receiving space140.

When it is determined that the aerosol generating article15is re-inserted into the receiving space140within the preset grace time, the controller110may automatically resume the heating operation of the heater120. When the aerosol generating article15is accidently moved from the aerosol generating device100contrary to the user's intention, the heater120may be immediately paused, but when the aerosol generating article15is re-inserted within the grace time, the heating operation of the heater120may be automatically resumed, thereby providing convenience in use and uninterrupted smoking. Also, because the controller110controls power of the heater120by pausing and resuming the heater120rather than by completely turning off and turning on the heater120, power waste may be minimized.

In contrast, when it is determined that the aerosol generating article15is not re-inserted into the receiving space140within the preset grace time, the controller110may completely turn off the heating operation of the heater120. In this case, when power supply to the heater120is turned off, it may mean that smoking by the user ends.

FIG.3is a graph for describing a temperature change due to the method of controlling power supply to a heater ofFIG.2. In this case, a graph marked by a solid line is a first temperature graph when an aerosol generating article is re-inserted within a grace time, and a graph marked by a dash-dotted line is a second temperature graph when an aerosol generating article is not re-inserted within a grace time.

Referring toFIG.2, a first temperature graph TG1represents temperature values over time, and may be divided into a first interval P1that is a pre-heating interval and a second interval P2that is a smoking interval based on a first time point t1.

The first interval P1may include an interval where a temperature increases from a first temperature T1that is an external air temperature to a second temperature T2at which an aerosol generating material is volatilized, and an interval where the temperature decreases to a third temperature T3that is a smoking start temperature. The second interval P2may include an interval where the temperature decreases from the third temperature T3to a fourth temperature T4that is a maintenance temperature, and an interval where the fourth temperature T4is maintained. In this case, the second temperature T2, the third temperature T3, and the fourth temperature T4may be above a temperature at which the aerosol generating material is volatilized, and may vary according to a type of the aerosol generating material.

Referring toFIGS.1to3, in the second interval P2, an event in which the aerosol generating article15is moved from the receiving space140may occur.

When a change amount of a sensing value detected by using the insertion detecting sensor130is equal to or greater than a preset value (or a first threshold value), the controller110may determine that the aerosol generating article15is moved. At a second time point t2when it is determined through the insertion detecting sensor130that the aerosol generating article15inserted into the receiving space140is moved from the receiving space140during a heating operation of the heater120, the controller110may immediately pause the heating operation of the heater120.

Accordingly, the first temperature graph TG1and a second temperature graph TG2may include an interval where the temperature decreases from the fourth temperature T4to a fifth temperature T5that is a standby temperature. In this case, the fifth temperature T5may decrease in proportion to a time taken until the aerosol generating article15is re-inserted. However, the fifth temperature T5may have a lower limit at a preset grace time (e.g., 5 seconds). The fifth temperature T5may be set to a temperature that may return to the fourth temperature T4before a user recognizes a temperature decrease (or a decrease in a smoking impression) by resuming the heating operation of the heater120.

When the controller110determines that the aerosol generating article15is re-inserted into the receiving space140within the preset grace time at a third time point t3, the controller110may automatically resume the heating operation of the heater120. Accordingly, the first temperature graph TG1may include an interval where the temperature increases from the fifth temperature T5that is a standby temperature to the fourth temperature T4that is a maintenance temperature.

In contrast, when the controller110determines that the aerosol generating article15is not inserted into the receiving space140within the preset grace time at the third time point t3, the controller110may completely turn off the heating operation of the heater120. Accordingly, the second temperature graph TG2may include an interval where the temperature decreases from the firth temperature T5that is a standby temperature to the first temperature T1that is an external air temperature.

FIGS.4A and4Bare views for describing a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.1and4A, the controller110may detect an inductance change through the inductive sensor132during a grace time400. For example, the controller110may detect an inductance change by controlling a voltage of the inductive sensor132by using a pulse width modulation (PWM) method. In this case, the controller110may pre-set the number of times the inductive sensor132is switched to an active state during the grace time400. Although the inductive sensor132is switched to an active state five times during the grace time400inFIG.4, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, the controller110may determine that the aerosol generating article15is moved from the receiving space140of the aerosol generating device100at an 11thtime point t11. The 11thtime point t11may refer to a time point at which counting of the grace time400starts.

In an embodiment, the controller110may switch a state of the inductive sensor132according to a certain period to an active state by controlling a voltage supplied to the inductive sensor132at a 21sttime point t21. In this case, when the aerosol generating article15is not re-inserted during the grace time400, a heating operation of the heater120is paused, and thus, an internal temperature of the aerosol generating device100may decrease from the fourth temperature T4to the fifth temperature T5. Accordingly, in order to prevent an inductance value detected by the inductive sensor132from being distorted at a high temperature, heating of the heater120does not need to be periodically stopped.

In an embodiment, the controller110may switch a state of the inductive sensor132to an inactive state at a 31sttime point t31.

In an embodiment, the controller110may detect an inductance change through the inductive sensor132at least once (e.g., five times) from the 11thtime point t11to a 41sttime point t41. The controller110may determine whether the aerosol generating article15is re-inserted based on an inductance change amount detected during the grace time400from the 11thtime point t11to the 41sttime point t41. For example, when an inductance change amount detected during the grace time400from the 11thtime point t11to the 41sttime point t41is less than a threshold value, the controller110may determine that the aerosol generating article15is not re-inserted, and when an inductance change amount detected during the grace time400from the 11thtime point t11to the 41sttime point t41is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the controller110may determine that the aerosol generating article15is re-inserted.

However, unlike inFIG.4Ashowing only time points (or during the grace time) after the aerosol generating article15is moved from the receiving space of the aerosol generating device100, in the case of a designated time410for determining whether the aerosol generating article15is moved from the receiving space140of the aerosol generating device100, as shown inFIG.4B, the controller110may switch a state of the inductive sensor132to an active state by controlling a voltage supplied to the inductive sensor132at the 21sttime point t21. In this case, the controller110may cut off power supplied from a battery to the heater120at the 21sttime point t21. That is, the controller110may perform an operation of cutting off power supplied to the heater120and an operation of switching a state of the inductive sensor132to an active state in parallel. In an embodiment, as power supplied to the heater120is cut off at the 21sttime point t21, an internal temperature of the aerosol generating device100may substantially decrease. Because an inductance value detected by the inductive sensor132may be distorted at a high temperature, the controller110may periodically stop heating the heater120and may detect an inductance change through the inductive sensor132.

In an embodiment, the controller110may switch a state of the inductive sensor132to an inactive state at the 31sttime point t31. In this case, the controller110may control power to be supplied from the battery to the heater120at the 31sttime point t31. That is, the controller110may perform an operation of supplying power to the heater120and an operation of switching a state of the inductive sensor132to an inactive state in parallel. In an embodiment, as power is supplied to the heater120at the 31sttime point t31, an internal temperature of the aerosol generating device100may substantially increase.

FIG.5Ais a flowchart illustrating a method by which an aerosol generating device determines whether an aerosol generating article is moved, according to an embodiment.FIG.5Ais a flowchart for describing operations201and202ofFIG.2in detail, and thus, whenFIG.5Ais described, a description that is the same as, similar to, or corresponds to that made above may be omitted.

Referring toFIGS.1,2, and5A, in operation201a, the controller110may detect a first inductance change according to a certain period through the inductive sensor132. For example, the first inductance change may refer to a minimum inductance change value at which it is determined that the aerosol generating article15is moved.

In an embodiment, the controller110may switch a state of the inductive sensor132to an active state according to a certain period and may cut off power supplied to the heater120. In this case, the certain period may refer to an optimal period for detecting an inductance change through the inductive sensor132. For example, when the certain period is set to 1 second, the controller110may switch a state of the inductive sensor132to an active state at intervals of 1 second and may cut off power supplied to the heater120.

In an embodiment, after the controller110switches a state of the inductive sensor132to an active state for the certain period, the controller110may obtain data on an inductance change and may switch a state of the inductive sensor132to an inactive state. For example, when the certain period is set to 1 second, after the controller110switches a state of the inductive sensor132to an active state, the controller110may obtain data on an inductance change for 30 [ms], may switch a state of the inductive sensor132to an inactive state, and may maintain for 970 [ms].

According to an embodiment, in operation201b, the controller110may determine whether a magnitude of the first inductance change detected by the inductive sensor132is equal to or greater than a first threshold value. For example, the first threshold value may refer to a minimum value of an inductance change amount occurring as the aerosol generating article15including the thermally conductive material TC is moved from the receiving space of the aerosol generating device100.

In an embodiment, when it is determined that a magnitude of the detected first inductance change is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, in operation201c, the controller110may detect that the aerosol generating article15is moved. In another embodiment, when it is determined that a magnitude of the detected first inductance change is less than the first threshold value, the controller110may return to operation201aand may re-perform the subsequent operations.

According to an embodiment, in operation202a, when the controller110detects through the insertion detecting sensor130that the aerosol generating article15inserted into the receiving space140is moved from the receiving space140during a heating operation of the heater120, the controller110may pause the heating operation of the heater120.

When the aerosol generating article15is moved in the receiving space140regardless of a user's intention, the controller110may immediately turn off the heating operation of the heater120. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device100may prevent unnecessary power consumption.

According to an embodiment, in operation202a, when the controller110detects through the insertion detecting sensor130that the aerosol generating article15inserted into the receiving space140is moved from the receiving space140during a heating operation of the heater120, the controller110may provide an alarm and/or warning through the output unit1030(seeFIG.10) to the user.

FIG.5Bis a flowchart illustrating a method by which an aerosol generating device controls power supply to a heater based on whether an aerosol generating article is inserted, according to an embodiment.FIG.5Bis a flowchart for describing operations203and204ofFIG.2in detail, and thus, whenFIG.5Bis described, a description that is the same as, similar to, or corresponds to that made above may be omitted.

Referring toFIG.5B, in operation203a, the controller110may set an inductance change detection time t to 1. For example, the controller110may set the inductance change detection time t to 1 and may perform counting of a designated time (e.g., the grace time400ofFIG.3).

According to an embodiment, in operation203b, the controller110may detect a second inductance change through the inductive sensor132. For example, the second inductance change may refer to a minimum inductance change value at which it is determined that the aerosol generating article15is re-inserted.

In an embodiment, the controller110may switch a state of the inductive sensor132to an active state according to a certain period. In this case, the certain period may refer to an optimal period for detecting an inductance change through the inductive sensor132. For example, when the certain period is set to 1 second, the controller110may switch a state of the inductive sensor132to an active state at intervals of 1 second.

In an embodiment, after the controller110changes a state of the inductive sensor132to an active state for the certain period, the controller110may obtain data on an inductance change and may switch a state of the inductive sensor132to an inactive state. For example, when the certain period is set to 1 second, after the controller110switches a state of the inductive sensor132to an active state, the controller110may obtain an inductance change for 30 [ms], may switch a state of the inductive sensor132to an inactive state, and may maintain for 970 [ms].

According to an embodiment, in operation203c, the controller110may determine whether a magnitude of the second inductance change detected by the inductive sensor132is equal to or greater than a second threshold value. For example, the second threshold value may refer to a minimum value of an inductance change amount occurring as the aerosol generating article15including the thermally conductive material TC is re-inserted into the receiving space140of the aerosol generating device100.

In an embodiment, when it is determined that a magnitude of the detected second inductance change is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, in operation204a, the controller110may resume the heating operation of the heater120. For example, when it is determined that a magnitude of the detected second inductance change is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the controller110may resume supplying power from the battery to the heater120.

In another embodiment, when a magnitude of the detected second inductance change is less than the second threshold value, in operation203d, the controller110may determine whether the inductance change detection time t is the same as a trace time tgrace.

In an embodiment, when it is determined that the inductance change detection time t is not the same as the grace time, in operation203e, the controller110may calculate the inductance change detection time t as t+1. For example, when the inductance change detection time is 1 second (t=1) and the grace time is 5 seconds (tgrace=5), the controller110may calculate the inductance change detection time as 2 seconds (t=2). Next, the controller110may return to operation203band may resume the subsequent operations.

In an embodiment, when it is determined that the inductance change detection time t is the same as a designated time, in operation204b, the controller110may stop supplying power to the heater120. For example, when the inductance change detection time is 5 seconds (t=5) and the grace time is 5 seconds (tgrace=5), the controller110may cut off power supplied from the battery to the heater120.

FIG.6Ais a view for describing a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device when an aerosol generating article is in a first state, according to an embodiment. The first state may refer to a state in which the aerosol generating article15is completely inserted into the receiving space140of the aerosol generating device100.

Referring toFIGS.1and6A, the aerosol generating system may include the aerosol generating device100and the aerosol generating article15.

In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device100may include the receiving space140into which the aerosol generating article15may be inserted.

In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device100may include the inductive sensor132, a susceptor620, and an induction coil630. In an embodiment, the induction coil630may generate a variable magnetic field as power is supplied from the battery, and the susceptor620may be heated by the variable magnetic field generated from the induction coil630. For example, the induction coil630may surround an outer circumferential surface of the susceptor620.

In an embodiment, the induction sensor132may include a first channel600and a second channel620. For example, the first channel600may detect an inductance change caused by a first portion of an aerosol generating article, and the second channel610may detect an inductance change caused by a second portion that is distinguished from the first portion. In an embodiment, the first channel600and the second channel610may not overlap the susceptor620. For example, the first channel600may be located in an area provided below the susceptor620(e.g., an area provided in a −x direction), and the second channel610may be located in an area provided above the susceptor620(e.g., an area provided in a +x direction). As the first channel600and the second channel610do not overlap the susceptor620, the first channel600and the second channel610may detect an inductance change without being affected by the variable magnetic field generated by the induction coil630.

FIG.6Bis a view for describing a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device when an aerosol generating article is in a second state, according to an embodiment. The second state may refer to a state in which one portion of the aerosol generating article15is moved by a certain distance from the receiving space of the aerosol generating device100.

Referring toFIGS.1and6B, when the aerosol generating article15is moved in the +x direction from the receiving space of the aerosol generating device100, the controller110may detect an inductance change through some of a plurality of channels of the inductive sensor132. For example, the controller110may detect an inductance change through the first channel600of the inductive sensor132. In an embodiment, when an inductance change is detected only through some of the plurality of channels of the inductive sensor132, the controller110may not start counting of the designated time considering that an inductance change amount is less than the first threshold value (seeFIG.5).

FIG.6Cis a view for describing a method of controlling an inductive sensor of an aerosol generating device when an aerosol generating article is in a third state, according to an embodiment. The third state may refer to a state in which the aerosol generating article15is completely removed from the receiving space of the aerosol generating device100.

Referring toFIG.6C, when the aerosol generating article15is completely removed from the receiving space of the aerosol generating device100in the +x direction, the controller110may detect an inductance change through the plurality of channels of the inductive sensor132. For example, the controller110may detect an inductance change through the first channel600and the second channel610of the inductive sensor132. In an embodiment, when it is detected that an inductance change is detected by both channels, the controller110may start counting of the designated time considering that an inductance change amount is equal to or greater than the first threshold value (seeFIG.5).

FIG.7is a view for describing elements constituting an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.7, the aerosol generating device100may include a susceptor122, an induction coil124, a battery115, and the controller110. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and other general-purpose elements in addition to those illustrated inFIG.7may be further included in the aerosol generating device100.

The aerosol generating device100may generate aerosol by heating the aerosol generating article15accommodated in the aerosol generating device100by using an induction heating method. The induction heating method may refer to a method of generating heat from the susceptor122by applying an alternating magnetic field whose direction is periodically changed to the susceptor122that generates heat by an external magnetic field.

When an alternating magnetic field is applied to the susceptor122, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the susceptor122and the lost energy may be released as thermal energy from the susceptor122. As an amplitude and a frequency of an alternating magnetic field applied to the susceptor122increases, more thermal energy may be released from the susceptor122. The aerosol generating device100may release thermal energy from the susceptor122by applying an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor122, and may transfer the thermal energy released from the susceptor122to the aerosol generating article15. In an embodiment, the susceptor122may be provided as pieces, flakes, or strips in the aerosol generating device100.

At least a part of the susceptor122may be formed of a ferromagnetic substance. For example, the susceptor122may include a metal or carbon. The susceptor122may include at least one of ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). Also, the susceptor122may include at least one of a ceramic such as graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, metal film, or zirconia, a transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), and a metalloid such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

The aerosol generating device100may accommodate the aerosol generating article15therein. The receiving space140for accommodating the aerosol generating article15may be formed in the aerosol generating device100.

The susceptor122may surround at least a part of an outer surface of the aerosol generating article15accommodated in the aerosol generating device100. For example, the susceptor122may surround a tobacco medium included in the aerosol generating article15. Accordingly, heat may be more efficiently transferred from the susceptor122to the tobacco medium.

The induction coil124may be provided in the aerosol generating device100. The induction coil124may apply an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor122. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device100to the induction coil124, a magnetic field may be formed inside the induction coil124. When alternating current is applied to the induction coil124, a direction of the magnetic field formed inside the induction coil124may be continuously changed. When the susceptor122is located inside the induction coil124and is exposed to an alternating magnetic field whose direction is periodically changed, the susceptor122may generate heat and the aerosol generating article15accommodated in the receiving space of the aerosol generating device100may be heated.

The induction coil124may be wound along an outer surface of the susceptor122. Also, the induction coil124may be wound along an inner surface of an outer housing of the aerosol generating device100. The susceptor122may be located in an inner space formed when the induction coil124is wound. When power is supplied to the induction coil124, an alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil124may be applied to the susceptor122.

The induction coil124may extend in a longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device100. The induction coil124may extend to an appropriate length along the longitudinal direction. For example, the induction coil124may extend to a length corresponding to a length of the susceptor122or may extend to a length greater than a length of the susceptor122.

The induction coil124may be located at a position suitable for applying an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor122. For example, the induction coil124may be located at a position corresponding to the susceptor122. The efficiency with which an alternating magnetic field of the induction coil124is applied to the susceptor122may be improved due to the size and arrangement of the induction coil124.

When an amplitude or a frequency of an alternating magnetic field formed by the induction coil124is changed, a degree to which the susceptor122heats the aerosol generating article15may also be changed. Because an amplitude or a frequency of a magnetic field by the induction coil124may be changed by power applied to the induction coil124, the aerosol generating device100may control heating of the aerosol generating article15by adjusting power applied to the induction coil124. For example, the aerosol generating device100may control an amplitude and a frequency of alternating current applied to the induction coil124.

In an example, the induction coil124may be implemented as a solenoid. The induction coil124may be a solenoid wound along the inner surface of the outer housing of the aerosol generating device100, and the susceptor122and the aerosol generating article15may be located in an inner space of the solenoid. A material of a wire constituting the solenoid may be copper (Cu). However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), or nickel (Ni) or an alloy including at least one of them may be a material of the wire constituting the solenoid.

The battery115may supply power to the aerosol generating device100. The battery115may supply power to the induction coil124. The battery115may include a battery that supplies direct current to the aerosol generating device100and a converter that converts the direct current supplied from the battery into alternating current supplied to the induction coil124.

The battery115may supply direct current to the aerosol generating device100. The battery115may be, but is not limited to, a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. For example, the battery may be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

The converter may include a low-pass filter that filters direct current supplied from the battery and outputs alternating current supplied to the induction coil124. The converter may further include an amplifier for amplifying direct current supplied from the battery. For example, the converter may be implemented through a low-pass filter that constitutes a load network of a class-D amplifier.

The controller110may control power supplied to the induction coil124. The controller110may control the battery115to adjust power supplied to the induction coil124. For example, the controller110may perform control to keep constant a temperature at which the susceptor122heats the aerosol generating article15based on a temperature of the susceptor122.

FIGS.8and9are views illustrating examples of a cigarette.

Referring toFIG.8, a cigarette2includes a tobacco rod21and a filter rod22. Although the filter rod22is shown as a single segment inFIG.8, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod22may include a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod22may include a segment for cooling aerosol and a segment for filtering a certain component included in the aerosol. Also, when necessary, at least one segment for performing another function may be further included in the filter rod22.

A diameter of the cigarette2may be within a range of 5 mm to 9 mm and a length of the cigarette2may be about 48 mm, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a length of the tobacco rod21may be about 12 mm, a length of a first segment of the filter rod22may be about 10 mm, a length of a second segment of the filter rod22may be about 14 mm, and a length of a third segment of the filter rod22may be about 12 mm, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The cigarette2may be packaged by at least one wrapper24. At least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal air is discharged may be formed in the wrapper24. For example, the cigarette2may be packaged by one wrapper24. In another example, the cigarette2may be doubly packaged by at least two wrappers24. For example, the tobacco rod21may be packaged by a first wrapper241, and the filter rod22may be packaged by second to fourth wrappers242,243, and244. The cigarette2may be entirely re-packaged by a third wrapper245that is a single wrapper. When the filter rod22includes a plurality of segments, the plurality of segments may be respectively packaged by the second to fourth wrappers242,243, and244.

The first wrapper241and the second wrapper242may be made of general filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper241and the second wrapper242may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper. Also, the first wrapper241and the second wrapper242may be made of oil-resistant paper and/or aluminum laminated packaging paper.

The third wrapper243may be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, a basis weight of the third wrapper243may be within a range of 88 g/m2to 96 g/m2, and preferably within a range of 90 g/m2to 94 g/m2. Also, a thickness of the third wrapper243may be within a range of 120 um to 130 um, and may preferably be 125 um.

The fourth wrapper244may be made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, a basis weight of the fourth wrapper244may be within a range of 88 g/m2to 96 g/m2, and preferably within a range of 90 g/m2to 94 g/m2. Also, a thickness of the fourth wrapper244may be within a range of 120 um to 130 um, and may preferably be 125 um.

The fifth wrapper245may be made of sterile paper MFW. The sterile paper MFW refers to paper specially manufactured to improve tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, a basis weight of the fifth wrapper245may be within a range of 57 g/m2to 63 g/m2, and may preferably be 60 g/m2. Also, a thickness of the fifth wrapper245may be within a range of 64 um to 70 um, and may preferably be 67 um.

The fifth wrapper245may include a certain material added therein. The certain material may correspond to, for example, but not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has characteristics such as heat resistance with little change according to temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, the disclosure is not limited to silicon, and any material having the above characteristics may be applied (coated) to the fifth wrapper245without limitation.

The fifth wrapper245may prevent the cigarette2from being burned. For example, when the tobacco rod21is heated by a heater13, the cigarette2is likely to be burned. In detail, when a temperature rises above an ignition point of any one of materials included in the tobacco rod21, the cigarette2may be burned. Even in this case, because the fifth wrapper245includes a non-combustible material, burning of the cigarette2may be prevented.

Also, the fifth wrapper245may prevent an aerosol generating device1from being contaminated by substances generated by the cigarette2. Liquid substances may be generated in the cigarette2by a user's puff. For example, when aerosol generated in the cigarette2is cooled by external air, liquid substances (e.g., moisture) may be generated. As the fifth wrapper245wraps the cigarette2, the liquid substances generated in the cigarette2may be prevented from leaking out of the cigarette2.

The tobacco rod21includes an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include at least one of, but not limited to, glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. Also, the tobacco rod21may include other additives such as flavors, a wetting agent, and/or organic acid. Also, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizer may be added by being sprayed to the tobacco rod21.

The tobacco rod21may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod21may be manufactured as sheets or strands. Also, the tobacco rod21may be manufactured by fine-cutting a tobacco sheet into a cut filler. Also, the tobacco rod21may be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be a metal foil such as an aluminum foil, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod21may evenly disperse heat transferred to the tobacco rod21, thereby improving thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and improving a tobacco taste. Also, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod21may function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown, the tobacco rod21may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod21.

The filter rod22may be a cellulose acetate filter. A shape of the filter rod22is not limited. For example, the filter rod22may be a cylinder-type rod or a tube-type rod having a hollow inside. Also, the filter rod22may be a recess-type rod. When the filter rod22includes a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may have a different shape.

A first segment of the filter rod22may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may have a tubular structure having a hollow inside. Due to the first segment, an internal material of the tobacco rod21may be prevented from being pushed back when the heater13is inserted, and aerosol may be cooled. A diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may be appropriately selected within a range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

A length of the first segment may be appropriately selected within a range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Preferably, a length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

A hardness of the first segment may be adjusted by adjusting the content of a plasticizer when the first segment is manufactured. Also, the first segment may be manufactured by inserting a structure such as films or tubes formed of the same material or different materials into the first segment (e.g., into the hollow).

A second segment of the filter rod22cools aerosol generated when the heater13heats the tobacco rod21. Accordingly, the user may inhale aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

A length or a diameter of the second segment may be determined in various ways according to a shape of the cigarette2. For example, a length of the second segment may be appropriately selected within a range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, a length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The second segment may be manufactured by weaving a polymer fiber. In this case, a flavoring liquid may be applied to a fiber formed of polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be manufactured by weaving a separate fiber to which a flavoring liquid is applied and a fiber formed of polymer together. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed of a crimped polymer sheet.

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

As the second segment is formed of a weaved polymer fiber or a crimped polymer sheet, the second segment may include one or more channels extending in a longitudinal direction. The term ‘channel’ refers to a passage through which gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

For example, the second segment formed of a crimped polymer sheet may be formed of a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, for example, between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Also, a total surface area of the second segment may be between about 300 mm2/mm and about 1000 mm2/mm. Also, an aerosol cooling element may be formed of a material having a specific surface area of about 10 mm2/mg to about 100 mm2/mg.

A thread including a volatile flavor component may be included in the second segment. The volatile flavor component may be, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, in order to provide menthol of 1.5 mg or more to the second segment, a sufficient amount of menthol may be filled in the thread.

A third segment of the filter rod22may be a cellulose acetate filter. A length of the third segment may be appropriately selected within a range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, a length of the third segment may be, but is not limited to, about 12 mm.

In a process of manufacturing the third segment, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed to the third segment to generate flavor. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the third segment. Aerosol generated in the tobacco rod21is cooled as passing through the second segment of the filter rod22, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user through the third segment. Accordingly, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the persistence of flavor delivered to the user may be improved.

Also, at least one capsule23may be included in the filter rod22. The capsule23may generate a flavor or may generate aerosol For example, the capsule23may have a structure in which a liquid including a flavoring material is wrapped with a film. The capsule23may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

Referring toFIG.9, a cigarette3may further include a front end plug33. The front end plug33may be located on a side of a tobacco rod31, the side facing a filter rod32. The front end plug33may prevent the tobacco rod31from being detached to the outside, and may prevent liquefied aerosol from flowing into the aerosol generating device1(seeFIGS.1to3) from the tobacco rod31during smoking.

The filter rod32may include a first segment321and a second segment322. The first segment321may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod22ofFIG.8, and the second segment322may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod22ofFIG.8.

A diameter and a total length of the cigarette3may correspond to a diameter and a total length of the cigarette2ofFIG.8. For example, a length of the front end plug33may be about 7 mm, a length of the tobacco rod31may be about 15 mm, a length of the first segment321may be about 12 mm, and a length of the second segment322may be about 14 mm, and the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The cigarette3may be packaged by at least one wrapper35. At least one hole through which external air is introduced and internal gas is discharged may be formed in the wrapper35. For example, the front end plug33may be packaged by a first wrapper351, the tobacco rod31may be packaged by a second wrapper352, the first segment321may be packaged by a third wrapper353and the second segment322may be packaged by a fourth wrapper354. The entire cigarette3may be re-packaged by a fifth wrapper355.

Also, at least one through-hole36may be formed in the fifth wrapper355. For example, the through-hole36may be formed in an area surrounding the tobacco rod31, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The through-hole36may transfer heat generated by the heater13ofFIGS.2and3into the tobacco rod31.

Also, at least one capsule34may be included in the second segment322. The capsule34may generate a flavor or may generate aerosol. For example, the capsule34may have a structure in which a liquid including a flavoring material is wrapped with a film. The capsule34may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The first wrapper351may be a metal foil such as an aluminum foil bonded to general filter wrapping paper. For example, a total thickness of the first wrapper351may be within a range of 45 um to 55 um, and may preferably be 50.3 um. Also, a thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper351may be within a range of 6 um to 7 um, and may preferably be 6.3 um. Also, a basis weight of the first wrapper351may be within a range of 50 g/m2to 55 g/m2, and may preferably be 53 g/m2.

The second wrapper352and the third wrapper353may be made of general filter wrapping paper. For example, the second wrapper352and the third wrapper353may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper.

For example, a porosity of the second wrapper352may be, but is not limited to, 35000 CU. Also, a thickness of the second wrapper352may be within a range of 70 um to 80 um, and may preferably be 78 um. Also, a basis weight of the second wrapper352may be within a range of 20 g/m2to 25 g/m2, and may preferably be 23.5 g/m2.

For example, a porosity of the third wrapper353may be, but is not limited to, 24000 CU. Also, a thickness of the third wrapper353may be within a range of 60 um to 70 um, and may preferably be 68 um. Also, a basis weight of the third wrapper353may be within a range of 20 g/m2to 25 g/m2, and may preferably be 21 g/m2.

The fourth wrapper354may be made of polylactic acid (PLA) laminated paper. The PLA laminated paper refers to three-layer paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, a thickness of the fourth wrapper354may be within a range of 100 um to 120 um, and may preferably be 110 um. Also, a basis weight of the fourth wrapper354may be within a range of 80 g/m2to 100 g/m2, and may preferably be 88 g/m2.

The fifth wrapper355may be made of sterile paper MFW. The sterile paper MFW refers to paper specially manufactured to improve tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, a basis weight of the fifth wrapper355may be within a range 57 g/m2to 63 g/m2, and may preferably be 60 g/m2. Also, a thickness of the fifth wrapper355may be within a range of 64 um to 70 um, and may preferably be 67 um.

The fifth wrapper355may include a certain material added therein. The certain material may correspond to, for example, but not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has characteristics such as heat resistance with little change according to temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, the disclosure is not limited to silicon, and any material having the above characteristics may be applied (coated) to the fifth wrapper355without limitation.

The front end plug33may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the front end plug33may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to a cellulose acetate tow. A mono denier of a filament constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be within a range of 1.0 to 10.0, and preferably within a range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, a mono denier of the filament of the front end plug33may be 5.0. Also, a cross-section of the filament constituting the front end plug33may have a Y-shape. A total denier of the front end plug33may be within a range of 20000 to 30000, and preferably within a range of 25000 to 30000. More preferably, a total denier of the front end plug33may be 28000.

Also, when necessary, the front end plug33may include at least one channel, and a cross-sectional shape of the channel may be any of various shapes.

The tobacco rod31may correspond to the tobacco rod21described with reference toFIG.8. Accordingly, a detailed description of the tobacco rod31will be omitted below.

The first segment321may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may have a tubular structure including a hollow inside. The first segment321may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to a cellulose acetate tow. For example, a mono denier and a total denier of the first segment321may be the same as a mono denier and a total denier of the front end plug33.

The second segment322may be made of cellulose acetate. A mono denier of a filament constituting the second segment322may be within a range of 1.0 to 10.0, and preferably within a range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, a mono denier of the filament of the second segment322may be 9.0. Also, a cross-section of the filament of the second segment322may have a Y-shape. A total denier of the second segment322may be within a range of 20000 to 30000, and may preferably be 25000.

FIG.10is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device1000according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device1000may include a controller1010, a sensing unit1020, an output unit1030, a battery1040, a heater1050, a user input unit1060, a memory1070, and a communication unit1080. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device1000is not limited to those illustrated inFIG.10. That is, according to the design of the aerosol generating device1000, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that some of the components shown inFIG.10may be omitted or new components may be added.

The sensing unit1020may sense a state of the aerosol generating device1000and a state around the aerosol generating device1000, and transmit sensed information to the controller1010. Based on the sensed information, the controller1010may control the aerosol generating device1000to perform various functions, such as controlling an operation of the heater1050, limiting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette, a cartridge, or the like) is inserted, displaying a notification, or the like.

The sensing unit1020may include at least one of a temperature sensor1022, an insertion detection sensor, and a puff sensor1026, but is not limited thereto.

The temperature sensor1022may sense a temperature at which the heater1050(or an aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device1000may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater1050, or the heater1050may serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor1022may also be arranged around the battery1040to monitor the temperature of the battery1040.

The insertion detection sensor1024may sense insertion and/or removal of an aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor1024may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and may sense a signal change according to the insertion and/or removal of an aerosol generating article.

The puff sensor1026may sense a user's puff on the basis of various physical changes in an airflow passage or an airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor1026may sense a user's puff on the basis of any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

The humidity detection sensor1028may measure the amount of moisture included in the cigarette. The humidity detection sensor1028may be any one of an electrical resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, and an optical sensor. However, this is an example, and the humidity detection sensor1028is not limited thereto.

The sensing unit1020may include, in addition to the temperature sensor1022, the insertion detection sensor1024, the puff sensor1026, and the humidity detection sensor1028described above, at least one of a temperature/humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a location sensor (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)), a proximity sensor, and a red-green-blue (RGB) sensor (illuminance sensor). Because a function of each of sensors may be intuitively inferred by one of ordinary skill in the art from the name of the sensor, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

The output unit1030may output information on a state of the aerosol generating device1000and provide the information to a user. The output unit1030may include at least one of a display unit1032, a haptic unit1034, and a sound output unit1036, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit1032and a touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit1032may also be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit1032may visually provide information about the aerosol generating device1000to the user. For example, information about the aerosol generating device1000may mean various pieces of information, such as a charging/discharging state of the battery1040of the aerosol generating device1000, a preheating state of the heater1050, an insertion/removal state of an aerosol generating article, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device1000is restricted (e.g., sensing of an abnormal object), or the like, and the display unit1032may output the information to the outside. The display unit1032may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel, or the like. In addition, the display unit1032may be in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED) light-emitting device.

The haptic unit1034may tactilely provide information about the aerosol generating device1000to the user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, the haptic unit1034may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The sound output unit1036may audibly provide information about the aerosol generating device1000to the user. For example, the sound output unit1036may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the same to the outside.

The battery1040may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device1000. The battery1040may supply power such that the heater1050may be heated. In addition, the battery1040may supply power required for operations of other components (e.g., the sensing unit1020, the output unit1030, the user input unit1060, the memory1070, and the communication unit1080) in the aerosol generating device1000. The battery1040may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery1040may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The heater1050may receive power from the battery1040to heat an aerosol generating material. Although not illustrated inFIG.10, the aerosol generating device1000may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current (DC)/DC converter) that converts power of the battery1040and supplies the same to the heater1050. In addition, when the aerosol generating device1000generates aerosols in an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device1000may further include a DC/alternating current (AC) that converts DC power of the battery1040into AC power.

The controller1010, the sensing unit1020, the output unit1030, the user input unit1060, the memory1070, and the communication unit1080may each receive power from the battery1040to perform a function. Although not illustrated inFIG.10, the aerosol generating device1000may further include a power conversion circuit that converts power of the battery1040to supply the power to respective components, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit, or a voltage regulator circuit.

In an embodiment, the heater1050may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, the suitable electrically resistive material may be a metal or a metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, or the like, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater1050may be implemented by a metal wire, a metal plate on which an electrically conductive track is arranged, a ceramic heating element, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, the heater1050may be a heater of an induction heating type. For example, the heater1050may include a susceptor that heats an aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

In an embodiment, the heater1050may include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater1050may include a first heater for heating the cigarette and a second heater for heating the liquid composition.

The user input unit1060may receive information input from the user or may output information to the user. For example, the user input unit1060may include a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (a contact capacitive method, a pressure resistance film method, an infrared sensing method, a surface ultrasonic conduction method, an integral tension measurement method, a piezo effect method, or the like), a jog wheel, a jog switch, or the like, but is not limited thereto. In addition, although not illustrated inFIG.10, the aerosol generating device1000may further include a connection interface, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may connect to other external devices through the connection interface, such as the USB interface, to transmit and receive information, or to charge the battery1040.

The memory1070is a hardware component that stores various types of data processed in the aerosol generating device1000, and may store data processed and data to be processed by the controller1010. The memory1070may include at least one type of storage medium from among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card-type memory (for example, secure digital (SD) or extreme digital (XD) memory, etc.), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory1070may store an operation time of the aerosol generating device1000, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data on a user's smoking pattern, etc.

The communication unit1080may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit1080may include a short-range wireless communication unit1082and a wireless communication unit1084.

The short-range wireless communication unit1082may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a wireless LAN (WLAN) (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

The wireless communication unit1084may include a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)) communication unit, or the like, but is not limited thereto. The wireless communication unit1084may also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device1000within a communication network by using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

The controller1010may control general operations of the aerosol generating device1000. In an embodiment, the controller1010may include at least one processor. 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 by the microprocessor is stored. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

Those of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiments may understand that various changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the scope of the characteristics described above. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered in a descriptive point of view, not a restrictive point of view. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope of equivalents thereof should be construed as being included in the present disclosure.

Because an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment controls a heating operation of a heater when movement of an aerosol generating article from a receiving space of the aerosol generating device is detected by using an insertion detecting sensor, a sufficient smoking impression may be provided to a user and unnecessary power consumption may be reduced.

The effects according to one or embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.