WO2025187917A1 - Aerosol-generating apparatus and aerosol-generating system including same - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol-generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing including a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and side surfaces between the first surface and the second surface and having formed in the first surface an inner space into which an aerosol-generating article is inserted; a first sensor and a second sensor that are arranged in the lengthwise direction of the inner space; and a control unit accommodated in the housing and including at least one processor, wherein the control unit receives first information measured by the first sensor and second information measured by the second sensor, and can determine the state of the aerosol-generating article on the basis of the first information and the second information.

Description

Aerosol generating device and aerosol generating system including the same

The various embodiments below relate to an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system including the same.

Research is underway on non-combustible cigarettes. Aerosol-generating devices heat an aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol.

The background technology described above is technology that the inventor possessed or acquired during the process of deriving the present invention, and cannot necessarily be said to be a publicly known technology disclosed to the general public prior to the application for the present invention.

An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system including the same that can effectively determine whether an aerosol generating article is reused.

An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system including the same that can accurately determine whether an aerosol generating article is reusable even in an over-humidified state.

An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system including the same, which can effectively determine whether an aerosol generating article is in an over-humidified state.

An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system including the same that can effectively determine or verify the type of an aerosol generating article.

An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system including the same, which can provide an optimal smoking satisfaction to a user by utilizing the state of a determined aerosol generating article.

An aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment comprises a housing including a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a side surface between the first surface and the second surface, the first surface having an internal space formed therein into which the aerosol-generating article is inserted, a first sensor and a second sensor arranged along a longitudinal direction of the internal space, and a control unit accommodated in the housing and including at least one processor, wherein the control unit receives first information measured by the first sensor and second information measured by the second sensor, and can determine a state of the aerosol-generating article based on the first information and the second information.

An aerosol-generating system according to one embodiment includes an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device, wherein the aerosol-generating article includes a first filter segment, a medium segment disposed downstream of the first filter segment and receiving a medium, and a second filter segment disposed downstream of the medium segment, and wherein the aerosol-generating device includes a housing having an internal space in which the aerosol-generating article is received, a first sensor disposed at a position corresponding to the medium segment when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the internal space, and a second sensor disposed at a position corresponding to the first filter segment when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the internal space.

According to some embodiments, it is possible to effectively determine whether an aerosol-generating article that can be used under non-heated conditions is reusable.

According to one embodiment, it is possible to accurately determine whether an aerosol-generating article can be reused even under over-humidified conditions.

According to one embodiment, it is possible to effectively determine whether an aerosol-generating article is in an over-humidified state.

According to one embodiment, the type of aerosol-generating article inserted into an aerosol-generating device can be effectively determined or verified.

According to one embodiment, the status information of an aerosol-generating article can be utilized to provide an optimal smoking satisfaction to a user.

The effects of the aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating system including the same according to the embodiments are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

Figure 1 illustrates an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

Figure 2 illustrates an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

Figure 3 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing showing the structure of an aerosol-generating article included in an aerosol-generating system according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing a portion of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view showing an aerosol-generating article inserted into a portion of an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment.

Figure 7 is an exploded view showing a portion of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

Figure 8 illustrates an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

Figure 9 illustrates an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

Figure 10 illustrates an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

Figure 11 illustrates an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

The terms used in the embodiments are selected from widely used, common terms, taking into account their functions. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should not be defined simply as names of terms, but rather based on their meanings and the overall content of the present invention.

When a part of the specification is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather implies the inclusion of other components, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, terms such as "-unit" and "-module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

As used herein, when an expression such as "at least one" precedes an array of elements, it modifies the entire array of elements, not just each individual element. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an aerosol generating system according to an embodiment. Figure 3 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an aerosol generating article included in an aerosol generating system according to an embodiment. Figure 5 is an exploded view showing a portion of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, Figure 6 is an exploded view showing an aerosol generating article inserted into a portion of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, and Figure 7 is an exploded view showing a portion of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, an aerosol generating system (100) according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating device (1) and an aerosol generating article (S).

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one of a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor (13), and a vaporizer (19). At least one of the power source (11), the control unit (12), and the sensor (13) may be disposed inside a housing (10) of the aerosol generating device (1). The housing (10) may provide a space opened on one side to allow an aerosol-generating article (S) to be inserted. The space opened on one side may be referred to as an internal space (104). The internal space (104) may be formed by being recessed toward the inside of the housing (10) by a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (S) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of a region of the aerosol-generating article (S) containing an aerosol-generating material and/or medium. The upper portion of the aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted into the housing (10), and the lower portion of the aerosol-generating article (S) can protrude outside the housing (10). The user can hold the lower portion of the aerosol-generating article (S) exposed to the outside in his/her mouth and inhale air.

The vaporizer (19) may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any one of a liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavoring component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The vaporizer (19) may be integrally formed with the housing (10) or detachably coupled to the housing (10).

For example, referring to FIG. 1, the vaporizer (19) is formed integrally with the housing (10) and can communicate with the internal space (104) through an airflow channel (CN).

For example, referring to FIG. 2, a space is formed on one side of the housing (10), and at least a portion of the vaporizer (19) is inserted into the space formed on one side of the housing (10), so that the vaporizer (19) can be mounted on the housing (10). An airflow channel (CN) can be defined by a portion of the vaporizer (19) and/or a portion of the housing (10), and the vaporizer (19) can communicate with the internal space (104) through the airflow channel (CN).

The housing (10) can be formed in a structure in which outside air can flow into the interior of the housing (10) while the vaporizer (19) is inserted. At this time, the outside air flowing into the housing (10) can pass through the vaporizer (19) and flow into the user's oral cavity.

The vaporizer (19) may include a storage (CO) containing an aerosol generating material and/or a heater (191) for heating the aerosol generating material in the storage (CO). A liquid delivery means for impregnating (containing) the aerosol generating material may be disposed inside the storage (CO). Here, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc. The electrically conductive track of the heater (191) may be formed in a coil-shaped structure that winds the liquid delivery means or a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means. The heater (191) may be referred to as a vaporizer heater (191).

The vaporizer (19) can generate an aerosol. As the liquid delivery means is heated by the vaporizer heater (191), the aerosol can be generated. The aerosol can be generated by heating the aerosol-generating article (S) by the heater (191). Tobacco material can be added to the aerosol while the aerosol generated by the vaporizer heater (191) passes through the aerosol-generating article (S), and the aerosol added with the tobacco material can be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through one end of the aerosol-generating article (S).

The aerosol generating device (1) may include a cap (not shown). The cap may be detachably coupled to the housing (10) so as to cover at least a portion of the vaporizer (19) coupled to the housing (10). An aerosol generating article (S) may be inserted into the housing (10) through the cap.

The power source (11) can supply power to operate components of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) can be referred to as a battery. The power source (11) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (12), the sensor (13), and the vaporizer heater (191).

The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (12) can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit (12) can control the operation of at least one of the power supply (11), the sensor (13), and the vaporizer (19). The control unit (12) can control the operation of a display, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (12) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device (1) to determine whether the aerosol generating device is in an operable state.

The control unit (12) can analyze the results detected by the sensor (13) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the vaporizer heater (191) so that the operation of the vaporizer heater (191) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensor (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the amount of power supplied to the vaporizer heater (191) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the vaporizer heater (191) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor (13).

The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a color sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and a cap detection sensor. For example, the sensor (13) may sense at least one of the temperature of the vaporizer heater (191), the temperature of the power source (11), and the temperature inside and outside the housing (10). For example, the sensor (13) may sense a puff of a user. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether an aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted into the internal space (104). For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether the vaporizer (19) is mounted. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether a cap is mounted.

The housing (10) may include a first surface (101), a second surface (102) opposite the first surface (101), and a side surface (103) between the first surface (101) and the second surface (102). An internal space (104) may be formed in the first surface (101). The internal space (104) may include an internal space end surface (1042) positioned between the first surface (101) and the second surface (102), and an internal space side surface (1043) extending from an edge of the internal space end surface (1042) to the first surface (101).

A first sensor (13-1) and a second sensor (13-2) may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the internal space (104) (e.g., along the -X direction in FIGS. 1 and 2).

The control unit (12) receives first information measured by the first sensor (13-1) and second information measured by the second sensor (13-2), and can determine the state of the aerosol-generating article (S) based on the first information and the second information. The first sensor (13-1) and the second sensor (13-2) will be described in detail later.

Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), and at least one heater (191). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2. That is, a person having ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), some of the components shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 may be omitted or new components may be added.

The sensor (13) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (1) or the status around the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). Based on the detected information, the control unit (12) can control the aerosol generating device (1) so that various functions such as controlling the operation of the vaporizer heater (191), restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (S) and/or the vaporizer (19) is inserted, and displaying a notification are performed.

The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (131), a puff sensor (132), an insertion detection sensor (133), a reuse detection sensor (134), a cartridge detection sensor (vaporizer detection sensor) (135), a cap detection sensor (136), and a movement detection sensor (137).

The temperature sensor (131) can detect the temperature at which the vaporizer heater (191) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the vaporizer heater (191), or the vaporizer heater (191) itself may serve as a temperature sensor.

The temperature sensor (131) can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the vaporizer heater (191). For example, the temperature sensor (131) can include a resistance element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in the temperature of the vaporizer heater (191). It can be implemented by a thermistor, which is an element that utilizes the property of changing resistance depending on temperature. At this time, the temperature sensor (131) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the vaporizer heater (191). For example, the temperature sensor (131) can be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the vaporizer heater (191). At this time, the temperature sensor (131) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the vaporizer heater (191) as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the vaporizer heater (191).

A temperature sensor (131) may be placed around the power source (11) to monitor the temperature of the power source (11). The temperature sensor (131) may be placed adjacent to the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor (131) may be attached to one side of a battery, which is the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor (131) may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

A temperature sensor (131) is placed inside the housing (10) and can detect the internal temperature of the housing (10).

The puff sensor (132) can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor (132) can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor (132) can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor (132) can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1). Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) can correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor (132) can be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1).

The insertion detection sensor (133) can detect the insertion and/or removal of an aerosol-generating article (S). The insertion detection sensor (133) can detect a signal change according to the insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article (S). The insertion detection sensor (133) can be installed around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor (133) can detect the insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article (S) according to a change in the permittivity inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor (133) can be an inductive sensor and/or a capacitance sensor.

An inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be arranged adjacent to an internal space. For example, when a magnetic field changes around a current-carrying coil, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to an internal space (e.g., the internal space (104) of FIG. 1 or 2). The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to an electromagnetic characteristic of the surroundings, for example, an electrostatic capacitance around the conductor. For example, when an aerosol-generating article (S) including a wrapper made of a metal material is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic characteristic around the conductor may be changed by the wrapper of the aerosol-generating article (S).

A reuse detection sensor (134) can detect whether an aerosol-generating article (S) has been reused. The reuse detection sensor (134) may be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the aerosol-generating article (S). The color sensor can detect the color of a portion of a wrapper that wraps the outside of the aerosol-generating article (S). The color sensor can detect a value for an optical characteristic corresponding to the color of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic may be a wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a single configuration with the proximity sensor, or may be implemented as a separate configuration distinct from the proximity sensor.

At least some of the wrappers constituting the aerosol-generating article (S) may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor (134) may be positioned corresponding to a position where at least some of the wrappers that change color due to the aerosol are disposed when the aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the aerosol-generating article (S) is used by a user, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be a first color. At this time, as at least some of the wrappers are wetted by the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device (1) while passing through the aerosol-generating article (S), the color of at least some of the wrappers may change to a second color. Meanwhile, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be maintained at the second color after changing from the first color to the second color.

A cartridge (vaporizer) detection sensor (135) can detect the mounting and/or removal of the vaporizer (19). The cartridge detection sensor (135) can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

The cap detection sensor (136) can detect the attachment and/or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the housing (10), the vaporizer (19) and a portion of the housing (10) covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor (136) can be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

The motion detection sensor (137) can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1). The motion detection sensor (137) can be implemented with at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

In addition to the sensors (131 to 137) described above, the sensor (13) may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

The output unit (14) can output information on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) and provide it to the user. The output unit (14) may include at least one of a display (141), a haptic unit (142), and an audio output unit (143), but is not limited thereto. When the display (141) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display (141) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display (141) can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1) may refer to various information such as the charging/discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), the preheating status of the heater (18), the insertion/removal status of the aerosol generating item (S) and/or the vaporizer (19), the mounting/removal status of the cap, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display (141) can output the above information to the outside. For example, the display (141) may be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display (141) may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

The haptic unit (142) can provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, the haptic unit (142) can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of the initial preheating when the initial power is supplied to the vaporizer heater (191) for a set period of time. The haptic unit (142) can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The acoustic output unit (143) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (143) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

The power source (11) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) can supply power so that the vaporizer heater (191) can be heated. In addition, the power source (11) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device (1), such as a sensor (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), and a memory (17). The power source (11) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

Although not shown in FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power source (11) and may include a switching element.

The power protection circuit can block the power supply (11) according to certain conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (11) when the voltage level of the power supply (11) is higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (11) when the voltage level of the power supply (11) is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.

The control unit (12), sensor (13), output unit (14), input unit (15), communication unit (16), and memory (17) can receive power from the power source (11) and perform their functions. Although not shown in FIG. 1 or 2, a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power of the power source (11) and supplies it to each component may be further included. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 3, a noise filter may be provided between the power source (11) and the vaporizer heater (191). The noise filter may be a low pass filter. The low pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power source (11) to the vaporizer heater (191). By using a low-pass filter, it is possible to prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to a sensor (13), such as an insertion detection sensor (133).

In one embodiment, the vaporizer heater (191) may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like. Furthermore, the vaporizer heater (191) may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, and the like.

In another embodiment, the vaporizer heater (191) may be an induction heater. For example, the vaporizer heater (191) may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

The input unit (15) can receive information input from a user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit (15) can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor that detects touch. For example, the touch sensor can include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc.

The display (141) and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display (141) (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added on to the display (141).

Meanwhile, the input unit (15) may include, but is not limited to, buttons, key pads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

The memory (17) is hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (12). The memory (17) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory (17) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

The communication unit (16) may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit (16) may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

The short-range wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

The wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

Although not shown in FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device (1) further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can transmit and receive information or charge a power source (11) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface such as a USB interface.

The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can include at least one processor. The processor can be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that the processor can be implemented as other types of hardware.

The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the vaporizer heater (191). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the vaporizer heater (191) based on the temperature of the vaporizer heater (191) sensed by the temperature sensor (131). The control unit (12) can adjust the power supplied to the vaporizer heater (191) based on the temperature of the vaporizer heater (191). For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature for the vaporizer heater (191) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (17).

The aerosol generating device (1) may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply (11) between the power supply (11) and the vaporizer heater (191). The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the vaporizer heater (191). The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit (12) may control the power supply circuit.

The control unit (12) can control power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts direct current power output from the power source (11) into alternating current power. For example, the inverter may be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

The control unit (12) can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power source (11) to the vaporizer heater (191). The control unit (12) can turn off the switching element so that power supply to the vaporizer heater (191) is cut off. The control unit (12) can control the current supplied from the power source (11) by controlling the frequency and/or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element.

The control unit (12) can control the voltage output from the power source (11) by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit can include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a zener diode, etc.

The control unit (12) can control the on/off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. When the on state of the switching element continues, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power source (11). The duty ratio for the on/off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power source (11). As the duty ratio for the on/off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The vaporizer heater (191) can be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

The control unit (12) can control power to be supplied to the heater (18) using at least one of the pulse width modulation (PWM) method and the proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

For example, the control unit (12) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the vaporizer heater (191) using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the vaporizer heater (191) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is the target of control based on the temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the vaporizer heater (191) by using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the vaporizer heater (191) and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

The control unit (12) can prevent the vaporizer heater (191) from overheating. For example, the control unit (12) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the supply of power to the vaporizer heater (191) is cut off based on the temperature of the vaporizer heater (191) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (12) can reduce the amount of power supplied to the vaporizer heater (191) by a certain percentage based on the temperature of the vaporizer heater (191) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol generating material contained in the vaporizer (19) is exhausted based on the temperature of the vaporizer heater (191) exceeding the limit temperature, and can cut off the supply of power to the vaporizer heater (191).

The control unit (12) can control the charging and discharging of the power source (11). The control unit (12) can check the temperature of the power source (11) based on the output signal of the temperature sensor (131).

When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device (1), the control unit (12) can check whether the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking charging of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can control the power source (11) to be charged based on a preset charging current. If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can block charging of the power source (11).

When the power of the aerosol generating device (1) is turned on, the control unit (12) can check whether the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking discharge of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can control to use the power stored in the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can stop using the power stored in the power source (11).

The control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (11) based on the voltage and/or current sensing values of the power source (11).

The control unit (12) can determine whether an aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (133). The control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor (133). If it is determined that the aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit (12) can control to supply power to the vaporizer heater (191). For example, the control unit (12) can supply power to the vaporizer heater (191) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (17).

The control unit (12) can determine whether an aerosol-generating item (S) is removed from the internal space. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether an aerosol-generating item (S) is removed from the internal space through the insertion detection sensor (133). For example, the control unit (12) can determine that an aerosol-generating item (S) is removed from the internal space when the temperature of the heater (18) is higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater (18) is higher than a set slope. When it is determined that an aerosol-generating item (S) is removed from the internal space, the control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the vaporizer heater (191).

The control unit (12) can control the power supply time and/or power supply amount to the vaporizer heater (191) according to the state of the aerosol-generating article (S) detected by the sensor (13). The control unit (12) can check the level range that includes the level of the signal of the capacitance sensor based on a lookup table. The control unit (12) can determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article (S) according to the checked level range.

When the aerosol-generating article (S) is in an over-humidified state, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time to the vaporizer heater (191) to increase the preheating time of the aerosol-generating article (S) compared to the normal state.

The control unit (12) can determine whether the aerosol-generating article (S) inserted into the insertion space has been reused through the reuse detection sensor (134). For example, the control unit (12) can compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range that includes a first color, and if the sensing value is included in the first reference range, it can determine that the aerosol-generating article (S) has not been used. For example, the control unit (12) can compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range that includes a second color, and if the sensing value is included in the second reference range, it can determine that the aerosol-generating article (S) has been used. If it is determined that the aerosol-generating article (S) has been used, the control unit (12) can cut off the supply of power to the vaporizer heater (191).

The control unit (12) can determine whether the vaporizer (19) is engaged and/or removed through the cartridge detection sensor (135). For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the vaporizer (19) is engaged and/or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

The control unit (12) can determine whether the aerosol generating material of the vaporizer (19) is exhausted. For example, the control unit (12) can preheat the vaporizer heater (191) by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the vaporizer heater (191) exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the vaporizer heater (191) exceeds the limit temperature, it can be determined that the aerosol generating material of the vaporizer (19) is exhausted. If it is determined that the aerosol generating material of the vaporizer (19) is exhausted, the control unit (12) can cut off the supply of power to the vaporizer heater (191).

The control unit (12) can determine whether the vaporizer (19) is usable. For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the vaporizer (19) is unusable if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the vaporizer (19) based on data stored in the memory (17). For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the vaporizer (19) is unusable if the total time that the heater (24) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater (24) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power.

The control unit (12) can make a judgment regarding the user's inhalation through the puff sensor (132). For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether a puff has been generated based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor. For example, the control unit (12) can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor (132). If the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or if no puffs are detected for a preset time or longer, the control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the vaporizer heater (191).

The control unit (12) can determine whether the cap is attached and/or removed through the cap detection sensor (136). For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the cap is attached and/or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

The control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor (13). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (132) reaches a preset number, the control unit (12) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (1) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display (141), the haptic unit (142), and the sound output unit (143). For example, the control unit (12) can notify the user through the output unit (14) based on a determination that no aerosol generating item (S) exists in the internal space. For example, the control unit (12) can notify the user through the output unit (14) based on a determination that the vaporizer (19) and/or the cap is not mounted. For example, the control unit (12) can transmit information about the temperature of the vaporizer heater (191) to the user through the output unit (14).

The control unit (12) can store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The events may include operations such as detection of insertion of an aerosol-generating article (S), initiation of heating of the aerosol-generating article (S), detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the vaporizer heater (191), detection of overvoltage application to the vaporizer heater (191), termination of heating of the aerosol-generating article (S), power on/off of the aerosol-generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharge of the power source (11), termination of charging of the power source (11), etc., performed in the aerosol-generating device (1). The history of events may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a given event is detection of insertion of an aerosol-generating article (S), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor (133), etc. For example, if a given event is detection of overheating of the vaporizer heater (191), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the vaporizer heater (191), the voltage applied to the vaporizer heater (191), the current flowing in the vaporizer heater (191), etc.

The control unit (12) can control to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. When data regarding authentication is received from the external device through the communication link, the control unit (12) can release the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1). Here, the data regarding authentication can include data indicating completion of user authentication for a user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number indicating the user, etc., and can receive data regarding the use authorization of the aerosol generating device (1) from an external server. The external device can transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generating device (1) based on the data regarding the use authorization. When the user authentication is completed, the control unit (12) can release the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (12) can release the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the vaporizer heater (191) when user authentication is completed.

The control unit (12) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the external device through a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), the operation mode, etc. through the display of the external device.

An external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generating device (1) based on an input that initiates location search of the aerosol generating device (1). When receiving a location search request from the external device, the control unit (12) may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, in response to the location search request, the haptic unit (142) may generate vibration. For example, in response to the location search request, the display (141) may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

The control unit (12) can control to perform a firmware update when receiving firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device (1) and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. When an input requesting firmware download is received, the external device can receive a new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (12) can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generating device (1) upon receiving a new version of the firmware data.

The control unit (12) can transmit data on the sensing value of at least one sensor (13) to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit (16), and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. The control unit (12) can perform an operation of determining a user's inhalation pattern, an operation of generating a temperature profile, etc. using the learning model received from the server. The control unit (12) can store, in the memory (17), the sensing value data of at least one sensor (13) and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN). For example, the memory (17) can store a database for each component provided in the aerosol generating device (1) for learning the artificial neural network (ANN), and weights and biases forming the artificial neural network (ANN) structure. The control unit (12) can learn data on the sensing values of at least one sensor (13), the user's suction pattern, the temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory (17), and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's suction pattern, generating the temperature profile, etc.

Referring to FIG. 4, an aerosol-generating article (S) according to one embodiment may include a first filter segment (S1), a medium segment (S2), a second filter segment (S3), and a wrapper (S5).

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article (S) may be wrapped by at least one wrapper (S5). The wrapper (S5) may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air may flow in or internal gas may flow out. The wrapper (S5) may comprise a material having high thermal conductivity.

For example, a first filter segment (S1) may be wrapped by a first wrapper (S51), a medium segment (S2) may be wrapped by a second wrapper (S52), and a second filter segment (S3) may be wrapped by a third wrapper (S53). Then, the entire aerosol-generating article (S) may be repackaged by a fifth wrapper (S55).

In one embodiment, the first wrapper (S51), the second wrapper (S52), and the third wrapper (S53) may be manufactured from porous paper. For example, the porosity of each of the first wrapper (S51), the second wrapper (S52), and the third wrapper (S53) may be, but is not limited to, 35000 CU. In addition, the thickness of each of the first wrapper (S51), the second wrapper (S52), and the third wrapper (S53) may be within a range of 70 um to 80 um. In addition, the basis weight of each of the first wrapper (S51), the second wrapper (S52), and the third wrapper (S53) may be within a range of 20 g/m ² to 25 g/m ² .

In one embodiment, the fifth wrapper (S55) may be made of sterile paper (MFW). For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper (S55) may be within a range of 57 g/m ² to 63 g/m ² . Additionally, the thickness of the fifth wrapper (S55) may be within a range of 64 μm to 70 μm.

In one embodiment, the first filter segment (S1) may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter. Alternatively, the first filter segment (S1) may be composed of a paper filter and a porous molding, etc. For example, the length of the first filter segment (S1) may be 4 to 15 mm, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the first filter segment (S1) may be colored or flavored.

In one embodiment, the medium segment (S2) may be filled with a medium. For example, the medium segment (S2) may include a cavity, and the cavity may be filled with a medium. In another example, the medium segment (S2) may include a cellulose acetate filter or a paper filter, and the medium may be inserted into and filled in the cellulose acetate filter or the paper filter.

For example, the medium substrate filled in the medium segment (S2) may include at least one component selected from the group consisting of granular tobacco (tobacco granules), reconstituted tobacco, and tobacco shavings. For example, the length of the medium segment (S2) may be any appropriate length within the range of 6 mm to 18 mm, but is not limited thereto.

In general, tobacco granules can significantly reduce the generation of visible smoke because they contain significantly less moisture and/or aerosol-forming agents than other types of tobacco materials (e.g., cut tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.), and thus the smokeless function of the aerosol generating device (11) can be easily implemented. However, the diameter, density, filling ratio, composition ratio of constituent materials, heating temperature, etc. of the tobacco granules can vary and may vary depending on the embodiment. The diameter of the tobacco granules can be about 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm. Within this numerical range, the appropriate hardness and ease of manufacturing of the tobacco granules can be ensured, and the probability of vortex generation within the cavity can be increased.

Additionally, the medium segment (S2) may contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and/or organic acids. Furthermore, a flavoring agent such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the medium segment (S2) by spraying it onto the medium segment (S2).

In one embodiment, the medium filled in the medium segment (S2) can be pH-treated. For example, the medium substrate can be pH-treated to have alkalinity by a pH adjusting agent. The pH adjusting agent is alkaline and can include, for example, at least one of potassium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and calcium oxide (CaO). However, the material included in the pH adjusting agent is not limited to the examples described above, and a material that generates less negative odor during smoking can be used. The alkaline pH adjusting agent can increase the pH of the medium substrate included in the medium segment (S2). Compared to a medium substrate not treated with the alkaline pH adjusting agent, the amount of nicotine released from the medium substrate treated with the alkaline pH increases. That is, in the case of a medium substrate treated with an alkaline pH, a sufficient nicotine yield can be achieved from the medium segment (S2) even at a low temperature.

In one embodiment, the medium segment (S2) may include a slurry or a paper-based sheet having a pH adjusted to a range of 7.0 to 9.5, or may include tobacco granules having a pH adjusted to a range of 7.0 to 9.5. The medium substrate may include nicotine, and by performing a basic pH treatment therein, free nicotine (nicotine in a gaseous state) may be transferred from the medium substrate even under non-heated conditions or relatively low temperature conditions. That is, by adjusting the pH of the medium substrate of the medium segment (S2) to a range of 7.0 to 9.5, volatile free nicotine may be transferred under non-heated conditions (or low-temperature heating conditions), and a sufficient level of smoky flavor intensity may be realized.

In one embodiment, the second filter segment (S3) may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter. In addition, the second filter segment (S3) may include at least one fragrance capsule. For example, the second filter segment (S3) may be a cellulose acetate filter having at least one fragrance capsule inserted therein. In addition, the second filter segment (S3) may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter mixed with a fragrance material.

In one embodiment, nicotine can be adsorbed to at least one of the first filter segment (S1) and the second filter segment (S3). As the medium segment (S2) is pH-treated in the range of 7.0 to 9.5, even under non-heated conditions, nicotine in the medium segment (S2) can be actively transferred to the first filter segment (S1) or the second filter segment (S3) in a free nicotine state, and the nicotine transferred from the medium segment (S2) can be adsorbed to at least one of the first filter segment (S1) and the second filter segment (S3). Since the first filter segment (S1) or the second filter segment (S3) together with the medium segment (S2) also contain nicotine, the aerosol-generating article (S) can be used even without preheating of the aerosol-generating device (1). This not only increases user convenience, but also enables sufficient nicotine delivery even under non-heated (or low-temperature heated) conditions, thereby providing a satisfying taste sensation.

Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a housing part (10-1) constituting the internal space (104) of the housing (10).

Referring to FIG. 5, the first sensor (13-1) and the second sensor (13-2) can be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the internal space (104) (e.g., +/-X direction in FIG. 5).

In one embodiment, the first sensor (13-1) and the second sensor (13-2) may be arranged sequentially along a direction (e.g., -X direction in FIG. 5) from the first surface (101) toward the inner space end surface (1042).

At least a part of the first sensor (13-1) may be arranged to face the internal space (104) to detect the state of an aerosol-generating article (S) inserted into the internal space (104), and at least a part of the second sensor (13-2) may be arranged to face the internal space (104) to detect the state of an aerosol-generating article (S) inserted into the internal space (104). For example, at least a part of the first sensor (13-1) and/or the second sensor (13-2) may be exposed from the internal space side surface (1043). As another example, the first sensor (13-1) and/or the second sensor (13-2) may be accommodated inside the housing part (10-1) to detect the state of the aerosol-generating article (S) without being exposed to the internal space (104). As another example, at least a portion of the first sensor (13-1) may be positioned at a position exposed from the inner space side surface (1043), and at least a portion of the second sensor (13-2) may be positioned at a position exposed from the inner space end surface (1042).

In one embodiment, the first sensor (13-1) may be configured as a first capacitance sensor, and the second sensor (13-2) may be configured as a second capacitance sensor. The first capacitance sensor and/or the second capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor may be arranged adjacent to the inner space side surface (1043). The first capacitance sensor and/or the second capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the capacitance of a segment (compartment) of an adjacent aerosol-generating article (S). For example, when the moisture content of each segment of the aerosol-generating article (S) is different, the electromagnetic characteristics around the conductor may be different, and the first capacitance sensor and the second capacitance sensor may indicate a capacitance value corresponding to each of the segments.

In one embodiment, the first sensor (13-1) may be configured as a first inductive sensor, and the second sensor (13-2) may be configured as a second inductive sensor. The first inductive sensor and/or the second inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil may be arranged adjacent to the inner space side surface (1043). For example, when a magnetic field changes around a current-flowing coil, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. The first inductive sensor and/or the second inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil. For example, when the moisture content of each segment of the aerosol-generating article (S) is different, the first inductive sensor and the second inductive sensor may indicate a signal value corresponding to each segment.

The signal measured by the first sensor (13-1) and/or the second sensor (13-2) can be transmitted to a control unit (e.g., the control unit (12) of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2) through a connector (13-3).

Fig. 6 shows a state in which an aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted into the internal space (104) of the housing part (10-1) of Fig. 5.

Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, when the aerosol-generating article (S) is fully inserted into the internal space (104), the first sensor (13-1) may be positioned at a position corresponding to the medium segment (S2) of the aerosol-generating article (S). For example, the first sensor (13-1) may be positioned horizontally (e.g., along the YZ plane in FIG. 6) away from the medium segment (S2).

When the aerosol-generating article (S) is fully inserted into the internal space (104), the second sensor (13-2) may be positioned corresponding to the first filter segment (S1) of the aerosol-generating article (S). For example, the second sensor (13-2) may be positioned horizontally (e.g., along the YZ plane in FIG. 6) away from the first filter segment (S1).

When the first sensor (13-1) is configured as a first capacitance sensor and the second sensor (13-2) is configured as a second capacitance sensor, the first sensor (13-1) can detect the degree of wetness (over-wetting) of the medium segment (S2), and the second sensor (13-2) can detect the degree of wetness (over-wetting) of the first filter segment (S1).

In one embodiment, when the first sensor (13-1) is configured as a capacitive sensor and the second sensor (13-2) is configured as a capacitive sensor, the area of the first sensor (13-1) facing the inner space side surface (1043) and the area of the second sensor (13-2) facing the inner space side surface (1043) may be the same. By making the exposed area of the first sensor (13-1) (e.g., the area of the first sensor (13-1) facing the inner space side surface (1043)) and the exposed area of the second sensor (13-2) (e.g., the area of the second sensor (13-2) facing the inner space side surface (1043)) the same, interference between the two sensors can be minimized.

At this time, in order to minimize the influence between the first sensor (13-1) and the second sensor (13-2), the first sensor (13-1) may be placed adjacent to the first surface (101) and the second sensor (13-2) may be placed adjacent to the end surface (1042) of the internal space. For example, considering the set size of the aerosol generating device (1), the separation distance between the first sensor (13-1) and the second sensor (13-2) may be maximized. For example, the second sensor (13-2) may be placed at the innermost part of the internal space (104). Similarly, the first sensor (13-1) may be placed closest to the first surface (101), and due to the placement of the proximity sensor, the first sensor (13-1) may be placed below the proximity sensor from the first surface (101).

In one embodiment, when the first sensor (13-1) is configured as a first capacitance sensor and the second sensor (13-2) is configured as a second capacitance sensor, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol-generating article (S) has been reused if the absolute value of the difference between the first capacitance change amount measured from the first capacitance sensor and the second capacitance change amount measured from the second capacitance sensor between a first time point (before the aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted into the internal space (104)) and a second time point (after the aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted into the internal space (104)) is greater than or equal to a first set value.

For example, an aerosol generated from a vaporizer (e.g., the vaporizer (19) of FIG. 1 or 2) may enter a first filter segment (S1) of an aerosol-generating article (S), pass through a medium segment (S2), and move to a second filter segment (S3). As the aerosol moves in a downstream direction of the aerosol-generating article (S) (e.g., the +X direction of FIG. 6), the downstream side of the aerosol-generating article (S) may be wetted more by the aerosol than the upstream side. Since the permittivity may change when the degree of wetting of the aerosol-generating article (S) changes, the first capacitance value measured by the first sensor (13-1) and the second capacitance value measured by the second sensor (13-2) may change.

After the aerosol-generating article (S) is used, the upstream of the aerosol-generating article (S) may generally be wetted more by the aerosol, so the second capacitance value measured by the second capacitance sensor (13-2) may be larger than the first capacitance value measured by the first sensor (13-1).

Alternatively, depending on the configuration of the aerosol-generating article (S), the first capacitance value measured by the first sensor (13-1) may be greater than the second capacitance value measured by the second sensor (13-2). For example, if the medium segment (S2) includes a cavity, both the inside and outside of the second wrapper (S52) of the medium segment (S2) may be wetted by the aerosol, and thus the medium segment (122) may be wetted more than the first filter segment (S1).

In either case, the first capacitance and the second capacitance at the second point in time have a difference, or the change in the first capacitance and the change in the second capacitance between the first point in time and the second point in time have a difference.

At this time, the control unit (12) can determine whether or not the aerosol-generating article (S) is to be reused based on the difference between the first electrostatic capacitance change amount and the second electrostatic capacitance change amount.

For example, if the absolute value of the difference between the first electrostatic capacitance change amount and the second electrostatic capacitance change amount is greater than or equal to a first set value (|first electrostatic capacitance change amount - second electrostatic capacitance change amount| ≥ a, where a is the first set value), the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol-generating article (S) has been reused. Here, the first set value can be defined as a value that takes into account an error.

Here, based on the magnitude of the absolute value of the difference, the reliability of the determination of whether or not the aerosol-generating item (S) is reused can be determined. For example, since the larger the absolute value of the difference, the more accurate the determination of reuse of the aerosol-generating item (S), the control unit (12) can determine that the result of the reuse determination has a high reliability when the absolute value of the difference is large.

In one embodiment, when the first sensor (13-1) is configured as a first capacitance sensor and the second sensor (13-2) is configured as a second capacitance sensor, if the absolute value of the difference between the first capacitance change amount measured from the first sensor (13-1) and the second capacitance change amount measured from the second sensor (13-2) between the first time point (before the aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted into the internal space (104)) and the second time point (after the aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted into the internal space (104)) is less than the second set value, it can be determined that the aerosol-generating article is in an over-humidified state.

For example, in a high-humidity environment such as the rainy season, the aerosol-generating article (S) may become over-humidified. In this over-humidified state, the first filter segment (S1), the medium segment (S2), and the second filter segment (S3) of the aerosol-generating article (S) all become wet, resulting in a capacitance value that converges to the corresponding humidity.

At this time, the control unit (12) can determine whether the aerosol-generating article (S) is in an over-humidified state based on the difference between the first electrostatic capacitance change amount and the second electrostatic capacitance change amount. Alternatively, the control unit (12) can determine whether the aerosol-generating article (S) is in an over-humidified state based on the difference between the first electrostatic capacitance value and the second electrostatic capacitance value at the second point in time.

For example, if the absolute value of the difference between the first electrostatic capacitance change amount and the second electrostatic capacitance change amount between the first time point and the second time point is less than the second set value (|first electrostatic capacitance change amount - second electrostatic capacitance change amount| < b, where b is the second set value), the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol-generating article (S) is in an over-humidified state. Here, the second set value can be defined as a value that takes into account the error.

As another example, if the absolute value of the difference between the first electrostatic capacitance value and the second electrostatic capacitance value at the second point in time is less than the fourth set value (|first electrostatic capacitance value - second electrostatic capacitance value| at the second point in time < d, where d is the fourth set value), the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol-generating article (S) is in an over-humidified state.

If only one capacitance sensor is provided, it is impossible to determine whether the increase in capacitance is due to reuse or an over-humidification condition. Since the aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment is provided with the first sensor (13-1) and the second sensor (13-2), errors in determining reuse due to excessive over-humidification can be prevented compared to the case where one capacitance sensor is provided. For example, in the case of an over-humidification condition, the first capacitance change amount in the first sensor (13-1) and the second capacitance change amount in the second sensor (13-2) increase together. Here, since the capacitance values of all capacitance sensors have increased, the difference between the first capacitance value and the second capacitance value at the same time is minimal, and the control unit (12) may not recognize this situation as reuse.

In one embodiment, when the first sensor (13-1) is configured as a capacitance sensor and the second sensor (13-2) is configured as a capacitance sensor, if at least one of the first capacitance change amount measured from the first sensor (13-1) and the second capacitance change amount measured from the second sensor (13-2) between the first time point (before the aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted into the internal space (104)) and the second time point (after the aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted into the internal space (104)) is less than the third set value, it can be determined that the aerosol-generating article (S) is unused.

For example, the first electrostatic capacity change amount and/or the second electrostatic capacity change amount of the unused aerosol-generating article (S) may be the lowest compared to the case of reuse or over-humidification. At this time, if at least one of the first electrostatic capacity change amount and the second electrostatic capacity change amount is less than the third set value (the first electrostatic capacity change amount < c or the second electrostatic capacity change amount < c, where c is the third set value), the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol-generating article (S) is in an unused state.

As another example, in an unused aerosol-generating article (S), the capacitance value of the medium segment (S2) may be the highest compared to the first filter segment (S1) or the second filter segment (S3). In this case, if the first capacitance value is greater than the second capacitance value, the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol-generating article (S) is unused.

In one embodiment, when the first sensor (13-1) is configured as a capacitance sensor and the second sensor (13-2) is configured as a capacitance sensor, the control unit (12) can verify the type of the aerosol-generating article based on whether the first capacitance value measured by the first sensor (13-1) and the second capacitance value measured by the second sensor (13-2) are outside the first set range.

For example, when an unused aerosol-generating article (S) is recognized, the control unit (12) can additionally determine whether the aerosol-generating article (S) is a type suitable for the aerosol-generating device (1) or whether it is genuine. The control unit (12) can secure and store data on the capacitance value of the medium segment (S2) of the genuine aerosol-generating article (S) and the capacitance value of the first filter segment (S1). The control unit (12) can compare the first capacitance value and the second capacitance value with the secured data, and if they are out of the first set range, determine that they are not genuine. At this time, the control unit (12) can stop the operation of the aerosol-generating device (1) or provide an alarm indicating that the aerosol-generating article (S) is incorrectly inserted.

Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a housing part (10-1) constituting the internal space (104) of the housing (10), and in the following description referring to Fig. 7, descriptions of components overlapping with Fig. 5 are omitted for simplicity.

Referring to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, when the first sensor (13-1) is configured as a capacitive sensor and the second sensor (13-22) is configured as a capacitive sensor, the area of the second sensor (13-22) facing the inner space side surface (1043) may be larger than the area of the first sensor (13-1) facing the inner space side surface (1043).

Capacitance can be inversely proportional to the distance of the space in which the dielectric is inserted and proportional to the cross-sectional area of the dielectric. Therefore, when an aerosol-generating item (S) is inserted into the internal space (104), if the area of the capacitance sensor facing the side surface (1043) of the internal space is large, a large amount of charge can be received.

Since the exposure area of the second sensor (13-22) (e.g., the area of the second sensor (13-22) facing the inner space side surface (1043)) is larger than the exposure area of the first sensor (13-1) (e.g., the area of the first sensor (13-1) facing the inner space side surface (1043), the wetness degree of the first filter segment (S1) that becomes wetter by the aerosol can be measured more precisely.

Here, the width (W2) of the second sensor (13-22) along the circumferential direction of the inner space side surface (1043) may be larger than the width (W1) of the first sensor (13-1) along the circumferential direction of the inner space side surface (1043). Due to the large exposure area of the second sensor (13-22), when a part of the second sensor (13-22) approaches the first sensor (13-1), the second sensor (13-22) can also receive a magnetic field from the medium segment (S2). At this time, the exposure area of the second sensor (13-22) can be increased by increasing the width (W2) without increasing the longitudinal length (e.g., +/- X direction in FIG. 7) of the second sensor (13-22). This may also help to separate the first sensor (13-1) and the second sensor (13-22) as much as possible.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate an aerosol generating system (200) according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, an aerosol generating system (200) may include an aerosol generating device (2) and an aerosol generating article (S). The aerosol generating device (2) may include at least one of a power source (21), a control unit (22), a sensor (23), a vaporizer (29), and a heater (28). At least one of the power source (21), the control unit (22), the sensor (23), and the heater (28) may be disposed inside a housing (20) of the aerosol generating device (2). The housing (20) may provide a space opened on one side to allow the aerosol generating article (S) to be inserted.

The heater (28) can heat the aerosol-generating article (S). The heater (28) can extend upwardly around the space into which the aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted. For example, the heater (28) can be in the form of a tube having a hollow interior. The heater (28) can be arranged around the periphery of the internal space. The heater (28) can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the internal space. The heater (28) can heat the internal space or the aerosol-generating article (S) inserted into the internal space. The heater (28) can include an electrical resistance heater and/or an induction heater.

For example, the heater (28) may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater (28) may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater (28) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater (28) may be electrically connected to a power source (21). The heater (28) may be directly heated by receiving current from the power source (21).

For example, the aerosol generating device (2) may include an induction coil surrounding a heater (28). The induction coil may heat the heater (28). The heater (28) may be a susceptor, and the heater (28) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field may penetrate the heater (28) and generate an eddy current within the heater (28). The current may generate heat in the heater (28).

Meanwhile, a susceptor may be included inside the aerosol-generating article (S), and the susceptor inside the aerosol-generating article (S) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil.

The vaporizer (29) may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any one of a liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavoring component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The vaporizer (29) may be integrally formed with the housing (20) or detachably coupled to the housing (20).

For example, referring to FIG. 8, the vaporizer (29) is formed integrally with the housing (20) and can communicate with the internal space through an airflow channel (CN).

For example, referring to FIG. 9, a space is formed on one side of the housing (20), and at least a portion of the vaporizer (29) is inserted into the space formed on one side of the housing (20), so that the vaporizer (29) can be mounted on the housing (20). An airflow channel (CN) can be defined by a portion of the vaporizer (29) and/or a portion of the housing (20), and the vaporizer (29) can communicate with the internal space through the airflow channel (CN).

The housing (20) can be formed in a structure in which outside air can flow into the interior of the housing (20) while the vaporizer (29) is inserted. At this time, the outside air flowing into the housing (20) can pass through the vaporizer (29) and flow into the user's oral cavity.

The vaporizer (29) may include a storage (CO) containing an aerosol generating material and/or a heater (291) for heating the aerosol generating material in the storage (CO). A liquid delivery means for impregnating (containing) the aerosol generating material may be disposed inside the storage (CO). Here, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc. The electrically conductive track of the heater (291) may be formed in a coil-shaped structure that winds the liquid delivery means or a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means. The heater (291) may be referred to as a vaporizer heater (291).

The vaporizer (29) can generate an aerosol. As the liquid delivery means is heated by the vaporizer heater (291), the aerosol can be generated. The aerosol can be generated by heating the aerosol-generating article (S) by the heater (291). Tobacco material can be added to the aerosol while the aerosol generated by the vaporizer heater (291) passes through the aerosol-generating article (S), and the aerosol added with the tobacco material can be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through one end of the aerosol-generating article (S).

The aerosol generating device (2) may include a cap (not shown). The cap may be detachably coupled to the housing (20) so as to cover at least a portion of the vaporizer (29) coupled to the housing (20). An aerosol generating article (S) may be inserted into the housing (20) through the cap.

The power source (21) can supply power to operate the components of the aerosol generating device (2). The power source (21) can be referred to as a battery. The power source (21) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (22), the sensor (23), the vaporizer heater (291), and the heater (28).

The control unit (22) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (2). The control unit (22) can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit (22) can control the operation of at least one of the power supply (21), the sensor (23), the vaporizer (29), and the heater (28). The control unit (22) can control the operation of the display, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (2). The control unit (22) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device (2) to determine whether the aerosol generating device is in an operable state.

The control unit (22) can analyze the results detected by the sensor (23) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (22) can control the power supplied to the vaporizer heater (291) and/or the heater (28) so that the operation of the vaporizer heater (291) and/or the heater (28) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensor (23). For example, the control unit (22) can control the amount of power supplied to the vaporizer heater (291) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the vaporizer heater (291) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor (23).

The sensor (23) may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a color sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and a cap detection sensor. For example, the sensor (23) may sense at least one of the temperature of the vaporizer heater (291) and/or the heater (28), the temperature of the power source (21), and the temperature inside and outside the housing (20). For example, the sensor (23) may sense a puff of a user. For example, the sensor (23) may sense whether an aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted into the internal space. For example, the sensor (23) may sense whether the vaporizer (29) is mounted. For example, the sensor (23) may sense whether a cap is mounted.

A first sensor (23-1) and a second sensor (23-2) can be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the internal space (e.g., along the -X direction in FIGS. 8 and 9).

The control unit (22) receives first information measured by the first sensor (23-1) and second information measured by the second sensor (23-2), and can determine the state of the aerosol-generating article (S) based on the first information and the second information. Since the functions of the first sensor (23-1) and the second sensor (23-2) are the same or similar to those of the first sensor (13-1) and the second sensor (13-2), a detailed description thereof will be omitted for simplicity.

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate an aerosol generating system (300) according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating system (300) may include an aerosol generating device (3) and an aerosol generating article (S).

Referring to FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device (3) may include at least one of a power source (31), a control unit (32), a sensor (33), and a heater (38). At least one of the power source (31), the control unit (32), the sensor (33), and the heater (38) may be disposed inside a housing (30) of the aerosol generating device. The housing (30) may provide a space opened upwardly so that an aerosol generating article (S) may be inserted. The space opened upwardly may be referred to as an internal space.

The heater (38) can heat the aerosol-generating article (S). The heater (38) can extend upwardly around the space in which the aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted. For example, the heater (38) can be in the form of a tube having a hollow interior. The heater (38) can be arranged around the periphery of the internal space. The heater (38) can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the internal space. The heater (38) can heat the internal space or the aerosol-generating article (S) inserted into the internal space. The heater (38) can include an electrical resistance heater and/or an induction heater.

For example, referring to FIG. 10, the heater (38) may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater (38) may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater (38) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater (38) may be electrically connected to a power source (31). The heater (38) may be directly heated by receiving current from the power source (31). The heater (38) may be a hollow heater that is arranged to surround at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article (S) inserted into an insertion space to heat the outside of the inserted aerosol-generating article (S), or may be a heater in the shape of a needle, rod, tube, or the like that is inserted into the inside of the aerosol-generating article (S) inserted into the insertion space to heat the inside.

For example, referring to FIG. 11, the aerosol generating device may include an induction coil (381) surrounding a heater (38). The induction coil (381) may heat the heater (38). The heater (38) may be a susceptor, and the heater (38) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil (381). The magnetic field may penetrate the heater (38) and generate an eddy current within the heater (38). The current may generate heat in the heater (38).

Meanwhile, a susceptor may be included inside the aerosol-generating article (S), and the susceptor inside the aerosol-generating article (S) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil (381).

The power source (31) can supply power to operate components of the aerosol generating device. The power source (31) can be referred to as a battery. The power source (31) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (32), the sensor (33), and the heater (38). When the aerosol generating device (3) includes an induction coil (381), the power source (31) can supply power to the induction coil (381).

The control unit (32) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device. The control unit (32) can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit (32) can control the operation of at least one of the power supply (31) and the sensor (33). The control unit (32) can control the operation of the induction coil (381). The control unit (32) can control the operation of the display, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device. The control unit (32) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device to determine whether the aerosol generating device is in an operable state.

The control unit (32) can analyze the results detected by the sensor (33) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (32) can control the power supplied to the heater (38) so that the operation of the heater (38) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensor (33). For example, the control unit (32) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (38) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (38) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor (33).

The sensor (33) may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, and an insertion detection sensor. For example, the sensor (33) may sense at least one of the temperature of the heater (38), the temperature of the power source (31), and the temperature inside and outside the housing (30). For example, the sensor (33) may sense the user's puff. For example, the sensor (33) may sense whether an aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted into the insertion space.

A first sensor (33-1) and a second sensor (33-2) may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the internal space (e.g., along the -X direction in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11).

The control unit (32) receives first information measured by the first sensor (33-1) and second information measured by the second sensor (33-2), and can determine the state of the aerosol-generating article (S) based on the first information and the second information. Since the functions of the first sensor (33-1) and the second sensor (33-2) are the same or similar to those of the first sensor (13-1) and the second sensor (13-2), a detailed description thereof will be omitted for simplicity.

Meanwhile, the aerosol-generating article (S) may include a first filter segment, a medium segment, a cooling segment, and a second filter segment. The first filter segment may be configured as an atomizing segment. For example, the atomizing segment may be filled with a moisturizer, and the moisturizer may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. When the first filter segment is configured as an atomizing segment, the aerosol-generating device (3) may not be provided with a separate vaporizer, and instead, a heater (38) may be arranged around and/or inside the first filter segment configured as the atomizing segment.

According to an embodiment of the aerosol generating device (1, 2, 3) and an aerosol generating system (100, 200, 300) including the same, it is possible to effectively determine whether an aerosol generating article (S) is reusable. In addition, even under over-humidification conditions, it is possible to accurately determine whether the aerosol generating article (S) is reusable, and it is possible to effectively determine whether the aerosol generating article (S) is in an over-humidification state. In addition, the type of aerosol generating article (S) inserted into the aerosol generating device (1, 2, 3) can be effectively determined or verified. According to an embodiment of the aerosol generating device (1, 2, 3), it is possible to provide an optimal smoking satisfaction to a user by utilizing the status information of the aerosol generating article (S).

An aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment comprises a first surface (101), a second surface (102) opposite to the first surface (101), and a side surface (103) between the first surface (101) and the second surface (102), and a housing (10) having an internal space formed in the first surface (101) into which the aerosol generating article (S) is inserted, a first sensor (13-1) and a second sensor (13-2) arranged along the longitudinal direction of the internal space (104), and a control unit (12) accommodated in the housing (10) and including at least one processor, wherein the control unit (12) receives first information measured by the first sensor (13-1) and second information measured by the second sensor (13-2), and determines the state of the aerosol generating article (S) based on the first information and the second information. Can be determined.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a vaporizer (19) housed within the housing (10) that heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol and emits the aerosol toward the aerosol generating article (S).

In one embodiment, the internal space (104) includes an internal space end face (1042) located between the first face (101) and the second face (102) and an internal space side face (1043) extending from an edge of the internal space end face (1042) to the first face (101), and the first sensor (13-1) is configured as a first capacitance sensor, the second sensor (13-2) is configured as a second capacitance sensor, and the first capacitance sensor and the second capacitance sensor can be sequentially arranged along a direction from the first face (101) toward the internal space end face (1042).

In one embodiment, the inner space (104) includes an inner space end face (1042) positioned between the first face (101) and the second face (102) and an inner space side face (1043) extending from an edge of the inner space end face (1042) to the first face (101), and the first sensor (13-1) is configured as a first inductive sensor and the second sensor (13-2) is configured as a second inductive sensor, and the first inductive sensor can be arranged adjacent to the first face (101) and the second inductive sensor can be arranged adjacent to the inner space end face (1042).

In one embodiment, the area of the second capacitance sensor facing the inner space side surface (1043) may be larger than the area of the first capacitance sensor facing the inner space side surface (1043).

The width (W2) of the second electrostatic capacity sensor along the circumferential direction of the inner space side surface (1043) may be greater than the width (W1) of the first electrostatic capacity sensor along the circumferential direction of the inner space side surface (1043).

To minimize interference between the first capacitance sensor and the second capacitance sensor, the first capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the first surface (101) and the second capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the internal space end surface (1042).

In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol-generating article (S) has been reused if the absolute value of the difference between the first electrostatic capacitance change amount measured from the first electrostatic capacitance sensor and the second electrostatic capacitance change amount measured from the second electrostatic capacitance sensor between the first time point and the second time point is equal to or greater than the first set value.

In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol-generating article (S) is in an over-humidified state if the absolute value of the difference between the first electrostatic capacitance change amount measured from the first electrostatic capacitance sensor and the second electrostatic capacitance change amount measured from the second electrostatic capacitance sensor between the first time point and the second time point is less than the second set value.

In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol-generating article (S) is unused if at least one of the first capacitance change amount measured from the first capacitance sensor and the capacitance change amount measured from the second capacitance sensor between the first time point and the second time point is less than the third set value.

In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can verify the type of the aerosol-generating article (S) based on whether the first capacitance value measured by the first capacitance sensor and the second capacitance value measured by the second capacitance sensor are outside a third set range.

An aerosol-generating system (100) according to one embodiment comprises an aerosol-generating article (S) and an aerosol-generating device (1), wherein the aerosol-generating article (S) comprises a first filter segment (S1), a medium segment (S2) disposed downstream of the first filter segment (S1) and receiving a medium, and a second filter segment (S3) disposed downstream of the medium segment (S2), and wherein the aerosol-generating device (1) comprises a housing (10) having an internal space (104) in which the aerosol-generating article (S) is received, a first sensor (13-1) disposed at a position corresponding to the medium segment (S2) when the aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted into the internal space (104), and a second sensor (13-2) disposed at a position corresponding to the first filter segment (S1) when the aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted into the internal space (104). can

The above medium segment (S2) includes a pH-treated tobacco medium, and nicotine transferred from the medium segment (S2) can be adsorbed on the first filter segment (S1) or the second filter segment (S3).

In one embodiment, the first sensor (13-1) may be configured as a first capacitance sensor, and the second sensor (13-2) may be configured as a second capacitance sensor.

In one embodiment, the area of the second sensor (13-2) facing the internal space (104) may be larger than the area of the first sensor (13-1) facing the internal space (104).

The description of the above-described embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection for the invention should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the content described in the claims should be construed as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims (15)

A housing comprising a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a side surface between the first surface and the second surface, wherein an internal space into which an aerosol-generating article is inserted is formed in the first surface; A first sensor and a second sensor arranged along the longitudinal direction of the internal space; and A control unit housed within the housing and including at least one processor; Including, The control unit receives first information measured by the first sensor and second information measured by the second sensor, and determines the state of the aerosol-generating article based on the first information and the second information. Aerosol generating device. In the first paragraph, Further comprising a vaporizer accommodated within the housing and configured to heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol and emit the aerosol toward the aerosol-generating article. Aerosol generating device. In the first paragraph, The internal space includes an internal space end face located between the first surface and the second surface and an internal space side face extending from an edge of the internal space end face to the first surface, The first sensor is configured as a first capacitance sensor, and the second sensor is configured as a second capacitance sensor. The first electrostatic capacitance sensor and the second electrostatic capacitance sensor are sequentially arranged along the direction from the first surface toward the end surface of the internal space. Aerosol generating device. In the first paragraph, The internal space includes an internal space end face located between the first surface and the second surface and an internal space side face extending from an edge of the internal space end face to the first surface, The first sensor is configured as a first inductive sensor and the second sensor is configured as a second inductive sensor, The first inductive sensor is disposed adjacent to the first surface, and the second inductive sensor is disposed adjacent to the end surface of the internal space. Aerosol generating device. In the third paragraph, The area of the second capacitance sensor facing the inner space side surface is larger than the area of the first capacitance sensor facing the inner space side surface. Aerosol generating device. In paragraph 5, The width of the second electrostatic capacitance sensor along the circumferential direction of the inner space side surface is larger than the width of the first electrostatic capacitance sensor along the circumferential direction of the inner space side surface. Aerosol generating device. In the third paragraph, In order to minimize interference between the first capacitance sensor and the second capacitance sensor, the first capacitance sensor is positioned adjacent to the first surface and the second capacitance sensor is positioned adjacent to the end surface of the internal space. Aerosol generating device. In the third paragraph, The control unit determines that the aerosol-generating article has been reused if the absolute value of the difference between the first electrostatic capacity change amount measured from the first electrostatic capacity sensor and the second electrostatic capacity change amount measured from the second electrostatic capacity sensor between the first time point and the second time point is greater than or equal to the first set value. Aerosol generating device. In the third paragraph, The control unit determines that the aerosol-generating article is in an over-humidified state when the absolute value of the difference between the first electrostatic capacitance change amount measured from the first electrostatic capacitance sensor and the second electrostatic capacitance change amount measured from the second electrostatic capacitance sensor between the first time point and the second time point is less than the second set value. Aerosol generating device. In the third paragraph, The control unit determines that the aerosol-generating article is unused if at least one of the first electrostatic capacity change amount measured from the first electrostatic capacity sensor and the electrostatic capacity change amount measured from the second electrostatic capacity sensor between the first time point and the second time point is less than the third set value. Aerosol generating device. In the third paragraph, The control unit verifies the type of the aerosol-generating article based on whether the first capacitance value measured by the first capacitance sensor or the second capacitance value measured by the second capacitance sensor is outside the first set range. Aerosol generating device. Including aerosol-generating articles and aerosol-generating devices, The above aerosol-generating items are: First filter segment; a medium segment disposed downstream of the first filter segment and receiving a medium; and A second filter segment disposed downstream of the above medium segment; Including, The above aerosol generating device, A housing having an internal space formed to accommodate the aerosol-generating article; a first sensor positioned at a position corresponding to the medium segment when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the internal space; and A second sensor positioned at a position corresponding to the first filter segment when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the internal space; including, Aerosol generating system. In paragraph 12, The medium segment comprises a pH-treated tobacco medium, and the first filter segment or the second filter segment adsorbs nicotine transferred from the medium segment. Aerosol generating system. In paragraph 12, The first sensor is configured as a first capacitance sensor, and the second sensor is configured as a second capacitance sensor. Aerosol generating system. In paragraph 12, The area of the second sensor facing the internal space is larger than the area of the first sensor facing the internal space. Aerosol generating system.