KR102052714B1 - Aerosol generating system - Google Patents

Abstract

The aerosol-generating system includes a holder device and a holder together with an inner space such that a holder device for generating an aerosol by heating the inserted cigarette when the cigarette is inserted and an insert of the cigarette into the holder device while the holder device is accommodated in the inner space. and a cradle device that is tilted.

Description

Aerosol generating system

It relates to an aerosol generating system.

Recently, as the aerosol generating material in the cigarette is heated, rather than the method of burning the cigarette to produce an aerosol, there is an increasing demand for a method for producing an aerosol. Accordingly, studies on heated cigarette or heated aerosol generating devices are actively progressing.

It is to provide an aerosol generating system. In addition, the present invention provides a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for executing the method on a computer. The technical problem to be solved is not limited to the above technical problems, and other technical problems may exist.

According to one aspect, an aerosol generating system comprises: a holder device for generating an aerosol by heating the inserted cigarette when a cigarette is inserted; And an inner space for accommodating the holder device, the cradle device in which the holder is tilted together with the inner space to enable insertion of the cigarette into the holder device while the holder device is accommodated in the inner space. Wherein the holder device cumulatively monitors a smoking pattern in a first state in which the holder device is tilted in the cradle device and in a second state in which the holder device is separated from the cradle device, It is determined whether the monitored smoking pattern meets smoking restrictions.

Further, the holder device accumulates the smoking pattern monitored in the second state on the smoking pattern monitored in the first state when smoking proceeds in the first state followed by smoking in the second state. The heater provided in the holder device is controlled to stop heating of the inserted cigarette when the accumulated smoking pattern satisfies the smoking restriction condition.

Further, the holder device accumulates the smoking pattern monitored in the first state on the smoking pattern monitored in the second state when smoking proceeds in the second state followed by smoking in the first state. The heater provided in the holder device is controlled to stop heating of the inserted cigarette when the accumulated smoking pattern satisfies the smoking restriction condition.

In addition, the smoking pattern includes the number of puffs for the inserted cigarette, the smoking restriction condition includes the number of puffs, and the holder device is cumulatively monitored in the first and second states. When the number of times reaches the puff limit number, the heater provided in the holder device is controlled to stop heating of the inserted cigarette.

Further, the smoking pattern includes an operating time of the holder, the smoking restriction condition includes an operating time limit, and the holder device is configured to accumulate operating time cumulatively monitored in the first state and the second state. When the operation time limit is reached, the heater provided in the holder device is controlled to stop heating of the inserted cigarette.

According to another aspect, a holder device for use in an aerosol generating system comprises a heater for heating the inserted cigarette for aerosol generation when the cigarette is inserted; A battery for supplying power to the heater for heating the inserted cigarette; And a control unit controlling a temperature of the heater by controlling the supply of power, wherein the control unit is a first state in which the holder device is tilted together with the internal space in a cradle device having an internal space accommodating the holder device. And the holder device cumulatively monitors a smoking pattern in a second state separated from the cradle device, and determines whether the cumulatively monitored smoking pattern meets a smoking restriction condition.

The controller may accumulate the smoking pattern monitored in the second state on the smoking pattern monitored in the first state when the smoking proceeds in the first state and then in the second state. The temperature of the heater is controlled such that heating of the inserted cigarette is stopped when a cumulative smoking pattern meets the smoking restriction condition.

The controller may accumulate the smoking pattern monitored in the first state on the smoking pattern monitored in the second state when the smoking proceeds in the second state and then in the first state. The temperature of the heater is controlled such that heating of the inserted cigarette is stopped when a cumulative smoking pattern meets the smoking restriction condition.

The smoking pattern may include a number of puffs for the inserted cigarette, the smoking restriction condition may include a puff limit, and the controller may accumulate the number of puffs cumulatively monitored in the first state and the second state. When the number of times the puff limit is reached, the temperature of the heater is controlled to stop heating of the inserted cigarette.

The smoking pattern may include an operation time of the holder, the smoking restriction condition may include an operation time limit, and the controller may further include the operation time that is cumulatively monitored in the first state and the second state. When the time limit is reached, the temperature of the heater is controlled to stop heating of the inserted cigarette.

According to the above, the operation of the holder device can be continuously monitored in any state, such as when the holder device is coupled to the cradle device and tilted or when the holder device is separated from the cradle device.

1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device.
2A and 2B illustrate an example of a holder in various aspects.
3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cradle.
4A and 4B illustrate an example of the cradle from various aspects.
5 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a holder is inserted into a cradle.
6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the holder is tilted in a state where the holder is inserted into the cradle.
7A-7B illustrate examples in which a holder is inserted into a cradle.
8 is a flowchart illustrating an example in which the holder and the cradle operate.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example in which the holder operates.
10 is a flowchart for explaining an example in which the cradle operates.
11 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a cigarette is inserted into a holder.
12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating an example of a cigarette.
13A-13F illustrate examples of a cooling structure of a cigarette.
14 is a view for explaining an operation of smoking using a holder tilted in the cradle according to an embodiment.
15 is a flow chart of a method of counting the number of puffs when the holder is tilted and detached according to one embodiment.
16 is a flowchart of a method of counting operating time when a holder is tilted and detached according to one embodiment.
17 is a diagram for describing a method of counting the number of puffs in a holder, according to an exemplary embodiment.
18 is a diagram for describing a method of counting the number of puffs in a holder according to another exemplary embodiment.
19 is a view for explaining a method of counting the number of puffs in a holder according to another embodiment.
20 is a diagram for describing a method of counting an operation time in a holder, according to an exemplary embodiment.

The terms used in the embodiments have been selected as widely used general terms as possible in consideration of the functions in the present invention, but this may vary according to the intention or precedent of the person skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies. In addition, in certain cases, there is also a term arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the contents throughout the present invention, rather than the names of the simple terms.

When a part of the specification is said to "include" any component, this means that it may further include other components, except to exclude other components unless otherwise stated. In addition, the “…” described in the specification. Wealth ”,“… Module ”means a unit for processing at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art may easily implement the present invention. As those skilled in the art would realize, the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings will be described embodiments of the present invention;

1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device.

Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 1 (hereinafter referred to as a holder) includes a battery 110, a controller 120, and a heater 130. In addition, the holder 1 includes an inner space formed by the case 140. A cigarette may be inserted into the inner space of the holder 1.

The holder 1 shown in FIG. 1 shows only the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the general purpose components other than the components shown in FIG. 1 may be further included in the holder 1.

When the cigarette is inserted into the holder 1, the holder 1 heats the heater 130. The aerosol generating material in the cigarette is raised in temperature by the heated heater 130, thereby producing aerosol. The resulting aerosol is delivered to the user through the filter of the cigarette. However, even when a cigarette is not inserted into the holder 1, the holder 1 may heat the heater 130.

The case 140 may be separated from the holder 1. For example, as the user rotates the case 140 clockwise or counterclockwise, the case 140 can be detached from the holder 1.

In addition, the diameter of the hole formed by the end 141 of the case 140 may be made smaller than the diameter of the space formed by the case 140 and the heater 130, in this case is inserted into the holder (1) Can serve as a guide to cigarettes.

The battery 110 supplies the power used to operate the holder 1. For example, the battery 110 may supply power so that the heater 130 may be heated, and may supply power necessary for the control unit 120 to operate. In addition, the battery 110 may supply power required to operate a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like installed in the holder 1.

The battery 110 may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO 4) battery, but is not limited to the above-described example. For example, the battery 110 may correspond to a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO 2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, or the like.

In addition, the battery 110 may have a cylindrical shape having a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 37 mm, but is not limited thereto. The capacity of the battery 110 may be 120 mAh or more, and may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, when the battery 110 can be charged, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 110 may be 10C, the discharge rate (C-rate) may be 16C to 20C, but is not limited thereto. In addition, for stable use, the battery 110 may be manufactured so that more than 80% of the total capacity may be secured even when charging / discharging is performed 8000 times.

Here, whether the battery 110 is fully charged or completely discharged may be determined by how much the power stored in the battery 110 is compared with the total capacity of the battery 110. For example, when the power stored in the battery 110 is 95% or more of the total capacity, it may be determined that the battery 110 is fully charged. In addition, when the power stored in the battery 110 is 10% or less of the total capacity, it may be determined that the battery 110 is completely discharged. However, the criterion for determining whether the battery 110 is fully charged or completely discharged is not limited to the above-described example.

The heater 130 is heated by the power supplied from the battery 110. When the cigarette is inserted into the holder 1, the heater 130 is located inside the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 130 may raise the temperature of the aerosol generating material in the cigarette.

The heater 130 may have a shape in which a cylinder and a cone are combined. The diameter of the heater 130 may be adopted a suitable size in the range of 2mm to 3mm. Preferably, the heater 130 may be manufactured to have a diameter of 2.15 mm, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the length of the heater 130 may be adopted a suitable size in the range of 20mm to 30mm. Preferably, the heater 130 may be manufactured to have a length of 19 mm, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the end 131 of the heater 130 may be finished at an acute angle, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the heater 130 may be applied without limitation as long as the heater 130 may be inserted into the cigarette. In addition, only a part of the heater 130 may be heated. For example, assuming that the length of the heater 130 is 19 mm, only 12 mm from the end 131 of the heater 130 may be heated, and the remaining portion of the heater 130 may not be heated.

The heater 130 may be an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 130 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 130 may be heated as a current flows in the electrically conductive track.

For stable use, the heater 130 may be supplied with power in accordance with the specifications of 3.2 V, 2.4 A, 8 W, but is not limited thereto. For example, when electric power is supplied to the heater 130, the surface temperature of the heater 130 may rise to 400 ° C. or more. The surface temperature of the heater 130 may rise to about 350 ° C. before exceeding 15 seconds from when power is supplied to the heater 130.

Holder 1 may be provided with a separate temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor may not be provided in the holder 1, and the heater 130 may serve as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the heater 130 of the holder 1 may serve as a temperature sensor, and at the same time, a separate temperature sensor may be further included in the holder 1. In order for the heater 130 to function as a temperature sensor, the heater 130 may include at least one electrically conductive track for heat generation and temperature sensing. In addition, the heater 130 may separately include a second electrically conductive track for temperature sensing in addition to the first electrically conductive track for heat generation.

For example, if the voltage across the second electrically conductive track and the current flowing through the second electrically conductive track are measured, the resistance R can be determined. At this time, the temperature T of the second electrically conductive track may be determined by Equation 1 below.

In Equation 1, R means the current resistance value of the second electrically conductive track, R ₀ means the resistance value at the temperature T ₀ (eg 0 ° C.), and α is the Means the temperature coefficient of resistance. The conductive material (eg metal) has a unique resistance temperature coefficient, so α may be predetermined according to the conductive material constituting the second electrically conductive track. Therefore, when the resistance R of the second electrically conductive track is determined, the temperature T of the second electrically conductive track can be calculated by Equation 1 above.

Heater 130 may be comprised of at least one electrically conductive track (a first electrically conductive track and a second electrically conductive track). For example, the heater 130 may be composed of two first electrically conductive tracks and one or two second electrically conductive tracks, but is not limited thereto.

The electrically conductive track comprises an electrically resistive material. As one example, the electrically conductive track can be made of a metallic material. As another example, the electrically conductive track can be made of an electrically conductive ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy or a composite of ceramic material and metal.

In addition, the holder 1 may include both an electrically conductive track and a temperature sensing sensor serving as a temperature sensing sensor.

The controller 120 controls the overall operation of the holder 1. Specifically, the controller 120 controls the operation of not only the battery 110 and the heater 130, but also other components included in the holder 1. In addition, the controller 120 may determine whether the holder 1 is in an operable state by checking a state of each of the components of the holder 1.

The controller 120 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that may be executed on the microprocessor. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

For example, the controller 120 may control the operation of the heater 130. The controller 120 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 130 and the time at which power is supplied so that the heater 130 may be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature. In addition, the controller 120 may check the state of the battery 110 (for example, the remaining amount of the battery 110) and generate a notification signal if necessary.

In addition, the controller 120 may check the presence or absence of the puff and the strength of the puff, and count the number of puffs. In addition, the controller 120 may continuously check the time that the holder 1 is operating. In addition, the controller 120 determines whether the cradle 2 to be described later is coupled with the holder 1, and controls the operation of the holder 1 according to the coupling or detachment of the cradle 2 and the holder 1. Can be.

Meanwhile, the holder 1 may further include general components in addition to the battery 110, the controller 120, and the heater 130.

For example, the holder 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information or a motor for outputting tactile information. As an example, when a display is included in the holder 1, the controller 120 may display information about the state of the holder 1 (for example, whether the holder may be used), a heater (eg, a user) through the display. Information on the battery 110 (eg, preheating start, preheating progress, preheating completion, etc.), information related to the battery 110 (eg, remaining capacity of the battery 110, availability, etc.), holder 1 Information related to the resetting of the holder (for example, reset timing, reset progress, reset completion, etc.), information related to cleaning of the holder 1 (for example, cleaning timing, cleaning necessity, cleaning progress, cleaning completion, etc.), Information related to the charging of the holder 1 (e.g., charging required, charging progressed, charging completed, etc.), information related to the puff (e.g., puff count, puff end notice, etc.) or safety related information (e.g. For example, the use time elapsed) can be delivered. As another example, when the motor is included in the holder 1, the controller 120 may generate the vibration signal using the motor, thereby transferring the above-described information to the user.

In addition, the holder 1 may comprise a terminal coupled with at least one input device (eg a button) and / or the cradle 2 through which the user can control the function of the holder 1. For example, the user can execute various functions using the input device of the holder 1. Multiple functions of the holder 1 by adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device (for example, once, twice, etc.) or the time for holding the input device (for example, 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, etc.) You can execute any of these functions. As the user operates the input device, the holder 1 has a function of preheating the heater 130, a function of adjusting the temperature of the heater 130, a function of cleaning a space where a cigarette is inserted, and a holder 1 of the holder 1. A function of checking whether it is in an operable state, a function of displaying a residual amount (available power) of the battery 110, a reset function of the holder 1, and the like may be performed. However, the function of the holder 1 is not limited to the examples described above.

For example, the holder 1 may clean the space where the cigarette is inserted by controlling the heater 130 as follows. For example, the holder 1 can clean the space where the cigarette is inserted by heating the heater 130 to a sufficiently high temperature. Here, a sufficiently high temperature means a temperature suitable for cleaning the space where the cigarette is inserted. For example, the holder 1 may heat the heater 130 to the highest of a temperature range in which an aerosol can be generated in the inserted cigarette and a temperature range in which the heater 130 is preheated, but is not limited thereto. .

In addition, the holder 1 may maintain the temperature of the heater 130 at a sufficiently high temperature for a predetermined time period. Here, the predetermined time period means a time period sufficient to clean the space where the cigarette is inserted. For example, the holder 1 may maintain the temperature of the heated heater 130 for an appropriate time of 10 seconds to 10 minutes, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the holder 1 may maintain the temperature of the heated heater 130 for a suitable time period selected within the range of 20 seconds to 1 minute. Also, preferably, the holder 1 may maintain the temperature of the heated heater 130 for a suitable time period selected within the range of 20 seconds to 1 minute 30 seconds.

As the holder 1 heats the heater 130 to a sufficiently high temperature and also maintains the temperature of the heated heater 130 for a predetermined time period, the surface of the heater 130 and / or the space into which the cigarette is inserted The effect of cleaning may be generated by volatilization of the material deposited on the substrate.

In addition, the holder 1 may comprise a puff sensor, a temperature sensor and / or a cigarette insertion sensor. For example, the puff sensor may be implemented by a general pressure sensor. Alternatively, the holder 1 may detect the puff by changing the resistance of the electrically conductive track included in the heater 130 without being provided with a separate puff detection sensor. The electrically conductive track here comprises an electrically conductive track for heat generation and / or an electrically conductive track for temperature sensing. Alternatively, the holder 1 may further include a puff detecting sensor separately from detecting the puff using an electrically conductive track included in the heater 130.

The cigarette insertion sensor may be implemented by a general capacitive sensor or a resistance sensor. In addition, the holder 1 may be manufactured in a structure in which external air may be introduced / exhausted even when a cigarette is inserted.

2A and 2B are views illustrating an example of a holder in various aspects.

2A is a view showing an example in which the holder 1 is viewed from the first direction. As shown in FIG. 2A, the holder 1 may be manufactured in a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto. The case 140 of the holder 1 may be separated by a user's operation, and a cigarette may be inserted into the end 141 of the case 140. In addition, the holder 1 may include a button 150 for allowing a user to control the holder 1 and a display 160 for outputting an image.

2B is a view showing an example in which the holder 1 is viewed from the second direction. The holder 1 may include a terminal 170 coupled with the cradle 2. When the terminal 170 of the holder 1 is coupled with the terminal 260 of the cradle 2, the battery 110 of the holder 1 is charged by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2. Can be. In addition, the holder 1 may be operated by the power supplied from the battery 210 of the cradle 2 through the terminal 170 and the terminal 260, and communication between the holder 1 and the cradle 2 is performed. (Transmission and reception of signals) is possible. For example, the terminal 170 may be composed of three or four micro pins, but is not limited thereto.

3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cradle.

Referring to FIG. 3, the cradle 2 includes a battery 210 and a controller 220. The cradle 2 also includes an interior space 230 into which the holder 1 can be inserted. For example, the interior space 230 may be formed at one side of the cradle 2. Thus, even if the cradle 2 does not include a separate lid, the holder 1 can be inserted into and secured to the cradle 2.

The cradle 2 shown in FIG. 3 shows only the components related to this embodiment. Accordingly, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the general purpose components other than the components shown in FIG. 3 may be further included in the cradle 2.

The battery 210 supplies the power used to operate the cradle 2. In addition, the battery 210 may supply power for charging the battery 110 of the holder 1. For example, when the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 and the terminal 170 of the holder 1 and the terminal 260 of the cradle 2 are coupled, the battery 210 of the cradle 2 Power may be supplied to the battery 110 of the holder 1.

In addition, when the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are coupled, the battery 210 may supply electric power used to operate the holder 1. For example, when the terminal 170 of the holder 1 and the terminal 260 of the cradle 2 are coupled, the holder 1 may be cradled whether or not the battery 110 of the holder 1 is discharged. It can operate using the power supplied by the battery 210 of (2).

For example, the battery 210 may be a lithium ion battery, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the capacity of the battery 210 may be larger than that of the battery 110, for example, the capacity of the battery 210 may be 3000 mAh or more, except that the capacity of the battery 210 is described in the above-described example. It is not limited.

The controller 220 generally controls the operation of the cradle 2. The controller 220 may control the operation of all the components of the cradle 2. In addition, the controller 220 may determine whether the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are coupled, and control the operation of the cradle 2 according to the coupling or detachment of the cradle 2 and the holder 1.

For example, when the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are coupled, the controller 220 supplies power of the battery 210 to the holder 1 to charge the battery 110 or to heat the heater 130. You can. Therefore, even when the remaining amount of the battery 110 is small, the user can continuously smoke by combining the holder 1 and the cradle 2.

The controller 220 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that may be executed on the microprocessor. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

Meanwhile, the cradle 2 may further include general components in addition to the battery 210 and the controller 220. For example, the cradle 2 may include a display capable of outputting visual information. For example, if the cradle 2 includes a display, the controller 220 generates a signal to be displayed on the display, thereby providing the user with a battery 220 (eg, remaining capacity of the battery 220, available for use). Information related to whether the cradle 2 is reset (e.g., reset timing, reset progress, reset completion, etc.), cleaning of the holder 1 (e.g., cleaning timing, cleaning needs, cleaning) Information related to progress, cleaning completion, etc., and information related to charging of the cradle 2 (for example, charging needs, charging progress, charging completion, etc.) may be transmitted.

In addition, the cradle 2 may include at least one input device (e.g., a button) that allows a user to control the function of the cradle 2, a terminal 260 that engages the holder 1 and / or a battery 210. ) May include an interface (eg, a USB port) for charging.

For example, the user can execute various functions using the input device of the cradle 2. By adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device or the time the user presses the input device, the desired function can be executed among the plurality of functions of the cradle 2. As the user operates the input device, the cradle 2 has the function of preheating the heater 130 of the holder 1, the function of adjusting the temperature of the heater 130 of the holder 1, within the holder 1. A function of cleaning the space where the cigarette is inserted, a function of checking whether the cradle 2 is in an operable state, a function of displaying the remaining amount (power available) of the battery 210 of the cradle 2, and a reset of the cradle 2 Functions and the like can be performed. However, the function of the cradle 2 is not limited to the examples described above.

4A and 4B illustrate an example of a cradle from various aspects.

4A is a diagram illustrating an example of the cradle 2 viewed from the first direction. On one side of the cradle 2 there is a space 230 into which the holder 1 can be inserted. Further, even if the cradle 2 does not include a separate fixing means such as a lid, the holder 1 can be inserted into and secured to the cradle 2. In addition, the cradle 2 may include a button 240 for allowing a user to control the cradle 2 and a display 250 for outputting an image.

4B is a view showing an example of the cradle 2 viewed from the second direction. The cradle 2 may include a terminal 260 coupled with the holder 1 inserted therein. When the terminal 260 is coupled to the terminal 170 of the holder 1, the battery 110 of the holder 1 may be charged by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2. In addition, the holder 1 may be operated by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2 through the terminal 170 and the terminal 260, and a signal between the holder 1 and the cradle 2 may be used. Sending and receiving of is possible. For example, the terminal 260 may be composed of four micro pins, but is not limited thereto.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4B, the holder 1 may be inserted into the interior space 230 of the cradle 2. In addition, the holder 1 may be fully inserted into the cradle 2 or may be tilted in the state of being inserted into the cradle 2. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5-7B, examples in which the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 will be described.

5 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a holder is inserted into a cradle.

Referring to FIG. 5, an example in which the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 is illustrated. Since the space 230 into which the holder 1 is to be inserted is present at one side of the cradle 2, the inserted holder 1 may not be exposed to the outside by the other sides of the cradle 2. Thus, the cradle 2 may not include another configuration (eg a lid) for not exposing the holder 1 to the outside.

The cradle 2 may include at least one fastening member 271, 272 to increase the fastening strength with the holder 1. In addition, the holder 1 may also include at least one binding member 181. Here, the binding members 181, 271, and 272 may be magnets, but are not limited thereto. In FIG. 5, for convenience of description, although the holder 1 includes one fastening member 181 and the cradle 2 includes two fastening members 271 and 272, the fastening member The number of (181, 271, 272) is not limited to this.

The holder 1 may include a binding member 181 in a first position, and the cradle 2 may include binding members 271 and 272 in a second position and a third position, respectively. In this case, the first position and the third position may be positions facing each other when the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2.

As the holder 1 and the cradle 2 include the fastening members 181, 271, and 272, even if the holder 1 is inserted into one side of the cradle 2, the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are held in place. The binding can be stronger. In other words, as the holder 1 and the cradle 2 further include the fastening members 181, 271, and 272 in addition to the terminals 170 and 260, the holder 1 and the cradle 2 may be more strongly bound. have. Thus, even if the cradle 2 does not have a separate configuration (eg a lid), the inserted holder 1 may not be easily separated from the cradle 2.

In addition, when it is determined that the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2 by the terminals 170 and 260 and / or the fastening members 181, 271 and 272, the control unit 220 controls the battery 210. The battery 110 of the holder 1 may be charged using electric power.

6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the holder is tilted in a state where the holder is inserted into the cradle.

Referring to FIG. 6, the holder 1 is tilted inside the cradle 2. Here, tilt means that the holder 1 is inclined at an angle in the state where the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2, the user cannot smoke. In other words, when the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2, no cigarette can be inserted into the holder 1. Thus, the user cannot smoke while the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the holder 1 is tilted, the end 141 of the holder 1 is exposed to the outside. Accordingly, the user may insert a cigarette into the end 141 and inhale (smoke) the generated aerosol. The tilt angle [theta] can be secured at a sufficient angle so that when the cigarette is inserted into the distal end 141 of the holder 1, the cigarette cannot be bent or damaged. For example, the holder 1 may be tilted at a minimum angle greater than or greater than the entire cigarette insertion hole included in the distal end 141 is exposed to the outside. For example, the range of the tilt angle θ may be greater than 0 ° and less than or equal to 180 °, and preferably, greater than or equal to 5 ° and less than or equal to 90 °. More preferably, the range of the tilt angle θ is 5 ° or more and 20 ° or less, 5 ° or more and 30 ° or less, 5 ° or more and 40 ° or less, 5 ° or more and 50 ° or less, or 5 ° or more and 60 ° or less. Can be. More preferably, the tilt angle θ can be 10 degrees.

In addition, even when the holder 1 is tilted, the terminal 170 of the holder 1 and the terminal 260 of the cradle 2 are coupled to each other. Accordingly, the heater 130 of the holder 1 may be heated by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2. Thus, even when the remaining amount of battery 110 in holder 1 is low or absent, holder 1 may generate aerosol using battery 210 of cradle 2.

6 shows an example in which the holder 1 comprises one fastening member 182 and the cradle 2 includes two fastening members 273, 274. For example, the positions of each of the binding members 182, 273, and 274 are as described above with reference to FIG. 5. If the binding members 182, 273, and 274 are magnets, the magnet strength of the binding member 274 may be greater than the magnet strength of the binding member 273. Therefore, even when the holder 1 is tilted, by the binding member 182 and the binding member 274, the holder 1 may not be completely separated from the cradle 2.

In addition, when it is determined that the holder 1 is tilted by the terminals 170 and 260 and / or the fastening members 182, 273 and 274, the controller 220 uses the power of the battery 210 to control the holder. The heater 130 of (1) may be heated or the battery 110 may be charged.

7A-7B illustrate examples in which a holder is inserted into a cradle.

7A shows an example in which the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2. When the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2, the inner space 230 of the cradle 2 may be sufficiently secured in order to minimize the user's contact with the holder 1. When the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2, the controller 220 supplies power of the battery 210 to the holder 1 so that the battery 110 of the holder 1 can be charged.

7B shows an example in which the holder 1 is tilted with the cradle 2 inserted. When the holder 1 is tilted, the control unit 220 supplies the power of the battery 210 so that the battery 110 of the holder 1 may be charged or the heater 130 of the holder 1 may be heated. It supplies to (1).

8 is a flowchart illustrating an example in which the holder and the cradle operate.

The method of producing the aerosol shown in FIG. 8 consists of steps which are processed in time series in the holder 1 shown in FIG. 1 or the cradle 2 shown in FIG. Therefore, even if omitted below, it can be seen that the contents described above with respect to the holder 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the cradle 2 shown in FIG. 3 also apply to the method of FIG. 8.

In step 810, the holder 1 determines whether it is inserted into the cradle 2. For example, the control unit 120 may be configured according to whether the holders 1 and the cradle 2 have terminals 170 and 260 connected to each other and / or the binding members 181, 271 and 272 operate. It may be determined whether 1) is inserted into the cradle 2.

When the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2, the process proceeds to step 820, and when the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2, the process proceeds to step 830.

In operation 820, the cradle 2 determines whether the holder 1 is tilted. For example, the control unit 220 may determine whether the holder 1 and the cradle 2 have terminals 170 and 260 connected to each other and / or whether the binding members 182, 273 and 274 operate. It is possible to determine whether 1) is tilted.

In operation 820, the cradle 2 determines whether the holder 1 is tilted, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other words, whether the holder 1 is tilted may be determined by the controller 120 of the holder 1.

If the holder 1 is tilted, the process proceeds to step 840, and if the holder 1 is not tilted (ie, the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2), the process proceeds to step 870.

In operation 830, the holder 1 determines whether the use condition of the holder 1 is satisfied. For example, the controller 120 may determine whether the use condition is satisfied by checking whether the remaining amount of the battery 110 and other components of the holder 1 can operate normally.

If the use condition of the holder 1 is satisfied, the process proceeds to step 840, otherwise, the procedure ends.

In step 840, the holder 1 informs the user that it is available. For example, the controller 120 may output an image indicating that it is usable for the display of the holder 1 or generate a vibration signal by controlling a motor of the holder 1.

In step 850, the heater 130 is heated. As an example, when the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2, the heater 130 may be heated by the power of the battery 110 of the holder 1. As another example, when the holder 1 is tilted, the heater 130 may be heated by the power of the battery 210 of the cradle 2.

The controller 120 of the holder 1 or the controller 220 of the cradle 2 checks the temperature of the heater 130 in real time to supply the amount of power supplied to the heater 130 and the power to the heater 130. You can adjust the time. For example, the controllers 120 and 220 may check the temperature of the heater 130 in real time through a temperature sensor included in the holder 1 or an electrically conductive track of the heater 130.

In step 860, the holder 1 performs an aerosol generating mechanism. For example, the controllers 120 and 220 check the temperature of the heater 130 that changes as the user performs a puff to adjust the amount of power supplied to the heater 130 or to supply power to the heater 130. You can stop. In addition, the controllers 120 and 220 may count the number of puffs of the user, and may output information indicating that the holder needs cleaning when a certain number of puffs is reached (for example, 1500 times).

In step 870, the cradle 2 performs charging of the holder 1. For example, the controller 220 may charge the holder 1 by supplying power of the battery 210 of the cradle 2 to the battery 110 of the holder 1.

Meanwhile, the controllers 120 and 220 may stop the operation of the holder 1 according to the number of puffs of the user or the operation time of the holder 1. Hereinafter, an example in which the control unit 120 or 220 stops the operation of the holder 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

9 is a flowchart for explaining another example in which the holder operates.

The method of producing the aerosol shown in FIG. 9 consists of the steps processed in time series in the holder 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the cradle 2 shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, even if omitted below, it can be seen that the contents described above with respect to the holder 1 shown in FIG. 1 or the cradle 2 shown in FIG. 3 also apply to the method of FIG. 9.

In step 910, the controller 120 or 220 determines whether the user is puffed. For example, the controllers 120 and 220 may determine whether the user puffs through the puff detection sensor included in the holder 1. Alternatively, the controllers 120 and 220 may determine whether the user puffs using the resistance change of the electrically conductive track included in the heater 130. The electrically conductive track here comprises an electrically conductive track for heat generation and / or an electrically conductive track for temperature sensing. Alternatively, the controllers 120 and 220 may determine whether the user puffs using both the resistance change of the electrically conductive track and the puff detection sensor included in the heater 130.

In step 920, an aerosol is generated according to the puff of the user. As described above with reference to FIG. 8, the controllers 120 and 220 may adjust the power supplied to the heater 130 according to the user's puff and the temperature of the heater 130. In addition, the controllers 120 and 220 count the number of puffs of the user.

In operation 930, the controllers 120 and 220 determine whether the number of puffs of the user is greater than or equal to the number of puffs. For example, assuming that the number of puffs is set to 14 times, the controllers 120 and 220 determine whether the counted number of puffs is 14 or more. However, the puff limit is not limited to 14 times. For example, the puff limit number may be set to an appropriate number of 10 to 16 times.

Meanwhile, when the number of puffs of the user is close to the number of puffs (for example, when the number of puffs of the user is 12 times), the controllers 120 and 220 may output a warning signal through a display or a vibration motor.

If the number of puffs of the user is greater than or equal to the puff limit, the process proceeds to step 950. If the number of puffs of the user is less than the puff limit, the process proceeds to step 940.

In operation 940, the control unit 120 or 220 determines whether the operation time of the holder 1 is greater than or equal to the operation time limit. Herein, the time when the holder 1 is operated means the time accumulated from the time when the holder starts operation to the present time. For example, assuming that the operation time limit is set to 10 minutes, the controllers 120 and 220 determine whether the holder 1 is operating for 10 minutes or more.

On the other hand, when the operation time of the holder 1 is close to the operation time limit (for example, when the holder 1 is operating for 8 minutes), the controllers 120 and 220 control the warning signal through the display or the vibration motor. You can output

If the holder 1 is operating longer than the operation time limit, the process proceeds to step 950. If the holder 1 has an operation time less than the operation time limit, the process proceeds to step 920.

In operation 950, the controllers 120 and 220 forcibly terminate the operation of the holder. In other words, the controllers 120 and 220 stop the aerosol generation mechanism of the holder. For example, the controllers 120 and 220 may forcibly terminate the operation of the holder by cutting off the power supplied to the heater 130.

10 is a flowchart for explaining an example in which the cradle operates.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 10 consists of steps that are processed in time series in the cradle 2 shown in FIG. Therefore, even if omitted below, it can be seen that the above description of the cradle 2 shown in FIG. 3 also applies to the flowchart of FIG. 10.

Although not shown in FIG. 10, the operation of the cradle 2 to be described below may be performed regardless of whether the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2.

In operation 1010, the controller 220 of the cradle 2 determines whether the button 240 is pressed. If the button 240 is pressed, the process proceeds to step 1020, and if the button 240 is not pressed, the process proceeds to step 1030.

In step 1020, the cradle 2 displays the state of the battery. For example, the controller 220 may output information on the current state (eg, remaining amount) of the battery 210 to the display 250.

In operation 1030, the controller 220 of the cradle 2 determines whether a cable is connected to the cradle 2. For example, the controller 220 determines whether a cable is connected to an interface (eg, a USB port) included in the cradle 2. If the cable is connected to the cradle (2), the process proceeds to step 1040, otherwise the procedure is terminated.

In operation 1040, the cradle 2 performs a charging operation. For example, the cradle 2 charges the battery 210 using power supplied through the connected cable.

As described above with reference to FIG. 1, a cigarette may be inserted into the holder 1. The cigarette comprises an aerosol generating material and an aerosol is produced by the heated heater 130.

Hereinafter, an example of a cigarette that can be inserted into the holder 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13F.

11 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a cigarette is inserted into a holder.

Referring to FIG. 11, the cigarette 3 may be inserted into the holder 1 through the end 141 of the case 140. When the cigarette 3 is inserted, the heater 130 is located inside the cigarette 3. Accordingly, the aerosol generating material of the cigarette 3 is heated by the heated heater 130, thereby producing an aerosol.

The cigarette 3 may be similar to a general combustion cigarette. For example, the cigarette 3 may be divided into a first portion 310 including an aerosol generating material and a second portion 320 including a filter and the like. Meanwhile, the cigarette 3 according to an embodiment may include an aerosol generating material in the second portion 320. For example, an aerosol generating material in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion 320.

The entirety of the first portion 310 may be inserted into the holder 1, and the second portion 320 may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part 310 may be inserted into the holder 1, or a part of the first part 310 and the second part 320 may be inserted.

The user may inhale the aerosol in the door state by mouth of the second portion 320. At this time, the aerosol is generated by the external air passing through the first portion 310, the generated aerosol is passed through the second portion to the user's mouth.

The outside air may be introduced 1120 through at least one air passage formed in the holder 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the holder 1 and / or the size of the air passage may be adjusted by the user. Accordingly, the atomization amount, smoking feeling, etc. can be adjusted by the user.

Alternatively, the outside air may be introduced 1110 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the cigarette 3.

12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating an example of a cigarette.

12A and 12B, the cigarette 3 includes a tobacco rod 310, a first filter segment 321, a cooling structure 322, and a second filter segment 323. The first portion 310 described above with reference to FIG. 11 includes a tobacco rod 310, and the second portion 320 includes a first filter segment 321, a cooling structure 322, and a second filter segment 323. ).

Referring to FIG. 12A, the cigarette 3 may be wrapped by a total of five wrappers 341, 342, 343, 344, and 345. Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 12B, the cigarette 3 may be packed by a total of six wrappers 341, 342, 343, 344, 346, and 347. The tobacco rod 310 is wrapped by a first wrapper 341, and the first filter segment 321 is packed by a second wrapper 342. In addition, the cooling structure 322 is wrapped by a third wrapper 343, and the second filter segment 323 is wrapped by a fourth wrapper 344.

The fifth wrapper 345 of FIG. 12A may be surrounded around the first wrapper 341, the second wrapper 342, the third wrapper 343, and the fourth wrapper 344. In other words, the entire cigarette 3 may be double-packed by the fifth wrapper 345.

Meanwhile, the sixth wrapper 346 of FIG. 12B may be surrounded by the first wrapper 341, the second wrapper 342, and the third wrapper 343. In other words, the tobacco rod 310, the first filter segment 321 and the cooling structure 322 of the cigarette 3 may be double packed by a sixth wrapper. In addition, the seventh wrapper 347 of FIG. 12B may surround at least a portion of the third wrapper 343 and an outer portion of the fourth wrapper 344. In other words, at least a portion of the cooling structure 322 of the cigarette 3 and the second filter segment 323 may be repackaged by the seventh wrapper 347.

The first wrapper 341 and the second wrapper 342 may be made of a general filter wrap. For example, the first wrapper 341 and the second wrapper 342 may be porous wrappers or nonporous wrappers. In addition, the first wrapper 341 and the second wrapper 342 may be made of paper and aluminum laminated packaging material having oil resistance.

The third wrapper 343 may be made of hard wrapper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 343 may be 90 g / m ² , but is not limited thereto.

The fourth wrapper 344 may be made of oil resistant hard wrapper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 344 is 92g / m ² , the thickness may be 125um, but is not limited thereto.

The fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, sterile paper (MFW) refers to a paper specially prepared so that tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced than ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 may be 60 g / m ² , and the thickness may be 67 um, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the tensile strength of the fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 may be within a range of 8 kgf / 15 mm to 11 kgf / 15 mm on a dry basis, and 1.0 kgf / 15 mm on a wet basis. It is not limited.

The fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 may be embedded with a predetermined material. Here, silicon may be used as an example of the predetermined material, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has characteristics such as heat resistance with little change with temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency for water, or electrical insulation. However, the material having the above-described characteristics may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 without limitation.

The fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 may prevent the cigarette 3 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 310 is heated by the heater 130, there is a possibility that the cigarette 3 is burned. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of the substances included in the tobacco rod 310, the cigarette 3 may be burned. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 include a non-combustible material, the phenomenon in which the cigarette 3 is burned can be prevented.

In addition, the fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 may prevent the holder 1 from being contaminated by the materials generated from the cigarette 3. By the puff of the user, liquid substances can be produced in the cigarette 3. For example, the aerosol produced in the cigarette 3 is cooled by the outside air, whereby liquid substances (eg moisture) can be produced. As the fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 wrap the tobacco rod 310 and / or the first filter segment 321, the liquid produced in the cigarette 3. The substances can be prevented from leaking out of the cigarette 3. Therefore, the phenomenon in which the case 140 of the holder 1 or the like is contaminated by the liquid substances generated in the cigarette 3 can be prevented.

The diameter of the cigarette 3 is within the range of 5mm to 9mm, the length may be about 48mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the diameter of the cigarette 3 may be 7.2 mm, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the length of the tobacco rod 310 is about 12mm, the length of the first filter segment 321 is about 10mm, the length of the cooling structure 322 is about 14mm, the length of the second filter segment 323 is about 12mm But it is not limited thereto.

The structure of the cigarette 3 shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B is merely an example, and some configurations may be omitted. For example, the cigarette 3 may not include one or more of the first filter segment 321, the cooling structure 322, and the second filter segment 323.

Tobacco rod 310 includes an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may comprise at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol and oleyl alcohol.

In addition, tobacco rod 310 may contain other additive materials, such as flavoring agents, wetting agents, and / or organic acids. For example, the flavoring agent is licorice, sucrose, fructose syrup, isosweet, cocoa, lavender, cinnamon, cardamom, celery, fenugreek, cascarilla, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, Vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, mint oil, cinnamon, caraway, cognac, jasmine, chamomile, menthol, cinnamon, ylang-ylang, sage, spearmint, ginger, coriander or coffee and the like. Wetting agents may also include glycerin or propylene glycol and the like.

As an example, the tobacco rod 310 may be filled with tobacco sheaths. Here, tobacco sheaths can be produced by cutting the tobacco sheet finely.

In order for the wide tobacco sheet to be filled in the tobacco rod 310 in a narrow space, a special process is additionally required for the tobacco sheet to be easily folded. Thus, as compared to filling the tobacco rod 310 with tobacco sheets, it is easier to fill the tobacco rod 310 with tobacco sheaths, and the productivity and efficiency of the process of producing the tobacco rod 310 may be higher. have.

As another example, the tobacco rod 310 may be filled with a plurality of tobacco strands in which the tobacco sheet is broken. For example, the tobacco rod 310 may be formed by combining a plurality of tobacco strands in the same direction (parallel) or randomly. Specifically, the tobacco rod 310 may be formed by combining a plurality of tobacco strands, and a plurality of longitudinal channels through which the heater 130 may be inserted or through which an aerosol may pass may be formed. At this time, depending on the size and arrangement of the tobacco strands, the longitudinal channels may be uniform or non-uniform.

For example, tobacco strands can be prepared by the following procedure. First, tobacco raw materials are ground to produce aerosol generating materials (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.), fragrance liquids, binders (e.g., guar gum, xanthan gum, Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), etc.), water After making the slurry mixed with the back, a sheet is formed using the slurry. When making the slurry, natural pulp or cellulose may be added to modify the physical properties of the tobacco strand, and one or more binders may be mixed and used. Then, after drying the sheet, tobacco strands may be produced by cutting or slicing the dried sheet.

The tobacco raw material may be tobacco leaf chips, tobacco stems and / or tobacco fines generated during tobacco processing. The tobacco sheet may also contain other additives such as wood cellulose fibers.

5% to 40% of the aerosol generating material may be added to the slurry, and 2% to 35% of the aerosol generating material may remain in the tobacco strand finished product. Preferably, the tobacco strand finished product may have 10% to 25% residual aerosol generating material.

In addition, before the tobacco rod 310 is packaged by the first wrapper 341, a perfume liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be sprayed and added to the center of the tobacco rod 310.

Tobacco strands may be manufactured in a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a length of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, a length of 5 mm to 50 mm, and a thickness (height) of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, but are not limited thereto. Preferably, the tobacco strand may be made into a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a length of 0.9 mm, a length of 20 mm, and a thickness of 0.2 mm. In addition, one tobacco strand may be prepared so that the basis weight is 100g / m ² to 250g / m ² , but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the tobacco strand may be prepared such that the basis weight is 180 g / m ² .

Compared to the tobacco rod 310 being filled with a tobacco sheet, the tobacco rod 310 filled with tobacco strands may generate a greater amount of aerosol. Assuming that the same space is filled, compared to tobacco sheets, tobacco strands ensure a larger surface area. Large surface area means that the aerosol generating material has more chances of contacting the outside air. Thus, when the tobacco rod 310 is filled with tobacco strands, more aerosol may be produced than when filled with tobacco sheets.

In addition, when the cigarette 3 is separated from the holder 1, the tobacco rod 310 filled with tobacco strands can be more easily separated than that filled with the tobacco sheet. In other words, when the tobacco rod 310 is filled with tobacco strands, it can be more easily separated from the holder 1 than the tobacco rod filled with tobacco sheets.

The first filter segment 321 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first filter segment 321 may be a tube-shaped structure including a hollow therein. The length of the first filter segment 321 may be an appropriate length within the range of 4mm to 30mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first filter segment 321 may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The diameter of the hollow included in the first filter segment 321 may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 3mm to 4.5mm, but is not limited thereto.

The hardness of the first filter segment 321 may be adjusted by adjusting the amount of plasticizer in the manufacture of the first filter segment 321.

In order to prevent the size of the first filter segment 321 from decreasing over time, the outer periphery of the first filter segment 321 may be manufactured to be wrapped by a wrapper. Accordingly, the first filter segment 321 can be easily combined with other configurations (eg, other filter segments).

In addition, the first filter segment 321 may be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or a tube of the same or different material in the interior (eg, a hollow).

The first filter segment 321 may be manufactured using cellulose acetate. Accordingly, when the heater 130 is inserted, the internal material of the tobacco rod 310 may be prevented from being pushed back, and a cooling effect of the aerosol may be generated.

The cooling structure 322 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 130 heating the tobacco rod 310. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to the appropriate temperature.

The length or diameter of the cooling structure 322 may vary depending on the shape of the cigarette 3. For example, the length of the cooling structure 322 may be appropriately employed within the range of 7mm to 20mm. Preferably, the length of the cooling structure 322 may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The cooling structure 322 may be made of pure polylactic acid or may be made of a combination of other degradable polymers and polylactic acid. For example, the cooling structure 322 may be manufactured by extrusion or weaving of fibers. The cooling structure 322 can be fabricated in various forms to increase the surface area per unit area (ie, surface area in contact with the aerosol).

For example, the cooling structure 322 can be fabricated by weaving fibers made of polylactic acid. In this case, the fragrance liquid may be applied to the fiber made of polylactic acid. Alternatively, the cooling structure 322 may be manufactured by using a separate fiber coated with a fragrance liquid and a fiber made of polylactic acid. In addition, the polylactic acid fibers may be dyed in a predetermined color, and the cooling structure 322 may be manufactured using the dyed fibers.

Various examples of the cooling structure 322 are described below with reference to FIGS. 13A-13F.

The second filter segment 323 may also be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the second filter segment 323 may be manufactured as a recess filter, but is not limited thereto. The length of the second filter segment 323 may be suitably employed within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the second filter segment 323 may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

In the process of manufacturing the second filter segment 323, the flavor may be produced by spraying the fragrance liquid on the second filter segment 323. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with the fragrance liquid may be inserted into the second filter segment 323. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 310 is cooled as it passes through the cooling structure 322, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user through the second filter segment 323. Thus, when a flavor element is added to the second filter segment 323, the effect of enhancing the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user can be produced.

In addition, the second filter segment 323 may include at least one capsule 324. Here, the capsule 324 may be a structure wrapped in a coating film containing the fragrance. For example, the capsule 324 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape.

The coating of the capsule 324 may be made of gum such as agar, pectin, sodium alginate, carrageenan, gelatin or guar gum, and also form the coating of the capsule 324. A curing aid may be further used as the material to be used. Here, the calcium chloride group etc. can be used as a gelling adjuvant, for example. In addition, a plasticizer may be further used as a material for forming the film of the capsule 324. Here, glycerin and / or sorbitol may be used as the plasticizer. In addition, a coloring agent may be further used as a material for forming the film of the capsule 324.

For example, menthol, essential oil of a plant, etc. can be used as a fragrance contained in the capsule liquid. Moreover, as a solvent of the fragrance | flavor contained in a liquid content, medium chain fatty acid triglyceride (MCT) can be used, for example. In addition, the content solution may contain other additives such as a dye, an emulsifier, and a thickener.

13A-13F illustrate examples of a cooling structure of a cigarette.

For example, the cooling structure shown in FIGS. 13A-13F can be fabricated using fibers produced from pure polylactic acid (PLA).

As an example, when the film (sheet) is filled to produce a cooling structure (film), the film (sheet) may be broken by an external impact. In this case, the effect of the cooling structure cooling the aerosol is reduced.

As another example, when manufacturing a cooling structure by extrusion molding or the like, as the process of cutting the structure is added, the efficiency of the process is lowered. There is also a limitation in manufacturing the cooling structure in various shapes.

By fabricating (eg, weaving) a cooling structure in accordance with one embodiment using polylactic acid fibers, the risk of the cooling structure being deformed or lost function by external impacts can be lowered. In addition, by changing the way the fibers are combined, it is possible to produce cooling structures having various shapes.

In addition, by making the cooling structure with the fibers, the surface area in contact with the aerosol is increased. Thus, the aerosol cooling effect of the cooling structure can be further improved.

Referring to FIG. 13A, the cooling structure 1310 may be manufactured in a cylindrical shape, and at least one air passage 1311 may be formed in a cross section of the cooling structure 1310.

Referring to FIG. 13B, the cooling structure 1320 may be manufactured as a structure in which a plurality of fibers are entangled with each other. In this case, the aerosol may flow between the fibers, and vortex may be formed according to the shape of the cooling structure 1320. The vortices formed widen the area that aerosols contact in the cooling structure 1320 and increase the time that the aerosols stay in the cooling structure 1320. Thus, the heated aerosol can be cooled effectively.

Referring to FIG. 13C, the cooling structure 1330 may be manufactured in the form of a plurality of bundles 1331.

Referring to FIG. 13D, the cooling structure 1340 may be filled with granules made of polylactic acid, vinegar or charcoal, respectively. Granules may also be prepared from a mixture of polylactic acid, vinegar and charcoal. On the other hand, the granules may further include elements capable of increasing the cooling effect of the aerosol in addition to polylactic acid, vinegar and / or char.

Referring to FIG. 13E, the cooling structure 1350 may include a first cross section 1351 and a second cross section 1351.

The first end face 1351 is in contact with the first filter segment 321 and may include a void into which an aerosol is introduced. The second end face 1352 borders the second filter segment 323 and may include voids through which aerosols may be released. For example, the first end face 1351 and the second end face 1352 may include a single pore having the same diameter, but the diameter and number of the pores included in the first end face 1351 and the second end face 1352. Is not limited thereto.

In addition, the cooling structure 1350 may include a third cross section 1353 including a plurality of voids between the first cross section 1351 and the second cross section 1352. For example, the diameters of the plurality of voids included in the third cross section 1353 may be smaller than the diameters of the voids included in the first cross section 1351 and the second cross section 1352. In addition, the number of pores included in the third end face 1353 may be greater than the number of pores included in the first end face 1351 and the second end face 1352.

Referring to FIG. 13F, the cooling structure 1360 may include a first cross section 1361 bordering the first filter segment 321 and a second cross section 1362 bordering the second filter segment 323. . In addition, the cooling structure 1360 may include one or more tubular elements 1363. For example, the tubular element 1363 may pass through the first cross section 1361 and the second cross section 1362. In addition, the tubular element 1363 may be packaged in a microporous package and filled with a filler (eg, the granules described above with reference to FIG. 13D) that may increase the cooling effect of the aerosol.

According to the above, the holder can generate an aerosol by heating the cigarette. It is also possible to produce aerosols either independently of the holder or with the holder inserted into the cradle and tilted. In particular, when the holder is tilted, the heater may be heated by the power of the battery of the cradle.

14 is a view for explaining an operation of smoking using a holder tilted in the cradle according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 14, the cradle 2 has an inner space for accommodating the holder 1, and the inside of the cradle 2 is capable of inserting the cigarette 3 into the holder 1 while the holder 1 is accommodated in the inner space. The holder 1 can be tilted together with the space. The holder 1 can be tilted at any tilt angle [theta] in the state coupled to the cradle 2. As described above, the tilt angle θ may be greater than 0 ° and less than 180 °, and preferably, greater than or equal to 5 ° and less than or equal to 90 °. More preferably, the range of the tilt angle θ is 5 ° or more and 20 ° or less, 5 ° or more and 30 ° or less, 5 ° or more and 40 ° or less, 5 ° or more and 50 ° or less, or 5 ° or more and 60 ° or less. Can be. More preferably, the tilt angle θ can be 10 degrees. The user can insert the cigarette 3 at one end of the holder 1 and smoke while holding the cradle 2 in hand. An aerosol generating system can be constructed comprising at least one of the holder 1, the cradle 2 and the cigarette 3.

When the holder 1 performs the smoking operation in a tilted state in the cradle 2, the holder 1 uses the power supplied from the battery 210 of the cradle 2 to operate the heater (130 in FIG. 1). An aerosol can be produced from the cigarette 3 by heating. On the other hand, even when the holder 1 is in a tilted state, since the holder 1 is still coupled to the cradle 2, the battery 110 of the holder 1 is supplied from the battery 210 of the cradle 2. Can be charged by the supplied power. Meanwhile, the battery 110 of the holder 1 may be used to heat the heater 130 of FIG. 1 only when the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2, but is not limited thereto.

The controller 220 of the cradle 2 may determine whether the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are coupled, and whether the holder 1 is tilted. When the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are coupled, the controller 220 may control the charging of the battery 110 by the battery 210. When the holder 1 is tilted, the control unit 220 controls the heating of the heater (130 of FIG. 1) of the holder 1 by the power supply of the battery 210, that is, the temperature of the heater (130 of FIG. 1). can do. As described above, when the holder 1 is tilted, the holder 1 may continuously smoke several times using the power of the battery 210. At this time, for example, one smoking may be set to 14 puffs.

The control unit 120 of the holder 1 cumulatively monitors the smoking pattern in the first state tilted in the cradle 2 and the second state in which the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2, and accumulatively. It may be determined whether the monitored smoking pattern meets smoking restrictions.

Specifically, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 may detect the presence or absence of the puff and count the number of puffs. In addition, the controller 120 of the holder 1 may count an operation time during which the heating of the heater (130 of FIG. 1) is continued. In addition, the controller 120 may determine whether the holder 1 is coupled to the cradle 2, tilted, or separated.

When the holder 1 is tilted and the cigarette 3 is inserted into the holder 1, the controller 120 determines whether the number of puffs of the user reaches the number of puffs, or the operation time of the holder 1 is the operation time limit. Determine if it reaches. When the number of puffs or the operation time reaches the puff limit number or the operation time limit while the holder 1 is tilted, the control unit 120 stops heating of the heater (130 in FIG. 1). ) Can be controlled. In this case, the controller 120 of the holder 1 may instruct the controller 220 of the cradle 2 to stop the power supply of the battery 210, thereby stopping the heating of the heater (130 of FIG. 1). have.

The holder 1 can be operated based on smoking patterns and smoking restrictions. The smoking pattern may include, for example, the number of puffs for the inserted cigarette 3. Smoking restrictions may include puff restrictions. According to this, the holder 1 is provided in the holder 1 to stop heating of the inserted cigarette 3 when the cumulatively monitored number of puffs in the first state and the second state reaches the puff limit number. The heater (130 of FIG. 1) may be controlled. In addition, the smoking pattern may include an operating time of the holder 1 (eg, a heating time of the heater 130 of FIG. 1), and the smoking restriction condition may include an operating time limit. At this time, the holder 1 is provided with a heater provided in the holder 1 to stop heating of the inserted cigarette when the cumulatively monitored operating time in the first state and the second state reaches the operation time limit (FIG. 1). 130) can be controlled.

As described above, the control unit 120 may stop heating of the heater (130 of FIG. 1) when the holder 1 is tilted and the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2 by the user. At this time, the user can again start the next smoking by coupling the holder 1 to the cradle 2.

Meanwhile, even when the holder 1 is tilted and separated by the user, the controller 120 accumulates and sums the number of puffs counted in the tilted state and the number of puffs counted in the separated state, and then total puffs By comparing the number of times with the number of puff limit, it may be determined whether the heater (130 of FIG. 1) is heated. That is, even if the holder 1 is tilted or the holder 1 is detached, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 continuously monitors the number of puffs. As with the number of puffs, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 continuously monitors the operating time of the holder 1 even if the holder 1 is tilted or the holder 1 is detached. As a result, the end of the operation of the holder 1, that is, the end of the heating of the heater (130 of FIG. 1) may depend on the determination of the controller 120 of the holder 1.

15 is a flow chart of a method of counting the number of puffs when the holder is tilted and detached according to one embodiment.

In step 1501, the holder 1 or the cradle 2 receives a smoking initiation request from the user. The smoking initiation request may be received from the user via an input device provided in the holder 1 or the cradle 2. The controller 120 of the holder 1 or the controller 220 of the cradle 2 may determine that a smoking initiation request has been received when a user input exists. On the other hand, smoking is possible when the holder 1 is in a tilted state or when the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2. However, when the holder 1 is not detached from the cradle 2 and the holder 1 is not tilted, the holder 1 may be operated to prevent the user from smoking, not to operate the heater, or The heater can only be heated to a temperature or time not sufficient for smoking. Hereinafter, the operation of the holder 1 will be described on the assumption that the holder 1 is tilted or separated from the cradle 2.

In step 1502, the controller 120 of the holder 1 determines whether the holder 1 coupled to the cradle 2 is tilted. Meanwhile, the controller 220 of the cradle 2 may also determine whether the holder 1 is tilted. If the holder 1 is tilted, the process proceeds to step 1503. However, when the holder 1 is separated, the process proceeds to step 1507.

In step 1503, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 counts the number of puffs in the tilted state.

In step 1504, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 sums the number of puffs in the tilted state and the number of puffs in the separated state. If the user puffs the cigarette 3 only in the tilted state, the number of puffs in the separated state is zero.

In operation 1505, the controller 120 of the holder 1 compares the total number of puffs summed with a preset number of puff limits. For example, the puff limit may be 14 times, but is not limited thereto. If the total number of puffs added is less than or equal to the puff limit, the process proceeds to step 1502. However, if the total number of puffs summed reaches the puff limit number, step 1506 is performed.

In operation 1506, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 controls the heater 130 to stop heating of the heater (130 of FIG. 1). On the other hand, if the holder 1 is still tilted, the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 may also control the heater 130 so that the heating of the heater 130 is stopped.

In operation 1507, when the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2, the controller 120 of the holder 1 counts the number of puffs in the separated state. Accordingly, in operation 1504, the controller 120 of the holder 1 may count the total number of puffs by adding up the number of puffs counted in the separated state and the number of puffs counted in the tilted state.

16 is a flowchart of a method of counting operating time when a holder is tilted and detached according to one embodiment.

In step 1601, the holder 1 or the cradle 2 receives a smoking initiation request from the user.

In operation 1602, the controller 120 of the holder 1 determines whether the holder 1 coupled to the cradle 2 is tilted. Meanwhile, the controller 220 of the cradle 2 may also determine whether the holder 1 is tilted. If the holder 1 is tilted, the process proceeds to step 1603. However, if the holder 1 is separated, the process proceeds to step 1607.

In step 1603, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 counts the operation time in the tilted state.

In step 1604, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 adds the operating time in the tilted state and the operating time in the separated state. If the user operates the holder 1 only in the tilted state, the operating time in the separated state is 0 hours.

In operation 1605, the controller 120 of the holder 1 compares the sum total operation time with a preset operation time limit. For example, the operation timeout may be 10 minutes, but is not limited thereto. If the sum total operation time is less than the operation time limit, the flow proceeds to step 1602. However, when the sum total operating time reaches the operation time limit, the process proceeds to step 1606.

In operation 1606, the controller 120 of the holder 1 controls the heater 130 to stop heating of the heater (130 of FIG. 1). On the other hand, if the holder 1 is still tilted, the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 may also control the heater 130 so that the heating of the heater 130 is stopped.

In step 1607, when the holder 1 is detached from the cradle 2, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 counts an operation time in the detached state. Accordingly, in operation 1604, the controller 120 of the holder 1 may count the total operating time by adding up the operating time counted in the separated state and the counted operating time in the tilted state.

Meanwhile, the holder 1 may control the heating of the heater 130 of FIG. 1 to be stopped when at least one of the number of puffs described in FIG. 15 and the operation time described in FIG. 16 satisfies a preset limit condition. have.

Specifically, the holder 1 accumulates the smoking pattern monitored in the second state and the accumulated smoking pattern on the smoking pattern monitored in the first state when smoking proceeds in the first state followed by smoking in the second state. The heater (130 of FIG. 1) provided in the holder 1 is controlled so that the heating of the inserted cigarette is stopped when the pattern meets the smoking restrictions. In addition, the holder 1 accumulates the smoking pattern monitored in the first state and the accumulated smoking pattern in the second state when the smoking progresses in the second state and then the smoking progresses in the first state. The heater (130 of FIG. 1) provided in the holder 1 is controlled to stop the heating of the inserted cigarette when this smoking restriction condition is met.

17 is a diagram for describing a method of counting the number of puffs in a holder, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 17, smoking can be started with the holder 1 tilted in the cradle 2 and the cigarette 3 inserted into the holder 1. The user can puff the cigarette 3 from the first puff to the sixth puff with the holder 1 tilted, after which the holder 1 can be detached from the cradle 2. The control unit 120 of the holder 1 counts cumulatively the number of puffs during six puffs.

The user can puff eight more times with the separated holder 1. At this time, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 may cumulatively count as the seventh puff following the sixth puff in the tilted state. That is, the controller 120 of the holder 1 may cumulatively count all the puffs that progressed from when the holder 1 is tilted to when it is separated. The controller 120 of the holder 1 may control the operation of the holder 1 to be terminated when the accumulated total number of puffs reaches the puff limit number (ie, when the 14th puff is completed).

18 is a diagram for describing a method of counting the number of puffs in a holder according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 18, the case opposite to FIG. 17 is described. After the cigarette 3 is inserted into the holder 1 with the holder 1 separated from the cradle 2, smoking may begin. The user can puff the cigarette 3 from the first puff to the fourth puff using the separate holder 1, after which the holder 1 can be coupled to the cradle 2 and tilted. The controller 120 of the holder 1 cumulatively counts the number of puffs during four puffs.

The user can puff ten more times with the tilted holder 1. At this time, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 may cumulatively count as the fifth puff following the fourth puff in the detached state. That is, the controller 120 of the holder 1 may cumulatively count all the puffs that progressed from when the holder 1 is separated to when the holder 1 is tilted. The controller 120 of the holder 1 may control the operation of the holder 1 to be terminated when the accumulated total number of puffs reaches the puff limit number (ie, when the 14th puff is completed).

19 is a view for explaining a method of counting the number of puffs in a holder according to another embodiment.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 19, even if the user uses the holder 1 in a tilted state, the holder 1 is used from the cradle 2 and then the holder 1 is tilted again. The control unit 120 of (1) may cumulatively count the puffs that have progressed since smoking began (that is, the first puff). Similarly, referring to FIG. 19B, even when the user uses the holder 1 in a separated state and then uses the holder 1 by tilting, and subsequently removes and uses the holder 1 again, the holder 1 The controller 120 may cumulatively count puffs that have progressed since smoking began (ie, the first puff).

That is, the controller 120 of the holder 1 accumulatively counts the number of puffs that have progressed after smoking is started, regardless of the tilt or separation of the holder 1, and based on the accumulated total number of puffs, ) Can be controlled.

20 is a diagram for describing a method of counting an operation time in a holder, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 20, with the holder 1 tilted in the cradle 2 and the cigarette 3 inserted into the holder 1, smoking may begin. The user can puff the cigarette 3 for 6 minutes with the holder 1 tilted, after which the holder 1 can be detached from the cradle 2. The controller 120 of the holder 1 counts the operation time while the holder 1 is tilted.

If the operating time in the tilted state has not yet reached the operating time limit, the user can be further puffed using the separated holder 1. In the example of FIG. 20, the user may be more puffed for 4 minutes. At this time, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 may be considered that the operating time before the separation is the elapsed operating time. That is, the controller 120 of the holder 1 may cumulatively count all the operation time that elapsed from when the holder 1 is tilted to when it is separated. The controller 120 of the holder 1 may control the operation of the holder 1 to be terminated when the accumulated total operating time reaches the operation limit time (that is, when 10 minutes has elapsed).

On the other hand, the above-described method can be written as a program that can be executed in a computer, it can be implemented in a general-purpose digital computer to operate the program using a computer-readable recording medium. In addition, the structure of the data used in the above-described method can be recorded on the computer-readable recording medium through various means. The computer-readable recording medium may include a storage medium such as a magnetic storage medium (eg, ROM, RAM, USB, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical reading medium (eg, CD-ROM, DVD, etc.). do.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be embodied in a modified form without departing from the essential characteristics of the above-described substrate. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present invention.

Claims (4)

A holder device for generating an aerosol by heating the inserted cigarette when a cigarette is inserted; And
An inner space for accommodating the holder device is provided, the cradle device in which the inner space is tilted together with the accommodated holder device while the holder device is accommodated in the inner space;
The holder device is capable of generating the aerosol by heating the inserted cigarette in a first state in which the holder device is tilted in the cradle device and in a second state in which the holder device is separated from the cradle device,
The holder device
Cumulatively monitoring the smoking pattern in the first state and the smoking pattern in the second state,
Determine whether the cumulatively monitored smoking pattern when transitioning from the first state to the second state or from the second state to the first state satisfies a smoking restriction condition,
Controlling a heater provided in the holder device to stop heating of the inserted cigarette when it is determined that the cumulatively monitored smoking pattern satisfies the smoking restriction condition,
The smoking pattern includes at least one of the number of puffs for the inserted cigarette and the operating time of the holder,
And the smoking limit condition comprises at least one of a puff limit number and an operation limit time. delete delete delete

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