TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly,
to a complex heating type aerosol generating device that can heat a smoking article
having a plurality of aerosol-forming substrates.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] FIG. 1 is a view showing a prior art induction heating device for heating an aerosol-forming
substrate. The induction heating device 1 includes a device housing 10, which may
be made of plastic, and a DC power source having a rechargeable battery 11a.
[0003] The induction heating device 1 further includes a docking port 12 having a pin 12a
for docking the induction heating device 1 with a charging station or a charging apparatus
for charging the rechargeable battery 11a. In addition, the induction heating device
1 includes a power supply electronic equipment 13 configured to operate at a desired
frequency, e.g., at a frequency of 5 MHz. The power supply electronic equipment 13
is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 11a through a suitable electric
connection 13a.
[0004] A tobacco-containing solid aerosol forming substrate 20 including a susceptor 21
is received in a cavity 14 at an extreme end of the device housing 10, and in operation,
an inductor L2 (a cylindrical inductor coil wound in a helical type) is inductively
coupled to the susceptor 21 of the tobacco-containing solid aerosol forming substrate
20 of a smoking article 2. A filter part 22 of the smoking article 2 is arranged outwardly
of the cavity 14 of the induction heating device 1, and in operation, a consumer may
inhale an aerosol through the filter part 22.
[0005] An induction heating device includes an inductor arranged thermally adjacent to the
aerosol-forming substrate, and the aerosol-forming substrate includes a susceptor.
An alternating magnetic field of the inductor creates eddy current and hysteresis
losses, which cause the susceptor to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature
that allows it to release volatile components able to form an aerosol.
[0006] The induction heating device 1 described above does not comprise a construction that
can heat a smoking article having a plurality of aerosol-forming substrates. In recent
years, the demand for alternatives for addressing the shortcomings of traditional
cigarettes is increasing. For instance, there is a growing demand for methods of generating
an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating material in a cigarette, instead of burning
tobacco.
[0007] Typically, a reconstituted tobacco slurry sheet, which is the main ingredient of
the tobacco medium, is not easy to manufacture because of its low tensile strength,
and its physical properties are weak because the tobacco medium contains large amounts
of humectants. Moreover, the tobacco medium contains a liquid such as glycerin and
is sensitive to the humidity in the surroundings due to its hydrophilic nature, which
makes it difficult to control the environment of the manufacturing process. Also,
the tobacco medium can contain only a limited amount of liquid.
[0008] Aside from cigarettes comprising the tobacco medium, there have been proposed 'hybrid'
cigarettes, which generate more aerosol from liquid contained in a cartomizer and
let the user inhale an aerosol derived from the liquid when they puff on the cigarette.
However, there are difficulties (expiration date, deterioration, etc.) in managing
the liquid contained in the cartomizer, and contamination can occur as condensate
is generated in the airflow path through which the aerosol created by the cartomizer
moves.
[0009] This creates a need to provide a liquid into a smoking article and produce an aerosol
from the liquid, rather than discard it after one-time use, and also creates a need
for a device that can generate an aerosol using a single smoking article having a
variety of different aerosol-forming substrates capable of generating an aerosol.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a complex heating type aerosol generating
device that can heat a smoking article having a plurality of aerosol-forming substrates
by a plurality of separately controllable heating means.
[0011] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a complex heating
type aerosol generating device, which is grippable and portable-sized, for a smoking
article having a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate
arranged at the upstream of the first aerosol-forming substrate, the complex heating
type aerosol generating device comprising: a cavity provided in the device into which
the smoking article can be inserted; a first heating means provided in the device
to heat the interior or exterior of the first aerosol-forming substrate of the smoking
article within a first temperature range; a second heating means provided in the device
to heat the interior or exterior of the second aerosol-forming substrate of the smoking
article within a second temperature range; first and second sensors provided in the
device to sense the temperatures of the first and second heating means, respectively;
a rechargeable battery provided in the device to function as a direct current power
source; and a control unit provided in the device and electrically connected to the
first and second sensors and the battery, to control the first and second heating
means according to the sensed values of the first and second sensors, respectively,
by receiving direct current power from the battery.
[0012] In some embodiments, the first aerosol-forming substrate provided in the smoking
article may be a liquid cartridge, and the second aerosol-forming substrate provided
in the smoking article may be a tobacco filler.
[0013] In some embodiments, the first aerosol-forming substrate provided in the smoking
article may be a tobacco filler, and the second aerosol-forming substrate provided
in the smoking article may be a liquid cartridge.
[0014] In some embodiments, the first aerosol-forming substrate and second aerosol-forming
substrate provided in the smoking article may be tobacco fillers.
[0015] In some embodiments, the tobacco filler may contain glycerin VG.
[0016] In some embodiments, the first aerosol-forming substrate and second aerosol-forming
substrate provided in the smoking article may be liquid cartridges.
[0017] In some embodiments, the liquid cartridge may comprise a liquid or gel composition
containing glycerin VG.
[0018] In some embodiments, the smoking article may further comprise a filter and a tube,
the filter, tube, tobacco filler and liquid cartridge being wrapped in single wrapping
paper.
[0019] In some embodiments, the smoking article may further comprise a filter and a tube,
the filter, tube and tobacco filler being wrapped in single wrapping paper.
[0020] In some embodiments, the smoking article may further comprise a filter and a tube,
the filter, tube and liquid cartridge being wrapped in single wrapping paper.
[0021] In some embodiments, the complex heating type aerosol generating device may further
comprise a pressure sensor provided in the device and electrically connected to the
control unit, wherein the control unit controls the first heating means and/or the
second heating means according to the cumulative integral value by calculating the
integral value of puff volume according to the sensed value from the pressure sensor.
[0022] In some embodiments, the first heating means may be a resistance heater and the second
heating means may be an induction heater.
[0023] In some embodiments, the first heating means may be an induction heater and the second
heating means may be a resistance heater.
[0024] In some embodiments, the first heating means may be an induction heater and the second
heating means may be an induction heater.
[0025] In some embodiments, the first heating means may be a resistance heater and the second
heating means may be a resistance heater.
[0026] In some embodiments, the resistance heater may be a pipe heater with resistance heating
patterns.
[0027] In some embodiments, the resistance heater may be an invasive heater.
[0028] In some embodiments, the first heating means and second heating means may be integrally
formed as an invasive heater that is inserted through the lower center of the smoking
article inserted into the cavity and that comes into direct contact with the first
aerosol-forming substrate and second aerosol-forming substrate in the smoking article.
[0029] In some embodiments, the induction heater may be comprised of an excitation coil
and a susceptor reacting with the excitation coil such that induction heating occurs
due to eddy current losses to heat the smoking article.
[0030] In some embodiments, the complex heating type aerosol generating device may comprise
a plurality of capacitor switches provided in the device and connected between the
control unit and the excitation coil, wherein the control unit controls a frequency
of an alternating current supplied to the excitation coil, by controlling on and off
of at least one of the capacitor switches.
[0031] In some embodiments, the complex heating type aerosol generating device may comprise
a sensor for sensing the inductance of the excitation coil.
[0032] In some embodiments, the complex heating type aerosol generating device may comprise
a sensor for sensing an impedance of the excitation coil.
[0033] In some embodiments, the complex heating type aerosol generating device may comprise
an insulating part provided between the susceptor and the excitation coil to prevent
heat of the susceptor from being transferred to the excitation coil.
[0034] In some embodiments, in the insulating part, an insulating film using an insulating
filler having an insulating and shielding function may be attached to an outer wall
of an insulating pipe.
[0035] In some embodiments, the insulating filler may consist of ceramic powder.
[0036] In some embodiments, the susceptor may be provided as a hollow pipe inserted into
the center of the first aerosol-forming substrate and/or the second aerosol-forming
substrate.
[0037] In some embodiments, the susceptor may be made of at least one material selected
from stainless steel, nickel and cobalt.
[0038] In some embodiments, the induction heater may be comprised of an excitation coil
and a susceptor reacting with the excitation coil such that induction heating occurs
due to eddy current losses to heat the smoking article, wherein the susceptor is inserted
through the lower center of the smoking article inserted into the cavity and comes
into direct contact with the second aerosol-forming substrate in the smoking article.
[0039] In some embodiments, the resistance heater of the second heating means may be an
invasive heater.
[0040] The complex heating type aerosol generating device according to the present invention
has an advantage of allowing a user to inhale a smoking article having a variety of
different aerosol-forming substrates, by using a plurality of heating means capable
of controlling the temperatures of the plurality of aerosol-forming substrates, respectively.
[0041] The complex heating type aerosol generating device according to the present invention
can variably control a heating time, without being restricted by inhalation patterns
of a user, by using a pressure sensor to sense a pressure change caused by puffing
of the user and controlling on and off of the heating according to the cumulative
integral value of puff volume.
[0042] The complex heating type aerosol generating device according to the present invention
can improve heating efficiency by preventing overheating of an excitation coil with
an insulating part provided between the excitation coil and a susceptor.
[0043] The complex heating type aerosol generating device according to the present invention
can improve heating efficiency by changing a resonance frequency depending on the
material of the susceptor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044]
FIG. 1 is a view showing a prior art induction heating device for heating an aerosol-forming
substrate.
FIG. 2 conceptually shows a partial exploded perspective view and cross-sectional
view of a smoking article according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
that can be used in the complex heating type aerosol generating device of the present
invention.
FIG. 3 conceptually shows components of the smoking article of FIG. 2 and a construction
of wrapping paper wrapped around them.
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a process of manufacturing an absorbent rod
in order to obtain the absorbent of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 conceptually shows a process of cutting an absorbent rod in order to manufacture
a liquid cartridge according to the present invention from the absorbent rod of FIG.
4, that can be provided in the smoking article that can be used in the complex heating
type aerosol generating device of the present invention.
FIGS. 6 through 20 are conceptual diagrams given below to show various embodiments
of a complex heating type aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from
the smoking article that can be used in the present invention:
FIG. 6 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with a resistance heater as a first heating means and an induction
heater as a second heating means according to a first embodiment, to which the smoking
article is applied;
FIG. 7 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with a resistance heater as a first heating means and an induction
heater as a second heating means according to a second embodiment, to which the smoking
article is applied;
FIG. 8 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with a resistance heater as a first heating means and an induction
heater as a second heating means according to a third embodiment, to which the smoking
article is applied;
FIG. 9 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with an induction heater as a first heating means and a resistance
heater as a second heating means according to a fourth embodiment, to which the smoking
article is applied;
FIG. 10 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with an induction heater as a first heating means and a resistance
heater as a second heating means according to a fifth embodiment, to which the smoking
article is applied;
FIG. 11 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with an induction heater as a first heating means and a resistance
heater as a second heating means according to a sixth embodiment, to which the smoking
article is applied;
FIG. 12 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with an induction heater as a first heating means and a resistance
heater as a second heating means according to a seventh embodiment, to which the smoking
article is applied;
FIG. 13 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with an induction heater as a first heating means and an induction
heater as a second heating means according to an eighth embodiment, to which the smoking
article is applied;
FIG. 14 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with an induction heater as a first heating means and an induction
heater as a second heating means according to a ninth embodiment, to which the smoking
article is applied;
FIG. 15 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with an induction heater as a first heating means and an induction
heater as a second heating means according to a tenth embodiment, to which the smoking
article is applied;
FIG. 16 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with an induction heater as a first heating means and an induction
heater as a second heating means according to an eleventh embodiment, to which the
smoking article is applied;
FIG. 17 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with an induction heater as a first heating means and an induction
heater as a second heating means according to a twelfth embodiment, to which the smoking
article is applied;
FIG. 18 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with a resistance heater as a first heating means and a resistance
heater as a second heating means according to a thirteenth embodiment, to which the
smoking article is applied;
FIG. 19 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with a resistance heater as a first heating means and a resistance
heater as a second heating means according to a fourteenth embodiment, to which the
smoking article is applied; and
FIG. 20 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device having a single resistance heater as a first heating means and a second heating
means according to a fifteenth embodiment, to which the smoking article is applied.
FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of temperature controlling and heating
time controlling in the complex heating type aerosol generating device combined with
a resistance heater and an induction heater according to the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of temperature controlling and heating
time controlling in the complex heating type aerosol generating device combined with
two induction heaters according to the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of temperature controlling and heating
time controlling in the complex heating type aerosol generating device combined with
two resistance heaters according to the present invention.
FIG. 24 is a graph showing an embodiment of time controlling based on a puff volume
in the complex heating type aerosol generating device according to the present invention.
FIG. 25 is a graph showing an embodiment of temperature controlling and heating controlling
in the complex heating type aerosol generating device according to the present invention.
FIG. 26 is a circuit block diagram showing an embodiment of resonance frequency regulation
by capacitor switch controlling of the control unit in the complex heating type aerosol
generating device according to the present invention.
FIG. 27 is a circuit block diagram showing another embodiment of resonance frequency
regulation by capacitor switch controlling of the control unit in the complex heating
type aerosol generating device according to the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0045] Certain embodiments will now be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail
in the description, although various changes and modification can be made thereto.
Features and advantages of the present invention and the manner of obtaining them
will become more apparent by reference to the following description of the embodiments
of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The present
invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed
as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.
[0046] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended to include the
plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0047] It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes"
and/or "including", when used herein, specify the presence of stated features or components,
but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features or components.
[0048] In the following embodiments, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe
the relative positions of segments of a smoking article in relation to the direction
in which a user draws in air through the smoking article. The smoking article includes
an upstream end (through which air enters) and an opposite downstream end (through
which air exits). In use, the user draws on the downstream end of the smoking article
and inhales air that is drawn through the upstream end of the smoking article, passes
through the inside of the smoking article, and goes out to the downstream end. The
downstream end is downstream of the upstream end. The term "end" may also be described
as "extreme end".
[0049] The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized
to show details of particular components. Because the size and thickness of each configuration
shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for better understanding and ease of description,
the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0050] Example embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with
reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the present invention can be easily
implemented by those skilled in the art. However, the present invention may be implemented
in various different ways, without being limited to the described embodiments.
[0051] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a complex heating
type aerosol generating device, which is grippable and portable-sized, for a smoking
article having a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate
arranged at the upstream of the first aerosol-forming substrate, the complex heating
type aerosol generating device comprising: a cavity provided in the device into which
the smoking article can be inserted; a first heating means provided in the device
to heat the interior or exterior of the first aerosol-forming substrate of the smoking
article within a first temperature range; a second heating means provided in the device
to heat the interior or exterior of the second aerosol-forming substrate of the smoking
article within a second temperature range; first and second sensors provided in the
device to sense the temperatures of the first and second heating means, respectively;
a rechargeable battery provided in the device to function as a direct current power
source; and a control unit provided in the device and electrically connected to the
first and second sensors and the battery, to control the first and second heating
means according to the sensed values of the first and second sensors, respectively,
by receiving direct current power from the battery.
[0052] FIG. 2 conceptually shows a partial exploded perspective view and cross-sectional
view of a smoking article according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
that can be used in the complex heating type aerosol generating device of the present
invention, and FIG. 3 conceptually shows components of the smoking article of FIG.
2 and a construction of wrapping paper wrapped around them.
[0053] The smoking article which can be used in the complex heating type aerosol generating
device of the present invention is intended to indicate a smoking article which is
heated by electrical resistance or induction heating, not by burning, to generate
an aerosol for inhalation by a user. The smoking article contains a proper amount
of aerosol-forming substrate and/or shredded tobacco to take an equivalent number
of puffs to a single traditional cigarette. The smoking article does not generate
any more aerosol after generating a preset amount of aerosol and will be discarded
by the user after used once.
[0054] The smoking article 50 which can be used in the complex heating type aerosol generating
device according to the embodiment of the present invention has a laminate structure
composed of a tobacco filler 58 located at the upstream end that contains shredded
tobacco as a second aerosol-forming substrate, a liquid cartridge 56 located directly
downstream thereof that contains a liquid composition as a first aerosol-forming substrate,
a paper tube 54 located directly downstream thereof that provides an aerosol passage,
and a filter 52 functioning as a mouthpiece, all of which are wrapped in wrapping
paper 60. Although the smoking article 50 of the above-described construction will
be described below, the relative positions of the liquid cartridge 56 and the tobacco
filler 58 of shredded tobacco may be reversed. In addition, another liquid cartridge
56 may be located as a second aerosol-forming substrate at the upstream end of the
liquid cartridge 56 which is a first aerosol-forming substrate, in place of the tobacco
filler 58 which is a second aerosol-forming substrate. Further, another tobacco filler
58 may be located as a first aerosol-forming substrate at the downstream end of the
tobacco filler 58 which is a second aerosol-forming substrate, in place of the liquid
cartridge 56 which is a second aerosol-forming substrate.
[0055] The liquid cartridge 56 includes a liquid or gel composition; a liquid or gel absorbent
soaked with the liquid or gel composition; and wrapping paper wrapped around the side
of the liquid or gel absorbent in a cylindrical shape measuring 7 to 20 mm long and
5 to 8 mm in diameter, wherein the liquid or gel absorbent has a sufficient absorption
rate to absorb 70 to 120 mg of liquid composition and keep it in the liquid cartridge.
The cylindrical shape measuring 7 to 20 mm long and 5 to 8 mm in diameter meets the
standard for regular cigarettes or heating smoking articles being currently used.
When the liquid cartridge 56 of the above standard is inserted into the heating smoking
article and wrapped in a separate piece of wrapping paper 60, the user will see no
difference between the regular cigarettes and the heating smoking articles.
[0056] The liquid absorbent of the liquid cartridge 56 of the above standard absorbs 70
to 120 mg of liquid or gel composition, and this numerical range indicates the amount
of liquid composition that provides an aerosol derived from the liquid composition
when the user inhales an aerosol from the shredded tobacco of a single cigarette stick
for the heating smoking article. If the amount of liquid or gel composition absorbed
by the liquid absorbent is less than the above lower limit (70 mg), the amount of
aerosol derived from the liquid composition when the user inhales an aerosol from
the shredded tobacco in the heating smoking article would be insufficient. Thus, the
amount of liquid composition absorbed by the liquid cartridge should be equal to or
greater than the above lower limit (70 mg). If the amount of liquid or gel composition
absorbed by the absorbent exceeds the above upper limit (120 mg), it would be difficult
to keep the liquid composition absorbed in the absorbent in the liquid cartridge of
the above standard, causing the liquid composition to flow out of the liquid cartridge.
Thus, the amount of liquid or gel composition absorbed by the liquid cartridge 56
should be equal to or less than the above upper limit (120 mg). A desirable range
is between 80 and 110 mg, and a more desirable range is between 90 and 105 mg.
[0057] The liquid absorbent in the liquid cartridge 56 of the above standard has a sufficient
absorption rate to keep the liquid composition having the above range in the liquid
cartridge. That is, the liquid composition remains absorbed by the liquid absorbent
in the liquid cartridge, without flowing out of the liquid cartridge. Here, the absorption
means that the absorbent is soaked with the liquid composition which does not flow
out. As described below, the filter, tube, liquid cartridge, and tobacco filler are
wrapped in the wrapping paper to form the smoking article, wherein the liquid cartridge
is brought into direct contact with the tobacco filler or tube or filter without a
separate member downstream or upstream, and the liquid composition absorbed by the
liquid absorbent of the liquid cartridge is stored in the liquid absorbent, but does
not flow out toward the tobacco filler or tube or filter. To this end, preferably,
the amount of the liquid composition by the liquid absorbent is 0.13 to 0.32 mg/mm
3 per unit volume of the liquid absorbent. This numerical limitation is set for a similar
reason to why the numerical limitation is set on the amount of liquid composition
absorbed by the absorbent of the present invention. That is, if the amount of liquid
composition absorbed by the liquid absorbent is not sufficient, i.e., less than the
above lower limit (0.13 mg/mm
3), the amount of aerosol derived from the liquid composition when the user inhales
an aerosol from the shredded tobacco in the heating smoking article would be insufficient.
Thus, the amount of liquid composition absorbed by the liquid cartridge should be
equal to or greater than the lower limit (0.13 mg/mm
3). If the amount of liquid composition absorbed by the liquid absorbent exceeds the
above upper limit (0.32 mg/mm
3), it would be difficult to keep the liquid composition absorbed in the liquid absorbent
in the liquid cartridge of the above standard, causing the liquid composition to flow
out of the liquid cartridge.
[0058] The liquid composition contains glycerin VG and optionally contains glycerin PG,
water, and flavorings. The liquid composition contains 70 to 100 wt% glycerin VG,
0 to 20 wt% glycerin PG, and 0 to 10 wt% water and further contains flavorings added
in an amount that is 10 % or less of the total weight of the resulting liquid composition.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention uses a liquid composition
made of 100 wt% glycerin VG. According to another preferred embodiment, the present
invention uses a liquid composition made of 80 wt% glycerin VG and 20 wt% glycerin
PG. According to a further preferred embodiment, the present invention uses a liquid
composition made of 75 wt% glycerin VG, 20 wt% glycerin PG, and 5 wt% water. According
to a yet further preferred embodiment, the present invention further contains flavorings
added in an amount that is 10 % or less of the total weight of the resulting liquid
composition. For example, the flavorings may include licorice, sucrose, fructose syrup,
isosweet, cocoa, lavender, cinnamon, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, fenugreek, cascarilla,
sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange
oil, mint oil, caraway, cognac, jasmine, chamomile, menthol, ylang-ylang, salvia,
spearmint, ginger, coriander, or coffee, etc. In addition, the liquid composition
may or may not contain nicotine.
[0059] According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid absorbent of the present invention
is made by crumpling or rolling a strip made of a melamine-based foam resin with a
thickness of 2 to 3 mm into a cylindrical shape. According to another preferred embodiment,
the liquid absorbent of the present invention is made by processing a melamine-based
foam resin into a cylindrical shape, and more preferably, the liquid absorbent made
of the melamine-based foam resin has a weight of 0.01 to 0.013 mg/mm
3 per unit volume. According to test results for the smoking article including the
liquid cartridge having the liquid absorbent soaked with 100 mg of liquid composition,
the liquid composition remained absorbed in the liquid absorbent, without flowing
out, during the test, and a sufficient amount of aerosol derived from the liquid composition
was observed.
[0060] According to a further preferred embodiment, the liquid absorbent of the present
invention is made by crumpling or folding or rolling pulp or a fabric containing pulp
into a cylindrical shape or by processing it into a cylindrical shape, and more preferably,
the liquid absorbent made of pulp or a fabric containing pulp has a weight of 0.25
to 0.4 mg/mm
3 per unit volume. According to test results for the smoking article including the
liquid cartridge having the liquid absorbent soaked with 100 mg of liquid composition,
the liquid composition remained absorbed in the liquid absorbent, without flowing
out, during the test, and a sufficient amount of aerosol derived from the liquid composition
was observed.
[0061] According to a yet further preferred embodiment, the liquid absorbent of the present
invention is made by crumpling or rolling a cotton woven fabric or non-woven fabric
into a cylindrical shape or by processing it into a cylindrical shape, and more preferably,
the liquid absorbent made of a cotton woven fabric or non-woven fabric has a weight
of 0.2 to 0.35 mg/mm
3 per unit volume. According to test results for the smoking article including the
liquid cartridge having the liquid absorbent soaked with 100 mg of liquid composition,
the liquid composition remained absorbed in the liquid absorbent, without flowing
out, during the test, and a sufficient amount of aerosol derived from the liquid composition
was observed.
[0062] According to a yet further preferred embodiment, the liquid absorbent of the present
invention is made by crumpling or rolling a bamboo fiber woven fabric or non-woven
fabric into a cylindrical shape or by processing it into a cylindrical shape, and
more preferably, the liquid absorbent made of a bamboo fiber woven fabric or non-woven
fabric has a weight of 0.15 to 0.25 mg/mm
3 per unit volume. According to test results for the heating smoking article including
the liquid cartridge having the liquid absorbent soaked with 100 mg of liquid composition,
the liquid composition remained absorbed in the liquid absorbent, without flowing
out, during the test, and a sufficient amount of aerosol derived from the liquid composition
was observed.
[0063] In the smoking article 56 which can be applied to the fine particle generating device
according to the present invention, the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge contains
a gel aerosol-forming substrate which is present in a gel or solid phase at normal
temperature and vaporized into an aerosol in a temperature range of 150 to 300 °C
and which contains glycerin VG, water and gelatin and optionally contains glycerin
PG; a gel receptor for receiving the gel aerosol-forming substrate; and wrapping paper
wrapped around the side of the gel receptor in a cylindrical shape measuring 7 to
20 mm long and 5 to 8 mm in diameter. The cylindrical shape measuring 7 to 20 mm long
and 5 to 8 mm in diameter meets the standard for regular cigarettes or heating smoking
articles being currently used. When the gel aerosol-forming substrate cartridge of
the above standard is inserted into the heating smoking article and wrapped in a separate
piece of wrapping paper, the user will see no difference between the regular cigarettes
and the heating smoking articles.
[0064] Here, the gel aerosol-forming substrate includes a liquid composition made of 80
to 100 wt% glycerin VG and 0 to 20 wt% glycerin PG, contains gelatin having a weight
of 1 to 6 g in 100 ml of mixture of 60 to 80 wt% liquid composition and 20 to 40 wt%
water at a volume ratio, and optically contains flavorings added less than 10 wt%
of the total weight of the resulting liquid composition. Here, preferably, the liquid
composition may be included in the gel receptor at an amount of 70 to 120 mg. Alternatively,
the liquid composition may be included in the gel receptor at an amount of 0.13 to
0.32 mg/mm
3 per unit volume of the gel receptor.
[0065] The tobacco filler 58 may contain tobacco-based solid substances such as reconstituted
tobacco and shredded tobacco. In one embodiment, the tobacco filler 58 may be stuffed
with a corrugated reconstituted tobacco sheet. The reconstituted tobacco sheet may
have corrugations as it is substantially horizontally rolled around the axis of cylinder,
folded, compressed, or shrunken. The porosity may be determined by adjusting the gaps
between the corrugations of the reconstituted tobacco sheet.
[0066] In another embodiment, the tobacco filler 58 may be stuffed with shredded tobacco.
Here, the shredded tobacco may be formed by finely cutting a tobacco sheet (or reconstituted
tobacco slurry sheet). Also, the tobacco filler 58 may be formed by combining multiple
strands of tobacco together in the same direction (parallel) or randomly. Specifically,
the tobacco filler 58 may be formed by combining multiple strands of tobacco together,
and may have a plurality of longitudinal channels through which aerosol can pass.
The longitudinal channels may be regular or irregular depending on the size and arrangement
of the strands of tobacco.
[0067] The tobacco filler 58 may additionally comprise at least one among ethylene glycol,
dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and
oleyl alcohol. The tobacco filler may further comprise glycerin VG, glycerin, and
propylene glycol.
[0068] Furthermore, the tobacco filler 58 may contain other additives such as flavorings
and/or organic acids. For example, the flavoring component may include licorice, sucrose,
fructose syrup, isosweet, cocoa, lavender, cinnamon, cardamom, celery, cascarilla,
fenugreek, cascarilla, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla,
lemon oil, orange oil, mint oil, caraway, cognac, jasmine, chamomile, menthol, ylang-ylang,
salvia, spearmint, ginger, coriander, or coffee, etc.
[0069] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the liquid cartridge 56 according to one embodiment
of the present invention, the absorbent 56a with the liquid composition absorbed in
it is wrapped in the wrapping paper 61 serving as a housing. In addition, the paper
tube 54 and the filter 52 are stacked sequentially at the downstream end of the liquid
cartridge 56. The filter 52 and the paper tube 54 are wrapped in the wrapping paper
60, together with the liquid cartridge.
[0070] The liquid composition in the liquid cartridge 56 remains absorbed in the absorbent
in the liquid cartridge 56, without flowing out of the liquid cartridge, and is vaporized
by heating to generate an aerosol.
[0071] Preferably, the wrapping paper 60, 61 and 62 is made of a material that does not
deform when heated to a high temperature or when in contact with liquid, or that does
not generate harmful components. Alternatively, the wrapping paper may be made of
a metal thin film or metal foil, or, as described above, may be made by adding a metal
thin film or thin metal sheet to wrapping paper or by laminating them together. According
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wrapping paper 61 serving
as a housing for the liquid cartridge 56 is composed of paper and aluminum foil laminated
together, and the aluminum foil adjoins the absorbent 56a and therefore prevents the
liquid composition absorbed in the absorbent from flowing out to the side of the liquid
cartridge 56.
[0072] The filter 52 provided downstream of the liquid cartridge 56 may have a hollow portion
for generating an airflow, but a filter with no hollow portion may also be used. The
filter may be composed of one or more segments and may include at least one of a tube
filter, a cooling structure and a recess filter, for example. The tube filter has
an inner hollow portion. The tube filter and the recess filter may be made of cellulose
acetate, and the tube functioning as the cooling structure may be made of pure polylactic
acid (PLA) or a combination of polylactic acid and another degradable polymer.
[0073] More specifically, the filter 52 may be made of acetate, paper, PP, etc. and the
wrapping paper wrapped around the filter may be classified as regular paper, porous
paper, perforated paper, non-wrapped acetate (NWA), etc. In addition, the filter type
may be classified as a mono filter composed of one segment or a composite (double,
triple, etc.) filter composed of a number of segments. The filter may be made from
acetate tow, plasticizer, activated charcoal, X-DNA, and wrapping paper. The acetate
tow refers to an aggregate of continuous filaments of cellulose acetate, which plays
a major role in determining draw resistance, which is the most important characteristic
of the filter. The properties of the acetate tow are determined by denier.
[0074] The plasticizer makes cellulose acetate fibers soft and flexible to form bonds at
the contact points between the fibers and make a fiber bundle more rigid. Triacetin
is used as a plasticizer for cigarette filters.
[0075] The activated charcoal, which is one of the absorbents, contains carbon as the main
constituent and can be classified by particle size and nature. Source materials used
for the activated charcoal include plant materials, such as wood, sawdust, and fruit
stones (coconut husk, bamboo, peach seeds, etc.).
[0076] X-DNA refers to functional particles that are extracted from sea algae and then condensed
and processed. As compared with the activated charcoal mainly used for cigarette filters,
X-DNA does not affect the taste of cigarettes and exhibits strong anticarcinogenic
effects.
[0077] The wrapping paper serves to maintain the shape of a filter plug during the manufacture
of the filter. The wrapping paper is required to satisfy physical properties, such
as porosity, tensile strength, extension, thickness, glue adhesion, etc., in its manufacture.
[0078] For example, the liquid cartridge 56 may be 14.0 mm long, the filter 52 or the tube
54 may be 2.5 mm long, and the tobacco filler 58 containing shredded tobacco may be
9.0 mm long. Alternatively, for example, the filter may be 10 mm, the paper tube 54
may be 16 mm, the liquid cartridge 56 may be 10 mm, and the tobacco filler 58 may
be 12 mm.
[0079] The relative lengths of the filter 52, paper tube 54, liquid cartridge 56, and tobacco
filler 58 and the relative positioning of the liquid cartridge 56 and tobacco filler
58 may be associated with the temperature of an aerosol the user inhales that is generated
from the electrically heated smoking article by means of a complex heating type aerosol
generating device 100 to be described later. The temperature of an aerosol generated
from the liquid cartridge 56 and the temperature of an aerosol generated from the
tobacco filler 58 are different, and high-temperature aerosol can be cooled further
as the paper tube 54 becomes longer. Thus, the temperatures of aerosols generated
from the liquid cartridge 56 and tobacco filler 58 and the relative positioning of
the liquid cartridge 56 and tobacco filler 58 may be taken into account, and the relative
lengths and positioning of the liquid cartridge 56 and tobacco filler 58 may vary
with the amounts of liquid composition and shredded tobacco dependent on the volumes
of the liquid cartridge 56 and tobacco filler 58 and the heating method used by the
complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 to be described later. It would
not be difficult for a person of ordinary skill in the art to satisfy the above conditions
when making a smoking article the same size as the smoking articles currently on the
market.
[0080] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a process of manufacturing an absorbent rod
in order to obtain the absorbent of FIG. 3.
[0081] According to a preferred embodiment for manufacturing the liquid cartridge 56 shown
in FIG. 3, an absorbent formed in a cylinder shape by the pipe structure 40 is passed
through spray equipment or a liquid composition injection part such as a needle before
it is inserted into the pipe structure 40, and enough of the liquid composition is
sprayed or injected into the absorbent 56a, and the absorbent 56a becomes dampened
or soaked with the liquid composition as it passes through the pipe structure 40.
Afterwards, the absorbent with the liquid composition absorbed in it is wrapped in,
for example, wrapping paper (or a laminate of paper and aluminum foil), and cut to
a required length (for example, 140 mm, 100 mm, or 80 mm) to form an absorbent rod
57. As described later, the absorbent rod 57 may be cut up into a liquid cartridge
56 of a desired length (for example, 14 mm, 10 mm, or 8 mm), and then packed (wrapped)
together with other segments (the tube, filter, and tobacco filler) of the smoking
article, thereby making a smoking article 50 for generating an aerosol.
[0082] FIG. 5 conceptually shows a process of cutting an absorbent rod in order to manufacture
a liquid cartridge according to the present invention from the absorbent rod of FIG.
4, that can be provided in the smoking article that can be used in the complex heating
type aerosol generating device of the present invention.
[0083] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a process of cutting the absorbent rod 57 in order
to manufacture a liquid cartridge 56. As described previously, the absorbent rod 57,
which is 140 mm, 100 mm, or 80 mm long, for example, may be inserted into a groove
in an index table 70 and moved to a conveyor belt 90 by the rotation of the index
table. At this point, rotary blades 80 are placed on the moving path along the index
table 70, and the absorbent rod 57 is cut into ten liquid cartridges 56 of a desired
length, for example, 14 mm, 10 mm, or 8 mm by the rotary blades. Ten rotary blades
80 may be placed at equal intervals to cut a 140-mm absorbent rod 57 into ten 14-mm
liquid cartridges 56, a 100-mm absorbent rod 57 into ten 10-mm liquid cartridges 56,
or an 80-mm absorbent rod 57 into ten 8-mm liquid cartridges 56. As described previously,
since the same process and equipment used to add flavoring components to the filter
in the conventional manufacturing of cigarettes are employed, there will be no significant
difficulties in achieving mass production and quality control.
[0084] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the filter 52 functioning
as a mouthpiece is located at the downstream end of the liquid cartridge 56, and the
tobacco filler 58 containing shredded tobacco is located at the upstream end of the
liquid cartridge 56. By packing these segments (filter, liquid cartridge, and tobacco
filler) together, a smoking article 50 for generating an aerosol can be made. As described
previously, if necessary, the tube 54 which provides an aerosol passage and cools
aerosols may be located between the filter 52 and the liquid cartridge 56. All of
these segments - filter 52, tube 54, liquid cartridge 56, and tobacco filler 58 -
are arranged side by side and packed together, thereby obtaining a smoking article
50 for generating an aerosol. In an actual manufacturing line, 10 or more sets of
these segments are arranged and wrapped, and then cut into a number of electrically
heated smoking articles.
[0085] In any case, the liquid composition in the liquid cartridge 56 remains absorbed in
the absorbent 56a in the liquid cartridge, and does not flow out of the liquid cartridge
56. Nevertheless, in the process of manufacturing a smoking article or after completing
the smoking article, a dried liquid composition may flow out due to high-temperature
heat or physical pressure applied to the liquid cartridge, or may be vaporized into
an aerosol and exit to the outside. First of all, according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention, the tobacco filler is located upstream of the liquid cartridge,
and the filter is located downstream of the liquid cartridge, and therefore it is
extremely unlikely that the dried liquid composition may flow out through the filter
or tobacco filler even if external physical force is applied to the liquid cartridge.
Since the liquid composition starts to generate an aerosol at about 120 °C or higher,
any loss of the liquid composition during the manufacturing process can be prevented
by performing process control at 100 °C or lower in the process of wrapping or making
the liquid cartridge 56. In cases where a high temperature equal to or higher than
a temperature where the liquid composition starts to vaporize is required during the
manufacturing process, the liquid composition may be controlled in such a way that
it is additionally absorbed by estimating the amount of liquid composition lost during
the process and adding the estimated amount of loss to a required amount of liquid
composition.
[0086] Hereinafter, embodiments of a complex heating type aerosol generating device 100
for generating an aerosol by heating the smoking article 50 which can be used in the
present invention will be described. The complex heating type aerosol generating device
100 to be described below is a grippable and portable-sized aerosol generating device
that has a cavity into which the smoking article 50 is inserted, the smoking article
50 including an aerosol-forming substrate such as a liquid composition or shredded
tobacco therein, similar to the smoking article 50 described herein, and being wrapped
in wrapping paper in the shape of a traditional cigarette, and that forms an aerosol
by heating the aerosol-forming substrate of the smoking article inserted into the
cavity by a heating means provided in the aerosol generating device. As stated below,
the heating means may be provided in a resistance heating or induction heating manner,
which may be heated up to 100 to 400 °C to heat the aerosol-forming substrate within
the smoking article 50 inserted into the cavity of the complex heating type aerosol
generating device 100, thereby generating an aerosol. According to a preferred embodiment,
the target temperature may range between 200 and 350 °C, and more preferably, between
250 and 320 °C (for example, the target temperature may be set to 280 °C). In some
cases, the target temperature may range between 150 and 250 °C (for example, the target
temperature may be set to 180 °C), and may vary depending on whether an aerosol is
generated from the liquid composition (glycerin, etc.), the tobacco filler, or the
tobacco filler with the liquid composition such as glycerin absorbed in it. In any
of theses cases, an aerosol generated in the electrically heated smoking article 50
is inhaled into the mouth of the user through the tube 54 and the filter 52. Thus,
if the temperature of the generated aerosol is too high, even if the aerosol is cooled
through the inhalation, the user may feel discomfort or get burned. Moreover, too
much aerosol may be generated, making it difficult to take multiple puffs. With this
taken into consideration, the target temperature of a heating element should be preset.
For these reasons, the above upper limit is set on the target temperature of the heating
element.
[0087] According to a preferred embodiment, the temperature of a generated aerosol measured
after it passes through the tube 54 and the filter 52 may be a mouth end temperature.
The temperature of the aerosol should be lower than 50 °C, preferably, 45 °C or lower.
A desirable temperature range for the aerosol at the mouth end is 25 to 45 °C, and
a more desirable temperature range for the aerosol at the mouth end is 30 to 40 °C.
[0088] The complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 commonly comprises a rechargeable
battery 110 that is provided in the device and functions as a DC power source and
a control unit 120 that controls the output from the battery 110. FIG. 6 depicts a
conceptual diagram of the complex heating type aerosol generating device 100, together
with the smoking article 50, and schematically shows a cross-section of the complex
heating type aerosol generating device 100 to explain the heating method for each
embodiment. For convenience of explanation, the smoking article 50 will be described
basically with respect to a construction in which the filter 52, the tube 54, the
liquid cartridge 56 (first aerosol-forming substrate), and the tobacco filler 58 (second
aerosol-forming substrate) are arranged in the order named and wrapped in the wrapping
paper 60. It should be noted that, as explained earlier, the relative positions of
the liquid cartridge 56 and tobacco filler 58 may be reversed. In some embodiments,
the filter 52, tube 54, liquid cartridge 56 and liquid cartridge 56 may be arranged
in order, or the filter 52, tube 54, tobacco filler 58 and tobacco filler 58 may be
arranged in order.
[0089] The following descriptions are provided only for illustrative purposes, and the scope
of the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art to which
the present invention pertains will easily understand that an aerosol generating system
falling within the scope of the present invention can be constructed by deleting or
adding some of the components of the complex heating type aerosol generating device
exemplified below or combining it with another device.
[0090] FIG. 6 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with a resistance heater as a first heating means and an induction
heater as a second heating means according to a first embodiment, to which the smoking
article is applied.
[0091] The smoking article 50 is inserted into the complex heating type aerosol generating
device 100. The smoking article 50 is constructed by wrapping the filter 52, paper
tube 54, liquid cartridge 56, and tobacco filler 58 in the wrapping paper 60, as described
above, and is inserted into a cavity formed in the complex heating type aerosol generating
device 100.
[0092] The complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 comprises a pipe heater 131
as a first heating means for generating an aerosol by heating a liquid composition
absorbed by the liquid cartridge 56, and an excitation coil 142 and a susceptor which
reacts with the excitation coil 142 so that induction heating occurs due to eddy current
losses to heat the tobacco filler 58 as a second heating means for generating an aerosol
by heating the shredded tobacco in the tobacco filler 58. Additionally, the complex
heating type aerosol generating device 100 comprises a battery 110 for supplying power
to the pipe heater 131 and the excitation coil 142 and a control unit 120 configured
to control the power supply to the pipe heater 131 and the excitation coil 142 from
the battery 110.
[0093] The pipe heater 131 according to the first embodiment may be a pipe with a heater
line or planar heating element pattern printed or provided on the outside. The pipe
heater 131 also has a temperature sensor pattern so as to sense the temperature and
control the power supply to the pipe heater 131 according to the sensed value. The
pipe heater 131 heats the liquid cartridge 56 of the smoking article 50 from the side
of the liquid cartridge 56 so that an aerosol is generated as the liquid composition
soaking through or dampening the liquid cartridge 56 is heated.
[0094] Here, the susceptor is a metal heat pipe 141 which is provided inside the excitation
coil 142 to be surrounded by the excitation coil 142, which is heated to a temperature
of 400 °C or lower by induction heating due to eddy current losses, by reaction with
the excitation coil 142. The susceptor may be heated to a temperature of 1,000 °C
or higher depending on the magnitude of the alternating current applied to the excitation
coil 142, whereas, in the present invention, the susceptor functioning as a heating
element is heated to a temperature of 400 °C or lower, as stated above. The heat pipe
141 heats the tobacco filler 58 from the side of the tobacco filler 58 to generate
an aerosol from the shredded tobacco provided in the tobacco filler 58.
[0095] The first heating means and the second heating means may heat the aerosol-forming
substrate within a temperature range of 150 to 350 °C to generate an aerosol. The
generated aerosol is inhaled through the mouth of the user via the paper tube 54 and
the filter 52. In an example, the excitation coil 142 and the susceptor may heat the
shredded tobacco in the tobacco filler 58 within a second temperature range of 150
to 250 °C to generate an aerosol derived from the shredded tobacco, and the pipe heater
131 may heat the absorbent in the liquid cartridge 56 within a first temperature range
of 250 to 350 °C to generate an aerosol derived from the liquid composition in the
absorbent. The above temperature conditions may be reversed. In addition, the second
temperature range may overlap with the first temperature range at least in sections.
Within the above temperature range, the wrapping paper is not combusted but may be
partially scorched.
[0096] FIG. 7 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with a resistance heater as a first heating means and an induction
heater as a second heating means according to a second embodiment, to which the smoking
article is applied.
[0097] The components of the smoking article 50 are identical to those in the first embodiment.
The complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 according to the second embodiment
comprises a pipe heater 131 as a first heating means for generating an aerosol by
heating a liquid composition absorbed by the liquid cartridge 56, and an excitation
coil 142 and a susceptor which reacts with the excitation coil 142 so that induction
heating occurs due to eddy current losses to heat the tobacco filler 58 as a second
heating means for generating an aerosol by heating the shredded tobacco in the tobacco
filler 58. Additionally, the complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 comprises
a battery 110 for supplying power to the pipe heater 131 and the excitation coil 142
and a control unit 120 configured to control the power supply to the pipe heater 131
and the excitation coil 142 from the battery 110.
[0098] The above-mentioned pipe heater 131 according to the second embodiment is a pipe
with a heater line or planar heating element pattern printed or provided on the outside.
The pipe heater 131 has a temperature sensor pattern so as to sense the temperature
and control the power supply to the pipe heater 131 according to the sensed value.
The pipe heater 131 heats the liquid cartridge 56 of the smoking article 50 from the
side of the liquid cartridge 56 so that an aerosol is generated as the liquid composition
soaking through or dampening the liquid cartridge 56 is heated.
[0099] Here, the susceptor is a hollow pipe 143 attached to the center of the tobacco filler
58, which is heated to a temperature of 400 °C or lower by induction heating due to
eddy current losses, by reaction with the excitation coil 142. A cavity formed in
the hollow pipe 143 is used as an airflow path. The susceptor may be heated to a temperature
of 1,000 °C or higher depending on the magnitude of the alternating current applied
to the excitation coil 142, whereas, in the present invention, the susceptor functioning
as a heating element is heated to a temperature of 400 °C or lower, as stated above.
The hollow pipe 143 heats the tobacco filler 58 from the center of the tobacco filler
58 to generate an aerosol from the shredded tobacco in the tobacco filler 58. The
hollow pipe 143 may be made of one material selected from stainless steel, nickel,
and cobalt or may be plated with one material selected from stainless steel, nickel,
and cobalt, and, in some cases, the plating may produce a better effect.
[0100] The first heating means and the second heating means may heat the aerosol-forming
substrate within a temperature range of 150 to 350 °C to generate an aerosol. The
generated aerosol is inhaled through the mouth of the user via the paper tube 54 and
the filter 52. In an example, the excitation coil 142 and the susceptor may heat the
shredded tobacco in the tobacco filler 58 within a second temperature range of 150
to 250 °C to generate an aerosol derived from the shredded tobacco, and the pipe heater
131 may heat the absorbent in the liquid cartridge 56 within a first temperature range
of 250 to 350 °C to generate an aerosol derived from the liquid composition in the
absorbent. The above temperature conditions may be reversed. In addition, the second
temperature range may overlap with the first temperature range at least in sections.
Within the above temperature range, the wrapping paper is not combusted but may be
partially scorched.
[0101] FIG. 8 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with a resistance heater as a first heating means and an induction
heater as a second heating means according to a third embodiment, to which the smoking
article is applied.
[0102] The components of the smoking article 50 are identical to those in the foregoing
embodiment. The complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 according to the
third embodiment comprises a pipe heater 131 as a first heating means for generating
an aerosol by heating a liquid composition absorbed by the liquid cartridge 56, and
an excitation coil 142 and a susceptor which reacts with the excitation coil 142 so
that induction heating occurs due to eddy current losses to heat the tobacco filler
58 as a second heating means for generating an aerosol by heating the shredded tobacco
in the tobacco filler 58. Additionally, the complex heating type aerosol generating
device 100 comprises a battery 110 for supplying power to the pipe heater 131 and
the excitation coil 142 and a control unit 120 configured to control the power supply
to the pipe heater 131 and the excitation coil 142 from the battery 110.
[0103] The above-mentioned pipe heater 131 according to the third embodiment is a pipe with
a heater line or planar heating element pattern printed or provided on the outside.
The pipe heater 131 has a temperature sensor pattern so as to sense the temperature
and control the power supply to the pipe heater 131 according to the sensed value.
The pipe heater 131 heats the liquid cartridge 56 of the smoking article 50 from the
side of the liquid cartridge 56 so that an aerosol is generated as the liquid composition
soaking through or dampening the liquid cartridge 56 is heated.
[0104] Here, the susceptor is a heat blade 144 that is inserted through the lower center
of the smoking article 50 inserted into the cavity and makes direct contact with the
tobacco filler 58 as the second aerosol-forming substrate in the smoking article 50,
which is heated to a temperature of 400 °C or lower by induction heating due to eddy
current losses, by reaction with the excitation coil 142. The susceptor may be heated
to a temperature of 1,000 °C or higher depending on the magnitude of the alternating
current applied to the excitation coil 142, whereas, in the present invention, the
susceptor functioning as a heating element is heated to a temperature of 400 °C or
lower, as stated above. The heat blade 144 is inserted through the tobacco filler
58 and heats the tobacco filler 58 from the center of the tobacco filler 58 to generate
an aerosol from the shredded tobacco in the tobacco filler 58.
[0105] The first heating means and the second heating means may heat the aerosol-forming
substrate within a temperature range of 150 to 350 °C to generate an aerosol. The
generated aerosol is inhaled through the mouth of the user via the paper tube 54 and
the filter 52. In an example, the excitation coil 142 and the susceptor may heat the
shredded tobacco in the tobacco filler 58 within a second temperature range of 150
to 250 °C to generate an aerosol derived from the shredded tobacco, and the pipe heater
131 may heat the absorbent in the liquid cartridge 56 within a first temperature range
of 250 to 350 °C to generate an aerosol derived from the liquid composition in the
absorbent. The above temperature conditions may be reversed. In addition, the second
temperature range may overlap with the first temperature range at least in sections.
Within the above temperature range, the wrapping paper is not combusted but may be
partially scorched.
[0106] FIG. 9 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with an induction heater as a first heating means and a resistance
heater as a second heating means according to a fourth embodiment, to which the smoking
article is applied.
[0107] The components of the smoking article 50 are identical to those in the foregoing
embodiment.
[0108] The complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 according to the fourth embodiment
comprises an excitation coil 142 and a susceptor which reacts with the excitation
coil 142 so that induction heating occurs due to eddy current losses to heat the liquid
cartridge 56 as a first heating means for generating an aerosol by heating a liquid
composition absorbed by the liquid cartridge 56, and a hollow pipe 133 as a second
heating means for generating an aerosol by heating the shredded tobacco in the tobacco
filler 58.
[0109] Additionally, the complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 comprises a
battery 110 for supplying power to the excitation coil 142 and the hollow pipe 133
and a control unit 120 configured to control the power supply to the excitation coil
142 and the hollow pipe 133 from the battery 110.
[0110] The above-mentioned susceptor according to the fourth embodiment is a metal heat
pipe 141 provided inside the excitation coil 142 to be surrounded by the excitation
coil 142, which is heated to a temperature of 400 °C or lower by induction heating
due to eddy current losses, by reaction with the excitation coil 142. The susceptor
may be heated to a temperature of 1,000 °C or higher depending on the magnitude of
the alternating current applied to the excitation coil 142, whereas, in the present
invention, the susceptor functioning as a heating element is heated to a temperature
of 400 °C or lower, as stated above. The heat pipe 141 heats the liquid cartridge
56 from the side of the liquid cartridge 56 so that an aerosol is generated as the
liquid composition soaking through or dampening the liquid cartridge 56 is heated.
Here, the hollow pipe 133 is a resistance heater attached to the center of the tobacco
filler 58, which heats the tobacco filler 58 from the center of the tobacco filler
58 to generate an aerosol from the shredded tobacco in the tobacco filler 58. The
hollow pipe 133 may be made of one material selected from stainless steel, nickel,
and cobalt or may be plated with one material selected from stainless steel, nickel,
and cobalt, and, in some cases, the plating may produce a better effect.
[0111] The first heating means and the second heating means may heat the aerosol-forming
substrate within a temperature range of 150 to 350 °C to generate an aerosol. The
generated aerosol is inhaled through the mouth of the user via the paper tube 54 and
the filter 52.
[0112] FIG. 10 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with an induction heater as a first heating means and a resistance
heater as a second heating means according to a fifth embodiment, to which the smoking
article is applied.
[0113] The components of the smoking article 50 are identical to those in the foregoing
embodiment.
[0114] The complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 according to the fifth embodiment
comprises an excitation coil 142 and a susceptor which reacts with the excitation
coil 142 so that induction heating occurs due to eddy current losses to heat the liquid
cartridge 56 as a first heating means for generating an aerosol by heating a liquid
composition absorbed by the liquid cartridge 56, and an invasive heater 134 as a second
heating means for generating an aerosol by heating the shredded tobacco in the tobacco
filler 58.
[0115] Additionally, the complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 comprises a
battery 110 for supplying power to the excitation coil 142 and the invasive heater
134 and a control unit 120 configured to control the power supply to the excitation
coil 142 and the invasive heater 134 from the battery 110.
[0116] The above-mentioned susceptor according to the fifth embodiment is a metal heat pipe
141 provided inside the excitation coil 142 to be surrounded by the excitation coil
142, which is heated to a temperature of 400 °C or lower by induction heating due
to eddy current losses, by reaction with the excitation coil 142. The susceptor may
be heated to a temperature of 1,000 °C or higher depending on the magnitude of the
alternating current applied to the excitation coil 142, whereas, in the present invention,
the susceptor functioning as a heating element is heated to a temperature of 400 °C
or lower, as stated above. The heat pipe 141 heats the liquid cartridge 56 from the
side of the liquid cartridge 56 so that an aerosol is generated as the liquid composition
soaking through or dampening the liquid cartridge 56 is heated. Here, the invasive
heater 134 is a resistance heater, which is inserted through the tobacco filler 58
and heats the tobacco filler 58 from the center of the tobacco filler 58 to generate
an aerosol from the shredded tobacco in the tobacco filler 58.
[0117] The first heating means and the second heating means may heat the aerosol-forming
substrate within a temperature range of 150 to 350 °C to generate an aerosol. The
generated aerosol is inhaled through the mouth of the user via the paper tube 54 and
the filter 52.
[0118] FIG. 11 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with an induction heater as a first heating means and a resistance
heater as a second heating means according to a sixth embodiment, to which the smoking
article is applied.
[0119] The components of the smoking article 50 are identical to those in the foregoing
embodiment.
[0120] The complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 according to the sixth embodiment
comprises an excitation coil 142 and a susceptor which reacts with the excitation
coil 142 so that induction heating occurs due to eddy current losses to heat the liquid
cartridge 56 as a first heating means for generating an aerosol by heating a liquid
composition absorbed by the liquid cartridge 56, and a pipe heater 131 as a second
heating means for generating an aerosol by heating the shredded tobacco in the tobacco
filler 58.
[0121] Additionally, the complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 comprises a
battery 110 for supplying power to the excitation coil 142 and the pipe heater 131
and a control unit 120 configured to control the power supply to the excitation coil
142 and the pipe heater 131 from the battery 110.
[0122] The above-mentioned susceptor according to the sixth embodiment is a hollow pipe
143 attached to the center of the liquid cartridge 56, which is heated to a temperature
of 400 °C or lower by induction heating due to eddy current losses, by reaction with
the excitation coil 142. A hollow space defined in the hollow pipe 143 is used as
an airflow path. The susceptor may be heated to a temperature of 1,000 °C or higher
depending on the magnitude of the alternating current applied to the excitation coil
142, whereas, in the present invention, the susceptor functioning as a heating element
is heated to a temperature of 400 °C or lower, as stated above. The hollow pipe 143
may be made of one material selected from stainless steel, nickel, and cobalt or may
be plated with one material selected from stainless steel, nickel, and cobalt, and,
in some cases, the plating may produce a better effect.
[0123] Here, the pipe heater 131 is a pipe with a heater line or planar heating element
pattern printed or provided on the outside. The pipe heater 131 has a temperature
sensor pattern so as to sense the temperature and control the power supply to the
pipe heater 131 according to the sensed value. The pipe heater 131 heats the tobacco
filler 58 from the side of the tobacco filler 58 to generate an aerosol from the shredded
tobacco in the tobacco filler 58.
[0124] The first heating means and the second heating means may heat the aerosol-forming
substrate within a temperature range of 150 to 350 °C to generate an aerosol. The
generated aerosol is inhaled through the mouth of the user via the paper tube 54 and
the filter 52.
[0125] FIG. 12 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with an induction heater as a first heating means and a resistance
heater as a second heating means according to a seventh embodiment, to which the smoking
article is applied.
[0126] The components of the smoking article 50 are identical to those in the foregoing
embodiment.
[0127] The complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 according to the seventh embodiment
comprises an excitation coil 142 and a susceptor which reacts with the excitation
coil 142 so that induction heating occurs due to eddy current losses to heat the liquid
cartridge 56 as a first heating means for generating an aerosol by heating a liquid
composition absorbed by the liquid cartridge 56, and an invasive heater 134 as a second
heating means for generating an aerosol by heating the shredded tobacco in the tobacco
filler 58.
[0128] Additionally, the complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 comprises a
battery 110 for supplying power to the excitation coil 142 and the invasive heater
134 and a control unit 120 configured to control the power supply to the excitation
coil 142 and the invasive heater 134 from the battery 110.
[0129] The above-mentioned susceptor according to the seventh embodiment is a hollow pipe
143 attached to the center of the liquid cartridge 56, which is heated to a temperature
of 400 °C or lower by induction heating due to eddy current losses, by reaction with
the excitation coil 142. A hollow space defined in the hollow pipe 143 is used as
an airflow path. The susceptor may be heated to a temperature of 1,000 °C or higher
depending on the magnitude of the alternating current applied to the excitation coil
142, whereas, in the present invention, the susceptor functioning as a heating element
is heated to a temperature of 400 °C or lower, as stated above. The hollow pipe 143
may be made of one material selected from stainless steel, nickel, and cobalt or may
be plated with one material selected from stainless steel, nickel, and cobalt, and,
in some cases, the plating may produce a better effect.
[0130] Here, the invasive heater 134 is a resistance heater, which is inserted through the
tobacco filler 58 and heats the tobacco filler 58 from the center of the tobacco filler
58 to generate an aerosol from the shredded tobacco in the tobacco filler 58.
[0131] The first heating means and the second heating means may heat the aerosol-forming
substrate within a temperature range of 150 to 350 °C to generate an aerosol. The
generated aerosol is inhaled through the mouth of the user via the paper tube 54 and
the filter 52.
[0132] FIG. 13 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with an induction heater as a first heating means and an induction
heater as a second heating means according to an eighth embodiment, to which the smoking
article is applied.
[0133] The components of the smoking article 50 are identical to those in the foregoing
embodiment.
[0134] The complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 according to the eighth embodiment
comprises an excitation coil 142a and a heat pipe 141a as a susceptor which reacts
with the excitation coil 142a so that induction heating occurs due to eddy current
losses to heat the liquid cartridge 56 as a first heating means corresponding to the
liquid cartridge 56, and an excitation coil 142b and a heat pipe 141b as a susceptor
which reacts with the excitation coil 142b so that induction heating occurs due to
eddy current losses to heat the tobacco filler 58 as a second heating means corresponding
to the tobacco filler 58.
[0135] The heat pipe 141a heats the liquid cartridge 56 of the smoking article 50 from the
side of the liquid cartridge 56 so that an aerosol is generated from the liquid composition
soaking through or dampening the liquid cartridge 56, and the heat pipe 141b heats
the tobacco filler 58 of the smoking article 50 from the side of the tobacco filler
58 so that an aerosol is generated from the shredded tobacco in the tobacco filler
58. The heat pipes 141a and 141b of the eighth embodiment allow the liquid cartridge
56 and the tobacco filler 58 to be heated to different temperatures. The target temperature
may be within a temperature range of 150 to 350 °C, and may be adjusted according
to the sensed temperature. The generated aerosol is inhaled through the mouth of the
user via the paper tube 54 and the filter 52. In an example, the heat pipe 141b may
heat the shredded tobacco in the tobacco filler 58 within a second temperature range
of 150 to 250 °C to generate an aerosol derived from the shredded tobacco, and the
heat pipe 141a may heat the absorbent in the liquid cartridge 56 within a first temperature
range of 250 to 350 °C to generate an aerosol derived from the liquid composition
in the absorbent. The above temperature conditions may be reversed. In addition, the
second temperature range may overlap with the first temperature range at least in
sections. Within the above temperature range, the wrapping paper is not combusted
but may be partially scorched.
[0136] FIG. 14 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with an induction heater as a first heating means and an induction
heater as a second heating means according to a ninth embodiment, to which the smoking
article is applied.
[0137] The complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 according to the ninth embodiment
of the present invention has the same construction as the above-described eighth embodiment,
with the addition of an insulating part 145a between the excitation coil 142a and
the heat pipe 141a and an insulating part 145b between the excitation coil 142b and
the heat pipe 141b.
[0138] Placing the insulating parts 145a and 145b between the excitation coils 142a and
142b and the heat pipes 141a and 141b can prevent induction heat generated in the
heat pipes 141a and 141b and the smoking article 50 from being transferred to the
excitation coils 142a and 142b. The insulating parts 145a and 145b may be insulating
pipes that have the shape of a pipe into which the smoking article 50 is inserted.
If intense heat generated in the heat pipes 141a and 141b is transferred to the excitation
coils 142a and 142b, it increases the resistance of the excitation coils 142a and
142b themselves, which, in turn, reduces the strength of the magnetic field induced
by the excitation coils 142a and 142b and then reduces the amount of induction heat
generated in the heat pipes 141a and 141b.Thus, placing the insulating parts 145a
and 145b between the excitation coils 142a and 142b and the heat pipes 141a and 141b
improves the amount of induction heat generated in the heat pipes 141a and 141b. In
addition, there is less energy loss, which makes it possible to easily control the
heating temperature of the heat pipes 141a and 141b.
[0139] An insulating film using a filler having an insulating and shielding function may
be attached to the outer wall of the insulating parts 145a and 145b applied for insulation,
to improve insulation efficiency of the insulating parts 145a and 145b. Examples of
the insulating filler may include ceramic powder such as zirconia having low thermal
conductivity, and ceramic powder such as porous silica gel, porous alumina, and aerogel.
[0140] Alternatively, an insulating paint using a filler having an insulating and shielding
function may be applied to the outer wall of the insulating parts 145a and 145b applied
for insulation, to improve insulation efficiency of the insulator. Examples of the
insulating filler may include ceramic powder such as zirconia having low thermal conductivity,
and ceramic powder such as porous silica gel, porous alumina, and aerogel.
[0141] In other embodiments in which the complex heating type aerosol generating device
100 according to the present invention has an induction heater, the above-described
insulating part 145a and 145b may be likewise provided between the excitation coil
and the susceptor.
[0142] FIG. 15 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with an induction heater as a first heating means and an induction
heater as a second heating means according to a tenth embodiment, to which the smoking
article is applied.
[0143] The components of the smoking article 50 are identical to those in the foregoing
embodiment.
[0144] The complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 according to the tenth embodiment
comprises an excitation coil 142a and a heat pipe 141 as a susceptor which reacts
with the excitation coil 142a so that induction heating occurs due to eddy current
losses to heat the liquid cartridge 56 as a first heating means corresponding to the
liquid cartridge 56, and an excitation coil 142b and a heat blade 144 as a susceptor
which reacts with the excitation coil 142b so that induction heating occurs due to
eddy current losses to heat the tobacco filler 58 as a second heating means corresponding
to the tobacco filler 58.
[0145] The heat pipe 141 heats the liquid cartridge 56 of the smoking article 50 from the
side of the liquid cartridge 56 to generate an aerosol from the liquid composition
soaking through or dampening the liquid cartridge 56. The heat blade 144 is inserted
through the tobacco filler 58 and heats the tobacco filler 58 from the center of the
tobacco filler 58 to generate an aerosol from the shredded tobacco in the tobacco
filler 58.
[0146] That is, the heat pipe 141 and heat blade 144 of the tenth embodiment allow the liquid
cartridge 56 and the tobacco filler 58 to be heated to different temperatures. The
target temperature may be within a temperature range of 150 to 350 °C, and may be
adjusted according to the sensed temperature. The generated aerosol is inhaled through
the mouth of the user via the paper tube 54 and the filter 52. In an example, the
heat blade 144 may heat the shredded tobacco in the tobacco filler 58 within a second
temperature range of 150 to 250 °C to generate an aerosol derived from the shredded
tobacco, and the heat pipe 141 may heat the absorbent in the liquid cartridge 56 within
a first temperature range of 250 to 350 °C to generate an aerosol derived from the
liquid composition in the absorbent. The above temperature conditions may be reversed.
In addition, the second temperature range may overlap with the first temperature range
at least in sections. Within the above temperature range, the wrapping paper is not
combusted but may be partially scorched.
[0147] FIG. 16 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with an induction heater as a first heating means and an induction
heater as a second heating means according to an eleventh embodiment, to which the
smoking article is applied.
[0148] The components of the smoking article 50 are identical to those in the foregoing
embodiment.
[0149] The complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 according to the eleventh
embodiment comprises an excitation coil 142a and a hollow pipe 143 as a susceptor
which reacts with the excitation coil 142a so that induction heating occurs due to
eddy current losses to heat the liquid cartridge 56 as a first heating means corresponding
to the liquid cartridge 56, and an excitation coil 142b and a heat blade 144 as a
susceptor which reacts with the excitation coil 142b so that induction heating occurs
due to eddy current losses to heat the tobacco filler 58 as a second heating means
corresponding to the tobacco filler 58.
[0150] The hollow pipe 143 heats the liquid cartridge 56 of the smoking article 50 from
the center of the liquid cartridge 56 to generate an aerosol from the liquid composition
soaking through or dampening the liquid cartridge 56, and the heat blade 144 is inserted
through the tobacco filler 58 and heats the tobacco filler 58 from the center of the
tobacco filler 58 to generate an aerosol from the shredded tobacco in the tobacco
filler 58. A hollow space defined in the hollow pipe 143 is used as an airflow path.
The hollow pipe 143 may be made of one material selected from stainless steel, nickel,
and cobalt or may be plated with one material selected from stainless steel, nickel,
and cobalt, and, in some cases, the plating may produce a better effect.
[0151] The hollow pipe 143 and heat blade 144 of the eleventh embodiment allow the liquid
cartridge 56 and the tobacco filler 58 to be heated to different temperatures. The
target temperature may be within a temperature range of 150 to 350 °C, and may be
adjusted according to the sensed temperature. The generated aerosol is inhaled through
the mouth of the user via the paper tube 54 and the filter 52. In an example, the
heat blade 144 may heat the shredded tobacco in the tobacco filler 58 within a second
temperature range of 150 to 250 °C to generate an aerosol derived from the shredded
tobacco, and the hollow pipe 143 may heat the absorbent in the liquid cartridge 56
within a first temperature range of 250 to 350 °C to generate an aerosol derived from
the liquid composition in the absorbent. The above temperature conditions may be reversed.
In addition, the second temperature range may overlap with the first temperature range
at least in sections. Within the above temperature range, the wrapping paper is not
combusted but may be partially scorched.
[0152] FIG. 17 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with an induction heater as a first heating means and an induction
heater as a second heating means according to a twelfth embodiment, to which the smoking
article is applied.
[0153] The components of the smoking article 50 are identical to those in the foregoing
embodiment.
[0154] The complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 according to the twelfth embodiment
comprises an excitation coil 142a and a hollow pipe 143a as a susceptor which reacts
with the excitation coil 142a so that induction heating occurs due to eddy current
losses to heat the liquid cartridge 56 as a first heating means corresponding to the
liquid cartridge 56, and an excitation coil 142b and a hollow pipe 143b as a susceptor
which reacts with the excitation coil 142b so that induction heating occurs due to
eddy current losses to heat the tobacco filler 58 as a second heating means corresponding
to the tobacco filler 58.
[0155] The hollow pipe 143a heats the liquid cartridge 56 of the smoking article 50 from
the center of the liquid cartridge 56 to generate an aerosol from the liquid composition
soaking through or dampening the liquid cartridge 56, and the hollow pipe 143b heats
the tobacco filler 58 from the center of the tobacco filler 58 to generate an aerosol
from the shredded tobacco in the tobacco filler 58. Hollow spaces defined in the hollow
pipes 143a and 143b are used as airflow paths. The hollow pipes 143a and 143b may
be made of one material selected from stainless steel, nickel, and cobalt or may be
plated with one material selected from stainless steel, nickel, and cobalt, and, in
some cases, the plating may produce a better effect.
[0156] The hollow pipe 143a and hollow pipe 143b of the twelfth embodiment allow the liquid
cartridge 56 and the tobacco filler 58 to be heated to different temperatures. The
target temperature may be within a temperature range of 150 to 350 °C, and may be
adjusted according to the sensed temperature. The generated aerosol is inhaled through
the mouth of the user via the paper tube 54 and the filter 52. In an example, the
hollow pipe 143b may heat the shredded tobacco in the tobacco filler 58 within a second
temperature range of 150 to 250 °C to generate an aerosol derived from the shredded
tobacco, and the hollow pipe 143a may heat the absorbent in the liquid cartridge 56
within a first temperature range of 250 to 350 °C to generate an aerosol derived from
the liquid composition in the absorbent. The above temperature conditions may be reversed.
In addition, the second temperature range may overlap with the first temperature range
at least in sections. Within the above temperature range, the wrapping paper is not
combusted but may be partially scorched.
[0157] FIG. 18 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with a resistance heater as a first heating means and a resistance
heater as a second heating means according to a thirteenth embodiment, to which the
smoking article is applied
[0158] The components of the smoking article 50 are identical to those in the foregoing
embodiment.
[0159] The complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 according to the thirteenth
embodiment comprises a resistance pipe heater 131a as a first heating means corresponding
to the liquid cartridge 56, and a resistance pipe heater 131b as a second heating
means corresponding to the tobacco filler 58. Like the pipe heaters according to the
above-described embodiments, the resistance pipe heaters 131a and 131b are pipes with
a heater line or planar heating element pattern printed or provided on the outside.
The resistance pipe heaters 131a and 131b according to the thirteenth embodiment likewise
have a temperature sensor pattern so as to sense the temperature and control the power
supply to the pipe heaters 131a and 131b according to the sensed value. The pipe heater
131a heats the liquid cartridge 56 of the smoking article 50 from the side of the
liquid cartridge 56 so that an aerosol is generated from the liquid composition soaking
through or dampening the liquid cartridge 56, and the pipe heater 131b heats the tobacco
filler 58 of the smoking article 50 from the side of the tobacco filler 58 so that
an aerosol is generated from the shredded tobacco in the tobacco filler 58. The pipe
heaters 131a and 131b of the thirteenth embodiment allow the liquid cartridge 56 and
the tobacco filler 58 to be heated to different temperatures. The target temperature
may be within a temperature range of 150 to 350 °C, and may be adjusted according
to the sensed temperature. The generated aerosol is inhaled through the mouth of the
user via the paper tube 54 and the filter 52. In an example, the pipe heater 131b
may heat the shredded tobacco in the tobacco filler 58 within a second temperature
range of 150 to 250 °C to generate an aerosol derived from the shredded tobacco, and
the pipe heater 131a may heat the absorbent in the liquid cartridge 56 within a first
temperature range of 250 to 350 °C to generate an aerosol derived from the liquid
composition in the absorbent. The above temperature conditions may be reversed. In
addition, the second temperature range may overlap with the first temperature range
at least in sections. Within the above temperature range, the wrapping paper is not
combusted but may be partially scorched.
[0160] By employing the construction of the thirteenth embodiment, it is possible to properly
generate an aerosol from the liquid cartridge 56 and the tobacco filler 58, in a smoking
article that has the construction shown in the drawing, or in a smoking article in
which the relative positions of the liquid cartridge 56 and tobacco filler 58 are
reversed, without problems with the invasive heater (such as having residues coming
off from the electrically heated smoking article after use or not being easily inserted
into the liquid cartridge), and it is also possible to set and control the temperatures
of the pipe heaters 131a and 131b to an optimum temperature for each aerosol-forming
substrate to generate an aerosol.
[0161] FIG. 19 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device combined with a resistance heater as a first heating means and a resistance
heater as a second heating means according to a fourteenth embodiment, to which the
smoking article is applied.
[0162] The components of the smoking article 50 are identical to those in the foregoing
embodiment.
[0163] The complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 according to the fourteenth
embodiment comprises a resistance pipe heater 131 as a first heating means corresponding
to the liquid cartridge 56, and a resistance invasive heater 134 as a second heating
means corresponding to the tobacco filler 58. Like the pipe heaters according to the
above-described embodiments, the pipe heater 131 is a pipe with a heater line or planar
heating element pattern printed or provided on the outside.
[0164] The pipe heater 131 according to the fourteenth embodiment likewise has a temperature
sensor pattern so as to sense the temperature and control the power supply to the
pipe heater 131 according to the sensed value. The pipe heater 131 heats the liquid
cartridge 56 of the smoking article 50 from the side of the liquid cartridge 56 to
generate an aerosol from the liquid composition soaking through or dampening the liquid
cartridge 56, and the invasive heater 134 is a resistance heater, which is inserted
through the tobacco filler 58 and heats the tobacco filler 58 from the center of the
tobacco filler 58 to generate an aerosol from the shredded tobacco in the tobacco
filler 58.
[0165] The pipe heater 131 and the invasive heater 134 of the fourteenth embodiment allow
the liquid cartridge 56 and the tobacco filler 58 to be heated to different temperatures.
The target temperature may be within a temperature range of 150 to 350 °C, and may
be adjusted according to the sensed temperature. The generated aerosol is inhaled
through the mouth of the user via the paper tube 54 and the filter 52. In an example,
the invasive heater 134 may heat the shredded tobacco in the tobacco filler 58 within
a second temperature range of 150 to 250 °C to generate an aerosol derived from the
shredded tobacco, and the pipe heater 131 may heat the absorbent in the liquid cartridge
56 within a first temperature range of 250 to 350 °C to generate an aerosol derived
from the liquid composition in the absorbent. The above temperature conditions may
be reversed. In addition, the second temperature range may overlap with the first
temperature range at least in sections. Within the above temperature range, the wrapping
paper is not combusted but may be partially scorched.
[0166] FIG. 20 schematically shows a cross-section of a complex heating type aerosol generating
device having a single resistance heater as a first heating means and a second heating
means according to a fifteenth embodiment, to which the smoking article is applied.
[0167] The components of the smoking article 50 are identical to those in the foregoing
embodiment.
[0168] The complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 according to the fifteenth
embodiment comprises one invasive heater 135 as first and second heating means corresponding
to the liquid cartridge 56 and the tobacco filler 58. The invasive heater 135 is a
resistance heater, which is inserted through the tobacco filler 58 and the liquid
cartridge 56 and heats the tobacco filler 58 to generate an aerosol from the shredded
tobacco in the tobacco filler 58 and heats the liquid cartridge 56 of the smoking
article 50 from the center of the liquid cartridge 50 to generate an aerosol from
the liquid composition soaking through or dampening the liquid cartridge 56.
[0169] FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of temperature controlling and heating
time controlling in the complex heating type aerosol generating device combined with
a resistance heater and an induction heater according to the present invention.
[0170] Referring to FIG. 21, in the complex heating type aerosol generating device according
to the present invention, which is combined with a resistance heater and an induction
heater, the control unit 120 comprises a microcontroller 121, a power boosting circuit
122, an induction logic 123, and a heater driver 124. The microcontroller 121 supplies
power to the resistance heater 151 from the battery 110 by controlling the heater
driver 124. In some embodiments, the heater driver 124 is an FET, which is turned
on or off in response to a PWM signal output from the microcontroller 121 to regulate
the power supplied to the resistance heater 151 from the battery 110. Moreover, a
temperature sensor 171 is installed at or near the resistance heater 151 - for example,
the temperature sensor 171 may be the above-mentioned temperature sensor pattern provided
on the pipe heater 131. The microcontroller 121 regulates the power supplied to the
resistance heater 151 from the battery 110 by controlling the PWM signal fed to the
heater driver 124 in response to a signal received from the temperature sensor 171,
whereby the temperature of the resistance heater 151 is controlled.
[0171] In addition, an excitation coil 161 and a susceptor 162 are provided as an induction
heater. The microcontroller 121 controls the power boosting circuit 122 so that the
power boosting circuit 122 amplifies a direct current voltage supplied from the battery
110 for induction heating and supplies a direct current to the induction logic 123.
The power boosting circuit 122 is adopted for stable power supply to heat the susceptor
162 by induction heating when the battery 110 is used as a power source for induction
heating. The microcontroller 121 also feeds a PWM signal to the induction logic 123.
The induction logic 123 performs a switching operation depending on the PWM signal
received from the microcontroller 121 to convert the direct current supplied from
the power boosting circuit 122 into an alternating current and supply it to the excitation
coil 161 to heat the susceptor 162 by induction heating.
[0172] The complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 according to the present invention
has a pressure sensor 173 at a predetermined position through which an airflow passes.
The pressure sensor 173 senses a pressure change. Referring to FIG. 24, the pressure
sensor 173 feeds a sensed value to the microcontroller 121 in response to a pressure
change shown in (a) of FIG. 24, and the microcontroller 121 then calculates the integral
value of puff volume based on the sensed value received from the pressure sensor 173,
and, if the cumulative integral value reaches the limit of puff volume shown in (b)
of FIG. 24, turns off the aforementioned PWM signal or cuts off the power from the
battery 110, such that the operation of each of the resistance heater and induction
heater is finished.
[0173] Furthermore, a temperature sensor 172 is installed at the susceptor 162 or near the
susceptor 162. The temperature sensor 172 may feed a signal to the microcontroller
121 upon sensing a temperature of the susceptor 162. Then, the microcontroller 121
may adjust the frequency of a PWM signal depending on the required temperature and
feed the PWM signal to the induction logic 123, and the induction logic 123 may supply
an alternating current to the excitation coil 161 while adjusting frequency in response
to the PWM signal transmitted from the microcontroller 121. In some embodiments, a
sensor 174 may be installed which is electrically connected to the excitation coil
161 and measures inductance and feeds a signal of the measured inductance to the microcontroller
121. The microcontroller 121 compares the measured inductance with a preset inductance
value in response to an input signal, and, if the inductance of the excitation coil
161 is out of a preset range, determines that an unusable cigarette or foreign material
gets in and performs control to ensure that there is no heating. In some embodiments,
the above-described sensor 174 is a sensor 174 capable of measuring the impedance
of the excitation coil 161 and feeding a signal of the measured impedance to the microcontroller
121. The microcontroller 121 compares the measured impedance with a preset impedance
value in response to an input signal, and, if the impedance of the excitation coil
161 is out of a preset range, determines that an unusable cigarette or foreign material
gets in and performs control to ensure that there is no heating.
[0174] FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of temperature controlling and heating
time controlling in the complex heating type aerosol generating device combined with
two induction heaters according to the present invention.
[0175] In the complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 according to the present
invention, which is combined with two induction heaters, the control unit 120 comprises
a microcontroller 121, power boosting circuits 122a and 122b, and induction logics
123a and 123b.
[0176] The complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 according to the present invention,
which is combined with two induction heaters, has an excitation coil 161a and a susceptor
162a as an induction heater and an excitation coil 161b and a susceptor 162b as another
induction heater. The microcontroller 121 controls the power boosting circuits 122a
and 122b corresponding to the respective induction heaters so that the power boosting
circuits 122a and 122b amplify a direct current voltage supplied from the battery
110 for induction heating and supply a direct current to the induction logics 123a
and 123b. The power boosting circuits 122a and 122b are adopted for stable power supply
to heat the susceptors 162a and 162b by induction heating when the battery 110 is
used as a power source for induction heating. The microcontroller 121 also feeds respective
PWM signals to the induction logics 123a and 123b corresponding to the respective
induction heaters. The induction logics 123a and 123b perform a switching operation
depending on the PWM signals received from the microcontroller 121 to convert the
direct current supplied from the power boosting circuits 122a and 122b into an alternating
current and supply it to the excitation coils 161a and 161b to heat the susceptors
162a and 162b by induction heating. In the drawings, reference numerals 182a and 182b
denote capacitors.
[0177] The complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 according to the present invention
has a pressure sensor 173 at a predetermined position through which an airflow passes.
The pressure sensor 173 senses a pressure change. Referring to FIG. 24, the pressure
sensor 173 feeds a sensed value to the microcontroller 121 in response to a pressure
change shown in (a) of FIG. 24, and the microcontroller 121 then calculates the integral
value of puff volume based on the sensed value received from the pressure sensor 173,
and, if the cumulative integral value reaches the limit of puff volume shown in (b)
of FIG. 24, turns off the aforementioned PWM signals or controls the battery 110 to
cut off the power applied to the power boosting circuits 122a and 122b, such that
the operation of each of the respective induction heaters is finished.
[0178] Furthermore, temperature sensors 172a and 172b are installed at the susceptors 162a
and 162b or near the susceptors 162a and 162b, respectively. The temperature sensors
172a and 172b may feed a signal to the microcontroller 121 upon sensing a temperature
of the susceptors 162a and 162b, respectively. Then, the microcontroller 121 may adjust
the frequency of respective PWM signals depending on the required temperature and
feed the PWM signals to the induction logics 123a and 123b, respectively, and the
induction logics 123a and 123b may supply an alternating current to the excitation
coils 161a and 161b, respectively, while adjusting frequency in response to the PWM
signals transmitted from the microcontroller 121. In some embodiments, inductance
sensors 174a and 174b may be installed which are electrically connected to the excitation
coils 161a and 161b, respectively, and measure inductance and feed a signal of the
measured inductance to the microcontroller 121. The microcontroller 121 compares the
measured inductance with a preset inductance value in response to an input signal,
and, if the inductance of the excitation coil 161a and/or excitation coil 161b is
out of a preset range, determines that an unusable cigarette or foreign material gets
in and controls the battery 110 to cut off the power applied to the power boosting
circuits 122a and 122a and therefore prevent heating. In some embodiments, the above-described
sensors 174a and 174b are sensors 174a and 174b capable of measuring the impedance
of the excitation coils 161a and 161b and feeding a signal of the measured impedance
to the microcontroller 121. The microcontroller 121 compares the measured impedance
with a preset impedance value in response to an input signal, and, if the impedance
of the excitation coil 161a and/or excitation coil 161b is out of a preset range,
determines that an unusable cigarette or foreign material gets in and performs control
to ensure that there is no heating.
[0179] FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of temperature controlling and heating
time controlling in the complex heating type aerosol generating device combined with
two resistance heaters according to the present invention.
[0180] Referring to FIG. 23, in the complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 according
to the present invention, which is combined with two resistance heaters, the control
unit 120 comprises a microcontroller 121 and respective heater drivers 124a and 124b.
The microcontroller 121 supplies power to the respective resistance heaters 151a and
151b from the battery 110 by controlling the respective heater drivers 124a and 124b.
In some embodiments, the heater drivers 124a and 124b are FETs, which are turned on
or off in response to respective PWM signals output from the microcontroller 121 to
regulate the power supplied to the resistance heaters 151a and 151b from the battery
110. Moreover, temperature sensors 171a and 171b are installed at or near the resistance
heaters 151a and 151b - for example, the temperature sensors 171a and 171b may be
the above-mentioned temperature sensor pattern provided on the pipe heater 131. The
microcontroller 121 regulates the power supplied to the resistance heaters 151a and
151b from the battery 110 by controlling the PWM signals fed to the heater drivers
124a and 124b in response to signals received from the temperature sensors 171a and
171b, whereby the temperatures of the resistance heaters 151a and 151b are controlled.
In some embodiments, the microcontroller 121 regulates the power supplied to the resistance
heaters 151a and 151b from the battery 110 by controlling the PWM signals fed to the
heater drivers 124a and 124b in response to signals received from the temperature
sensors 171a and 171b respectively installed at or near the resistance heaters 151a
and 151b, whereby the temperatures of the resistance heaters 151a and 151b are controlled.
[0181] The complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 according to the present invention
has a pressure sensor 173 at a predetermined position through which an airflow passes.
The pressure sensor 173 senses a pressure change. Referring to FIG. 24, the pressure
sensor 173 feeds a sensed value to the microcontroller 121 in response to a pressure
change shown in (a) of FIG. 24, and the microcontroller 121 then calculates the integral
value of puff volume based on the sensed value received from the pressure sensor 173,
and, if the cumulative integral value reaches the limit of puff volume shown in (b)
of FIG. 24, turns off the aforementioned PWM signal such that the operation of each
of the resistance heaters is finished.
[0182] FIG. 25 is a graph showing an embodiment of temperature controlling and heating controlling
in the complex heating type aerosol generating device according to the present invention.
[0183] Referring to (a) of FIG. 25, according to the embodiment, the above-described microcontroller
121 of the control unit 120 may heat a second heating means first by controlling the
second heating means and then heat a first heating means later than the second heating
means by controlling the first heating means, and may start heating the first heating
means by controlling the first heating means before preheating of the second heating
means is finished, in response to a signal sensed by a temperature sensor as a second
sensor. The second heating means is for heating a second aerosol-forming substrate
comprising a medium with a high heating temperature. Moreover, referring to (b) of
FIG. 25, according to the embodiment, the microcontroller 121 of the control unit
120 may heat a second heating means first by controlling the second heating means
in such a way that high power is applied from the battery 110 to get the heating done
in a short time. In other words, the microcontroller 121 of the control unit 120 may
regulate the power applied to the second heating means by reducing the equivalent
power applied to the first heating means when heating the first heating means. The
second heating means is for heating a second aerosol-forming substrate comprising
a medium with a high heating temperature.
[0184] Referring to (c) of FIG. 25, the pressure sensor 173 senses a pressure change over
time. Referring to (a) and (b) of FIG. 24, as described above, the microcontroller
121 of the control unit 120 calculates the integral value of puff volume based on
the sensed value received from the pressure sensor 173. If the cumulative integral
value reaches the limit of puff volume, the microcontroller 121 may indicate this
to the user by an indicator (not shown) such as a display or LED, and may determine
that the smoking article 50 is exhausted and then finish the heating by controlling
the first heating means and the second heating means.
[0185] In some embodiments, the complex heating type aerosol generating device 100 has a
sensor 174 electrically connected to the microcontroller 121, that is capable of measuring
the impedance of the excitation coil used for induction heating of the susceptor heating
the first aerosol-forming substrate or second aerosol-forming substrate. If the aerosol-forming
substance of the aerosol-forming substrate is used up, the temperature of the susceptor
rises and the impedance of the excitation coil goes up. Referring to (d) of FIG. 25,
if impedance goes up instantaneously and abruptly, the microcontroller 121 may determine
by a signal received from the sensor 174 that the aerosol-forming substance of the
aerosol-forming substrate is used up, and indicate this by an indicator (not shown)
such as a display or LED. Moreover, the impedance of the excitation coil also goes
up abruptly when an exhausted smoking article 50 is inserted for heating. Thus, if
the impedance goes up instantaneously and abruptly, the microcontroller 121 may determine
by a signal received from the sensor 174 that the exhausted smoking article 50 is
inserted, and indicate this by an indicator (not shown) such as a display or LED.
In addition, upon detecting by a signal received from the sensor 174 that the impedance
is not within a preset impedance range for the susceptor, the microcontroller 121
may control the battery 110 to cut off the power applied to the power boosting circuit
122 and therefore prevent heating.
[0186] FIG. 26 is a circuit block diagram showing an embodiment of resonance frequency regulation
by capacitor switch controlling of the control unit in the complex heating type aerosol
generating device according to the present invention.
[0187] Referring to FIG. 26, in the complex heating type aerosol-generating device 100,
the control unit 120 has a microcontroller 121, a power boosting circuit 122, an induction
logic 123, and a control logic 125. A plurality of capacitors 182 are installed between
the induction logic 123 and the excitation coil 161. The plurality of capacitors 182
are connected to a plurality of capacitor switches 181, respectively, the capacitor
switches 181 are connected to the control logic 125, and the control logic 125 may
turn on or off the capacitor switches 181 individually. The capacitor switches 181
are elements that can be turned on or off by the control logic 125, which may be configured
as power FETs, MOSFETs, transistors, etc., for example.
[0188] The microcontroller 121 may have a preset resonance frequency depending on the material
of the susceptor 162. Also, the microcontroller 121 may obtain a preset resonance
frequency depending on the material of the susceptor 162 used in the complex heating
type aerosol generating device 100 by controlling the control logic 125, which may
be included in the induction logic 123, so that the control logic 125 turns on or
off the capacitor switches 181 individually, in order to supply an alternating current
to the excitation coil 161 with the corresponding resonance frequency depending on
the material of the susceptor 162. In some embodiments, a sensor 174 may be provided
which is connected to the excitation coil 161 to measure impedance, and the microcontroller
121 may obtain a desired resonance frequency depending on the material of the susceptor
162 by controlling the control logic 125, which may be included in the induction logic
123, so that the control logic 125 turns on or off the capacitor switches 181 individually,
in order to detect impedance by a signal received from the sensor 174 and obtain a
desired resonance frequency depending on the material of the susceptor 162. The resonance
frequency may be increased by turning on the capacitor switches 181, and the resonance
frequency may be decreased by turning off the capacitor switches 181. In some embodiments,
the sensor 174 may be configured as a current sensor, a voltage sensor, a temperature
sensor, a resistance sensor, and so forth.
[0189] FIG. 27 is a circuit block diagram showing another embodiment of resonance frequency
regulation by capacitor switch controlling of the control unit in the complex heating
type aerosol generating device according to the present invention.
[0190] Referring to FIG. 27, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the
induction logic 123 and the control logic 125 are separately configured, and the induction
logic 123 and the control logic 125 may be connected via an interface such as I2C,
SPI, or GPIO. In some embodiments, a sensor 174 may be provided which is connected
between the excitation coil 161 and the induction logic 123 to measure impedance,
and the induction logic 123 may obtain a desired resonance frequency depending on
the material of the susceptor 162 by controlling the control logic 125 via an interface
so that the control logic 125 turns on or off the capacitor switches 181 individually,
in order to detect impedance by a signal received from the sensor 174 and obtain a
desired resonance frequency depending on the material of the susceptor 162. Moreover,
in some embodiments, a sensor 174 may be provided which is connected between the excitation
coil 161 and the control logic 125 to measure impedance, and the control logic 125
may obtain a desired resonance frequency depending on the material of the susceptor
162 by turning on or off the capacitor switches 181 individually, in order to detect
impedance by a signal received from the sensor 174 and obtain a desired resonance
frequency depending on the material of the susceptor 162.
[0191] A person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will
understand that the present invention may be implemented in a modified form within
the scope which does not deviate from the essential characteristics of the present
invention. Therefore, the methods disclosed in the above should be considered from
an explanatory point of view, not a limited point of view. The scope of the present
invention is defined by the claims, not the foregoing description, and all of the
differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted to be included
in the scope of the present invention.
[0192] According to the present invention, the complex heating type aerosol generating device
can allow a user to inhale a smoking article having a variety of different aerosol-forming
substrates, by using a plurality of heating means capable of controlling the temperatures
of the plurality of aerosol-forming substrates, respectively.
[0193] According to the present invention, the complex heating type aerosol generating device
can variably control a heating time, without being restricted by inhalation patterns
of a user, by sensing a pressure change caused by puffing and controlling on and off
of the heating according to the cumulative integral value of puff volume.