Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment includes: a heater that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating article; and a first battery supplying power to the heater, in which the first battery includes an aqueous electrolyte.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device with improved battery life. Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating cigarettes or aerosol-generating substances using an aerosol-generating device, rather than burning the cigarette. Consequently, research into heated aerosol-generating devices is actively underway.

[0003] A heated aerosol generating device may include a heater for heating the aerosol generating article and a battery for supplying power to the heater. Due to the portability of an aerosol generating device, the size and capacity of the battery are limited, requiring repeated charging of the battery. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues The frequent charging and discharging of the battery required during use of the aerosol generating device shortens the battery life. In addition, when the user carries the aerosol generating device, there is a risk of external impact such as dropping the aerosol generating device, so the stability of the battery must be ensured.

[0005] The technical problems to be solved by the embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and persons with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiments belong will clearly understand the unmentioned technical problems from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0006] Technical Solution An aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment includes: a heater that generates aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating article; and a first battery that supplies power to the heater, wherein the first battery includes an aqueous electrolyte.

[0007] Effects of the Invention The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment may have a faster charge and discharge speed, an improved service life, and high stability by including a battery including an aqueous electrolyte.

[0008] The effects of the embodiment are not limited to the above-described effects, and may include all effects that can be inferred from the configurations described later. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figures 1 to 4 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol-generating article being inserted into an aerosol-generating device.

[0010] Figure 51 is a structural diagram showing an example of the first battery.

[0011] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a holder of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 7 and Figure 8 These are diagrams showing an example of a retainer from multiple side views.

[0013] Figure 9 FIG2 is a diagram showing the structure of a cradle of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of a bracket from multiple side views.

[0015] Figure 12 1 is a structural diagram showing an example of inserting the holder into the bracket.

[0016] Figure 13 1 is a diagram showing an example of inserting the holder into the bracket.

[0017] Figures 14 to 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol-generating article.

[0018] Figure 17 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0019] Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention An aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment includes: a heater that generates aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating article; and a first battery that supplies power to the heater, wherein the first battery includes an aqueous electrolyte.

[0020] The apparatus may include: a holder including the heater and the first battery; and a bracket including an inner space for accommodating the holder and including a second battery for charging the first battery by supplying power to the first battery.

[0021] The second battery may be a lithium-ion battery.

[0022] The aqueous electrolyte may include Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ 、Zn 2+ and Al 3+ One or more polyvalent metal ions in the group consisting of.

[0023] The aqueous electrolyte may include one or more metal salts selected from the group consisting of ZnSO4, Zn(CF3SO3)2, Zn(NO3)2, Zn(ClO4)2, ZnCl2, Zn(CH3COO)2, Zn(TFSI)2, Zn(BF4)2·xH2O and Zn(N(CF3SO2)2)2(Zn(TFSI)2).

[0024] The aqueous electrolyte includes a metal salt, and the concentration of the metal salt in the aqueous electrolyte may be 1M or greater.

[0025] The aqueous electrolyte may include one or more additives selected from the group consisting of zinc trifluoromethanesulfonate, Na 2 SO 4 , PAM (polyacrylamide), Et 2 O (diethyl ether), and DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide).

[0026] The first battery may include: a positive electrode including one or more transition metals selected from manganese and vanadium as a positive electrode active material; and a negative electrode including zinc as a negative electrode active material.

[0027] The aqueous electrolyte includes a positive electrode electrolyte and a negative electrode electrolyte, the first battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator arranged between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, the positive electrode electrolyte can be circulated from a positive electrode electrolyte tank containing the positive electrode electrolyte to the positive electrode electrolyte tank via the positive electrode, and the negative electrode electrolyte can be circulated from a negative electrode electrolyte tank containing the negative electrode electrolyte to the negative electrode electrolyte tank via the negative electrode.

[0028] The positive electrode electrolyte may include bromine, and the negative electrode electrolyte may include zinc.

[0029] The first battery may further include a positive electrode pump that circulates the positive electrode electrolyte from the positive electrode electrolyte tank to the positive electrode electrolyte tank via the positive electrode; and a negative electrode pump that circulates the negative electrode electrolyte from the negative electrode electrolyte tank to the negative electrode electrolyte tank via the negative electrode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The terms used in the examples are selected from currently widely used general terms, taking into account their functions in this disclosure. However, this may change based on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, and so on. In addition, in certain cases, there are also terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant. In such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the corresponding invention. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of this disclosure, rather than simply based on the term names.

[0031] Throughout this specification, when a portion is referred to as "including" a certain component, unless otherwise stated, it implies that other components may also be included, not that other components are excluded. Furthermore, terms such as "unit" and "module" used in this specification represent a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented using hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0032] As used in this specification, when expressions such as "at least any one" precede an array of constituent elements, they modify the constituent elements as a whole, rather than each of the constituent elements in the array. For example, the expression "at least any one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including: a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0033] In addition, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" or "second" used in this specification may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components.

[0034] Throughout this specification, an “aerosol generating device” may refer to a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol-generating substance in order to produce an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth.

[0035] Throughout this specification, "aerosol-generating products" refer to products used for smoking. For example, aerosol-generating products may be combustion-type cigarettes that are ignited or heated-type cigarettes that are heated by an aerosol-generating device.

[0036] Throughout this specification, "upstream" and "downstream" may be determined based on the direction of air flow when a user inhales an aerosol using an aerosol-generating article. A person skilled in the art will readily understand that "upstream" and "downstream" may be relative depending on the relationship between the components.

[0037] Throughout the specification, "inhalation" refers to inhalation by a user. Inhalation may refer to the act of inhaling an aerosol into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

[0038] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0039] Hereinafter, an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figures 1 to 3 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol-generating article being inserted into an aerosol-generating device.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 100 includes a first battery 110 , a control unit 120 , and a heater 130 .

[0042] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The aerosol generating device 100 further includes a vaporizer 140. In addition, an aerosol generating article 200 may be inserted into the inner space of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0043] Figures 1 to 3 The aerosol generating device 100 shown in FIG1 shows the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, as long as a person with ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment will understand, the aerosol generating device 100 may also include Figures 1 to 3 Other common components other than the components shown in the figure.

[0044] also, Figure 2 and Figure 3 1 and 2 , the aerosol generating device 100 includes a heater 130 . However, the heater 130 may be omitted as needed.

[0045] Figure 1 , the first battery 110, the control unit 120, and the heater 130 are arranged in a row. Figure 2 1 shows a case where the first battery 110, the control unit 120, the vaporizer 140 and the heater 130 are arranged in a row. Figure 3 FIG shows a case where the vaporizer 140 and the heater 130 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to Figures 1 to 3 In other words, the arrangement of the first battery 110 , the control unit 120 , the heater 130 , and the vaporizer 140 may be changed according to the design of the aerosol generating device 100 .

[0046] If the aerosol-generating article 200 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100, the aerosol-generating device 100 may activate the heater 130 and / or the vaporizer 140 to generate aerosol from the aerosol-generating article 200 and / or the vaporizer 140. The aerosol generated by the heater 130 and / or the vaporizer 140 is delivered to the user through the aerosol-generating article 200.

[0047] If desired, the aerosol-generating device 100 can also heat the heater 130 when the aerosol-generating article 200 is not inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100 .

[0048] The first battery 110 supplies power for the aerosol generating device 100 to operate. For example, the first battery 110 can supply power to heat the heater 130 or the vaporizer 140, and can also supply power required for the control unit 120 to operate. In addition, the first battery 110 can supply power required for the display, sensors, motors, etc. provided in the aerosol generating device 100 to operate.

[0049] The control unit 120 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. Specifically, the control unit 120 controls not only the operation of the first battery 110, the heater 130, and the vaporizer 140, but also the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 100. Furthermore, the control unit 120 can also determine whether the aerosol generating device 100 is in an operable state by confirming the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0050] The control unit 120 includes at least one processor. The processor can be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing programs executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, anyone with ordinary knowledge in the technical field of this embodiment will appreciate that the processor can also be implemented as other forms of hardware.

[0051] The heater 130 may be heated by the power supplied from the first battery 110. For example, if the aerosol-generating article 200 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100, the heater 130 may be located outside the aerosol-generating article 200. Thus, the heated heater 130 may increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance in the aerosol-generating article 200.

[0052] The heater 130 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 130 may include a conductive track, and the heater 130 may be heated by the flow of current in the conductive track. However, the heater 130 is not limited to the above example and may be used in any manner as long as it can heat to a desired temperature. The desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generating device 100 or set by the user.

[0053] In another example, the heater 130 may be an induction heating heater. Specifically, the heater 130 may include a conductive coil for heating the aerosol-generating article by induction heating, and the aerosol-generating article may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating heater.

[0054] For example, the heater 130 may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the aerosol-generating article 200 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0055] In addition, the aerosol generating device 100 may also be provided with a plurality of heaters 130. In this case, the plurality of heaters 130 may be arranged to be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating article 200, or may be arranged outside the aerosol generating article 200. In addition, a portion of the plurality of heaters 130 may be arranged to be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating article 200, and the remaining portion may be arranged outside the aerosol generating article 200. In addition, the shape of the heater 130 is not limited to Figures 1 to 3 The shape shown can be made into many shapes.

[0056] The vaporizer 140 can generate an aerosol by heating the liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user through the aerosol-generating article 200. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 140 can move along the airflow channel of the aerosol-generating device 100, and the airflow channel can be configured to enable the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 140 to pass through the aerosol-generating article 200 and be delivered to the user.

[0057] For example, the vaporizer 140 may include a liquid storage portion, a liquid delivery member, and a heating element, but is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid storage portion, the liquid delivery member, and the heating element may also be included in the aerosol generating device 100 as independent modules.

[0058] The liquid storage portion can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing a tobacco substance containing volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage portion can be manufactured to be detachable from or attachable to the vaporizer 140, or can be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 140.

[0059] For example, the liquid composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruity ingredients, and the like. The flavoring agent may include, but is not limited to, an ingredient that can provide a variety of aromas or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be, but is not limited to, a mixture containing at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. In addition, the liquid composition may include an aerosol former such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0060] The liquid transport member can transport the liquid composition in the liquid storage portion to the heating element. For example, the liquid transport member can be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0061] The heating element is a component used to heat the liquid composition being transported by the liquid transport member. For example, the heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the heating element may be formed from a conductive heating wire such as a nickel-chromium wire, and may be arranged so as to be wound around the liquid transport member. The heating element is heated by the supply of electric current and transfers heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0062] For example, the vaporizer 140 may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

[0063] The aerosol generating device 100 may also include common components other than the first battery 110, the control unit 120, the heater 130, and the vaporizer 140. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 100 may include at least one sensor (such as a puff sensor, a temperature sensor, or an aerosol-generating article insertion sensor). Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 100 may be configured to allow external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even when the aerosol-generating article 200 is inserted.

[0064] Figure 4 is a diagram showing another example of inserting an aerosol-generating article into an aerosol-generating device.

[0065] refer to Figure 4 The aerosol generating device 100 may include a first battery 110 , a control unit 120 , and a heater 130 . The heater 130 may include a heating body 131 and an induction coil 132 .

[0066] The aerosol-generating device 100 generates aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating article 200 contained therein using induction heating. Induction heating refers to a method in which an alternating magnetic field, whose direction periodically changes, is applied to a magnetic material that generates heat due to an external magnetic field, thereby causing the magnetic material to heat.

[0067] When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic substance, the magnetic substance may experience energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss. This lost energy can be released from the magnetic substance as heat. The greater the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field applied to the magnetic substance, the greater the heat energy released by the magnetic substance. By applying an alternating magnetic field to the magnetic substance, the aerosol-generating device 100 releases heat from the magnetic substance and transfers the heat released from the magnetic substance to the aerosol-generating article 200.

[0068] The magnetic material that generates heat in response to an external magnetic field can be a susceptor. The susceptor can be placed in the aerosol generating device 100 in the form of a fragment, sheet, or strip. For example, at least a portion of the heating element 131 disposed within the aerosol generating device 100 can also be formed using the susceptor material.

[0069] At least a portion of the base material can be formed using a strong magnetic material (ferromagnetic material). For example, the base material can include metal or carbon. The base material can include at least one of ferrite, ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). Furthermore, the base material can also include at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, metal film, ceramics such as zirconia, transition metals such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), and metalloids such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

[0070] The heating element 131 is capable of heating the aerosol-generating article 200 contained in the aerosol-generating device 100. As previously described, the heating element 131 can heat the aerosol-generating article 200 by induction heating. The heating element 131 can include a base material that generates heat by an external magnetic field, and the aerosol-generating device 100 can apply an alternating magnetic field to the heating element 131.

[0071] The induction coil 132 may be disposed in the aerosol-generating device 100. The induction coil 132 may apply an alternating magnetic field to the heating element 131. When power is supplied to the induction coil 132 from the aerosol-generating device 100, a magnetic field may be formed within the induction coil 132. When an alternating current is applied to the induction coil 132, the direction of the magnetic field formed within the induction coil 132 may continuously change. When the heating element 131 is located within the induction coil 132 and exposed to the alternating magnetic field whose direction periodically changes, the heating element 131 may generate heat, thereby heating the aerosol-generating article 200 housed in the housing.

[0072] The induction coil 132 may be wound along the outer surface of the heating body 131. Furthermore, the induction coil 132 may be wound along the inner surface of the outer shell of the aerosol generating device 100. The heating body 131 may be located in an inner space formed by the induction coil 132. When power is supplied to the induction coil 132, an alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil 132 may be applied to the heating body 131.

[0073] The induction coil 132 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 100. The induction coil 132 may extend to an appropriate length along the longitudinal direction. For example, the induction coil 132 may extend to a length corresponding to the length of the heating element 131, or may extend to a length longer than the length of the heating element 131.

[0074] The induction coil 132 can be arranged at a position suitable for applying an alternating magnetic field to the heating element 131. For example, the induction coil 132 can be arranged at a position corresponding to the heating element 131. By such a size and arrangement of the induction coil 132, the efficiency of applying the alternating magnetic field of the induction coil 132 to the heating element 131 can be improved.

[0075] When the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil 132 is changed, the degree to which the heating element 131 heats the aerosol-generating article 200 can also be changed. The amplitude or frequency of the magnetic field generated by the induction coil 132 can be changed by the power applied to the induction coil 132. Therefore, the aerosol-generating device 100 can control the heating of the aerosol-generating article 200 by adjusting the power applied to the induction coil 132. For example, the aerosol-generating device 100 can control the amplitude and frequency of the alternating current applied to the induction coil 132.

[0076] As an example, the induction coil 132 can be implemented as a solenoid. The induction coil 132 can be a solenoid wound along the inner surface of the outer housing of the aerosol-generating device 100. The heater 131 and the aerosol-generating article 200 can be located within the interior space of the solenoid. The material of the solenoid's wire can be copper (Cu). However, without limitation, the material of the solenoid's wire can be one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni), or an alloy containing at least one of these materials.

[0077] The control unit 120 may control the power supplied to the induction coil 132. The control unit 120 may control the first battery 110 to adjust the power supplied to the induction coil 132. For example, the control unit 120 may control the power supplied to the induction coil 132 to maintain the heating body 131 at a target temperature.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the first battery 110 may include an aqueous electrolyte. The aqueous electrolyte may refer to an electrolyte containing water as a solvent. The first battery 110 may refer to an electrochemical energy storage device that generates electricity through a chemical reaction.

[0079] Lithium-ion batteries, the most typical energy storage device, are typically composed of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, and an electrolyte. In a lithium-ion battery, lithium ions migrate from the negative electrode to the positive electrode during discharge, and from the positive electrode to the negative electrode during charge. The separator, located between the positive and negative electrodes, allows lithium ions to pass through while blocking contact between the positive and negative electrodes.

[0080] The electrolyte, located between the positive and negative electrodes, transports lithium ions between them. The electrolyte consists of a solvent, salts, and additives. Typically, the electrolyte in lithium-ion secondary batteries includes an organic solvent. Organic solvent electrolytes are flammable and pose a fire risk due to the oxygen generated during charging and discharging.

[0081] In contrast, batteries using aqueous electrolytes have high stability and fast charge and discharge speeds. Batteries using aqueous electrolytes contain water as an electrolyte solvent, so even if a short circuit occurs after a long cycle, there is no risk of fire, ensuring stable driving.

[0082] According to the aerosol generating device 100 of the embodiment, the first battery 110 includes an aqueous electrolyte, which allows for rapid charging and improved service life even with frequent charge and discharge. Furthermore, the stability of the aerosol generating device 100, which is susceptible to external impact risks, can be improved.

[0083] The aqueous electrolyte may include a2+ , Ca 2+ 、Zn 2+ and Al 3+ The polyvalent metal ions have the advantage of having multiple charges that participate in electrochemical reactions.

[0084] For example, the first battery 110 may be an aqueous zinc ion battery in which the aqueous electrolyte includes zinc. Aqueous zinc ion batteries can have a wide operating voltage and high energy density due to the multi-electron exchange and high density of zinc metal.

[0085] For example, in an aqueous zinc ion battery, the aqueous electrolyte may include one or more metal salts selected from the group consisting of ZnSO4, Zn(CF3SO3)2, Zn(NO3)2, Zn(ClO4)2, ZnCl2, Zn(CH3COO)2, Zn(TFSI)2, Zn(BF4)2·xH2O, and Zn(N(CF3SO2)2)2(Zn(TFSI)2), but is not limited thereto. Batteries including aqueous electrolytes may experience a hydrolysis reaction as a side reaction, resulting in a gradual decrease in energy density. The aforementioned metal salts can enable the first battery 110 to provide stable electrochemical performance by preventing the hydrolysis reaction of the aqueous electrolyte.

[0086] The concentration of the metal salt in the aqueous electrolyte can be about 1M or higher. Batteries containing aqueous electrolytes have an inherent problem of dendrite formation on the surface of the electrodes. Dendrites formed on the electrodes detach from the electrodes, not only losing their function as electrode active materials but also causing a short circuit in the battery. When the aqueous electrolyte includes a relatively high concentration of metal salt, about 1M or higher, this can have the effect of suppressing dendrite formation. The concentration of the metal salt in the aqueous electrolyte can be about 3M or higher, about 5M or higher, about 10M or higher, about 20M or higher, about 30M or higher, or about 50M or higher. Furthermore, the concentration of the metal salt in the aqueous electrolyte can be about 200M or lower, about 100M or lower, about 50M or lower, about 30M or lower, about 20M or lower, about 10M or lower, about 5M or lower, or about 3M or lower.

[0087] For example, the aqueous electrolyte may include approximately 20 M or more of LiTFSI. In this case, the generation of hydrogen can be suppressed by hindering the reduction of water in the negative electrode, and a stable insertion / extraction reaction of zinc ions can be induced. As another example, the aqueous electrolyte may include approximately 30 M or more of ZnCl2. In this case, the aqueous electrolyte can increase the operating voltage region by suppressing the generation of electrochemically inert byproducts.

[0088] In addition, the aqueous electrolyte can include multiple metal salts. For example, the aqueous electrolyte can include Zn(TFSI)2 and LiTFSI. The aqueous electrolyte can include a mixture of an aqueous Zn(TFSI)2 solution of approximately 1M or greater and an aqueous LiTFSI solution of approximately 20M or greater. In this case, undesirable hydrogen generation reactions can be suppressed, and a high Coulombic efficiency of 90% or greater can be achieved.

[0089] The aqueous electrolyte may include additives. For example, the aqueous electrolyte may include one or more additives selected from the group consisting of zinc triflate, Na2SO4, PAM (polyacrylamide), Et2O (diethyl ether), and DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), but is not limited thereto. The additives may improve the cycle characteristics of the first battery 110 and provide the first battery with a high energy density.

[0090] For example, the aqueous electrolyte may include Na2SO4 as an additive, and the concentration of Na2SO4 in the aqueous electrolyte may be approximately 0.1 g / L to approximately 5 g / L. As another example, the aqueous electrolyte may include Et2O as an additive, and the concentration of Et2O in the aqueous electrolyte may be approximately 1 vol% to approximately 5 vol%. The additive is absorbed by the surface of the electrode or forms a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), thereby preventing zinc corrosion. Consequently, the first battery 110 maintains a high charge and discharge rate and cycling characteristics while maintaining approximately 95% or more of its initial capacity after approximately 1000 cycles.

[0091] The first battery 110 may include a positive electrode containing one or more transition metals selected from manganese and vanadium as a positive electrode active material. For example, the positive electrode of the first battery 110 may include MnO2, or may include V2O5 and / or V6O 13 As the positive electrode active material, but not limited thereto.

[0092] In addition, the first battery 110 may include a negative electrode including zinc as a negative active material. For example, the negative electrode of the first battery 110 may include zinc metal, but is not limited thereto.

[0093] As another example, the first battery 110 may be an aqueous redox flow battery.

[0094] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the first battery 110. Figure 5The aqueous electrolyte 1100 of the first battery 110 may include a positive electrode electrolyte 1101 and a negative electrode electrolyte 1102. The first battery 110 may include a positive electrode 1121, a negative electrode 1122, a separator 1130 disposed between the positive electrode 1121 and the negative electrode 1122, a positive electrode electrolyte tank 1111 containing the positive electrode electrolyte 1101, and a negative electrode electrolyte tank 1112 containing the negative electrode electrolyte 1102. The positive electrode electrolyte 1101 may circulate from the positive electrode electrolyte tank 1111 via the positive electrode 1121 to the positive electrode electrolyte tank 1111, and the negative electrode electrolyte 1102 may circulate from the negative electrode electrolyte tank 1112 via the negative electrode 1122 to the negative electrode electrolyte tank 1112.

[0095] The positive electrode electrolyte 1101 and the negative electrode electrolyte 1102 supplied to the positive electrode 1121 and the negative electrode 1122 can generate energy by utilizing the redox reaction of the active material contained in each electrolyte generated between the electrodes. A separator 1130 disposed between the positive electrode 1121 and the negative electrode 1122 prevents contact between the positive electrode 1121 and the negative electrode 1122, but allows the ions of the active material present in the positive electrode electrolyte 1101 or the negative electrode electrolyte 1102 to move through the separator 1130.

[0096] The positive electrode electrolyte 1101 may include one or more selected from the group consisting of bromine, iron, nickel, and manganese. The negative electrode electrolyte 1102 may include zinc. For example, the positive electrode electrolyte 1101 of the first battery 110 may include bromine, and the negative electrode electrolyte 1102 may include zinc.

[0097] Additionally, negative electrode 1122 may include a carbon-based material. Using a carbon-based material in negative electrode 1122 can prevent dendrite formation on the electrode surface and improve battery life. Negative electrode 1122 may include, for example, one or more carbon-based materials selected from graphene, activated carbon, carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, and fullerenes, but is not limited thereto.

[0098] First cell 110 may include a positive electrode pump 1141 that circulates positive electrolyte 1101 from positive electrolyte tank 1111 to positive electrolyte tank 1111 via positive electrode 1121. Furthermore, first cell 110 may include a negative electrode pump 1142 that circulates negative electrolyte 1102 from negative electrolyte tank 1112 to negative electrolyte tank 1112 via negative electrode 1122. Positive electrolyte tank 1111 and negative electrolyte tank 1112 may include an electrolyte injection port and an electrolyte discharge port connected to positive electrolyte tank 1111 and negative electrolyte tank 1112, respectively. Positive electrode pump 1141 and negative electrode pump 1142 may be driven to circulate positive electrolyte 1101 and negative electrolyte 1102.

[0099] The aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment may include a holder and a bracket. The holder may include a heater 130 and a first battery 110. The bracket includes an inner space for accommodating the holder and may include a second battery for supplying power to the first battery 110.

[0100] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a holder of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0101] Reference Figure 6 The holder 1 includes a first battery 110, a first control unit 12, and a heater 130. In addition, the holder 1 includes an internal space formed by a housing 11. An aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the internal space of the holder 1.

[0102] Figure 6 The retainer 1 shown in the figure only shows the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, as long as a person with ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand, the retainer 1 may also include components other than Figure 6 Other common components other than the components shown in the figure.

[0103] If an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the holder 1, the holder 1 heats the heater 130. The aerosol-generating substance within the aerosol-generating article is heated by the heated heater 130, thereby generating an aerosol. The generated aerosol is then delivered to the user through the filter of the aerosol-generating article. However, the holder 1 can also heat the heater 130 even when the aerosol-generating article is not inserted into the holder 1.

[0104] The housing 11 can be separated from the holder 1. For example, the user can separate the housing 11 from the holder 1 by rotating the housing 11 clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0105] Furthermore, the diameter of the hole formed at the end of the housing 11 may be made smaller than the diameter of the space formed by the housing 11 and the heater 130 , in which case a guiding function for the aerosol-generating article inserted into the holder 1 may be performed.

[0106] The first battery 110 supplies power for the operation of the holder 1. For example, the first battery 110 can supply power to heat the heater 130 and can also supply power required for the operation of the first control unit 12. In addition, the first battery 110 can also supply power required for the operation of a display, sensor, motor, etc. provided in the holder 1.

[0107] The heater 130 is heated by the power supplied from the first battery 110. If the aerosol generating article is inserted into the holder 1, the heated heater 130 can increase the temperature of the aerosol generating article. The same as described above can be applied to the first battery 110 and the heater 130. Figures 1 to 4 Related content.

[0108] The first control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the holder 1. Specifically, the first control unit 12 controls not only the operation of the first battery 110 and the heater 130, but also the operation of other components included in the holder 1. Furthermore, the first control unit 12 can also determine whether the holder 1 is in an operable state by confirming the status of each component of the holder 1.

[0109] The first control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor can be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing programs executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, as anyone with ordinary knowledge in the technical field of this embodiment will appreciate, the processor can also be implemented as other forms of hardware.

[0110] For example, the first control unit 12 can control the operation of the heater 130. The first control unit 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 130 and the duration of the power supply so that the heater 130 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature. Furthermore, the first control unit 12 can check the status of the first battery 110 (e.g., the remaining charge of the first battery 110) and generate a notification signal if necessary.

[0111] Furthermore, the first control unit 12 can confirm whether the user has taken a puff and the intensity of the puff, and can count the number of puffs. Furthermore, the first control unit 12 can continuously confirm the time the holder 1 is operating. Furthermore, the first control unit 12 can confirm whether the bracket 2 (described later) is engaged with the holder 1 and control the operation of the holder 1 based on whether the bracket 2 is engaged or separated from the holder 1.

[0112] In addition, the holder 1 may include common configurations in addition to the first battery 110 , the first control unit 12 , and the heater 130 .

[0113] For example, the holder 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information or a motor for outputting tactile information. As one example, if the holder 1 includes a display, the first control unit 12 may transmit information regarding the status of the holder 1 (e.g., whether the holder is usable), information regarding the heater 130 (e.g., preheating start, preheating in progress, preheating completed), information regarding the first battery 110 (e.g., remaining capacity of the first battery 110, usability), information regarding resetting the holder 1 (e.g., reset timing, reset in progress, reset completed), information regarding cleaning the holder 1 (e.g., cleaning timing, cleaning required, cleaning in progress, cleaning completed), information regarding charging the holder 1 (e.g., charging required, charging in progress, charging completed), information regarding puffing (e.g., number of puffs, puff end notification), or safety-related information (e.g., usage time elapsed). As another example, if the holder 1 includes a motor, the first control unit 12 may utilize the motor to generate a vibration signal to transmit the aforementioned information to the user.

[0114] Furthermore, the holder 1 may include at least one input device (e.g., a button) and / or a terminal coupled to the bracket 2 for the user to control the functions of the holder 1. For example, the user can utilize the input device of the holder 1 to perform various functions. By adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device (e.g., once, twice, etc.) or the duration of the press (e.g., 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, etc.), the desired function among the various functions of the holder 1 can be performed. As the user operates the input device, the holder 1 can perform the following functions: preheating the heater 130, adjusting the temperature of the heater 130, cleaning the space for inserting the aerosol-generating article, verifying whether the holder 1 is in an operable state, displaying the remaining amount (available power) of the first battery 110, resetting the holder 1, and the like. However, the functions of the holder 1 are not limited to the aforementioned examples.

[0115] In addition, the holder 1 may include a puff sensing sensor, a temperature sensing sensor, and / or an aerosol-generating article insertion sensing sensor. For example, the puff sensing sensor may be implemented by a common pressure sensor, and the aerosol-generating article insertion sensing sensor may be implemented by a common capacitive sensor or a resistive sensor. Furthermore, the holder 1 may be constructed to allow external air to flow in and out even when an aerosol-generating article is inserted.

[0116] Figure 7 and Figure 8 These are diagrams showing an example of a retainer from multiple side views.

[0117] Figure 71 is a diagram showing an example of viewing the retainer 1 from the first direction. Figure 7 As shown, the holder 1 can be cylindrical, but is not limited thereto. The housing 11 of the holder 1 can be detached by a user, and the aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the distal end of the housing 11. Furthermore, the holder 1 can include a first button 13 for user control of the holder 1 and a first display 14 for outputting an image.

[0118] Figure 8 This figure shows an example of the holder 1 viewed from the second direction. The holder 1 may include a first terminal 15 coupled to the bracket 2. The first terminal 15 of the holder 1 couples with the second terminal 26 of the bracket 2, enabling the first battery 110 of the holder 1 to be charged using power supplied by the second battery 21 of the bracket 2. Furthermore, through the first terminal 15 and the second terminal 26, the holder 1 can also operate using power supplied by the second battery 21 of the bracket 2, and communication (transmission and reception of signals) between the holder 1 and the bracket 2 can be achieved. For example, the first terminal 15 may be composed of four micro pins, but is not limited thereto.

[0119] Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a bracket of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0120] Reference Figure 9 The bracket 2 includes a second battery 21 and a second control unit 22. Furthermore, the bracket 2 includes an internal space 23 into which the holder 1 can be inserted. For example, the internal space 23 can be formed on a side surface of the bracket 2. Therefore, even if the bracket 2 does not include a separate cover, the holder 1 can be inserted and fixed to the bracket 2.

[0121] Figure 9 The bracket 2 shown in the figure only shows the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, as long as a person with ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand, the bracket 2 may also include components other than Figure 9 Other common components other than the components shown in the figure.

[0122] The second battery 21 supplies power for the operation of the cradle 2. Furthermore, the second battery 21 can supply power to charge the first battery 110 of the holder 1. For example, when the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 so that the first terminal 15 of the holder 1 is coupled to the second terminal 260 of the cradle 2, the second battery 21 of the cradle 2 can supply power to the first battery 110 of the holder 1.

[0123] Furthermore, when the holder 1 is combined with the cradle 2, the second battery 21 can supply power for the operation of the holder 1. For example, if the first terminal 15 of the holder 1 is combined with the second terminal 260 of the cradle 2, the holder 1 can operate using power supplied by the second battery 21 of the cradle 2 regardless of whether the first battery 110 of the holder 1 is discharged.

[0124] The second battery 21 may be a lithium-ion battery. For example, the second battery 21 may be one or more selected from the group consisting of a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, a lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) battery, a lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NCM) battery, and a lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA) battery, but is not limited to the above examples.

[0125] The first battery 110 in the holder 1 must have excellent cycle performance and stability, taking into account frequent charging and discharging, as well as the risk of external impact. However, since the first battery 110 can be charged via the cradle 2 during periods other than the short periods when the holder 1 is in use, a high energy density is not necessarily required.

[0126] In contrast, the second battery 21 of the bracket 2 has fewer charge and discharge cycles than the first battery 110 and is less susceptible to external impact, but requires a high energy density to enable repeated charging of the first battery 110. Therefore, the aforementioned technical issues can be resolved by using a battery containing an aqueous electrolyte with excellent cycle performance and stability for the first battery 110 of the holder 1 and a lithium-ion battery with high energy density for the second battery 21 of the bracket 2.

[0127] The second control unit 22 controls the overall operation of the carriage 2. The second control unit 22 can control the operation of all components of the carriage 2. In addition, the second control unit 22 can determine whether the holder 1 and the carriage 2 are coupled and control the operation of the carriage 2 according to whether the holder 1 and the carriage 2 are coupled or separated.

[0128] For example, if the holder 1 is combined with the cradle 2, the second control unit 22 can charge the first battery 110 or heat the heater 130 by supplying power from the second battery 21 to the holder 1. Therefore, even if the remaining amount of the first battery 110 is low, the user can continue to smoke by combining the holder 1 and the cradle 2.

[0129] The second control unit 22 includes at least one processor. The processor can be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing programs executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, anyone with ordinary knowledge in the technical field of this embodiment will appreciate that the processor can also be implemented as other forms of hardware.

[0130] In addition to the second battery 21 and the second control unit 22, the cradle 2 may also include common components. For example, the cradle 2 may include a display capable of outputting visual information. For example, if the cradle 2 includes a display, the second control unit 22 generates signals to be displayed on the display to convey to the user information related to the second battery 21 (e.g., remaining capacity of the second battery 21, usability status), information related to resetting the cradle 2 (e.g., reset timing, reset in progress, reset completion), information related to cleaning the holder 1 (e.g., cleaning timing, cleaning required, cleaning in progress, cleaning completed), and information related to charging the cradle 2 (e.g., charging required, charging in progress, charging completed).

[0131] In addition, the bracket 2 may include at least one input device (e.g., a button) for the user to control the functions of the bracket 2, a second terminal 26 combined with the holder 1 and / or an interface for charging the second battery 21 (e.g., a USB interface, etc.).

[0132] For example, the user can use the input device of the cradle 2 to perform various functions. By adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device or the duration of the press, the desired function of the cradle 2 can be performed. As the user operates the input device, the cradle 2 can perform the following functions: preheating the heater 130 of the holder 1, adjusting the temperature of the heater 130 of the holder 1, cleaning the space within the holder 1 for inserting an aerosol-generating article, verifying whether the cradle 2 is in an operable state, displaying the remaining amount (available power) of the second battery 21 of the cradle 2, resetting the cradle 2, and the like. However, the functions of the cradle 2 are not limited to the above examples.

[0133] Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of a bracket from multiple side views.

[0134] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cradle 2 viewed from a first direction. One side of the cradle 2 includes an internal space 23 into which the holder 1 can be inserted. Furthermore, even if the cradle 2 does not include a separate securing means such as a cover, the holder 1 can be inserted and secured to the cradle 2. Furthermore, the cradle 2 may include a second button 24 for user control of the cradle 2 and a second display 25 for outputting an image.

[0135] Figure 11This figure shows an example of a cradle 2 viewed from a second direction. The cradle 2 may include a second terminal 26 that couples to the inserted holder 1. The second terminal 26 couples to the first terminal 15 of the holder 1, enabling the first battery 110 of the holder 1 to be charged using power supplied by the second battery 21 of the cradle 2. Furthermore, through the first and second terminals 15 and 26, the holder 1 can also operate using power supplied by the second battery 21 of the cradle 2, and signals can be transmitted and received between the holder 1 and the cradle 2. For example, the second terminal 26 may be composed of four micro-pins, but is not limited thereto.

[0136] As described above, the holder 1 can be inserted into the internal space 23 of the bracket 2. Furthermore, the holder 1 can be completely inserted into the bracket 2 or can be tilted while being inserted into the bracket 2.

[0137] Figure 12 1 is a diagram showing an example of inserting the holder into the bracket.

[0138] Reference Figure 12 , shows an example of retainer 1 being inserted into bracket 2. Because internal space 23, into which retainer 1 is to be inserted, exists on one side of bracket 2, the inserted retainer 1 is not exposed to the outside through the other sides of bracket 2. Therefore, bracket 2 does not need to include other components (e.g., a cover) to prevent retainer 1 from being exposed to the outside.

[0139] The bracket 2 may include at least one coupling member to improve the coupling strength with the holder 1. In addition, the holder 1 may also include at least one coupling member. Here, the coupling member may be a magnet, but is not limited thereto.

[0140] Because the holder 1 and the bracket 2 include a coupling member, the holder 1 and the bracket 2 can be more securely coupled even when the holder 1 is inserted into one side of the bracket 2. Therefore, even if the bracket 2 does not have a separate component (e.g., a cover), the inserted holder 1 will not easily separate from the bracket 2.

[0141] Furthermore, if it is determined that the holder 1 is completely inserted into the bracket 2 via the terminals 15 and 26 and / or the coupling member, the second control unit 22 may charge the first battery 110 of the holder 1 using the power of the second battery 21 .

[0142] Figure 13 1 is a diagram showing an example of inserting a holder into a bracket.

[0143] Figure 13shows an example in which the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2. To minimize user contact with the holder 1 when the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2, the holder 1 may be constructed so that the internal space 23 of the cradle 2 is sufficiently secured. When the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2, the second control unit 22 supplies power from the second battery 21 to the holder 1, thereby charging the first battery 110 of the holder 1.

[0144] Below, refer to Figures 14 to 16 , illustrating examples of aerosol-generating articles.

[0145] Figure 14 and Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol-generating article.

[0146] Reference Figure 14 The aerosol generating article 200 includes a tobacco rod 210 and a filter rod 220 .

[0147] Figure 14 The figure illustrates a filter rod 220 comprising a single segment, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the filter rod 220 may comprise multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 220 may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering predetermined components within the aerosol. Furthermore, the filter rod 220 may further include at least one segment for performing other functions, as desired.

[0148] The aerosol-generating article 200 may be packaged in at least one package 240. The package 240 may have at least one hole formed therein for allowing external air to flow in or for allowing internal gas to flow out. As one example, the aerosol-generating article 200 may be packaged in one package 240. As another example, the aerosol-generating article 200 may be packaged in two or more packages 240 stacked on top of each other. For example, the tobacco rod 210 may be packaged in a first package 241, and the filter rod 220 may be packaged in packages 242, 243, and 244. Furthermore, the entire aerosol-generating article 200 may be further packaged in a single package 245. If the filter rod 220 is composed of multiple segments, each segment may be packaged in a package 242, 243, and 244.

[0149] The tobacco rod 210 includes an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include at least one of, but is not limited to, glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 210 may contain other additives such as flavorings, humectants, and / or organic acids. Furthermore, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be sprayed onto the tobacco rod 210 to add the aerosol to the tobacco rod 210.

[0150] The tobacco rod 210 can be made in a variety of ways. For example, the tobacco rod 210 can be made from a sheet or a strand. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 210 can also be made from cut tobacco obtained by shredding tobacco sheets. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 210 can be surrounded by a heat-conductive material. For example, the heat-conductive material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the heat-conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 210, thereby increasing the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and thus improving the flavor of the tobacco. Furthermore, the heat-conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 can function as a base heated by the induction heating heater. In this case, although not shown in the figure, the tobacco rod 210 can include an additional base in addition to the heat-conductive material surrounding its exterior.

[0151] Filter rod 220 can be a cellulose acetate filter. Furthermore, the shape of filter rod 220 is not limited. For example, filter rod 220 can be cylindrical or hollow. Furthermore, filter rod 220 can be a concave rod. If filter rod 220 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments can be manufactured in a different shape.

[0152] The filter rod 220 can also be made to produce a flavor. As an example, a flavoring liquid can be sprayed onto the filter rod 220, or a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid can be inserted into the interior of the filter rod 220.

[0153] Furthermore, filter rod 220 may include at least one capsule 230. Capsule 230 may generate a fragrance or aerosol. For example, capsule 230 may be a structure in which a fragrance-containing liquid is encapsulated by a film. Capsule 230 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0154] If the filter rod 220 includes a segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment can be made of a polymer or a biodegradable polymer. For example, the cooling segment can be made solely of pure polylactic acid, but is not limited to this. Alternatively, the cooling segment can be made of a cellulose acetate filter perforated with multiple holes. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the above examples; any cooling segment is applicable without limitation as long as it can perform the function of cooling the aerosol.

[0155] Reference Figure 15 The aerosol-generating article 300 may further include a front end plug 330. The front end plug 330 may be located on the side of the tobacco rod 310 opposite the filter rod 320. The front end plug 330 can prevent the tobacco rod 310 from escaping and can prevent the liquefied aerosol from the tobacco rod 310 from flowing into the aerosol-generating device during smoking.

[0156] The filter rod 320 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 may correspond to Figure 14 The first segment of the filter rod 220, the second segment 322 may correspond to Figure 14 The second segment of the filter rod 220.

[0157] The diameter and overall length of the aerosol-generating article 300 may correspond to Figure 14 The diameter and overall length of the aerosol-generating article 200 may be adjusted. For example, the front end plug 330 may be about 7 mm long, the tobacco rod 310 may be about 15 mm long, the first segment 321 may be about 12 mm long, and the second segment 322 may be about 14 mm long, but are not limited thereto.

[0158] The aerosol-generating article 300 may be packaged in at least one package 350. The package 350 may have at least one hole formed therein for allowing external air to flow in or for allowing internal gas to flow out. For example, the front end plug 330 may be packaged in a first package 351, the tobacco rod 310 may be packaged in a second package 352, the first segment 321 may be packaged in a third package 353, and the second segment 322 may be packaged in a fourth package 354. Furthermore, the entire aerosol-generating article 300 may be further packaged in a fifth package 355.

[0159] In addition, at least one perforation 360 may be formed in the fifth packaging member 355. For example, the perforation 360 may be formed in the area surrounding the tobacco rod 310, but is not limited thereto. The perforation 360 may be formed in the area surrounding the tobacco rod 310. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The heater 130 shown acts to transfer heat to the interior of the tobacco rod 310 .

[0160] Furthermore, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 340. Capsule 340 may generate fragrance or aerosol. For example, capsule 340 may be a structure in which a fragrance-containing liquid is encapsulated by a film. Capsule 340 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0161] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating another example of an aerosol-generating article.

[0162] Reference Figure 16 The aerosol-generating article 400 may include a first aerosol-generating rod 410, a second aerosol-generating rod 420, a cooling rod 430, and a filter rod 440. In addition, the aerosol-generating article 400 may be packaged by at least one packaging element 450.

[0163] The first aerosol-generating rod 410, the second aerosol-generating rod 420, the cooling rod 430, and the filter rod 440 may be aligned sequentially along the length direction of the aerosol-generating article 400. Here, the length direction of the aerosol-generating article 400 may be the direction along which the length of the aerosol-generating article 400 extends. For example, the length direction of the aerosol-generating article 400 may be the direction from the first aerosol-generating rod 410 toward the filter rod 440.

[0164] The aerosol generated in the first aerosol generating rod 410 and the second aerosol generating rod 420 sequentially passes through the first aerosol generating rod 410 , the second aerosol generating rod 420 , the cooling rod 430 and the filter rod 440 to form an airflow, thereby allowing the smoker to inhale the aerosol from the filter rod 440 .

[0165] The first aerosol generating stick 410 can be heated to generate an aerosol. The first aerosol generating stick 410 can include an aerosol-generating substance. Furthermore, the first aerosol generating stick 410 can include other additives such as a wetting agent and / or an organic acid, and can also include a flavoring such as menthol. For example, the aerosol-generating substance can include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol.

[0166] The first aerosol-generating stick 410 may include an aerosol-generating substrate impregnated with an aerosol-generating substance. The aerosol-generating substrate may include a crimped sheet, and the aerosol-generating substance may be impregnated in the crimped sheet and included in the first aerosol-generating stick 410. Furthermore, other additives such as flavoring agents, wetting agents, and / or organic acids, as well as flavoring liquids, may be absorbed by the crimped sheet and included in the first aerosol-generating stick 410.

[0167] The aerosol-generating substrate may be arranged in a rolled state inside the first aerosol-generating rod 410. The rolled aerosol-generating substrate may be rolled around an axis extending along the length direction of the aerosol-generating article 400, but is not limited thereto.

[0168] The curled sheet can be made of a polymer material. For example, the polymer material can include at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, and polylactic acid. For example, the curled sheet can be a paper sheet that does not generate odor even when heated to a high temperature.

[0169] The first aerosol-generating rod 410 can extend from the end of the aerosol-generating article 400 to a position of about 7 mm to about 20 mm. The second aerosol-generating rod 420 can extend from the end of the first aerosol-generating rod 410 to a position of about 7 mm to about 20 mm. However, this is not necessarily limited to this numerical range, and the lengths of the first aerosol-generating rod 410 and the second aerosol-generating rod 420 can be appropriately adjusted by those skilled in the art within a readily adjustable range.

[0170] The second aerosol generating rod 420 can be heated to generate an aerosol containing nicotine. For example, the second aerosol generating rod 420 can contain a tobacco substance. The tobacco substance can be in the form of, but is not limited to, tobacco strands, tobacco particles, tobacco sheets, tobacco beads, tobacco granules, tobacco powder, or tobacco extract.

[0171] For example, the second aerosol generating rod 420 may include a plurality of tobacco shreds, which may include reconstituted tobacco leaf cuttings. The reconstituted tobacco leaf cuttings may be produced by finely chopping reconstituted tobacco leaf sheets. The reconstituted tobacco leaf cuttings may be produced by the following process. The tobacco raw material is pulverized to produce a slurry mixed with an aerosol-generating substance (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.), a flavoring liquid, a binder (e.g., guar gum, xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, etc.), water, etc. Natural pulp or cellulose may be added to the slurry, and more than one binder may be mixed. The slurry is cast to form a sheet, which is then dried to produce reconstituted tobacco leaf sheets. The reconstituted tobacco leaf cuttings may be produced by cutting or finely chopping the produced reconstituted tobacco leaf sheets. The tobacco raw material may be tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, and / or tobacco dust generated during tobacco processing. In addition, the reconstituted tobacco leaf sheets may also contain other additives such as lignocellulose fibers.

[0172] In addition, the second aerosol generating rod 420 may include cut tobacco produced by mixing and processing multiple types of tobacco leaves and then cutting them. In addition, the second aerosol generating rod 420 may include a mixture of cut reconstituted tobacco leaves and cut tobacco leaves.

[0173] As another example, the second aerosol generating rod 420 may include a plurality of tobacco particles. The tobacco particles may be particles having a diameter of about 100 μm to about 2,000 μm. The tobacco particles may be made by extruding a mixture of ground tobacco leaves, a pH adjuster, and a solvent.

[0174] Multiple tobacco particles may be arranged between the filter material. The filter material may, for example, comprise a bundle of cellulose acetate fiber strands. The multiple tobacco particles may be arranged in a uniformly dispersed manner between the multiple cellulose fibers. As another example, the filter material may comprise a curled piece of paper. The curled piece of paper may be arranged in a curled state within the second aerosol generating rod 420. The curled piece of paper may be curled about an axis extending along the length of the aerosol generating article 400. Multiple tobacco particles may be dispersed within the curled piece of paper.

[0175] Furthermore, the second aerosol-generating stick 420 may include an aerosol-generating substrate impregnated with a liquid aerosol-generating composition. The aerosol-generating substrate may include a rolled sheet, and the liquid aerosol-generating composition may be impregnated in the rolled sheet and included in the second aerosol-generating stick 420. The aerosol-generating substrate included in the second aerosol-generating stick 420 may be similarly applicable to the aerosol-generating substrate included in the first aerosol-generating stick 410.

[0176] The liquid aerosol-generating composition may include nicotine. Nicotine may include freebase nicotine and nicotine salts. Freebase nicotine may refer to neutral nicotine without added protons. For example, if a strong base such as ammonia is added to a positively charged nicotine salt, the strong base is converted to a cation, and the nicotine salt can become a neutral freebase nicotine.

[0177] Furthermore, the liquid aerosol-generating composition may comprise an aerosol-generating substance. The aerosol-generating substance may be similarly as described above with respect to the aerosol-generating substrate comprised by the first aerosol-generating stick 410.

[0178] The aerosol-generating substrate may be impregnated with about 0.05 g to about 1.0 g of the liquid aerosol-generating composition per 1 g of the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may be impregnated with about 0.1 g to about 0.8 g of the liquid aerosol-generating composition per 1 g of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0179] The cooling rod 430 can cool the aerosol generated in the first aerosol generating rod 410 and the second aerosol generating rod 420. The cooling rod 430 can be made of a biodegradable polymer and can have a cooling function. For example, the cooling rod 430 can be made of polylactic acid (PLA) fiber, but is not limited thereto.

[0180] Alternatively, cooling rod 430 may be made of a cellulose acetate filter. However, cooling rod 430 is not limited to the above example; any material that cools the aerosol can be used without limitation. For example, cooling rod 430 may include a hollow tubular filter or a paper tube.

[0181] At least one hole 431 may be formed on the outer surface of the cooling rod 430. The at least one hole 431 may be formed along the circumference of the cooling rod 430 and in one or more rows. The at least one hole 431 allows external air to flow into the interior of the cooling rod 430. The external air flowing into the cooling rod 430 can mix with the high-temperature aerosol generated in the first aerosol generating rod 410 and the second aerosol generating rod 420, thereby cooling the aerosol.

[0182] Filter rod 440 can filter a portion of the components included in the aerosol passing through filter rod 440. Filter rod 440 can include a filter material. For example, filter rod 440 can be a cellulose acetate filter. Filter rod 440 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow.

[0183] The shape of filter rod 440 is not limited. For example, filter rod 440 can be cylindrical or tubular with a hollow interior. Alternatively, filter rod 440 can be a concave rod with an open end and a hollow interior. If filter rod 440 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments can be manufactured in a different shape.

[0184] The filter rod 440 can also be made to produce a flavor. As an example, the filter rod 440 can include a flavoring liquid, or a separate fiber including the flavoring liquid can be inserted into the interior of the filter rod 440.

[0185] Furthermore, filter rod 440 may include at least one capsule. Here, the capsule may generate a fragrance or aerosol. For example, the capsule may be a structure that wraps a fragrance-containing liquid with a film. The capsule may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0186] The aerosol-generating article 400 may include a packaging member 450 that surrounds at least a portion of the first aerosol-generating rod 410, the second aerosol-generating rod 420, the cooling rod 430, and the filter rod 440. Furthermore, the aerosol-generating article 400 may include a packaging member 450 that surrounds all of the first aerosol-generating rod 410, the second aerosol-generating rod 420, the cooling rod 430, and the filter rod 440. The packaging member 450 may be located at the outermost portion of the aerosol-generating article 400 and may be a single packaging member or a combination of multiple packaging members.

[0187] The aerosol-generating article 400 may be packaged in two or more stacked packages. For example, the first aerosol-generating rod 410 may be packaged in a first package 451, the second aerosol-generating rod 420 may be packaged in a second package 452, the cooling rod 430 may be packaged in a third package 453, and the filter rod 440 may be packaged in a fourth package 454. Furthermore, the entire aerosol-generating article 400 may be further packaged in a fifth package 455.

[0188] The first package 451 may surround the first aerosol generating stick 410, and the second package 452 may surround the second aerosol generating stick 420. The first package 451 and the second package 452 may be formed by combining paper and a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the first package 451 and the second package 452 may be laminated sheets formed by laminating paper and metal foil. The first package 451 and the second package 452 may be laminated sheets with paper arranged on one side of the metal foil, or may be laminated sheets with paper arranged on both sides of the metal foil.

[0189] The paper of the first package member 451 may include an oil-resistant material. For example, the paper of the first package member 451 may include polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or silicone. The surface of the paper of the first package member 451 may be coated with polyvinyl alcohol or silicone.

[0190] The third packaging member 453 may surround the cooling rod 430. The third packaging member 453 may include toilet paper. The toilet paper of the third packaging member 453 may be porous or non-porous. At least one perforation 256 may be formed in the third packaging member 453. For example, if the third packaging member 453 is packaging the cooling rod 430 having at least one hole 431 formed therein, the at least one perforation 256 formed in the third packaging member 453 may be formed at a position corresponding to the at least one hole 431 formed in the cooling rod 430.

[0191] The fourth packaging member 454 may surround the filter rod 440. The fourth packaging member 454 may include a hard tissue paper having a thickness and a gram weight greater than that of ordinary tissue paper. For example, the thickness of the hard tissue paper may be about 70 μm to about 150 μm, and the gram weight may be about 50 g / m 2 About 100g / m 2 Furthermore, the rigid wrapping paper may include an oil-resistant material. For example, the rigid wrapping paper may include a surface treatment with an oil-resistant material such as polyvinyl alcohol or silicone.

[0192] The fifth package 455 can enclose the first aerosol-generating rod 410 packaged in the first package 451, the second aerosol-generating rod 420 packaged in the second package 452, the cooling rod 430 packaged in the third package 453, and the filter rod 440 packaged in the fourth package 454. The fifth package 455 can prevent the exterior of the aerosol-generating article 400 from being contaminated by the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating article 400. Liquid substances may be generated within the aerosol-generating article 400 through inhalation by a user. For example, the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating article 400 may be cooled by external air, thereby generating liquid substances (e.g., water). Since the fifth package 455 encloses the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article 400, the generated liquid substances can be prevented from leaking outside the aerosol-generating article 400.

[0193] Figure 17 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0194] The aerosol generating device 1700 may include a control unit 1710, a sensing unit 1720, an output unit 1730, a battery 1740, a heater 1750, a user input unit 1760, a memory 1770, and a communication unit 1780. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1700 is not limited to Figure 17 That is, as long as a person with ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1700, Figure 17 One component in the configuration shown in may be omitted or a new configuration may be further added.

[0195] The sensing unit 1720 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 1700 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1700 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 1710. The control unit 1710 can control the aerosol generating device 1700 based on the sensed information to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the heater 1750, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., an aerosol generating article, a cigarette cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0196] The sensing portion 1720 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 1722, an insertion sensing sensor 1724, and a suction sensor 1726, but is not limited thereto.

[0197] Temperature sensor 1722 can sense the temperature at which heater 1750 (or the aerosol-generating material) is heated. Aerosol-generating device 1700 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of heater 1750, or heater 1750 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, temperature sensor 1722 may be positioned around battery 1740 to monitor the temperature of battery 1740.

[0198] The insertion sensing sensor 1724 can sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 1724 can include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, an inductance sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can sense a signal change according to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article.

[0199] The puff sensor 1726 may sense the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 1726 may sense the user's puff based on one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change, and pressure change.

[0200] In addition to the aforementioned sensors 1722 to 1726, the sensing unit 1720 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). The function of each of the sensors can be intuitively inferred from the name of the sensor by a person of ordinary skill in the art, and therefore, a detailed description may be omitted.

[0201] The output unit 1730 can output information regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 1700 and provide it to the user. The output unit 1730 may include at least one of a display unit 1732, a tactile unit 1734, and a sound output unit 1736, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 1732 and a touch panel form a stacked structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 1732 can function as an input device in addition to being an output device.

[0202] The display unit 1732 can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 1700 to the user. For example, this information can include information about the charge / discharge status of the battery 1740 of the aerosol generating device 1700, the preheating status of the heater 1750, the insertion / removal status of the aerosol generating article, or a restricted use status of the aerosol generating device 1700 (e.g., detection of an abnormal object). The display unit 1732 can output this information to the user. The display unit 1732 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel or an organic light-emitting display (OLED) panel. Alternatively, the display unit 1732 can be in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED) element.

[0203] The haptic portion 1734 may convert the electrical signal into mechanical stimulation or electrical stimulation, and provide the user with information regarding the aerosol generating device 1700 in a tactile manner. For example, the haptic portion 1734 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0204] The sound output unit 1736 may provide the user with information regarding the aerosol generating device 1700 in an auditory manner. For example, the sound output unit 1736 may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

[0205] The battery 1740 can supply the power required for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1700. The battery 1740 can also supply power to heat the heater 1750. Furthermore, the battery 1740 can supply power required for the operation of other components within the aerosol generating device 1700 (e.g., the sensor 1720, the output unit 1730, the user input unit 1760, the memory 1770, and the communication unit 1780). The battery 1740 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1740 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0206] The heater 1750 may receive power from the battery 1740 to heat the aerosol-generating substance. Figure 17 Although not shown, the aerosol generating device 1700 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current / direct current (DC / DC) converter) for converting the power of the battery 1740 and supplying the converted power to the heater 1750. Furthermore, if the aerosol generating device 1700 generates aerosol using induction heating, the aerosol generating device 1700 may further include a direct current / alternating current (DC / AC) converter for converting the DC power of the battery 1740 into alternating current (AC) power.

[0207] The control portion 1710, the sensing portion 1720, the output portion 1730, the user input portion 1760, the memory 1770, and the communication portion 1780 may receive power from the battery 1740 to perform functions. Figure 17 Although not shown, a power conversion circuit, such as a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 1740 and supplies the converted power to each component may be further included.

[0208] In one embodiment, heater 1750 can be formed using any suitable resistive material. For example, suitable resistive materials can include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nickel-chromium alloys. Furthermore, heater 1750 can be implemented using, but is not limited to, metal heating wires, metal heating plates with conductive tracks, or ceramic heating elements.

[0209] In another embodiment, the heater 1750 may be an induction heating heater. For example, the heater 1750 may include a base that generates heat by a magnetic field applied by a coil, thereby heating the aerosol-generating substance.

[0210] The user input unit 1760 may receive information input from the user or may output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 1760 may include a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (contact capacitance method, pressure resistance film method, infrared sensing method, surface ultrasonic wave conduction method, integral tension measurement method, piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a wheel, a roller switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, although Figure 17 Although not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 1700 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to other external devices through the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information, or to charge the battery 1740.

[0211] Memory 1770, serving as hardware for storing various data processed within aerosol generating device 1700, can store data processed by control unit 1710 and data to be processed. Memory 1770 can include at least one type of storage medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory, hard disk, multimedia card micro, card-type memory (e.g., secure digital (SD) or extreme digital (XD) memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic storage, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 1770 can store information such as the operating time of aerosol generating device 1700, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data specific to the user's smoking patterns.

[0212] The communication unit 1780 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1780 may include a short-range communication unit 1782 and a wireless communication unit 1784.

[0213] The short-range wireless communication unit 1782 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant + Communications department, etc., but not limited to.

[0214] Wireless communication unit 1784 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit. Wireless communication unit 1784 may also utilize subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate aerosol generating device 1700 within the communication network.

[0215] The control unit 1710 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1700. In one embodiment, the control unit 1710 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory, wherein the memory stores programs executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, as will be understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment relates, the processor may also be implemented as other forms of hardware.

[0216] The control unit 1710 can control the temperature of the heater 1750 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 1740 to the heater 1750. For example, the control unit 1710 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 1740 and the heater 1750. In another example, the heating integrated circuit can also control the power supply to the heater 1750 according to a control command from the control unit 1710.

[0217] The control unit 1710 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 1720 and control the processing to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit 1710 can control the power supplied to the heater 1750 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1720 to start or end the operation of the heater 1750. As another example, the control unit 1710 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 1750 and the power supply time based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1720 so that the heater 1750 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0218] The control unit 1710 may control the output unit 1730 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 1720. For example, if the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 1726 reaches a preset number, the control unit 1710 may notify the user in advance through at least one of the display unit 1732, the tactile unit 1734, and the sound output unit 1736 that the aerosol generating device 1700 is about to be terminated.

[0219] An embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium that includes instructions executable by a computer (such as a program module executable by a computer). Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer, including all volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. In addition, computer-readable media can include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes all volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media implemented by any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media generally include other data or other transmission mechanisms such as modulated data signals of computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and include any information transmission media.

[0220] The description of the above embodiments is for illustrative purposes only. Persons with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope of equivalence with the contents described in the claims should be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device comprising: a heater that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating article; as well as a first battery for supplying power to the heater, Wherein, the first battery includes an aqueous electrolyte.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, comprising: a holder comprising the heater and the first battery; as well as A bracket includes an internal space for accommodating the holder and includes a second battery for charging the first battery by supplying power to the first battery.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The second battery is a lithium-ion battery.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The aqueous electrolyte includes Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ 、Zn 2+ and Al 3+ One or more polyvalent metal ions in the group consisting of.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The aqueous electrolyte includes one or more metal salts selected from the group consisting of ZnSO4, Zn(CF3SO3)2, Zn(NO3)2, Zn(ClO4)2, ZnCl2, Zn(CH3COO)2, Zn(TFSI)2, Zn(BF4)2·xH2O and Zn(N(CF3SO2)2)2(Zn(TFSI)2).

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The aqueous electrolyte includes a metal salt, and the concentration of the metal salt in the aqueous electrolyte is 1M or greater.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The aqueous electrolyte includes one or more additives selected from the group consisting of zinc trifluoromethanesulfonate, Na2SO4, PAM (polyacrylamide), Et2O (diethyl ether), and DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide).

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The first battery comprises: A positive electrode comprising one or more transition metals selected from manganese and vanadium as a positive electrode active material; and The negative electrode includes zinc as a negative electrode active material.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The aqueous electrolyte includes a positive electrode electrolyte and a negative electrode electrolyte, The first battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator arranged between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The positive electrode electrolyte is circulated from a positive electrode electrolyte tank containing the positive electrode electrolyte to the positive electrode electrolyte tank via the positive electrode, The negative electrode electrolyte circulates from a negative electrode electrolyte tank containing the negative electrode electrolyte to the negative electrode electrolyte tank via the negative electrode.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein: The positive electrode electrolyte includes bromine, and the negative electrode electrolyte includes zinc.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein: The first battery further comprises: a cathode pump that circulates the cathode electrolyte from the cathode electrolyte tank via the cathode to the cathode electrolyte tank; and A negative electrode pump circulates the negative electrode electrolyte from the negative electrode electrolyte tank via the negative electrode to the negative electrode electrolyte tank.

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