Aerosol-generating device comprising heater

Abstract

In some embodiments, an aerosol-generating device may include a chamber configured to contain an aerosol-generating material; a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating material; and a core material configured to transfer the aerosol-generating material from the chamber to the heater, where the heater comprises: a substrate comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a side extending between the first end and the second end, where the core material is configured to transfer the aerosol-generating material from the chamber to the heater, where the core material is configured to transfer the aerosol-generating material from the chamber to the heater, where the heater comprises: a substrate comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a side extending between the first end and the second end, the base plate comprises an outer surface at least partially facing the cavity and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface; and a plurality of metal particles provided on the inner surface and configured to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an aerosol-generating device, for example, to an aerosol-generating device including a heater. Background Art

[0002] Technologies are being developed to introduce airflow into aerosol-generating articles to provide atomization performance. For example, aerosol-generating devices are being developed that generate aerosol from aerosol-generating articles in a non-combustion manner. The above description is based on information obtained during the development of the present disclosure or information already available at the time, and is not necessarily known prior to the filing of this application. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical problems to be solved One aspect of the present disclosure may provide a heater for improving light utilization efficiency and ensuring thermal stability. Another aspect of the present disclosure may provide a heater for increasing the contact area with an aerosol-generating material. Another aspect of the present disclosure may provide a heater that can be used semi-permanently. Another aspect of the present disclosure may provide an aerosol-generating device including a heater.

[0004] Technical solutions to the problem An aerosol-generating device may include: a chamber configured to contain an aerosol-generating material; a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating material; and a core material configured to transfer the aerosol-generating material from the chamber to the heater, wherein the heater includes: a substrate including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a side extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the substrate includes an outer surface at least partially facing the chamber and an inner surface opposite the outer surface; and a plurality of metal particles disposed on the inner surface and configured to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance.

[0005] The chamber may include a first reservoir and a second reservoir disposed along a perimeter of the exterior face.

[0006] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a first airflow channel defined between the first reservoir and the second reservoir.

[0007] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a second airflow channel defined between the first reservoir and the second reservoir, wherein the second airflow channel may be located opposite the first airflow channel relative to the substrate.

[0008] The first end may include a closed surface.

[0009] The second end may include an opening.

[0010] The heater may be configured to be separate from the chamber.

[0011] The aerosol generating device may further comprise an optical fibre connected to the second end portion.

[0012] The heater may further include an absorbent layer disposed on or over the exterior face.

[0013] The heater may further include a reflective layer disposed on or above the exterior face.

[0014] The heater may further include a heat transfer plate disposed between the substrate and the core material.

[0015] The heater may extend beyond an end boundary of the chamber.

[0016] The core material may extend along the exterior face.

[0017] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a cartridge comprising the chamber.

[0018] The aerosol-generating material may comprise a liquid composition.

[0019] Effects of the Invention According to one embodiment, the amount of aerosol generated can be increased. According to one embodiment, the heater can be detachably coupled to the cigarette cartridge, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the cigarette cartridge. The effects of the aerosol generating device including the heater according to one embodiment are not limited to the effects mentioned above. Other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent through the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2 FIG2 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 3 FIG2 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 51 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the main body and the cigarette cartridge of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 6 FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a first container of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 7 4 is a bottom perspective view of a first container of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 8 4 is a cross-sectional view of a first container of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 9 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a first container and a second container of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 10 4 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling between the first container and the second container of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 11 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an airflow channel of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 12 FIG2 is a diagram illustrating a cross section of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 13 FIG2 is a diagram showing a plane of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 14 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a partial cross section of a heater according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0036] In the following description, the suffixes “module” and “section” used for constituent elements are given or used interchangeably for the convenience of describing the specification, and do not have different meanings or functions by themselves.

[0037] Furthermore, when describing the embodiments, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology would unnecessarily obscure the embodiments, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and the technical concepts disclosed herein are not limited thereto but should be understood to include all variations, equivalents, or alternatives within the scope of the concepts and technologies disclosed herein.

[0038] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" or "second" can be used to describe various components, however, the components are not limited by the above terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components.

[0039] When a component is described as being “connected” or “coupled” to another component, it can be directly connected or attached to the other component, but it can also be understood that there are other components between them. Conversely, when a component is described as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another component, it can be understood that there are no other components between them.

[0040] Unless otherwise specified in the context, a singular expression includes a plural meaning.

[0041] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17 and at least one heater 18, 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to Figure 1 It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the aerosol generating device 1 can be omitted or modified according to different designs. Figure 1 Some of the components shown may be further added.

[0043] The sensor 13 can detect the state of the aerosol generating device 1 or the surrounding state of the aerosol generating device 1 and transmit the detected information to the control unit 12. The control unit 12 can control the aerosol generating device 1 to perform other functions based on the detected information, such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, restricting smoking, determining whether to insert the stick S and / or the cartridge 19, displaying notifications, etc.

[0044] The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 131 , a puff sensor 132 , an insertion detection sensor 133 , a reuse detection sensor 134 , a cartridge detection sensor 135 , a cover detection sensor 136 , and a motion detection sensor 137 .

[0045] The temperature sensor 131 can detect the heating temperature of the heater 24 and / or heater 18. The aerosol generating device 1 can include a separate temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 itself can be used as a temperature sensor.

[0046] The temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistive element, the resistance value of which changes in response to changes in the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The temperature sensor 131 can be implemented by a thermistor, etc., which is an element that utilizes the characteristic that resistance changes with temperature. At this time, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 can be configured as a sensor for detecting the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. At this time, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0047] The temperature sensor 131 may be arranged around the power supply 11 to monitor the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor 131 may be provided near the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one side of a battery serving as the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0048] The temperature sensor 131 may be provided inside the main body 10 to sense the internal temperature of the main body 10 .

[0049] The puff sensor 132 can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1 can correspond to the pressure in the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 can be provided corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0050] The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the rod S. The insertion detection sensor 133 can sense a signal change based on the insertion and / or removal of the rod S. The insertion detection sensor 133 can be installed near the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 133 can sense the insertion and / or removal of the rod S based on a change in the dielectric constant within the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 133 can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitive sensor.

[0051] An inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be positioned near the insertion space. For example, when the magnetic field around the coil changes, the properties of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. The properties of the current flowing through the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, and the like.

[0052] An inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the properties of the current flowing through the coil. For example, an inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0053] The capacitive sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitive sensor may be arranged near the insertion space. The capacitive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic properties of the surrounding environment (e.g., the capacitance around the conductor). For example, when a rod S including a metal casing is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic properties around the conductor may be altered by the casing of the rod S.

[0054] The reuse detection sensor 134 can sense whether the stick S has been reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 can be a color sensor. The color sensor can sense the color of the stick S. The color sensor can sense the color of a portion of the outer packaging of the stick S. The color sensor can detect the value of an optical characteristic corresponding to the color of the object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic can be the wavelength of light. The color sensor can be implemented as a single component together with the proximity sensor, or as a separate component from the proximity sensor.

[0055] At least a portion of the packaging material comprising the stick S may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be positioned corresponding to the location where at least a portion of the packaging material changes color due to the aerosol when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before a user uses the stick S, at least a portion of the packaging material may be a first color. In this case, when the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device 1 passes through the stick S, at least a portion of the packaging material may become wetted by the aerosol, and the color of at least a portion of the packaging material may change to a second color. Furthermore, after changing from the first color to the second color, the color of at least a portion of the packaging material may remain at the second color.

[0056] The cartridge detection sensor 135 may sense the insertion and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge detection sensor 135 may be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, or a Hall IC sensor utilizing the Hall effect.

[0057] The lid detection sensor 136 can sense the installation and / or removal of the lid. When the lid is removed from the main body 10, the cigarette cartridge 19 and a portion of the main body 10 covered by the lid may be exposed to the outside. The lid detection sensor 136 can be implemented as a contact sensor, a Hall effect sensor (Hall IC), an optical sensor, etc.

[0058] The motion detection sensor 137 may sense the motion of the aerosol generating device 1. The motion detection sensor 137 may be implemented by at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0059] In addition to the aforementioned sensors ( 131 to 137 ), the sensor 13 may also include at least one of a humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), and a proximity sensor. Since those skilled in the art can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from its name, a detailed description is omitted.

[0060] The output unit 14 can output status information about the aerosol generating device 1 to the user. The output unit 14 can include at least one of a display 141, a tactile unit 142, and a sound output unit 143, but is not limited thereto. When the display 141 and the touchpad are stacked to form a touch screen, the display 141 can function not only as an output device but also as an input device.

[0061] The display 141 can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 1 can include various information, such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1, the preheating status of the heater 18, the insertion / removal status of the wand S and / or the cigarette cartridge 19, the installation / removal status of the cap, or the use restriction status of the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., detection of an abnormality). The display 141 can output this information externally. For example, the display 141 can be an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display 141 can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like.

[0062] The tactile portion 142 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimulation to provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generating device 1. For example, when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 for a set period of time, the tactile portion 142 can generate vibrations corresponding to the completion of initial preheating. For example, the tactile portion 142 can include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0063] The sound output unit 143 can provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1 through sound. For example, the sound output unit 143 can convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

[0064] The power source 11 can provide the power required to operate the aerosol-generating device 1. The power source 11 can provide power to heat the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. Furthermore, the power source 11 can provide power to operate other components of the aerosol-generating device 1 (e.g., the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17). The power source 11 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source 11 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0065] although Figure 1 Not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power source 11 and may include a switching element.

[0066] The power protection circuit can cut off the electrical path of the power supply 11 under predetermined conditions. For example, when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is greater than or equal to a first voltage corresponding to overcharge, the power protection circuit can cut off the electrical path of the power supply 11. For example, when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is less than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge, the power protection circuit can cut off the electrical path of the power supply 11.

[0067] The heater 18 may receive power from the power source 11 to heat the medium or aerosol generating material in the rod S. Figure 10 Although not shown, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the power source 11 and supplies it to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. Furthermore, when the aerosol generating device 1 uses induction heating to generate aerosol, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a DC / AC converter to convert the direct current from the power source 11 into alternating current.

[0068] The control unit 12, the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17 can receive power from the power supply 11 to realize their functions. Figure 1 Although not shown in the figure, a power conversion circuit, such as a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power of the power supply 11 and supplies it to each component may also be included. Figure 10Although not shown, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter may be a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and at least one capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter can prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13, such as the insertion detection sensor 133.

[0069] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 can be made of any suitable resistive material. For example, suitable resistive materials can include metals or metal alloys such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nickel-chromium, etc., but are not limited thereto. Furthermore, the heater 18 can be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate provided with a conductive track, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0070] In another embodiment, the heater 18 may be an induction heater. For example, the heater 18 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil, thereby heating the aerosol-generating substance.

[0071] The input unit 15 can receive information input by the user and can also output information to the user. For example, the input unit 15 can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor for sensing touch. For example, the touch sensor can include a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0072] The display 141 and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display 141 (eg, an on-cell type or an in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added to the display 141 (eg, an add-on type).

[0073] In addition, the input unit 15 may include a button, a keyboard, a dome switch, a roller, a roller switch, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0074] Memory 17 is hardware that stores various data processed by the aerosol generating device 1. It can store data processed by the control unit 12 and data to be processed. Memory 17 is at least one storage medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory, hard disk memory, multimedia card micro memory, card-type memory (such as SD or 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 17 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0075] The communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 16 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0076] The short-range wireless communication unit 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, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an ultra wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0077] The wireless communication part may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication part, an Internet communication part, a computer network (eg, LAN or WAN) communication part, and the like.

[0078] although Figure 1Not shown, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and can be connected to other external devices via the USB interface to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0079] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as a plurality of logic gate arrays or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory, wherein the memory stores programs executable by the microprocessor. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the at least one processor may be other forms of hardware.

[0080] The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the power supply from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 sensed by the temperature sensor 131. The control unit 12 can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the target temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature curve stored in the memory 17.

[0081] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) located between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 and electrically connected to the power supply 11. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, heater 18, or an induction coil (not shown). The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented using a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 12 may control the power supply circuit.

[0082] The control unit 12 can control the power supply by controlling the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit can be an inverter that converts the direct current output by the power source 11 into alternating current. For example, the inverter can be configured as a half-bridge circuit or a full-bridge circuit including multiple switching elements.

[0083] The control unit 12 can turn on the switching element to supply power from the power supply 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The control unit 12 can turn off the switching element to cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The control unit 12 can adjust the current supplied from the power supply 11 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty cycle of the current pulses input to the switching element.

[0084] The control unit 12 can control the voltage output from the power supply 11 by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck converter for reducing the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented by a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.

[0085] Control unit 12 can adjust the voltage level output by the power conversion circuit by controlling the on / off operation of a switching element included in the power conversion circuit. When the switching element is in the on state, the voltage level output by the power conversion circuit can correspond to the voltage level output by power supply 11. The duty cycle of the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the voltage output by the power conversion circuit to the voltage output by power supply 11. As the duty cycle of the on / off operation of the switching element decreases, the voltage level output by the power conversion circuit can decrease. Heater 18 can heat based on the voltage output by the power conversion circuit.

[0086] The control portion 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) scheme.

[0087] For example, the control portion 12 may control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied using a PWM scheme to the heater 18. The control portion 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 18 by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0088] For example, the control unit 12 may determine a target temperature, i.e., a control target, based on the temperature curve. The control unit 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 18 using a PID scheme, which is a feedback control scheme using a difference between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

[0089] The control unit 12 can prevent the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to stop supplying power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeding a preset temperature limit. For example, the control unit 12 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 by a predetermined proportion based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeding a preset temperature limit. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge 19 is exhausted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeding the temperature limit and cut off the power to the cartridge heater 24.

[0090] The control unit 12 may control the charge and discharge of the power source 11. The control unit 12 may confirm the temperature of the power source 11 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0091] When the power cord is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device 1, the control unit 12 can confirm whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is greater than or equal to a first temperature limit, which is a criterion for cutting off the charging of the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is less than the first temperature limit, the control unit 12 can control the power supply 11 to charge according to a preset charging current. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is greater than or equal to the first temperature limit, the control unit 12 can cut off the charging of the power supply 11.

[0092] When the aerosol generating device 1 is powered on, the control unit 12 can determine whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is greater than or equal to a second temperature limit, which serves as a criterion for shutting off the power supply 11 from discharging. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is less than the second temperature limit, the control unit 12 can control the use of the power stored in the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is greater than or equal to the second temperature limit, the control unit 12 can stop using the power stored in the power supply 11.

[0093] The control portion 12 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source 11. For example, the control portion 12 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power source 11 based on the voltage of the power source 11 and / or the sensed current value.

[0094] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor 133. The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S is inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor 133. When it is determined that the stick S is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0095] The control unit 12 can determine whether the rod S has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the rod S has been removed from the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, when the temperature of the heater 18 is greater than or equal to the temperature limit, or when the temperature gradient of the heater 18 is greater than or equal to a set gradient, the control unit 12 can determine that the rod S has been removed from the insertion space. If it is determined that the rod S has been removed from the insertion space, the control unit 12 can cut off power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0096] The control unit 12 can control the duration and / or amount of power supplied to the heater 18 based on the state of the rod S sensed by the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can identify a level range encompassing the capacitance sensor signal level based on a lookup table. The control unit 12 can determine the moisture content in the rod S based on the identified level range.

[0097] When the rod S is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 12 may increase the preheating time of the rod S relative to the case where the rod S is in a normal state by controlling the power supply time of the heater 18 .

[0098] The control unit 12 can use the reuse detection sensor 134 to determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space has been reused. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensed value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor 134 with a first reference range including a first color. When the sensed value falls within the first reference range, the control unit 12 determines that the stick S has not been used. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensed value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor 134 with a second reference range including a second color. When the sensed value falls within the second reference range, the control unit 12 determines that the stick S has been used. If it is determined that the stick S has been used, the control unit 12 can cut off power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0099] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cigarette cartridge 19 is coupled and / or removed through the cigarette cartridge detection sensor 135. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the cigarette cartridge 19 is coupled and / or removed based on the sensed value of the signal of the cigarette cartridge detection sensor 135.

[0100] The control unit 12 can determine whether the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 is depleted. For example, the control unit 12 can preheat the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a temperature limit during the preheating period. The control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 is depleted when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the temperature limit. When it is determined that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 is depleted, the control unit 12 can cut off power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0101] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cigarette cartridge 19 is usable. For example, when the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs in the cigarette cartridge 19 set based on the data stored in the memory 17, the control unit 12 can determine that the cigarette cartridge 19 is unusable. For example, when the total heating time of the heater 24 is greater than or equal to a preset maximum time, or when the total power supplied to the heater 24 is greater than or equal to a preset maximum power, the control unit 12 can determine that the cigarette cartridge 19 is unusable.

[0102] The control unit 12 can determine the user's inhalation using the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether a puff has occurred based on the sensed value of the signal from the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensed value of the signal from the puff sensor 132. When the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or when no puff is detected for a preset time, the control unit 12 can cut off power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0103] The control portion 12 may determine whether the cap is put on and / or taken off through the cap detection sensor 136. For example, the control portion 12 may determine whether the cap is put on and / or taken off based on a sensed value of a signal of the cap detection sensor 136.

[0104] The control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the sensing results of the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 132 reaches a preset number, the control unit 12 can notify the user of the imminent end of the aerosol generating device 1 through at least one of the display 141, the tactile unit 142, and the sound output unit 143. For example, the control unit 12 can notify the user through the output unit 14 based on a determination that the stick S is not in the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can notify the user through the output unit 14 based on a determination that the cigarette cartridge 19 and / or the lid are not installed. For example, the control unit 12 can provide the user with information about the temperature of the cigarette cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 through the output unit 14.

[0105] Based on the occurrence of predetermined events, the control unit 12 can store and update a history of the events in the memory 17. These events may include detecting the insertion of a stick S, starting heating of the stick S, detecting a puff, ending a puff, detecting overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, detecting overvoltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, ending heating of the stick S, turning the power supply of the aerosol generating device 1 on / off, starting charging of the power supply 11, detecting overcharging of the power supply 11, ending charging of the power supply 11, and the like. These operations are performed by the aerosol generating device 1. The history of events may include the date and time of the event, log data corresponding to the event, and the like. For example, if the predetermined event is detecting the insertion of a stick S, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensed value of the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, if the predetermined event is detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the current flowing in the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, etc.

[0106] The control unit 12 can control the formation of a communication link with an external device (e.g., a user's mobile terminal). Upon receiving authentication data from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 12 can remove usage restrictions on at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. The authentication data can include data indicating that user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device has been completed. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether the user data is valid based on the user's date of birth, a unique number identifying the user, or the like, and receive permission data for using the aerosol generating device 1 from an external server. Based on the permission data, the external device can transmit data indicating the completion of user authentication to the aerosol generating device 1. In response to the completion of user authentication, the control unit 12 can remove usage restrictions on at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, in response to the completion of user authentication, the control unit 12 can remove usage restrictions on the heating function for supplying power to the heater 18.

[0107] The control unit 12 can transmit the status data of the aerosol generating device 1 to the external device via a communication link with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generating device 1, the operating mode, etc. through the display of the external device.

[0108] The external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generating device 1 based on an input initiating a search for the location of the aerosol generating device 1. Upon receiving the location search request from the external device, the control unit 12 may control at least one output device to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit 142 may generate vibrations in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 may output objects corresponding to the location search and the end of the search in response to the location search request.

[0109] When firmware data is received from an external device, the control unit 12 may control the execution of a firmware update. The external device may check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device 1 and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. When an input requesting a firmware download is received, the external device may receive the new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generating device 1. When the new version of the firmware data is received, the control unit 12 may control the update of the firmware of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0110] The control unit 12 can transmit the sensed value data of at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 16, receive a learning model generated by learning the sensed values ​​through machine learning (e.g., deep learning) from the external server, and store the learned model. The control unit 12 can use the learning model received from the external server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile. The control unit 12 can store the sensed value data of at least one sensor 13 and data used for training an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 can store a database of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 1, weights forming the ANN structure, and bias. The control unit 12 can generate at least one learning model that learns the sensed value of at least one sensor 13, the user's inhalation pattern, the temperature profile, and other data stored in the memory 17, and use it to determine the user's inhalation pattern and generate the temperature profile.

[0111] Figure 2 and Figure 3 1 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3The aerosol generating device 1 may include a main body 10 and a cigarette cartridge 19. The aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, and a sensor 13. At least one of the power supply 11, the control unit 12, and the sensor 13 may be disposed within the main body 10. The cigarette cartridge 19 is an aerosol generating product that can be mounted on the main body 10. A user may place a mouthpiece disposed at one end of the cigarette cartridge 19 in their mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0113] The cartridge 19 can contain an aerosol-generating material in any of liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel states within the internal chamber C0. The aerosol-generating material can include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material.

[0114] The cigarette cartridge 19 is detachably coupled to the main body 10. The cigarette cartridge 19 can be inserted into the main body 10 to be mounted on the main body 10.

[0115] The body 10 may be formed into a structure in which external air can be introduced into the interior of the body 10 when the cartridge 19 is inserted into the body 10. At this time, the external air introduced into the body 10 may pass through the cartridge 19 and flow into the user's mouth through the airflow channel CN.

[0116] The cigarette cartridge 19 may include a chamber C0 containing an aerosol-generating material and / or a heater 24 for heating the aerosol-generating material in chamber C0. A liquid transfer device 25 impregnated with (containing) the aerosol-generating material may be disposed within chamber C0. The liquid transfer device 25 may include a wick, such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc. The conductive track of the heater 24 may be formed as a coil-like structure wrapped around the liquid transfer device 25 or in contact with one side of the liquid transfer device 25. The heater 24 may be referred to as a cigarette cartridge heater.

[0117] The cigarette cartridge 19 can generate aerosol. The liquid transfer device 25 can generate aerosol when heated by the cigarette cartridge heater 24. The generated aerosol can be inhaled into the user's mouth through the air flow channel CN.

[0118] The air flow channel CN ​​can be provided in the cigarette cartridge 19, and the air flow channel CN ​​can be connected to the chamber C1 (see Figure 3 ) and the outside of the cigarette cartridge 19. One end of the airflow channel CN ​​can lead to the chamber C1 where the heater 24 is placed, and the other end can be connected to the mouthpiece 35. For example, referring to Figure 2 , the air flow channel CN ​​can extend from one side of the chamber C0 of the cartridge 19 along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 19. For example, referring to Figure 3The airflow channel CN ​​can pass through the chamber C0 of the cigarette cartridge 10 and extend along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette cartridge 19.

[0119] The power supply 11 can provide power to the various components of the aerosol generating device 1. The power supply 11 can be called a battery. The power supply 11 can supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the cartridge heater 24.

[0120] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. The control unit 12 can be mounted on a PCB. The control unit 12 can control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11, the sensor 13, and the cigarette cartridge 19. The control unit 12 can also control the operation of the display, motor, and other components installed in the aerosol generating device 1. The control unit 12 can verify the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 1 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state.

[0121] The control unit 12 can analyze the sensing results obtained by the sensor 13 and control subsequent processes to be executed. For example, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 based on the sensing results obtained by the sensor 13 to start or end the operation of the cartridge heater 24. For example, the control unit 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and the duration of power supply based on the sensing results obtained by the sensor 13 so that the cartridge heater 24 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at a desired temperature.

[0122] The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and a motion detection sensor. For example, the sensor 13 may sense at least one of the temperature of the cartridge heater 24, the temperature of the power supply 11, and the temperature inside or outside the main body 10. For example, the sensor 13 may sense a user's puff. For example, the sensor 13 may sense whether the cartridge 19 is installed. For example, the sensor 13 may sense movement of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0123] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] Reference Figure 4 The aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body 10 and a cartridge 19. The cartridge 19 may include a first container 20 and a second container 30. The cartridge 19 may be coupled to the main body 10.

[0125] The main body 10 may house a power supply 11 and a control unit 12. The power supply 11 may provide power required to operate the components. The power supply 11 may be referred to as a battery 11. The control unit 12 may control the operation of the components.

[0126] The first container 20 may provide a first chamber C1 therein. The first container 20 may be provided with a core material 25. The core material 25 may be provided in the first chamber C1. The upper end of the core material 25 may protrude from the first chamber C1 toward the upper side of the first container 20.

[0127] The first container 20 may be provided with a heater 2531. The heater 2531 may be disposed in the first chamber C1. The heater 2531 may heat the core material 25. The heater 2531 may be attached to the core material 25. The first container 20 may be provided with a terminal 223 therein. The terminal 223 may be exposed at the bottom of the first container 20. The terminal 223 may be electrically connected to the heater 2531. The first container 20 may be referred to as a lower container 20 or a heating module 20.

[0128] The first container 20 may be provided with a first air flow inlet 241 formed when the first chamber C1 is opened. The first container 20 may be provided with a first air flow outlet 242 formed when the first chamber C1 is opened.

[0129] The second container 30 may have a second chamber C2 disposed therein. The second container 30 may store liquid in the second chamber C2. The second container 30 may have an airflow discharge channel 340. Both ends 341 and 342 of the airflow discharge channel 340 may be open. The airflow discharge channel 340 may be separated from the second chamber C2. The second container 30 may be referred to as an upper container 30 or a liquid storage portion 30.

[0130] The suction nozzle 35 may be coupled to the upper side of the second container 30. The suction nozzle 35 may cover the upper portion of the second container 30. The suction nozzle 35 may be provided with a second airflow outlet 354 therein. The second airflow outlet 354 may be communicated with the other end 342 of the airflow discharge channel 340.

[0131] The first container 20 may be coupled to the main body 10. The first container 20 may be inserted into the interior of the main body 10. When the first container 20 is coupled to the main body 10, the heater 2531 may be electrically connected to the power source 11 through the terminal 223. The heater 2531 may generate heat by receiving power from the power source 11. The heater 2531 may be a resistive heater.

[0132] The second container 30 may be coupled to an upper side of the first container 20. Coupling the second container 30 to the first container 20 may include directly coupling the second container 30 to the first container 20, and coupling the second container 30 to the body 10 and thereby indirectly coupling to the first container 20.

[0133] When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, the second container 30 can supply the stored liquid to the core material 25. The core material 25 can receive and absorb the liquid from the second container 30. The heater 2531 can generate aerosol in the first chamber C1 by heating the core material 25 that has absorbed the liquid.

[0134] The main body 10 may have an open side, thereby providing a second air flow inlet 141. When the first container 20 is coupled to the main body 10, the first air flow inlet 241 may be connected to the second air flow inlet 141. When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, one end 341 of the air flow discharge channel 340 may be connected to the first air flow outlet 242. In this way, a channel for air flow can be formed. The user can inhale air while holding the nozzle 35 in the mouth. When the user inhales air, external air can pass through the second air flow inlet 141, the first air flow inlet 241, the first chamber C1, the first air flow outlet 242, the air flow discharge channel 340 and the second air flow outlet 354 in sequence and be provided to the user. The air can flow together with the aerosol generated in the first chamber C1.

[0135] Therefore, the first container 20 and the second container 30 can be replaced independently of each other. For example, the consumption cycle of the liquid stored in the second container 30 and the appropriate replacement cycle of the first container 20 can be different, and the user can replace only the second container 30 or only the first container 20. For example, the consumption cycle of the liquid stored in the second container 30 can be shorter than the appropriate replacement cycle of the first container 20, and the first container 20 can be replaced only once while the second container 30 can be replaced multiple times. This allows the first container 20 to be used for a longer period of time and reduces the cost of replacing cigarette cartridges.

[0136] Figure 5 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the main body and the cigarette cartridge of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] Reference Figure 5 , the first container 20 is detachably coupled to the main body 10. The first coupler 151 detachably couples the first container 20 and the main body 10. For example, the first coupler 151 may include a hook groove 225 and a hook 125 detachably fastened to the hook groove 225. The hook 125 may be formed of a material such as rubber or silicone and may function as a seal between the main body and the first container 20 around the second airflow inlet 141. As another example, the first coupler 151 may couple the first container 20 and the main body 10 using magnetic force.

[0138] The second container 30 is detachably coupled to the first container 20. The second container 30 may be coupled to the upper side of the first container 20. The second container 30 may be coupled to the main body 10, thereby indirectly coupling to the first container 20. The second coupler 152 detachably couples the second container 30 and the main body 10. For example, the second coupler 152 may include a hook groove 325 and a hook 125 detachably fastened to the hook groove 325. As another example, the second coupler 152 may couple the second container 30 and the main body 10 using magnetic force.

[0139] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a first container of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 7 4 is a bottom perspective view of a first container of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0140] Reference Figure 6 The first container 20 may include a case 21, a core material 25 and a heater 2531 (see Figure 7 The housing 21 may include a first housing 22 and a second housing 23 .

[0141] The second housing 23 may be coupled to the upper side of the first housing 22. The first housing 22 may be open upward and may have a space 224 to form a first chamber C1. The second housing 23 may be open downward and may have a space 234 to form the first chamber C1. The first and second housings 22, 23 may be coupled vertically to form the first chamber C1 therein.

[0142] The terminal 223 may be fixed to the bottom of the first housing 22 and exposed at a lower portion of the first housing 22. The terminal 223 may protrude upward from the first housing 22 to the first cavity C1. A pair of terminals 223 may be provided to be horizontally spaced apart from each other.

[0143] The first air flow inlet 241 may be formed at the bottom of the first housing 22. A plurality of first air flow inlets 241 may be formed to form a multi-hole shape. The first air flow inlet 241 may be spaced apart from the terminal 223 in the horizontal direction. The first air flow inlet 241 may be formed to open the lateral wall of the first housing 22 and / or the side wall of the second housing 23.

[0144] The housing 21 may be provided with a component of the first coupler 151. For example, the hook groove 225 may be formed as a depression in the lower periphery of the first housing 22. As another example, the hook 125 may be formed as a protrusion in the lower periphery of the first housing 22. As another example, the first housing 21 may be provided with a magnet or a ferromagnetic body.

[0145] The first airflow outlet 242 may be formed on an upper wall of the second housing 23. As another example, the first airflow outlet 242 may be formed on a side wall of the second housing 23. The first airflow outlet 242 may be formed at a position facing the first airflow inlet 241.

[0146] The liquid inlet 235 may be formed on the upper wall of the second housing 23. The liquid inlet 235 may be formed on the upper side of the first chamber C1. The liquid inlet 235 may be separated from the second airflow outlet 242. The liquid inlet 235 may be formed on one side of the upper wall of the second housing 23, while the second airflow outlet 242 may be formed on the other side of the upper wall of the second housing 23. The liquid inlet 235 may be formed on the side corresponding to the terminal 223 and the supporter 227, while the first airflow outlet 242 may be formed on the side corresponding to the first airflow inlet 241.

[0147] The core 25 may include a first core portion 251 and a second core portion 252. The first core portion 251 may be disposed in the first cavity C1 between the first shell 22 and the second shell 23. A lower edge of the first core portion 252 may be supported by the support 227.

[0148] The second core portion 252 may protrude upward from the first core portion 251. The second core portion 252 may be exposed to the outside of the first chamber C1 through the liquid inlet 235. The second core portion 252 may protrude upward through the liquid inlet 235 and the first core sealing portion 265.

[0149] Reference Figure 7 The heater 2531 may be coupled to the first core portion 251. The heater 2531 may heat the first core portion 251. First terminals 2533 formed at both ends of the heater 2531 may contact the second terminal 223 and electrically connect the heater 2531 to the second terminal 223.

[0150] The support member 227 may protrude upward from the bottom of the first housing 22. The support member 227 may be formed around the terminal 223. The support member 227 may be provided in plurality and arranged around the terminal 223. The support member 227 may include a first support member 227a and a second support member 227b. The first support member 227a and the second support member 227b may be provided in an area corresponding to the lower edge of the first core portion 251.

[0151] The first support member 227a and the second support member 227b may be spaced apart from each other. The second support member 227b may be formed at a position adjacent to the first air flow inlet 242. The second support member 227b may be formed between the terminal 223 and the first air flow inlet 241. The second support member 227b may be formed in a pair. The pair of second support members 227b may be spaced apart from each other to form a first gap 227c therebetween. The first support member 227a and the second support member 227b may be spaced apart from each other to form a second gap 227d therebetween.

[0152] The seal 26 may be coupled to the upper side of the first container 20. The sealing plate 261 of the seal 26 may cover the upper surface of the housing 21. The seal 26 may be formed of an elastic material. For example, the seal 26 may be formed of rubber or silicone.

[0153] The seal 26 may include a first core material sealing portion 265. The first core material sealing portion 265 may be formed by opening the sealing plate 261 at a position corresponding to the liquid inlet 235. The first core material sealing portion 265 may form an inner peripheral surface of the sealing plate 261. The first core material sealing portion 265 may have a shape corresponding to the peripheral surface 235a surrounding the liquid inlet 235. The first core material sealing portion 265 may protrude downward from the sealing plate 261 and be in close contact with the inner side of the peripheral surface 235a of the liquid inlet 235. The second core material portion 252 may protrude toward the upper side of the liquid inlet 235 through the first core material sealing portion 265.

[0154] The seal 26 may include a second core material sealing portion 262. The second core material sealing portion 262 may protrude downward from the lower surface of the sealing plate 261. The second core material sealing portion 262 may be formed on the lower side of the first core material sealing portion 265, or may be formed on the lower side around the first core material sealing portion 265. The second core material sealing portion 262 may extend along the periphery of the first core material sealing portion 265.

[0155] The seal 26 may include sealing walls 266, 267 that protrude upward from the upper surface of the sealing plate 261. The sealing walls 266, 267 may surround the liquid inlet 235 and the first core material sealing portion 265. The sealing walls 266, 267 may extend along the periphery of the first core material sealing portion 265 to form a periphery. The sealing walls 266, 267 may be formed in a plurality. For example, the sealing walls 266, 267 may include a first sealing wall 266 adjacent to the first core material sealing portion 265 and a second sealing wall 267 spaced outward from the first sealing wall 266. The second sealing wall 267 may protrude upward to be higher than the first sealing wall 266. The second sealing wall 267 may surround the first sealing wall 266.

[0156] The seal 26 may include an airflow sealing portion 268. The airflow sealing portion 268 may surround the first airflow outlet 242. The airflow sealing portion 268 may protrude upward from the upper surface of the sealing plate 261. The second sealing wall 267 may protrude higher than the airflow sealing portion 268. The airflow sealing portion 268 may be formed on the outer sides of the sealing walls 266 and 267.

[0157] The core material 25 can be formed into a porous rigid body that absorbs liquid. For example, the core material 25 can be formed of porous ceramics. The core material 25 can have stronger rigidity or heat resistance than a cotton core.

[0158] Therefore, the core material 25 can be realized in a shape that is not deformed or has a small deformation as well as various shapes. In addition, the durability of the core material 25 can be improved, and the replacement cycle of the first container 20 provided with the core material 25 can be increased.

[0159] The first core portion 251 may extend horizontally to one side. The first core portion 251 may have a hexahedron shape. The upper surface of the first core portion 251 may be formed horizontally. The lower surface of the first core portion 251 may be formed horizontally. The side surface of the first core portion 251 may be formed between the upper periphery and the lower periphery to define the periphery of the first core portion 251. The side surface of the first core portion 251 may be referred to as the peripheral surface of the first core portion 251.

[0160] The second core material portion 252 may protrude upward from the center of the upper surface of the first core material portion 251. The second core material portion 252 may extend in a horizontal direction. The second core material portion 252 may have a hexahedron shape. The upper surface of the second core material portion 252 may be formed horizontally. The lower surface of the second core material portion 252 may be formed horizontally. The lower surface of the second core material portion 252 may overlap with the upper surface of the first core material portion 251. The side surface of the second core material portion 252 may be formed between the upper periphery and the lower periphery to define the periphery of the second core material portion 252. The side surface of the second core material portion 252 may be referred to as the peripheral surface of the second core material portion 252.

[0161] The first core portion 251 may be larger than the second core portion 252. The perimeter of the upper surface of the first core portion 251 may be larger than the perimeter of the upper surface of the second core portion 252. The height of the first core portion 251 may be greater than the height of the second core portion 252. The length of the first core portion 251 may be greater than the length of the second core portion 252. The width of the first core portion 251 may be greater than the width of the second core portion 252.

[0162] The first core portion 251 may further protrude a certain width horizontally outward from the lower surface of the second core portion 252. The second core portion 252 may protrude from the inner side of the periphery of the upper surface of the first core portion 251. The periphery of the upper surface of the first core portion 251 may protrude outward from the lower surface of the second core portion 252.

[0163] The heater 2531 may be attached to the first core portion 251. The heater 2531 may form a pattern on the lower surface of the first core portion 251. The heater 2531 may form various patterns in the longitudinal direction of the first core portion 251. Both ends of the heater 2531 may be adjacent to both ends of the first core portion 251.

[0164] A pair of first terminals 2533 may be formed at both ends of the heater 2531. The first terminals 2533 may be coupled to the lower surface of the first core portion 251. The pair of first terminals 2533 may be adjacent to both ends of the first core portion 251. The first terminals 2533 may protrude toward the lower side of the first core portion 251.

[0165] Figure 8 4 is a cross-sectional view of a first container of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0166] Reference Figure 8 , the first air flow inlet 241 can be formed on the lower side of the first chamber C1. The first air flow outlet 242 can be formed on the upper side of the first chamber C1. The first air flow inlet 241 and the first air flow outlet 242 can be formed vertically side by side. The core material 25 can be arranged on the right side of the first chamber C1, and the first air flow inlet 241 and the first air flow outlet 242 can be formed on the left side of the first chamber C1. A first channel CN1 can be formed on the left side of the first chamber C1, and the first air flow inlet 241 and the first air flow outlet 242 are provided on the first channel CN1. Air can enter the first channel CN1 through the first air flow inlet 241 and can be discharged through the first air flow outlet 242.

[0167] The first terminal 2533 contacts the second terminal 223, thereby electrically connecting the heater 2531 and the second terminal 223. The second terminal 223 may support the first terminal 2533 and the lower surface 2513 of the first core portion 251.

[0168] The lower portion of the first core portion 251 may be supported by the support member 227. The upper surface 2511 of the first core portion 251 may be supported by the lower portion of the second housing 23 and / or the second core sealing portion 262 near the liquid inlet 235. The periphery of the side portion 2522 of the second core portion 252 may be supported by the peripheral surface 235a of the liquid inlet 235 and / or the inner surface of the first core sealing portion 265.

[0169] Thus, the core material 25 can be fixed to the first container 20 .

[0170] The support member 227 can separate the first core portion 2511 upward from the bottom of the first chamber C1. The support member 227 can be disposed near the heater 2513. The support member 227 can form gaps 227c and 227d so that the heater 2531 attached to the lower surface 2513 of the first core portion 2511 communicates with the first chamber C1. The support member 227 can open between the first channel CN1 and the heater 2531 to form a first gap 227c.

[0171] The support member 227 may include a first support member 227a and a second support member 227b. The second support member 227b may be disposed closer to the first airflow inlet 241 and the first airflow outlet 242 than the first support member 227a. The first airflow inlet 241 and the first airflow outlet 242 may be adjacent to the left side of the first core portion 251. The first support member 227a may extend along the right side edge between the lower surface 2513 and the side surface 2512 of the first core portion 251. The first support member 227a may support the vicinity of the right side edge between the lower surface 2513 and the side surface 2512 of the first core portion 251. A pair of second support members 227b may support the vicinity of the left vertex of the first core portion 251.

[0172] The pair of second support members 227b may be spaced apart from each other to form a first gap 227c allowing air to flow between the vicinity of the heater 2531 and the first air flow inlet 242. The first support member 227a and the second support member 227b may be spaced apart from each other to form a second gap 227d allowing air to flow between the vicinity of the heater 2531 and the first air flow inlet 242. The first gap 227c and the second gap 227d may be formed near the lower surface 2513 of the first core portion 251.

[0173] Therefore, the aerosol generated by the core material 25 and the surrounding air can pass through the vicinity of the pair of multiple support members 227 and flow smoothly toward the first airflow outlet 242 .

[0174] The first core material sealing portion 265 may be disposed between the peripheral surface 2522 of the second core material portion 252 and the peripheral surface 235a of the liquid inlet 235. The inner peripheral surface of the first core material sealing portion 265 may be in close contact with the peripheral surface 2522 of the second core material portion 252. The first core material sealing portion 265 may seal between the peripheral surface 2522 of the second core material portion 252 and the peripheral surface 235a of the liquid inlet 235.

[0175] The circumference of the upper surface 2511 of the first core portion 251 may be greater than the circumference of the liquid inlet 235. The circumference of the upper surface 2511 of the first core portion 251 may be formed more horizontally outward than the circumference of the liquid inlet 235. The edge portion of the first core portion 251 may absorb liquid leaked between the liquid inlet 235 and the peripheral surface 2522 of the second core portion 252.

[0176] The second core sealing portion 262 may protrude downward from the vicinity of the liquid inlet 235 toward the upper surface 2511 of the first core portion 251. The second core sealing portion 262 may be in close contact with the upper surface 2511 of the first core portion 251. The second core sealing portion 262 may support the upper surface 2511 of the first core portion 251.

[0177] This prevents the liquid supplied from the second container 30 to the core 25 from leaking into the first chamber C1 from between the second core portion 252 and the peripheral surface 235 a of the liquid inlet 235 without being absorbed by the core 25 .

[0178] Figure 9 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a first container and a second container of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a coupling between a first container and a second container of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 11 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an airflow channel of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0179] Reference Figure 9 The second container 30 may include a second chamber C2 for storing liquid. When the second chamber C2 is opened, a liquid outlet 314 may be formed. The liquid outlet 314 may be formed at the lower portion of the second chamber C2. The liquid outlet 314 may be formed as a plurality of holes. The liquid stored in the second chamber C2 may be discharged through the liquid outlet 314.

[0180] The absorption part 316 may block a lower portion of the liquid outlet 314. The absorption part 316 may absorb liquid passing through the liquid outlet 314. For example, the absorption part 316 may be formed of a felt material.

[0181] A bracket 317 may protrude from the vicinity of the liquid outlet 314 toward the lower side of the second container 30. The bracket 317 may surround the lateral periphery of the absorbent portion 316. The absorbent portion 316 may be exposed to the lower side of the second container 30 from the bracket 317. The bracket 317 may secure the absorbent portion 316 to the lower portion of the first container 30. The bracket 317 may support the lower periphery of the absorbent portion 316 in the form of a hook.

[0182] The film can be detachably attached to the lower surface of the absorbent portion 316. The edge of the film can be attached to the underside of the bracket 317. The film can be formed of a waterproof material. The film can prevent liquid from leaking from the absorbent portion 316. Before coupling the second container 30 to the first container 20, the user can remove the film from the absorbent portion 316.

[0183] The lower surface 312 of the second container 30 is recessed upward to form a recessed portion 315. The recessed portion 315 forms a groove that surrounds the bracket 317.

[0184] The second container 30 may be provided with a component of the second coupler 152. For example, the hook groove 325 may be formed by a depression in the outer sidewall of the second container 30. As another example, the hook 125 may be formed by a protrusion from the outer sidewall of the second container 30. As another example, the second container 30 may be provided with a magnet or a ferromagnetic body.

[0185] The second container 30 may provide an airflow discharge channel 340. The airflow discharge channel 340 may be separated from the second chamber C2 by the inner sidewall of the second container 30. The airflow discharge channel 340 may be defined by the outer sidewall and the inner sidewall of the second container 30. Both ends of the airflow discharge channel 340 may be open. One end of the airflow discharge channel 340 may open downward. The other end of the airflow discharge channel 340 may open upward. One end of the airflow discharge channel 340 may be formed to open to the lower surface 312 of the second container 30. The other end of the airflow discharge channel 340 may be connected to a second airflow outlet 354 formed inside the suction nozzle 35. The airflow discharge channel 340 may be referred to as a second channel CN2.

[0186] Reference Figure 10 , the first container 20 is detachably coupled to the main body 10. The first coupler 151 detachably couples the first container 20 and the main body 10. The second container 30 is detachably coupled to the first container 20. The second container 30 can be coupled to the main body 10 through the second coupler 152, thereby indirectly coupling to the first container 20. The second container 30 can be coupled to the upper side of the first container 20.

[0187] When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, the second container 30 can supply liquid to the core material 25. The liquid stored in the second chamber C2 can pass through the liquid outlet 314 and be absorbed into the absorbent portion 316. The absorbent portion 316, having absorbed the liquid, can contact the second core material portion 252 and transfer the liquid. The liquid absorbed into the second core material portion 252 can be diffused into the first core material portion 251. The heater 3531 can generate an aerosol by heating the first core material portion 251 that has absorbed the liquid.

[0188] The seal 26 can seal the vicinity of the liquid inlet 235 where the core material 25 is exposed from the first chamber C1. When the second container 30 is coupled to the upper side of the first container 20, the seal 26 can seal between the first container 20 and the second container 30.

[0189] The sealing walls 266 and 267 may protrude toward the second container 30. The sealing walls 266 and 267 may be in close contact with the second container 30. The sealing walls 266 and 267 may surround the liquid inlet 235.

[0190] Thus, it is possible to prevent the liquid discharged from the second container 30 from leaking into the gap between the first container 20 and the second container 30 .

[0191] The first sealing wall 266 may surround the liquid inlet 235 and the periphery 2522 of the second core material portion 252. The first sealing wall 266 may be in close contact with the lower portion of the second container 30. The first sealing wall 266 may be in close contact with a protrusion formed inside the recessed portion 315. For example, the first sealing wall 266 may be in close contact with the bracket 317. The bracket 317 and the first sealing wall 266 may surround the periphery 2522 of the second core material portion 252. Thus, the bracket 317 may not only fix the absorbent portion 316, but also compress the first sealing wall 266 to seal the second core material portion 252 and the vicinity of the liquid inlet 235.

[0192] The second sealing wall 267 may protrude higher than the first sealing wall 266. The second sealing wall 267 may be disposed horizontally outward from the first sealing wall 266 to wrap the first sealing wall 266. The second sealing wall 267 may be in close contact with the lower portion of the second container 30. The second sealing wall 267 may be inserted into a groove formed by the recessed portion 315 and in close contact with the recessed portion 315.

[0193] Thus, the first sealing wall 266 can seal the second core material portion 252 and the vicinity of the liquid inlet 235. In addition, even if the liquid passes outside the first sealing wall 266, it can be sealed by the second sealing wall 267.

[0194] Reference Figure 11, the first channel CN1 can be formed on the left side of the first chamber C1. The core material 25 and the heater 2531 can be arranged on the right side of the first chamber C1. The first channel CN1 can be provided with a first air flow inlet 241 and a first air flow outlet 242. The first air flow inlet 241 can be formed at one end of the first channel CN1. The first air flow outlet 242 can be formed at the other end of the first channel CN1. The first channel CN1 can be staggered with the core material 25 based on the vertical direction. The core material 25 can be separated from the gap between the first air flow inlet 241 and the second air flow inlet 242. Different from the accompanying drawings, at least one of the first air flow inlet 241 and the first air flow outlet 242 can be formed as a side wall of the first container 20 opening in the first channel CN1.

[0195] When the first container 20 is coupled to the main body 10, a second airflow inlet 141 formed on one side of the main body 10 can communicate with the first airflow inlet 241. The gap between the main body 10 and the first container 20 can be sealed near the second airflow inlet 141. For example, the hook 125 can seal the gap between the main body 10 and the first container 20 near the second airflow inlet 141.

[0196] When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20 , the first airflow outlet 242 can communicate with the lower end of the second channel CN2 . The first channel CN1 and the second channel CN2 can communicate with each other to form a single channel CN. The second channel CN2 can communicate with the second airflow outlet 354 .

[0197] When a user holds the nozzle 35 in their mouth and inhales air, external air can sequentially pass through the second airflow inlet 141, the first channel CN1, the second channel CN2, and the second airflow outlet 354 and be provided to the user. Aerosol can be generated in the first chamber C1 separated from the first channel CN1. The air passing through the first channel CN1 can flow together with the air and aerosol in the first chamber C1 due to the difference in suction and pressure. The air and aerosol can flow into the first channel CN1 through the first gap 227c and the second gap 227d between the support members 227.

[0198] Thus, air can flow only in one side of the first chamber C1 , thereby reducing the size of the channel and reducing or optimizing the size of the aerosol generating device. In addition, the structure of the supporting core 25 can reduce airflow resistance.

[0199] The airflow sealing portion 268 can be in close contact with the lower portion of the second container 30 near the lower end of the second channel CN2. The airflow sealing portion 268 can wrap the lower end of the second channel CN2 and the first airflow outlet 242. The airflow sealing portion 268 can seal between the first container 20 and the second container 30 near the lower end of the airflow discharge channel 340 and the first airflow outlet 242.

[0200] Thus, it is possible to prevent the air passing through the air discharge passage 340 from the first air flow outlet 242 from leaking between the first container 20 and the second container 30 , thereby improving the flow efficiency of the air.

[0201] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "approximately," "generally," and "about" with respect to a given parameter, attribute, or condition can include the extent to which a given parameter, attribute, or condition is met with a small degree of variance as understood by those skilled in the art, such as within an acceptable manufacturing tolerance. For example, a particular parameter that is substantially met can be at least about 90% met, at least about 95% met, or at least about 99% met.

[0202] Figure 12 FIG2 is a diagram illustrating a cross section of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Figure 13 FIG2 is a diagram showing a plane of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Figure 14 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a partial cross section of a heater according to an embodiment.

[0203] Reference Figures 12 to 14 The aerosol generating device 400 may include a housing 410, which may be referred to as a "body." The housing 410 may include a mouth end 411 and a device end (not shown) opposite the mouth end 411. The housing 410 may include a mouthpiece 412. The mouthpiece 412 may be disposed at or adjacent to the mouth end 411. The housing 410 may include an airflow path P leading to the mouthpiece 412.

[0204] The aerosol-generating device 400 may include a chamber 420. The chamber 420 may be configured to be coupled to and / or separate from the housing 410. The chamber 420 may include a first reservoir 421. The first reservoir 421 may contain a first aerosol-generating material M1. The first aerosol-generating material M1 may include a first liquid composition. The chamber 420 may include a second reservoir 422. The second reservoir 422 may contain a second aerosol-generating material M2. The second aerosol-generating material M2 may include a second liquid composition. The first and second liquid compositions may at least partially include the same components. Alternatively, the first and second liquid compositions may include different components.

[0205] The first reservoir 421 and the second reservoir 422 may be arranged along a circumferential direction of the housing 410 (e.g., along a circumferential direction relative to the Z axis). The first reservoir 421 and the second reservoir 422 may be spaced apart from each other. The airflow path P may include a first airflow channel P1 defined on one side of the first reservoir 421 (e.g., Figure 13 A side surface of the second reservoir 422 (eg, a side surface in a clockwise direction relative to the Z axis) Figure 13 The airflow path P may include a second airflow channel P2 located opposite the first airflow channel P1 relative to the axis (e.g., the central axis or the Z axis) of the housing 410. The second airflow channel P2 may be defined on the opposite side of the first reservoir 421 (e.g., Figure 13 ) and the opposite side of the second reservoir 422 (e.g., Figure 13 The first airflow channel P1 and the second airflow channel P2 may be integrated into a single airflow channel leading to the suction nozzle 412.

[0206] In an embodiment not shown, the chamber 420 may include a single reservoir 421 or 422. In an embodiment not shown, the chamber 420 may include three or more reservoirs.

[0207] Aerosol-generating device 400 may include heater 430. Heater 430 may be configured to generate heat through surface plasmon resonance (SPR). "SPR" refers to the collective oscillation of electrons propagating along the interface between metal particles and a medium. For example, the collective oscillation of the metal particle electrons may be induced by light propagating from outside heater 430. The excitation of the metal particle electrons may generate thermal energy, which may be transferred to the environment in which heater 430 is used.

[0208] Heater 430 may include a substrate 431. Substrate 431 may include a first end 431A positioned toward mouth end 411 or suction nozzle 412. First end 431A may be or include a substantially closed surface. First end 431A may substantially prevent light from passing through first end 431A. Substrate 431 may include a second end 431B positioned toward the device end (not shown). Second end 431B may be located opposite first end 431A. Second end 431B may be at least partially open. For example, second end 431B may include an opening 431B1. Substrate 431 may include a side portion 431C extending between first end 431A and second end 431B. First end 431A, second end 431B, and side portion 431C may substantially define the cylindrical shape of substrate 431. Substrate 431 may include an exterior surface F1. At least a portion of outer surface F1 (e.g., an outer side surface) may at least partially face at least one of first reservoir 421 and second reservoir 422. Substrate 431 may include inner surface F2. Inner surface F2 may be located opposite outer surface F1. Inner surface F2 may define a cavity 431D. Cavity 431D may have a substantially cylindrical space.

[0209] Substrate 431 can be made of a variety of materials. For example, substrate 431 can be formed from a metal material (e.g., aluminum), glass, silicon (Si), silicon oxide (SiO2), sapphire, polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, and / or any other suitable material. Substrate 431 can be made from any one of glass, silicon (Si), silicon oxide (SiO2), and sapphire, or a combination thereof. Substrate 431 can be made of a material with a relatively low heat transfer coefficient. This allows heat to be transferred only to a portion of the substrate 431.

[0210] The substrate 431 may be electrically conductive or electrically insulating.

[0211] The substrate 431 may be formed of any material having a thermal conductivity suitable for use in the environment in which the heater 430 is provided. For example, at a pressure of 1 bar and a temperature of 25° C., the substrate 431 may have a thermal conductivity of approximately 0.6 W / mK or less, approximately 1 W / mK to approximately 2 W / mK, approximately 2 W / mK to approximately 5 W / mK, approximately 5 W / mK to approximately 10 W / mK, approximately 10 W / mK to approximately 100 W / mK, or approximately 100 W / mK to approximately 200 W / mK. At a pressure of 1 bar and a temperature of 25° C., the substrate 431 may have a thermal conductivity of approximately 0.6 W / mK or less, approximately 1.3 W / mK or less, approximately 148 W / mK, or approximately 46.06 W / mK.

[0212] The heater 430 may include a metal layer 432 disposed on the inner surface F2. The metal layer 432 may include a plurality of metal particles. Electrons forming the plurality of metal particles may collectively vibrate when receiving light. The excitation of the electrons may generate heat energy.

[0213] The plurality of metal particles may be nanoscale. For example, the average maximum diameter of the plurality of metal particles may be approximately 1 μm or less. The average maximum diameter of the plurality of metal particles may be approximately 700 nm or less, approximately 600 nm or less, approximately 500 nm or less, approximately 400 nm or less, approximately 300 nm or less, approximately 200 nm or less, approximately 150 nm or less, or approximately 100 nm or less.

[0214] The plurality of metal particles may be formed of any material suitable for generating heat. For example, the plurality of metal particles may include at least one of gold, silver, copper, palladium, platinum, aluminum, titanium, nickel, chromium, iron, cobalt, manganese, rhodium, and ruthenium, or a combination thereof.

[0215] The plurality of metal particles can be formed of any material suitable for generating heat by interacting with light in a specific wavelength band (e.g., the visible light wavelength band, i.e., approximately 380 nm to approximately 780 nm). For example, the plurality of metal particles can include at least one of gold, silver, copper, palladium, or platinum, or a combination thereof.

[0216] The plurality of metal particles may be formed from a metal material having an average maximum absorbance. Here, the average maximum absorbance may be defined as the absorbance of a peak value that varies according to the wavelength band of light. The specific wavelength band corresponding to the aforementioned absorbance may be understood as the wavelength band in which the plurality of metal particles resonate. For example, the plurality of metal particles may be formed from a metal material having an average maximum absorbance wavelength band between approximately 430 nm and approximately 450 nm, between approximately 480 nm and approximately 500 nm, between approximately 490 nm and approximately 510 nm, between approximately 500 nm and approximately 520 nm, between approximately 550 nm and approximately 570 nm, between approximately 600 nm and approximately 620 nm, between approximately 620 nm and approximately 640 nm, between approximately 630 nm and approximately 650 nm, between approximately 640 nm and approximately 660 nm, between approximately 680 nm and approximately 700 nm, or between approximately 700 nm and approximately 750 nm. The average maximum absorbance of the plurality of metal particles may vary depending on the type of metal, the type of substrate 431 , the size of the metal layer 432 , and / or the shape of the metal layer 432 .

[0217] The thickness of the metal layer 432 may be less than about 10 nm. When the thickness of the metal layer 432 exceeds 10 nm, the exothermic reaction of the plurality of metal particles forming the metal layer 432 may be reduced, and thus the thermal efficiency of the heater 430 may be reduced.

[0218] The heater 430 may include an absorption layer 433 for absorbing light. The absorption layer 433 may be configured to absorb light that passes through the substrate 431 from the inner surface F2 toward the outer surface F1 of the substrate 431. The absorption layer 433 may improve the light utilization efficiency of the heater 430. The absorption layer 433 may be disposed on or over the outer surface F1. The absorption layer 433 may be disposed over substantially the entire area of ​​the outer surface F1. The absorption layer 433 may be disposed in a localized area (e.g., an outer side surface) of the outer surface F1. The absorption layer 433 may be attached to the outer surface F1. The absorption layer 433 may be spaced apart from the first reservoir 421 and the second reservoir 422. This ensures the safety of the aerosol inhaled by the user. The absorption layer 433 may be composed of a material with a relatively high saturation color (e.g., black). For example, the absorption layer 433 may have a heat resistance of approximately 800°C.

[0219] The heater 430 may include a reflective layer 434. The reflective layer 434 may be configured to reflect light passing through the substrate 431 from the inner surface F2 toward the outer surface F1 of the substrate 431 back to the inner surface F2. The reflective layer 434 may be disposed on the absorber layer 433. In an embodiment not shown, the reflective layer 434 may be disposed over the absorber layer 433 with a gap therebetween. The reflective layer 434 may be disposed substantially over the entire absorber layer 433. The reflective layer 434 may be disposed in a localized area of ​​the absorber layer 433. The reflective layer 434 may comprise any material suitable for reflecting light. For example, the reflective layer 434 may comprise at least one of gold, silver, copper, or any other suitable reflective metallic material, or a combination thereof. The reflective layer 434 may have any thickness suitable for reflecting light. For example, the thickness of the reflective layer 434 may be approximately 10 nm or less.

[0220] The heater 430 may include a heat transfer plate 435. The heat transfer plate 435 may be configured to transfer heat generated by the SPR to the core material 440. The heat transfer plate 435 may transfer heat by conduction. In an embodiment not shown, a gap may be formed between the heat transfer plate 435 and the core material 440, and the heat transfer plate 435 may transfer heat to the core material 440 by convection or radiation. The heat transfer plate 435 may include a metal material. For example, the heat transfer plate 435 may include aluminum or copper.

[0221] The heater 430 may be configured to be separate from the chamber 420. The heater 430 may not be included in the cartridge (e.g., Figures 1 to 11 This can reduce the manufacturing cost of the cartridge and enable the heater 430 to be used semi-permanently.

[0222] The aerosol-generating device 400 may include a core 440. The core 440 may be configured to transport aerosol-generating material from the chamber 420 to the heater 430. The heat generated by the heater 430 may cause the aerosol-generating material contained in the core 440 to undergo a phase change. The core 440 may include a first core end 441 connected to at least one of the first reservoir 421 and the second reservoir 422. The core 440 may include a second core end 442 opposite the first core end 441. The second core end 442 may be substantially coplanar with the second surface 442 of the substrate 431. In an embodiment not shown, the second core end 442 may be located anywhere on the outer surface F1. The core 440 may include a core extension 443 extending along the outer surface F1 (e.g., an outer side surface) between the first core end 441 and the second core end 442. The core extension 443 may at least partially contact the outer surface F1.

[0223] The aerosol generating device 400 may include an optical fiber 450. The optical fiber 450 may be configured to transmit light generated by a light source (not shown) to the heater 430. The optical fiber 450 may be coupled to the opening 431B1. Light passing through the opening 431B1 via the optical fiber 450 may enter the cavity 431D and travel toward the inner surface of the substrate 431.

[0224] Fiber 450 can be tightly coupled to opening 431B1. This can increase the efficiency of light passing through fiber 450 to cavity 431D to approximately 99%. This allows the amount of light used by heater 430 to be controlled to a predictable level, thereby reducing heat loss from heater 430 and ensuring thermal stability of heater 430.

[0225] The aerosol-generating device 400 may include an internal light source (not shown) configured to emit light. For example, the internal light source may include a laser light source. The internal light source may emit light in the ultraviolet, visible, and / or infrared bands. The aerosol-generating device 400 may also utilize an external light source located outside the aerosol-generating device 400, rather than an internal light source.

[0226] Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the above disclosure are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be used in conjunction or combined with each other in various configurations or functions.

[0227] For example, configuration A described in a specific embodiment and / or drawing and configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing may be combined with each other. That is, although a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible unless a description indicates that the combination is impossible.

[0228] The above detailed description should not be interpreted as restrictive in all aspects, but should be regarded as illustrative. The scope of the present disclosure should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent range of the present disclosure are included in the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that include: a chamber configured to contain an aerosol-generating material; a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating material; and a core material configured to transport the aerosol-generating material from the chamber to the heater, Wherein, the heater comprises: a base plate comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a side extending between the first and second ends, wherein the base plate comprises an exterior face at least partially facing the chamber and an interior face opposite the exterior face; and A plurality of metal particles are disposed on the interior surface and configured to generate heat via surface plasmon resonance.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The chamber includes a first reservoir and a second reservoir disposed along a perimeter of the exterior face.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: Also includes: A first airflow channel is defined between the first reservoir and the second reservoir.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein: Also includes: a second air flow channel defined between the first reservoir and the second reservoir, Wherein, the second air flow channel is located opposite to the first air flow channel relative to the substrate.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The first end includes a closed surface.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The second end includes an opening.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The heater is configured to be separated from the chamber.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein Also includes: An optical fiber is connected to the second end portion.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The heater also includes an absorbent layer disposed on or over the exterior face.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The heater also includes a reflective layer disposed on or above the exterior face.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The heater further includes a heat transfer plate disposed between the base plate and the core material.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The heater extends beyond an end boundary of the chamber.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The core material extends along the exterior face.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein Also includes: The cigarette cartridge comprises the chamber.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The aerosol-generating material comprises a liquid composition.

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