Heat generator and aerosol generation device including the same

Abstract

To provide a heat generator that generates heat by using surface plasmon resonance, and an aerosol generation device including the same.SOLUTION: A heat generator may include a reflective layer configured to reflect light toward a substrate and / or a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heating element and an aerosol generating device including the same.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for generating heat to heat a target have been developed. As an example, heat can be generated by supplying electrical energy to an electrically resistive element. As another example, heat can be generated by electromagnetic coupling between a coil and a susceptor. The background art described above is what was possessed or acquired in the derivation process of the present disclosure, and is not necessarily known art that was publicly disclosed to the general public before the effective filing date of the present disclosure.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] One aspect of the present disclosure can provide a heating element that generates heat using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and an aerosol generating device including the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The heating element may include a substrate including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure located on the first surface, and a first reflective layer located on the first surface and the SPR structure and including a passage region that allows light to pass through on the first surface and / or the SPR structure and a reflection region that reflects light with the SPR structure.

[0005] The reflection region may extend along the first surface and at least partially surround the substrate.

[0006] The reflection region may be formed of a substantially continuous surface.

[0007] The reflection region may be separated from the substrate and / or the SPR structure.

[0008] The passage region may include an opening.

[0009] The second surface may form a hollow portion.

[0010] The heating element may further include a second reflective layer located on the second surface.

[0011] The second reflective layer may be at least partially in contact with the second surface.

[0012] The heating element may further include an absorption layer located on the second reflective layer.

[0013] The emissivity of the absorption layer may be about 1.

[0014] The SPR structure may include a first metal prism that at least partially forms a void region on the first surface.

[0015] The SPR structure may further include a first metal prism and a second metal prism that forms a void region on the first surface, and the first metal prism and the second metal prism may be spaced apart from each other along the peripheral direction of the void region.

[0016] The first metal prism may define the entire periphery of the void region.

[0017] The SPR structure may be configured to resonate with light having a wavelength in the range between about 380 nm and about 780 nm.

[0018] The aerosol generator includes a light source and a heating element configured to receive light from the electrical light source. The heating element includes a substrate including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure located on the first surface, and a first reflective layer located on the first surface and the SPR structure, the first reflective layer including a passage region through which light passes on the first surface and / or the SPR structure and a reflection region that reflects light with the SPR structure.

[0019] The heating element is a reflective layer including a substrate including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure located on the first surface, a third surface facing the second surface, and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, the reflective layer including a reflective layer including a diffuse reflection characteristic formed on the third surface facing the second surface.

[0020] The substrate may further include a diffuse reflection characteristic formed on the second surface facing the third surface.

[0021] The diffuse reflection characteristic of the substrate and the diffuse reflection characteristic of the reflective layer may have substantially the same shape.

[0022] The diffuse reflection characteristic of the substrate and the diffuse reflection characteristic of the reflective layer may be at least partially in contact with each other.

[0023] The diffuse reflection characteristic may be formed across the third surface facing the second surface.

[0024] The reflective layer may be formed of a metal material.

[0025] The distance between the third surface and the fourth surface may be more than 0 nm and about 15 nm or less.

[0026] The heating element may further include an absorption layer including a fifth surface facing the fourth surface and a sixth surface opposite the fifth surface.

[0027] The emissivity of the absorption layer may be about 1.

[0028] The SPR structure may include a first metal prism that forms a void region on the first surface.

[0029] The SPR structure may further include the first metal prism and a second metal prism that forms a void region on the first surface, and the first metal prism and the second metal prism may be spaced apart from each other along the peripheral direction of the void region.

[0030] The first metal prism may define the entire periphery of the void region.

[0031] The void region may have a diameter in the range of about 300 nm to about 600 nm.

[0032] The aerosol generator includes a light source and a heating element configured to receive light from the electrical light source. The heating element includes a substrate including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure located on the first surface, and a reflective layer including a third surface facing the second surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The reflective layer may include a diffusive reflection characteristic formed on the third surface facing the second surface.

Advantages of the Invention

[0033] According to one embodiment, heat may be uniformly generated from the heating element by exciting free electrons to substantially the same extent. According to one embodiment, when the heating element is applied to heat a target, the target may be locally heated or at least some of a plurality of targets may be heated. According to one embodiment, the heat generation area of the heating element may be increased. The effects of the heating element according to one embodiment and the aerosol generator including the same are not limited to those described above, and other effects not described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0034] The foregoing other aspects, features, and advantages of the examples of the specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0035]

Figure 1

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Figure 13

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Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0036] The terms used in the embodiments are generally selected as widely used at present as possible while considering the functions in the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intentions or precedents of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Also, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, the meaning thereof will be described in detail in the description part of the corresponding invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention are not merely the names of the terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0037] Throughout the specification, when any part states that it "includes" any component, this means that it further includes other components, rather than excluding other components, unless there is a contrary description. Also, terms such as "~ part" and "~ module" described in the specification mean units that process at least one function or operation, and these can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement it. However, the present invention can be realized in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described here.

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0040] Figures 1 to 3 are diagrams showing examples in which aerosol generating articles are inserted into an aerosol generator.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generator 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the aerosol generator 1 further includes an atomizer 14. Also, an aerosol generating article 2 (for example, a roll-up tobacco) may be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generator 1.

[0042] The aerosol generator 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 shows the components related to the present embodiment. Therefore, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to the present embodiment will understand that the aerosol generator 1 may further include different general-purpose components in addition to the components shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0043] Also, FIGS. 2 and 3 show the heater 13 as being included in the aerosol generator 1, but the heater 13 may be omitted as necessary.

[0044] In FIG. 1, the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater 13 are shown as being arranged in a row. Also, in FIG. 2, the battery 11, the control unit 12, the atomizer 14, and the heater 13 are shown as being arranged in a row. Also, in FIG. 3, the atomizer 14 and the heater 13 are shown as being arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1, the arrangements of the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the atomizer 14 can be changed.

[0045] When the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 can operate the heater 13 and / or the vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or the vaporizer 14 passes through the aerosol generating article 2 and is transmitted to the user.

[0046] Optionally, even when the aerosol generating article 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 may heat the heater 13.

[0047] The battery 11 supplies the power used for the aerosol generating device 1 to operate. For example, the battery 11 may supply power so that the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14 can be heated, and may also supply the power necessary for the control unit 12 to operate. Further, the battery 11 may supply the power necessary for the display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 1 to operate.

[0048] The control unit 12 generally controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14, but also other components included in the aerosol generating device 1. Further, the control unit 12 may check the state of each component of the aerosol generating device 1 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state.

[0049] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be realized as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be realized as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by this microprocessor. Also, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs can understand that it can also be realized by other forms of hardware.

[0050] The heater 13 can be heated by the power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 may be disposed outside the aerosol generating article. Accordingly, the heated heater 13 can raise the temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the aerosol generating article.

[0051] The heater 13 can be an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 may include a conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated when an electric current flows through the conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above-described example, and any heater that can heat to a desired temperature can be applicable without limitation. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 1 or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0052] On the other hand, as another example, the heater 13 may be an induction heating type heater. Specifically, the heater 13 may include a conductive coil for heating the aerosol generating article by an induction heating method, and the aerosol generating article may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating type heater.

[0053] For example, the heater 13 may include a tube type heating element, a plate type heating element, a needle type heating element, or a rod type heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the aerosol generating article 2 according to the shape of the heating element.

[0054] Also, a plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged in the aerosol generating device 1. Here, the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged to be inserted into the aerosol generating article 2, or may be arranged outside the aerosol generating article 2. Also, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged to be inserted into the aerosol generating article 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the aerosol generating article 2. Also, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and may be manufactured in various shapes.

[0055] The vaporizer 14 can heat the liquid-phase composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be transmitted to the user through the aerosol-generating article 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can move along the air flow path of the aerosol-generating device 1, and the air flow path can be configured such that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 is transmitted to the user through the aerosol-generating article.

[0056] For example, the vaporizer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage part (e.g., a reservoir), liquid delivery means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage part, the liquid delivery means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol-generating device 1 as independent modules.

[0057] The liquid storage part may store the liquid-phase composition. For example, the liquid-phase composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco fragrance component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage part may be manufactured so as to be detachable / attachable to the vaporizer 14, or may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14.

[0058] For example, the liquid-phase composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and fragrance components of various fruits. The flavoring agent may include components that can provide various fragrances or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. Further, the liquid-phase composition may include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0059] The liquid delivery means can transmit the liquid-phase composition of the liquid storage part to the heating element. For example, the liquid delivery means may be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

[0060] The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition transmitted by the liquid transmission means. For example, the heating element includes, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc. Further, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transmission means. The heating element is heated by current supply, transfers heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, and can heat the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0061] For example, the vaporizer 14 is referred to as, but not limited to, a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0062] On the other hand, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a general configuration in addition to the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. Further, the aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one sensor (for example, a puff sensor, a temperature sensor, an insertion detection sensor for an aerosol generating article, etc.). Also, the aerosol generating device 1 may be manufactured in a structure that allows outside air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even when the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted.

[0063] Although not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device 1 can also form a system together with another cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1. Or, the heater 13 may be heated in a state where the cradle and the aerosol generating device 1 are coupled.

[0064] The aerosol generating article 2 may be similar to a general combustion-type cigarette. For example, the aerosol generating article 2 may be divided into a first part containing the aerosol generating substance and a second part containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second part of the aerosol generating article 2 may also contain the aerosol generating substance. For example, the aerosol generating substance made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

[0065] Inside the aerosol generating device 1, the whole of the first part may be inserted, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted inside the aerosol generating device 1, or the whole of the first part and a part of the second part may be inserted. The user can inhale the aerosol with the second part held in the mouth. Here, the aerosol is generated when outside air passes through the first part, and the generated aerosol is transmitted to the user's mouth through the second part.

[0066] As an example, the outside air may flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1 and / or the size of the air passage may be adjusted by the user. Therefore, the amount of smoke, the smoking feeling, etc. may be adjusted by the user. As another example, the outside air may flow into the inside of the aerosol generating article 2 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the aerosol generating article 2.

[0067] Hereinafter, an example of the aerosol generating article 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0068] FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrams showing examples of the aerosol generating article.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol generating article 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the aforementioned first part 21 includes the tobacco rod 21, and the second part 22 includes the filter rod 22.

[0070] In FIG. 4, the filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. Further, if necessary, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment for performing other functions.

[0071] The diameter of the aerosol generating article 2 may be within the range of 5 mm to 9 mm and the length may be about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0072] The aerosol generating article 2 may be packaged by at least one wrapper 24. At least one hole may be formed in the wrapper 24 for the inflow of outside air and the outflow of internal gas. As an example, the aerosol generating article 2 may be packaged by one wrapper 24. As another example, the aerosol generating article 2 may be repeatedly packaged by two or more wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be packaged by the first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 may be packaged by the wrappers 242, 243, 244. Then, the whole aerosol generating article 2 may be repackaged by a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be packaged by the wrappers 242, 243, 244.

[0073] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be manufactured from general filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper. Also, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be manufactured from oil-resistant papers and / or aluminum laminated paper packaging materials.

[0074] The third wrapper 243 can be manufactured from hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be included within the range of 88 g / m 2 ~96 g / m 2 and preferably may be included within the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2 Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be included within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm and preferably may be 125 μm.

[0075] The fourth wrapper 244 can be manufactured from oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be included within the range of 88 g / m 2 ~96 g / m 2 and preferably may be included within the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2 Also, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be included within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm and preferably may be 125 μm.

[0076] The fifth wrapper 245 can be manufactured from sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) means paper that is specially manufactured so that its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be included within the range of 57 g / m 2 ~63 g / m 2 and preferably may be 60 g / m 2 Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be included within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm and preferably may be 67 μm.

[0077] The fifth wrapper 245 may contain a predetermined substance. Here, examples of the predetermined substance may include, but are not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that is not oxidized, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any substance having the above-described properties can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

[0078] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the development of combustion of the aerosol-generating article 2. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 13, the aerosol-generating article 2 may burn. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 21, the aerosol-generating article 2 can burn. Even in such a case, since the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-combustible substance, the development of combustion of the aerosol-generating article 2 can be prevented.

[0079] In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the aerosol-generating device (for example, the holder) from being contaminated by the substance generated by the aerosol-generating article 2. Depending on the user's puff, a liquid substance may be generated inside the aerosol-generating article 2. For example, the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating article 2 may be cooled by the outside air to generate a liquid substance (for example, moisture, etc.). By packaging the aerosol-generating article 2 with the fifth wrapper 245, it is possible to prevent the liquid substance generated inside the aerosol-generating article 2 from leaking to the outside of the aerosol-generating article 2.

[0080] The tobacco rod 21 contains aerosol generating substances. For example, the aerosol generating substances may include, but are not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. Further, the tobacco rod 21 may contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, wetting agents, and / or organic acids. Also, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod 21 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0081] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured from a sheet or a strand. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured from cut tobacco in which the tobacco sheet is finely cut. Further, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat conductive substance. For example, the heat conductive substance may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the heat conductive substance surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can evenly disperse the heat transmitted to the tobacco rod 21 and improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the taste of the tobacco. Also, the heat conductive substance surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can function as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heating type heater. Here, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat conductive substance surrounding the outside.

[0082] The filter rod 22 can be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod, or may be a tube type rod including a hollow inside. Also, the filter rod 22 may be a recess type rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0083] The first segment of the filter rod 22 can be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure with a hollow inside. When the heater 13 is inserted by the first segment, it is also possible to prevent the phenomenon that the internal substance of the tobacco rod 21 shifts backward, and a cooling effect of the aerosol can also be generated. The diameter of the hollow included in the first segment is preferably within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0084] The length of the first segment is preferably within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment can be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0085] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the plasticizer during the manufacture of the first segment. Also, the first segment may be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or a tube of the same or a release material inside (for example, a hollow).

[0086] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 13 heating the tobacco rod 21. Therefore, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0087] The length or diameter of the second segment may vary depending on the form of the aerosol generating article 2. For example, the length of the second segment may be appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment can be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0088] The second segment can be manufactured by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a flavoring liquid may be applied to the fibers made of the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be manufactured by weaving together fibers made of the polymer and separately provided fibers coated with the flavoring liquid. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed by a wound polymer sheet.

[0089] For example, the polymer may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0090] By forming the second segment from woven polymer fibers or wound polymer sheets, the second segment may include one or more channels extending in the longitudinal direction. Here, the channel means a passage through which gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0091] For example, the second segment made of a wound polymer sheet may be formed of a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, for example, between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Also, the total surface area of the second segment may be between about 300 mm 2 / mm and about 1000 mm 2 / mm. Also, the aerosol cooling element may be formed of a material having a specific surface area between about 10 mm 2 / mg and about 100 mm 2 / mg.

[0092] On the other hand, the second segment may include a thread containing a volatile fragrance component. Here, the volatile fragrance component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0093] The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately adopted within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0094] In the process of manufacturing the third segment, it may be manufactured such that a fragrance is generated by injecting a flavoring liquid into the third segment. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid may be inserted into the interior of the third segment. The aerosol generated by the tobacco rod 21 is cooled by passing through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is transmitted to the user via the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, an effect that the persistence of the fragrance transmitted to the user is enhanced may occur.

[0095] Further, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 can perform a function of generating a fragrance and can also perform a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 5, the aerosol generating article 3 may further include a shear plug 33. The shear plug 33 may be disposed on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The shear plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching externally and can prevent the aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generating device (FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0097] The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 4, and the second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 4.

[0098] The diameter and total length of the aerosol generating article 3 may correspond to the diameter and total length of the aerosol generating article 2 in FIG. 4. For example, the length of the shear plug 33 may be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 may be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0099] The aerosol generating article 3 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. At least one hole may be formed in the wrapper 35 to allow outside air to flow in or internal gas to flow out. For example, the shear plug 33 may be wrapped by the first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped by the second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped by the third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped by the fourth wrapper 354. Then, the entire aerosol generating article 3 may be re-wrapped by the fifth wrapper 355.

[0100] Also, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, the perforation 36 is formed in the region surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. The perforation 36 can serve to transfer the heat generated by the heater 13 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

[0101] Also, the second segment 322 may contain at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 can perform a function of generating a fragrance or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0102] The first wrapper 351 can be a general filter paper with a metal foil such as aluminum foil bonded thereto. For example, the overall thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be included within the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably may be 50.3 μm. Also, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be included within the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably may be 6.3 μm. Further, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be included within the range of 50 g / m 2 ~55 g / m 2 and preferably may be 53 g / m 2 .

[0103] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can be manufactured from a general filter paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be a porous paper or a non-porous paper.

[0104] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be included within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and preferably may be 78 μm. Further, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be included within the range of 20 g / m 2 ~25 g / m 2 and preferably may be 23.5 g / m 2 .

[0105] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be included within the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and preferably may be 68 μm. Further, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be included within the range of 20 g / m 2 ~25 g / m 2 and preferably may be 21 g / m 2 .

[0106] The fourth wrapper 354 can be manufactured from PLA laminated paper. Here, PLA laminated paper means triple-layer paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be included within the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably may be 110 μm. Also, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be included within the range of 2 80 g / m 2 to 100 g / m 2 and preferably may be 88 g / m

[0107] The fifth wrapper 355 can be manufactured from sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) means paper specially manufactured so that its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be included within the range of 57 g / m 2 to 63 g / m 2 and preferably may be 60 g / m 2 Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be included within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably may be 67 μm.

[0108] A predetermined substance can be added to the fifth wrapper 355. Here, examples of the predetermined substance may include, but are not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that is not oxidized, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, as long as it is a substance having the above-described properties, it can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

[0109] The shear plug 33 can be manufactured from cellulose acetate. As an example, the shear plug 33 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of the shear plug 33 may be 5.0. Also, the cross-section of the filaments constituting the shear plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug 33 may be included in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the shear plug 33 may be 28,000.

[0110] Also, if necessary, the shear plug 33 may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel can be manufactured in various ways.

[0111] The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to FIG. 4. Therefore, specific descriptions of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0112] The first segment 321 can be manufactured from cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure including a hollow inside. The first segment 321 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the mono denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as those of the shear plug 33.

[0113] The second segment 322 can be manufactured from cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. Also, the cross-section of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be included in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably may be 25,000.

[0114] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 400 according to an embodiment.

[0115] The aerosol generating device 400 may include a control unit 410, a detection unit 420, an output unit 430, a battery 440, a heater 450, a user input unit 460, a memory 470, and a communication unit 480. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 400 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 6. That is, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment will be able to understand that, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 400, some of the configurations shown in FIG. 6 may be omitted or new configurations may be further added.

[0116] The detection unit 420 can detect the state of the aerosol generating device 400 or the state around the aerosol generating device 400 and transmit the detected information to the control unit 410. The control unit 410 can control the aerosol generating device 400 based on the detected information so that various functions such as operation control of the heater 450, restriction of smoking, determination of the presence or absence of insertion of aerosol generating articles (for example, cigarettes, cartridges, etc.), and notification display are executed.

[0117] The detection unit 420 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 422, an insertion detection sensor 424, and a puff sensor 426, but is not limited thereto.

[0118] The temperature sensor 422 can detect the temperature at which the heater 450 (or the aerosol generating substance) is heated. The aerosol generating device 400 may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater 450, or the heater 450 itself can serve as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 422 may be arranged around the battery 440 to monitor the temperature of the battery 440.

[0119] The insertion detection sensor 424 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 424 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and may detect a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article.

[0120] The puff sensor 426 can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the air flow path or air flow channel. For example, the puff sensor 426 may detect the user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0121] In addition to the sensors (422 - 426) described above, the detection unit 420 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the function of the angle sensor can be intuitively inferred by those skilled in the art from its name, a specific description may be omitted.

[0122] The output unit 430 can output information regarding the state of the aerosol generator 400 and provide it to the user. The output unit 430 may include at least one of a display unit 432, a haptic unit 434, and an acoustic output unit 436, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 432 and the touch pad form a layer structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit 432 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0123] The display unit 432 can visually provide information regarding the aerosol generator 400 to the user. For example, the information regarding the aerosol generator 400 may mean various information such as the charge / discharge state of the battery 440 of the aerosol generator 400, the preheating state of the heater 450, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generator 400 is limited (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), and the display unit 432 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 432 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. Also, the display unit 432 may be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0124] The haptic unit 434 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus and provide information regarding the aerosol generator 400 to the user tactilely. For example, the haptic unit 434 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0125] The acoustic output unit 436 can aurally provide information regarding the aerosol generator 400 to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit 436 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0126] The battery 440 can supply the power used for the aerosol generator 400 to operate. The battery 440 can supply power so that the heater 450 can be heated. Also, the battery 440 can supply the power necessary for the operation of different components (for example, the detection unit 420, the output unit 430, the user input unit 460, the memory 470, and the communication unit 480) provided in the aerosol generator 400. The battery 440 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 440 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0127] The heater 450 can be supplied with power from the battery 440 to heat the aerosol generating substance. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the aerosol generator 400 may further include a power conversion circuit (for example, a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 440 and supplies it to the heater 450. Also, when the aerosol generator 400 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 400 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 440 into an AC power supply.

[0128] The control unit 410, the detection unit 420, the output unit 430, the user input unit 460, the memory 470, and the communication unit 480 can be supplied with power from the battery 440 and perform their functions. Although not shown in FIG. 6, it may further include a power conversion circuit that converts the power of the battery 440 and supplies it to each component, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit.

[0129] In one embodiment, the heater 450 can be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Also, the heater 450 can be realized by a metal wire, a metal plate with conductive tracks disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0130] In one embodiment, the heater 450 can be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 450 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol generating substance.

[0131] In one embodiment, the heater 450 can include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 450 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol generating article and a second heater for heating the liquid phase.

[0132] The user input unit 460 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 460 can include a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (capacitive touch type, pressure resistive film type, infrared detection type, surface acoustic wave conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. Also, although not shown in FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device 400 can further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can be connected to other external devices via a connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 440.

[0133] Memory 470 can store the data processed by control unit 410 and the data to be processed as hardware for storing various data processed within aerosol generator 400. Memory 470 may include at least one type of storage medium such as a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (random access memory), an SRAM (static random access memory), a ROM (read-only memory), an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), a PROM (programmable read-only memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. Memory 470 can store data such as the operating time of aerosol generator 400, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and data regarding the user's smoking pattern.

[0134] Communication unit 480 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, communication unit 480 may include a short-range communication unit 482 and a wireless communication unit 484.

[0135] Short-range wireless communication unit 482 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra-wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0136] The wireless communication unit 484 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 484 can also confirm and authenticate the aerosol generator 400 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., the International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0137] The control unit 410 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 400. In one embodiment, the control unit 410 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by this microprocessor. Also, those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs can understand that it can also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0138] The control unit 410 can control the temperature of the heater 450 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 440 to the heater 450. For example, the control unit 410 may control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 440 and the heater 450. As another example, according to the control command of the control unit 410, the direct heating circuit can also control the power supply to the heater 450.

[0139] The control unit 410 can analyze the results detected by the detection unit 420 and then control the subsequent processes. For example, the control unit 410 may control the power supplied to the heater 450 so that the operation of the heater 450 starts or ends based on the results detected by the detection unit 420. In other examples, the control unit 410 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 450 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater 450 is heated to a predetermined temperature or can maintain an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the detection unit 420.

[0140] The control unit 410 can control the output unit 430 based on the results detected by the detection unit 420. For example, when the number of puff counts counted via the puff sensor 426 reaches a preset number, the control unit 410 may notify the user that the aerosol generator 400 will end soon via at least one of the display unit 432, the haptic unit 434, and the acoustic output unit 436.

[0141] In one embodiment, the control unit 410 can control the power supply time and / or the power supply amount to the heater 450 according to the state of the aerosol generating article detected by the detection unit 420. For example, when the aerosol generating article is in an over-wet state, the control unit 410 can control the power supply time to the induction coil and increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol generating article is in a general state.

[0142] One embodiment can also be realized in the form of a recording medium including computer-executable instruction words such as program modules executed by a computer. The computer-readable medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer, including all volatile and non-volatile media, and all separable and non-separable media. Also, the computer-readable medium may include all computer storage media and communication media. The computer storage media includes all volatile and non-volatile, separable and non-separable media realized by any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instruction words, data structures, program modules, or other data. The communication media typically includes modulated data signals such as computer-readable instruction words, data structures, program modules, and other data, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transmission medium.

[0143] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a heating element according to one embodiment, and FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a part of the heating element in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a part of the heating element in FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the heating element taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 9.

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, the heating element 550 according to one embodiment can be configured to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance. "Surface plasmon resonance" refers to the collective vibration of electrons propagating along the interface between metal particles and a medium. For example, the collective vibration of electrons in metal particles may be generated by light propagating from outside the heating element 550. The excitation of electrons in metal particles generates thermal energy, and the generated thermal energy can be transmitted into the environment to which the heating element 550 is applied. In one embodiment, the heating element 550 can be configured to heat the object by transmitting the generated heat to another object (for example, an aerosol generating article).

[0145] The heating element 550 may include a substrate 551 having a first surface 551A (for example, a surface oriented in the +Z direction) and a second surface 551B opposite to the first surface 551A (for example, a surface oriented in the -Z direction).

[0146] In one embodiment, the substrate 551 may have a plate shape. The first surface 551A and / or the second surface 551B may be formed as substantially flat surfaces. According to an embodiment, the substrate 551 may have any shape suitable for generating heat. For example, the substrate 551 may be realized in a substantially cylindrical shape with the first surface 551A as the outer surface and the second surface 551B as the inner surface.

[0147] In one embodiment, the substrate 551 can be formed of various materials. For example, the substrate 551 may be formed of glass, silicon (Si), silicon oxide (SiO2), sapphire, polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, and / or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the substrate 551 may be formed of any one of or a combination of glass, silicon (Si), silicon oxide (SiO2), and sapphire. In some embodiments, the substrate 551 may include a material having a relatively low heat transfer coefficient. This may allow heat to be transmitted only to a partial region on the substrate 551.

[0148] In one embodiment, the substrate 551 may exhibit conductivity. In one embodiment, the substrate 551 may exhibit electrical insulation.

[0149] In one embodiment, the substrate 551 may be formed of a material having any thermal conductivity suitable for use in the environment where the heating element 550 is disposed. For example, the substrate 551 may have a thermal conductivity of about 0.6 W / mK or less, about 1 W / mK to about 2 W / mK, about 2 W / mK to about 5 W / mK, about 5 W / mK to about 10 W / mK, about 10 W / mK to about 100 W / mK, or about 100 W / mK to about 200 W / mK at a pressure of 1 bar and a temperature of 25°C. In some embodiments, the substrate 551 may have a thermal conductivity of about 0.6 W / mK or less, about 1.3 W / mK, about 148 W / mK, or about 46.06 W / mK at a pressure of 1 bar and a temperature of 25°C.

[0150] The heating element 550 may include a plurality of metal prisms 554 located on the first surface 551A of the substrate 551. The plurality of metal prisms 554 may include a plurality of metal particles deposited via any suitable deposition process (e.g., physical vapor deposition) on the substrate 551.

[0151] In one embodiment, the plurality of metal particles forming the plurality of metal prisms 554 may have a nanoscale size. For example, the plurality of metal particles may have an average maximum diameter of about 1 μm or less. In some embodiments, the plurality of metal particles may have an average maximum diameter of about 700 nm or less, about 600 nm or less, about 500 nm or less, about 400 nm or less, about 300 nm or less, about 200 nm or less, about 150 nm or less, or about 100 nm or less.

[0152] In one embodiment, 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.

[0153] In one embodiment, the plurality of metal particles can be formed of any material suitable for interacting with light in a specific wavelength band (e.g., the visible light wavelength band, i.e., from about 380 nm to about 780 nm) to generate heat. For example, the plurality of metal particles may include at least one of gold, silver, copper, palladium, and platinum or a combination thereof.

[0154] In some embodiments, the plurality of metal particles can be formed of a metal material having an average maximum absorbance. Here, the average maximum absorbance can be defined as the absorbance having a substantially peak corresponding to a specific wavelength band. The specific wavelength band corresponding to the absorbance can be understood as the wavelength band at which the plurality of metal particles resonate. For example, the plurality of metal particles may be formed of a metal material having an average maximum absorbance in a wavelength band between about 430 nm and about 450 nm, between about 480 nm and about 500 nm, between about 490 nm and about 510 nm, between about 500 nm and about 520 nm, between about 550 nm and about 570 nm, between about 600 nm and about 620 nm, between about 620 nm and about 640 nm, between about 630 nm and about 650 nm, between about 640 nm and about 660 nm, between about 680 nm and about 700 nm, or between about 700 nm and about 750 nm. The average maximum absorbance of the plurality of metal particles can vary depending on, in addition to the metal material, the type of the substrate 551, the size and / or the shape of the metal prism 554 formed by the plurality of metal particles.

[0155] In one embodiment, the plurality of metal prisms 554 can define a void region VA surrounded by the plurality of metal prisms 554 on the first surface 551A of the substrate 551. For example, the void region VA may have a substantially circular or elliptical shape, and the plurality of metal prisms 554 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the void region VA.

[0156] In one embodiment, the void region VA may have an average maximum diameter of about 10 nm or more, about 50 nm or more, about 90 nm or more, about 100 nm or more, about 150 nm or more, about 200 nm or more, about 300 nm or more, about 350 nm or more, about 450 nm or more, or about 500 nm or more. In some embodiments, the void region VA may have an average maximum diameter of about 450 nm or more. In some embodiments, the void region VA may have an average maximum diameter of about 350 nm or more. In some embodiments, the void region VA may have an average maximum diameter of about 300 nm or more.

[0157] In one embodiment, the void region VA may have an average maximum diameter of about 1,000 nm or less, about 900 nm or less, about 800 nm or less, about 700 nm or less, about 600 nm or less, or about 550 nm or less. In some embodiments, the void region VA may have an average maximum diameter of about 600 nm or less.

[0158] In one embodiment, the plurality of metal prisms 554 may each include a first base surface 554A (e.g., a lower base surface) facing the first surface 551A of the substrate 551, a second base surface 554B (e.g., an upper base surface) opposite the first base surface 554A, and a plurality of side surfaces 554C1, 554C2, 554C3 between the first base surface 554A and the second base surface 554B.

[0159] In one embodiment, the first base surface 554A and the second base surface 554B may be substantially parallel to each other.

[0160] In one embodiment, the first base surface 554A and / or the second base surface 554B may be substantially flat.

[0161] In one embodiment, the distance between the first base surface 554A and the second base surface 554B (e.g., the thickness of the metal prism 554) may be about 10 nm or less. A metal prism 554 having a thickness exceeding 10 nm may reduce the exothermic reaction of the plurality of metal particles forming the metal prism 554 and consequently reduce the thermal efficiency of the heating element 550.

[0162] In one embodiment, the plurality of side surfaces 554C1, 554C2, 554C3 may be oriented in different directions from each other. For example, the first side surface 554C1 may be oriented in a first direction (e.g., a first radial direction), the second side surface 554C2 may be connected to the first side surface 554C1 and oriented in a second direction (e.g., a second radial direction), and the third side surface 554C3 may be connected to the first side surface 554C1 and the second side surface 554C3 respectively and oriented in a third direction (e.g., a third radial direction).

[0163] In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of side surfaces 554C1, 554C2, 554C3 may be formed of a substantially curved surface. In some embodiments, the plurality of side surfaces 554C1, 554C2, 554C3 may be formed of curved surfaces having substantially the same curvature. In one embodiment, the curvature of any one of the plurality of side surfaces 554C1, 554C2, 554C3 may be different from the curvature of another one of the side surfaces.

[0164] In one embodiment, the plurality of side surfaces 554C1, 554C2, 554C3 may be formed of curved surfaces that are concave toward the center of the metal prism 554. In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of side surfaces 554C1, 554C2, 554C3 may be formed of a curved surface that is convex from the center of the metal prism 554.

[0165] In one embodiment, the plurality of metal prisms 554 may include two side surfaces. For example, the metal prism 554 may have a substantially semi-circular or near semi-circular shape.

[0166] In one embodiment, the plurality of metal prisms 554 may be physically separated from each other and disposed on the first surface 551A of the substrate 551. For example, the plurality of metal prisms 554 may be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval along the periphery (e.g., the circumference) of the void region VA.

[0167] In one embodiment, the plurality of metal prisms 554 may be spaced apart from each other at substantially equal intervals. In one embodiment, the interval between an adjacent pair of the plurality of metal prisms 554 may be different from the interval between another adjacent pair of metal prisms 554.

[0168] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a part of a heating element according to one embodiment.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 11, a heating element 650 according to one embodiment may include a substrate 651 and metal prisms 654 located on the substrate 651. The metal prism 654 may be a substantially single structure and may define a plurality of void regions VA. For example, the metal prism 654 may substantially define the entire periphery of the plurality of void regions VA. The metal prism 654 may include a first prism region 6541 at one position on the periphery (e.g., circumference) of the void region VA, a second prism region 6542 at another position on the periphery (e.g., circumference) of the void region VA, and a third prism region 6543 between the first prism region 6541 and the second prism region 6542. The first prism region 6541, the second prism region 6542, and the third prism region 6543 may be integrally and seamlessly connected.

[0170] FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing a heating element according to one embodiment.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 12, a heating element 750 according to one embodiment may include a substrate 751 (e.g., substrate 551, 651) including a first surface 751A and a second surface 751B, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure 754 (e.g., metal prisms 554, 654) located on the first surface 751A, and a reflective layer 755 located on the second surface 751B. The heating element 750 may be configured to receive light L on the substrate 751 and / or the SPR structure 754.

[0172] In one embodiment, the SPR structure 754 can be realized as at least one metal prism (e.g., metal prisms 554, 654) including a plurality of metal particles. In one embodiment, the SPR structure 754 can include a plurality of metal particles coated on the first surface 751A of the substrate 751. In one embodiment, the SPR structure 754 can include at least one metal film formed of a metal material.

[0173] The light source that emits the light L may be separated from the heating element 750 by a predetermined distance. For example, the distance between the light source and the heating element 750 may be determined to be about 40 cm or less, about 35 cm or less, about 30 cm or less, about 25 cm or less, about 20 cm or less, about 15 cm or less, about 10 cm or less, or about 5 cm or less. The distance between the light source and the heating element 750 may be about 5 cm or more, about 10 cm or more, about 15 cm or more, about 20 cm or more, or about 25 cm or more.

[0174] The light L can be incident on the spot LS of the substrate 751 and / or the SPR structure 754. For example, the spot LS may have a size of about 2 mm or less, about 1.5 mm or less, about 1 mm or less, or about 0.5 mm or less. The spot LS may have a size of about 0.2 mm or more, about 0.4 mm or more, about 0.6 mm or more, or about 0.8 mm or more.

[0175] The reflective layer 755 can be configured to reflect the light L that passes through the substrate 751 with the substrate 751 and / or the SPR structure 754. By reflecting the light L that passes through the substrate 751 by the reflective layer 755, reflected light may be used with the substrate 751 and the SPR structure 754. As a result, the light utilization efficiency of the heating element 750 is improved, and accordingly, the heating efficiency may be improved.

[0176] In one embodiment, the reflective layer 755 can be formed over the entire second surface 751B of the substrate 751. In one embodiment, the reflective layer 755 can be locally formed on the second surface 751B of the substrate 751. For example, the reflective layer 755 may be realized as a single reflection area or a plurality of reflection areas in a partial area of the second surface 751B of the substrate 751.

[0177] The reflective layer 755 can be formed of any material suitable for reflecting the light L. In one embodiment, the reflective layer 755 can be formed of a metallic material. For example, the reflective layer 755 may be formed of at least one of gold, silver, copper, and any other metallic material suitable for reflection or a combination thereof.

[0178] The reflective layer 755 can have any thickness suitable for reflecting the light L. The thickness of the reflective layer 755 can be predetermined to a value suitable for substantially totally reflecting the light L. For example, the thickness of the reflective layer 755 may be about 15 nm or less, about 12 nm or less, about 10 nm or less, about 8 nm or less, or about 5 nm or less. As a preferred example, the reflective layer 755 may have a thickness of about 10 nm. The thickness of the reflective layer 755 may be determined based on the refractive index of the substrate 751, the thickness of the substrate 751, the refractive index of the reflective layer 755, and / or any other parameters.

[0179] In one embodiment, the reflective layer 755 can be in direct contact with the second surface 751B of the substrate 751. Alternatively, the reflective layer 755 may be spaced apart from the second surface 751B of the substrate 751, and a medium (e.g., air) may be located between the second surface 751B and the reflective layer 755.

[0180] In one embodiment, the heating element 750 can include an absorption layer 756 located on the reflective layer 755. The absorption layer 756 can be configured to absorb a portion of the transmitted light that is not reflected by the reflective layer 755 and passes through the reflective layer 755. The absorption layer 756 can improve the light utilization efficiency of the heating element 750.

[0181] In one embodiment, the absorption layer 756 can be at least partially applied on the reflective layer 755 by coating.

[0182] In one embodiment, the absorption layer 756 may have a substantially high emissivity. In some embodiments, the absorption layer 756 may have an emissivity close to substantially 1. The absorption layer 756 may be realized with a structure and / or material close to a substantially black body. For example, the absorption layer 756 may be realized as a structure having at least one hole through which light can enter and be substantially permanently reflected inside. In one embodiment, the absorption layer 756 may be realized with a gray body or a white body.

[0183] In one embodiment, the heating element 750 may include a thermal imaging device 760 configured to generate a thermal image. For example, the thermal imaging device 760 may generate an image including the thermal distribution of the heating element 750. In one embodiment, the thermal imaging device 760 may be included in a component external to the heating element 750 (e.g., the aerosol generator 1200 in FIG. 20).

[0184] FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing a heating element according to one embodiment.

[0185] Referring to FIG. 13, a heating element 850 according to one embodiment may include a substrate 851 including a first surface 851A and a second surface 851B, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure 854 located on the first surface 851A, a first reflective layer 855A located on the first surface 851A and the SPR structure 854, a second reflective layer 855B (e.g., the reflective layer 755 in FIG. 12) located on the second surface 851B, and an absorption layer 856 (e.g., the absorption layer 756) located on the second reflective layer 855B.

[0186] In one embodiment, the SPR structure 854 may be realized as at least one metal prism (e.g., the metal prisms 554, 654) including a plurality of metal particles. In one embodiment, the SPR structure 854 may include a plurality of metal particles coated on the first surface 851A. In one embodiment, the SPR structure 854 may include at least one metal film formed of a metal material.

[0187] The first reflective layer 855A can diffuse the light L locally concentrated toward the substrate 851 and / or the SPR structure 854 over the entire substrate 851 and / or the SPR structure 854. When the light L diffuses over the entire substrate 851 and / or the SPR structure 854, the heat generation area generated by surface plasmon resonance can increase.

[0188] The first reflective layer 855A may include a reflective region A1 configured to reflect the light L coming from the substrate 851 and / or the SPR structure 854. The incident light L received on the reflective region A1 may include the light L reflected from the substrate 851, the light L reflected from the SPR structure 854, or the light L that passes through the substrate 851 after being reflected by the second reflective layer 855B.

[0189] In one embodiment, the reflective region A1 may extend or expand along the first surface 851A of the substrate 851. In some embodiments, the reflective region A1 may have a substantially continuous surface. Alternatively, the reflective region A1 may include a plurality of discrete surfaces.

[0190] In one embodiment, the reflective region A1 may be spaced apart from the first surface 851A of the substrate 851 and / or the SPR structure 854 by a predetermined distance. Alternatively, the reflective region A1 may be at least partially in contact with the first surface 851A and / or the SPR structure 854.

[0191] In one embodiment, the reflective region A1 may be formed of any material suitable for reflecting the light L. For example, the reflective region A1 may be formed of gold, silver, copper, aluminum, and other metal materials suitable for reflection. In some embodiments, the reflective region A1 may be formed of a material suitable for total reflection of the light L.

[0192] In one embodiment, the first reflective layer 855A may include at least one passing region A2 configured to allow the light L to pass through the first reflective layer 855A and reach the first surface 851A of the substrate 851 and / or the SPR structure 854. The passing region A2 may be formed at any suitable position within the reflective region A1.

[0193] In one embodiment, the passage region A2 may include an opening. The opening may have a size suitable for reducing the amount of light that cannot pass through the opening. The opening may have a substantially curved shape such as circular or elliptical, or may have a polygonal shape such as a quadrilateral. In one embodiment, the passage region A2 may be formed of a material suitable for passing light L. For example, while the reflection region A1 is formed of a substantially opaque material, the passage region A2 may be formed of a substantially transparent material or a translucent material.

[0194] FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing a heating element according to one embodiment.

[0195] Referring to FIG. 14, a heating element 950 according to one embodiment includes a substrate 951 including a first surface 951A and a second surface 951B, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure 954 located on the first surface 951A, a reflection region A1 configured to reflect light L located on the first surface 951A and the SPR structure 954, and a first reflection layer 955A including a passage region A2 configured to pass light L, a second reflection layer 955B located on the second surface 951B, and an absorption layer 956 located on the second reflection layer 955B.

[0196] The heating element 950 may have a substantially cylindrical structure. For example, the substrate 951 may be arranged such that the first surface 951A is oriented toward the outside of the heating element 950 and the second surface 951B is oriented toward the inside of the heating element 950 to define a hollow region S.

[0197] The reflection region A1 of the SPR structure 954 and / or the first reflection layer 955A may at least partially surround the first surface 951A of the substrate 951 and extend or expand in the peripheral direction of the substrate 951.

[0198] The second reflection layer 955B and / or the absorption layer 956 may be at least partially surrounded by the second surface 951B of the substrate 951. The second reflection layer 955B and / or the absorption layer 956 may define the hollow region S.

[0199] FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing a heating element according to an embodiment, and FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of an interface between a substrate and a reflective layer according to an embodiment.

[0200] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the heating element 1050 may include a substrate 1051 including a first surface 1051A and a second surface 1051B, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure 1054 located on the first surface 1051A, a reflective layer 1055 including a third surface 1055A facing the second surface 1051B and a fourth surface 1055B opposite to the third surface 1055A, and an absorption layer 1056 including a fifth surface 1056A facing the fourth surface 1055B and a sixth surface 1056B opposite to the fifth surface 1056A.

[0201] In one embodiment, the SPR structure 1054 may be realized as at least one metal prism (e.g., metal prisms 554, 654) including a plurality of metal particles. In one embodiment, the SPR structure 1054 may include a plurality of metal particles coated on the first surface 1051A. In one embodiment, the SPR structure 1054 may include at least one metal film formed of a metal material.

[0202] In one embodiment, the substrate 1051 includes a first diffuse reflection characteristic 1051C formed on the second surface 1051B facing the third surface 1055A, and the reflective layer 1055 may include a second diffuse reflection characteristic 1055C formed on the third surface 1055A facing the second surface 1051B. The second diffuse reflection characteristic 1055C may be configured to reflect light traveling through the substrate 1051 toward the reflective layer 1055 in various directions within the substrate 1051 and toward the first surface 1051A of the substrate 1051.

[0203] By causing diffuse reflection (i.e., reflecting light in various directions) due to the second diffuse reflection characteristic 1055C, the area of the light transmitted onto the first surface 1051A of the substrate 1051 can be increased. As the area of the light transmitted onto the first surface 1051A of the substrate 1051 increases, the amount of light that can be utilized by the SPR structure 1054 can increase. As a result, the heating area of the heating element 1050 can increase.

[0204] In one embodiment, the first diffuse reflection characteristic 1051C and the second diffuse reflection characteristic 1055C may be substantially matched with each other. "Substantially matched" may be understood as meaning that both characteristics 1051C and 1055C may have substantially the same shape. In some embodiments, the first diffuse reflection characteristic 1051C and the second diffuse reflection characteristic 1055C may be in partial contact with each other.

[0205] In one embodiment, the first diffuse reflection characteristic 1051C may be realized as a rough structure formed by roughening the second surface 1051B of the substrate 1051. The first diffuse reflection characteristic 1051C may form a predetermined roughness, for example, by etching (e.g., laser etching) the second surface 1051B. For example, the surface roughness (Ra) of the second surface 1051B on which the first diffuse reflection characteristic 1051C is formed may be about 0.1 μm or more.

[0206] In one embodiment, the first diffuse reflection characteristic 1051C may be formed substantially over the entire area of the second surface 1051B, and the second diffuse reflection characteristic 1055C may be formed substantially over the entire area of the third surface 1055A. In one embodiment, the first diffuse reflection characteristic 1051C may be formed on a part of the second surface 1051B, and the second diffuse reflection characteristic 1055C may be formed on a part of the third surface 1055A corresponding to the said part.

[0207] In one embodiment, the substrate 1051 may not include the first diffuse reflection characteristic 1051C. The second surface 1051B of the substrate 1051 and the third surface 1055A of the reflective layer 1055 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The second diffuse reflection characteristic 1055C formed on the third surface 1055A of the reflective layer 1055 can reflect light in various directions into the substrate 1051 through the medium between the second surface 1051B and the third surface 1055A and toward the first surface 1051A of the substrate 1051. In this embodiment, the second diffuse reflection characteristic 1055C can be realized as a rough structure formed by roughening the third surface 1055A of the reflective layer 1055 (for example, etching using a laser). For example, the surface roughness (Ra) of the second diffuse reflection characteristic 1055C may be about 0.1 μm or more.

[0208] FIGS. 17 to 19 are diagrams for explaining a method of forming a reflective layer on a substrate according to an embodiment.

[0209] Referring to FIG. 17, the method may include an operation of preparing a substrate 1151 including a first surface 1151A and a second surface 1151B opposite to the first surface 1151A. For example, the substrate 1151 may be formed of glass, silica, and / or any suitable material.

[0210] Referring to FIG. 18, the method may include an operation of roughening the second surface 1151B of the substrate 1151. The second surface 1151B may be realized so as not to be substantially flat. For example, the second surface 1151B may be realized as a rough surface by etching (for example, laser etching). The substrate 1151 may include a diffuse reflection characteristic 1151C formed on the second surface 1151B. The second surface 1151B including the diffuse reflection characteristic 1151C may have a surface roughness (Ra) suitable for reducing specular reflection of light and reducing interference along with specular reflection. For example, the surface roughness (Ra) may be about 0.1 μm or more.

[0211] Referring to FIG. 19, the method may include an operation of depositing a plurality of metal particles on the second surface 1151B of the substrate 1151. After the plurality of metal particles are deposited on the second surface 1151B, a reflective layer 1155 including a third surface 1155A facing the second surface 1151B and a fourth surface 1155B opposite to the third surface 1155A may be formed. Since the plurality of metal particles are deposited on the second surface 1151B, the third surface 1155A facing the second surface 1151B may also include diffuse reflection characteristics realized as a substantially rough surface.

[0212] FIG. 20 is a diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 20, the aerosol generating device 1200 (for example, the aerosol generating device 1,400) may include at least one heating element 1250 (for example, heaters 13,450 and / or heating elements 55,0,650,750, 850,950) configured to heat an aerosol generating article (for example, the aerosol generating article 2,3), and at least one light source 1255 configured to emit light toward the at least one heating element 1250. On the other hand, FIG. 20 shows that the aerosol generating device 1200 includes a control unit 1212 (for example, the control unit 12,410) configured to control the heating element 1250 and / or the light source 1255, and a battery 1240 (for example, the battery 11,440) configured to supply electrical energy to the control unit 1212, but other components may be included or omitted.

[0214] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1200 may include a single heating element 1250. The heating element 1250 can at least partially surround a cavity in which an aerosol generating article can be disposed. The heating element 1250 may have a structure in which, for example, substrates 55,1,651,751, 951,1051,1151 form at least partially curved surfaces.

[0215] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1200 may include a plurality of heating elements 1250. The plurality of heating elements 1250 may be arranged in different portions based on a cavity in which the aerosol generating article may be disposed. The metal materials of the metal prisms included in the plurality of heating elements 1250 may be the same or different.

[0216] In one embodiment, the light source 1255 may be configured to transmit an optical signal at a predetermined angle toward the heating element 1250. For example, the light source 1255 may transmit the optical signal at an angle at which total internal reflection can occur on the surface of the heating element 1250 (for example, the surfaces of substrates 55, 1, 651, 751, 851, 951, 1051, 1151 and / or the surfaces 654B, 654C1, 654C2, 654C3 of metal prisms 55, 4, 654, 754, 854, 954). In one embodiment, the light source 1255 can also transmit the optical signal at an arbitrary angle toward the heating element 1250.

[0217] In one embodiment, the light source 1255 may be configured to transmit light in the ultraviolet band, visible light band, and / or infrared band. In some embodiments, the light source 1255 may be configured to transmit light in the visible light band (for example, from about 380 nm to about 780 nm).

[0218] In some embodiments, the light source 1255 may be configured to transmit light in a band corresponding to the material of the metal particles of the metal prism (for example, metal prisms 55, 4, 654, 754, 854, 954) included in the heating element 1250. For example, the light source 1255 may transmit light in a wavelength band corresponding to the average maximum absorbance according to the material of the metal particles. In an embodiment where the metal prism is formed of gold, the light source 1255 may transmit light having a wavelength of about 638 nm.

[0219] In one embodiment, the light source 1255 may transmit light at any suitable output. For example, the light source 1255 may transmit light at an output of about 1,000 mW.

[0220] In one embodiment, the light source 1255 may include a light-emitting diode and / or a laser. The light-emitting diode and / or the laser may have a type and / or size suitable for being included in the aerosol generator 1200. As an example, the laser may include a solid-state laser and / or a semiconductor laser.

[0221] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1200 may include a plurality of light sources 1255. The plurality of light sources 1255 may be realized by light sources of the same type. In one embodiment, at least a part of the plurality of light sources 1255 may be realized by light sources of different types.

[0222] In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of light sources 1255 may be configured to irradiate a part of the heating element 1250.

[0223] In one embodiment, the portion of the heating element 1250 irradiated by any one of the plurality of light sources 1255 may be different from the portion of the heating element 1250 irradiated by another one of the light sources 1255. For example, the plurality of light sources 1255 may irradiate different portions of a single heating element 1250, or may irradiate a plurality of heating elements 1250 respectively.

[0224] In one embodiment, the plurality of light sources 1255 may be configured to irradiate substantially simultaneously. In one embodiment, the irradiation timing of any one of the plurality of light sources 1255 may be different from the irradiation timing of another one of the light sources 1255.

[0225] In one embodiment, the plurality of light sources 1255 may irradiate the heating element 1250 for substantially the same period of time. In one embodiment, the irradiation time of any one of the plurality of light sources 1255 may be different from the irradiation time of another one of the light sources 1255.

[0226] In one embodiment, the plurality of light sources 1255 may transmit light in substantially the same wavelength band. In one embodiment, the band of light irradiated by any one of the plurality of light sources 1255 may be different from the band of light irradiated by another one of the light sources 1255.

[0227] In one embodiment, the plurality of light sources 1255 may irradiate the heating element 1250 with substantially the same illuminance. In one embodiment, the illuminance of any one of the plurality of light sources 1255 may be different from the illuminance of another one of the light sources 1255.

[0228] The embodiments of this document are exemplary and not restrictive. Various changes to the details of the present disclosure can be made, including the appended claims and their equivalents. Any of the embodiments described herein may be used in combination with any other embodiment described herein.

Claims

1. A substrate including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure located on the first surface, A reflective layer including a third surface facing the second surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, wherein the reflective layer is a reflective layer including a diffuse reflection characteristic formed on the third surface facing the second surface, A heating element comprising:

2. The heating element according to claim 1, wherein the substrate further includes a diffuse reflection characteristic formed on the second surface facing the third surface.

3. The heating element according to claim 2, wherein the diffuse reflection characteristics of the substrate and the reflective layer have substantially the same shape.

4. The heating element according to claim 2, wherein the diffuse reflection characteristics of the substrate and the reflective layer are at least partially in contact with each other.

5. The heating element according to claim 1, wherein the diffuse reflection characteristic of the substrate is formed as a rough surface having a predetermined roughness from the second surface.

6. The heating element according to claim 1, wherein the diffuse reflection characteristic is formed across the third surface facing the second surface.

7. The heating element according to claim 1, wherein the reflective layer is formed of a metal material.

8. The heating element according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the third surface and the fourth surface is more than 0 nm and about 15 nm or less.

9. The heating element according to claim 1, further comprising an absorption layer including a fifth surface facing the fourth surface and a sixth surface opposite to the fifth surface.

10. The heating element according to claim 9, wherein the emissivity of the absorption layer is about 1.

11. The heating element according to claim 1, wherein the SPR structure includes a first metal prism that forms a void region on the first surface.

12. The heating element according to claim 11, wherein the SPR structure further includes a second metal prism that forms a void region on the first surface and the first metal prism, and the first metal prism and the second metal prism are separated from each other along the peripheral direction of the void region.

13. The heating element according to claim 11, wherein the first metal prism defines the entire periphery of the void region.

14. The heating element according to claim 13, wherein the void region has a diameter in the range of about 300 nm to about 600 nm.

15. A light source, The heating element according to claim 1 configured to receive light from an electrical light source, An aerosol generator comprising:

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