Method for manufacturing an aerosol generating device and an external cover for an aerosol generating device

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a main body and an external cover coupled to the main body. The external cover includes a circuit layer, a base layer, a light-transmitting layer, a shielding layer, and a coating layer that are sequentially arranged in a direction from the back surface to the front surface of the external cover, and one or more light-emitting members arranged in the circuit layer. The base layer, the light-transmitting layer, the shielding layer, and the coating layer include a light-transmissible material, and the light emitted from the light-emitting member is transmitted through the base layer, the light-transmitting layer, the shielding layer, and the coating layer in this order.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and a method for manufacturing an external cover for an aerosol generating device. More specifically, the present invention relates to an aerosol generating device including an external cover that can reduce the positional deviation between a light source and the external cover, prevent holes for transmitting light from being visible from the outside, ensure the uniformity of the light emitted to the outside, and improve the overall aesthetics of the aerosol generating device, and a method for manufacturing an external cover for an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, the demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes has been increasing. For example, instead of a method of generating an aerosol by burning a cigarette, there is an increasing demand for a system that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette or an aerosol generating substance using an aerosol generating device.

[0003] As the functions of aerosol generating devices become more diversified, various notification functions are being added. In particular, a plurality of light emitting members are arranged in order to precisely display the number of puffs, the remaining battery level, etc. As the number of light emitting members arranged in the aerosol generating device increases, there are problems such as an increase in the configuration for displaying them and a decrease in aesthetics due to tolerances between components.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Various embodiments of the present invention aim to improve the overall aesthetics of an aerosol generating device while ensuring the uniformity of the light emitted to the outside by preventing holes for displaying on an external cover through which light emitted from a light emitting member passes from being visible from the outside.

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

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a main body and an external cover coupled to the main body. The external cover includes a circuit layer, a base layer, a light-transmitting layer, a shielding layer, and a coating layer sequentially arranged in a direction from the back surface to the front surface of the external cover, and one or more light-emitting members arranged in the circuit layer. The base layer, the light-transmitting layer, the shielding layer, and the coating layer include light-transmissible materials, and light emitted from the light-emitting member is transmitted through the base layer, the light-transmitting layer, the shielding layer, and the coating layer in this order.

[0007] A method for manufacturing an external cover for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes providing a base layer, sequentially laminating a light-transmitting layer, a shielding layer, and a coating layer on the front surface of the base layer, and arranging a circuit layer with one or more light-emitting members on the back surface of the base layer. The base layer, the light-transmitting layer, the shielding layer, and the coating layer include light-transmissible materials, and light emitted from the light-emitting member is transmitted through the base layer, the light-transmitting layer, the shielding layer, and the coating layer in this order.

[0008] The means for solving the problems is not limited to what has been described above, and includes all matters that can be analogized by those skilled in the art throughout this specification.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment can provide a structure that efficiently utilizes light sources while using a plurality of light sources and does not impair the overall aesthetic property of the device.

[0010] The effects according to the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and the effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from the present specification and the attached drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] As terms used in the embodiments, general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible in view of the functions of the present invention are selected, but this may change depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, 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 is described in detail in the description part of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention must be defined based not on the simple names of the terms but on the meaning the terms have and the overall content of the present invention.

[0013] Throughout the specification, when a part states that a certain component "includes", unless otherwise stated to the contrary, this means that other components can be further included and does not exclude other components. Also, terms such as "~ part" and "~ module" described in the specification mean units that process at least one function or operation, and this can be implemented by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0014] As used in this specification, when an expression such as "at least any one of" is before the arranged components, it modifies the entire components, not each of the arranged components. For example, the expression "at least any one of a, b, and c" must be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0015] Also, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" or "second" used in this specification can be used when explaining various components, but the components must not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0016] Throughout the specification, an "aerosol generating device" is a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol generating substance in order to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into a user's lungs through the user's mouth.

[0017] Throughout the specification, "cigarette" means an article used for smoking. For example, the cigarette may be a combustible cigarette used in a manner of being ignited and burned, or may be a heated cigarette used in a manner of being heated by an aerosol generating device.

[0018] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0020] Figures 1 to 3 are drawings showing examples in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes a vaporizer 14. Also, a cigarette 2 is inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0022] The aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 shows the components according to this embodiment. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that, in addition to the components shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, other general-purpose components may be further provided in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0023] Also, FIGS. 2 and 3 show that the heater 13 is provided in the aerosol generating device 1, but the heater 13 may be omitted as necessary.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows that the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. Further, FIG. 2 shows that the battery 11, the control unit 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. Further, FIG. 3 shows that the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1, the arrangement of the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14 may be changed.

[0025] When the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 operates 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 cigarette 2 and is transmitted to the user.

[0026] Optionally, even when the cigarette 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 heats the heater 13.

[0027] The battery 11 supplies the electric power used when the aerosol generating device 1 operates. For example, the battery 11 supplies electric power so that the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14 is heated, and supplies the electric power necessary when the control unit 12 operates. Further, the battery 11 supplies the electric power necessary when a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generating device 1 operate.

[0028] 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 provided in the aerosol generating device 1. Further, the control unit 12 can 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.

[0029] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of a number of logic gates, or may be embodied as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by this microprocessor is stored. Those skilled in the art will also understand that it may be embodied in other forms of hardware.

[0030] The heater 13 is heated by the power supplied from the battery 11. For example, if a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 is located outside the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 13 raises the temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the cigarette.

[0031] The heater 13 may be an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 includes an electrically conductive track, and a current flows through the electrically conductive track to heat the heater 13. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above-described example, and can be used without limitation as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may already be set in the aerosol generating device 1, or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0032] On the other hand, as another example, the heater 13 may be an induction heating heater. Specifically, the heater 13 includes an electrically conductive coil for heating a cigarette by an induction heating method, and the cigarette includes a susceptor that is heated by the induction heating heater.

[0033] For example, the heater 13 includes a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and heats the inside or outside of the cigarette 2 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0034] In addition, a plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged in the aerosol generating device 1. At this time, the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, or may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Also, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Further, 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.

[0035] The vaporizer 14 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol is transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 moves along the air flow path of the aerosol generating device 1, and the air flow path is configured such that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 is transmitted to the user through the cigarette.

[0036] For example, the vaporizer 14 includes a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element, but is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be provided in the aerosol generating device 1 as independent modules.

[0037] The liquid storage unit stores the liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit may be manufactured so as to be detachable from the vaporizer 14, or may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14.

[0038] For example, the liquid composition includes water, a solvent, ethyl alcohol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The fragrance includes, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and aroma components of various fruits. The flavoring agent includes components that provide diverse fragrances or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture in which at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E is mixed, but is not limited thereto. Further, the liquid composition includes an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0039] The liquid transfer means transfers the liquid composition in the liquid storage part to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means can be, but is not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramics.

[0040] The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heating element can be, 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 transfer means. The heating element is heated by the supply of an electric current and transfers heat to the liquid composition in contact therewith to heat the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol is generated.

[0041] For example, the vaporizer 14 is called a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

[0042] On the one hand, in addition to the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a general configuration. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. Further, the aerosol generating device 1 includes at least one sensor (such as a puff sensing sensor, a temperature sensing sensor, a cigarette insertion sensing sensor, etc.). Further, the aerosol generating device 1 is manufactured in a structure in which outside air flows in or internal gas flows out even when the cigarette 2 is inserted.

[0043] Although not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device 1 may form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle is used for charging the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1. Or, with the cradle and the aerosol generating device 1 being coupled, the heater 13 is heated.

[0044] The cigarette 2 is similar to a general combustible cigarette. For example, the cigarette 2 is divided into a first part containing an aerosol generating substance and a second part containing a filter or the like. Or, the second part of the cigarette 2 may also contain an aerosol generating substance. For example, an aerosol generating substance made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

[0045] Inside the aerosol generating device 1, the entire first part is inserted, and the second part is exposed to the outside. Or, only a part of the first part may be inserted inside the aerosol generating device 1, or the entire first part and a part of the second part may be inserted. The user inhales the aerosol with the second part in the mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by the outside air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol is transmitted to the user's mouth through the second part.

[0046] As an example, outside air flows into the aerosol generating device 1 through at least one air passage formed therein. 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 are adjusted by the user. Thereby, the amount of atomization, the smoking feeling, etc. are adjusted by the user. As another example, outside air flows into the inside of the cigarette 2 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 2.

[0047] Hereinafter, an example of the cigarette 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0048] FIGS. 4 and 5 are drawings showing an example of a cigarette.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 4, the cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 210 and a filter rod 220. The first part described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 includes the tobacco rod 210, and the second part includes the filter rod 220.

[0050] In FIG. 4, the filter rod 220 is shown as a single segment, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 220 may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 220 includes a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. Further, if necessary, the filter rod 220 may further include at least one segment for performing other functions.

[0051] The diameter of the cigarette 2 is within the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length is about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 210 is about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 220 is about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 220 is about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 220 is about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0052] The cigarette 2 is wrapped by at least one wrapper 240. At least one hole through which outside air flows in or internal gas flows out is formed in the wrapper 240. As an example, the cigarette 2 is wrapped by one wrapper 240. As another example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped by overlapping two or more wrappers 240. For example, the tobacco rod 210 is wrapped by the first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 220 is wrapped by the wrappers 242, 243, and 244. Then, the whole cigarette 2 is repackaged by a single wrapper. If the filter rod 220 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by the wrappers 242, 243, and 244.

[0053] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 are made of common filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 are porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper. Also, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum composite paper packaging agents.

[0054] The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 is included in the range of 88 g / m 2 to 96 g / m 2 and preferably is included in the range of 90 g / m 2 to 94 g / m 2 Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 is included in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably is 125 μm.

[0055] The fourth wrapper 244 is made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 is included in the range of 88 g / m 2 to 96 g / m 2 and preferably is included in the range of 90 g / m 2 to 94 g / m 2 Also, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 is included in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably is 125 μm.

[0056] The fifth wrapper 245 can be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) means paper that is specially manufactured so that its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are improved compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 is in the range of 57 g / m 2 to 63 g / m 2 and preferably is 60 g / m 2 . Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 is included in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably is 67 μm.

[0057] A predetermined substance is added to the fifth wrapper 245. Here, examples of the predetermined substance 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 245 without limitation.

[0058] The fifth wrapper 245 prevents the phenomenon of the cigarette 2 from burning. For example, if the tobacco rod 210 is heated by the heater 13, the cigarette 2 may burn. Specifically, when any one of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 310 is heated to above the ignition point, there is a risk that the cigarette 2 will burn. Even in such a case, since the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-combustible substance, the phenomenon of the cigarette 2 burning is prevented.

[0059] Also, the fifth wrapper 245 prevents the holder from being contaminated by the substances generated by the cigarette 2. Depending on the user's puff, a liquid substance is generated inside the cigarette 2. For example, when the aerosol generated by the cigarette 2 is cooled by the outside air, a liquid substance (such as moisture, etc.) is generated. By the fifth wrapper 245 packaging the cigarette 2, the liquid substance generated inside the cigarette 2 is prevented from leaking to the outside of the cigarette 2.

[0060] The tobacco rod 210 contains aerosol product substances. For example, the aerosol product substances 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 210 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 210 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 210.

[0061] The tobacco rod 210 is manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 210 may be manufactured from a sheet or from strands. Also, the tobacco rod 210 may be manufactured from cut tobacco in which the tobacco sheet is cut. Further, the tobacco rod 210 may be surrounded by a heat-conductive substance. For example, the heat-conductive substance is also a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the heat-conductive substance surrounding the tobacco rod 210 evenly disperses the heat transmitted to the tobacco rod 210, improves the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, and thereby improves the tobacco flavor. Also, the heat-conductive substance surrounding the tobacco rod 210 functions as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heating type heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 210 may further include a susceptor in addition to the heat-conductive substance surrounding the outside.

[0062] The filter rod 220 may be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod 220. For example, the filter rod 220 may be a cylindrical rod, or may be a tubular rod having a hollow inside. Also, the filter rod 220 may be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 220 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments is manufactured in a different shape.

[0063] The first segment of the filter rod 220 is also a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment is a tubular structure with a hollow inside. When the heater 13 is inserted along the first segment, it can also prevent the phenomenon that the internal substance of the tobacco rod 210 is pushed backward, and a cooling effect of the aerosol is also generated. The diameter of the hollow contained in the first segment is appropriately adopted within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0064] The length of the first segment is appropriately adopted within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Desirably, the length of the first segment is 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0065] By adjusting the content of the plasticizer during the manufacture of the first segment, the hardness of the first segment is adjusted. Also, the first segment is manufactured by inserting structures such as films and tubes of the same or different materials inside (for example, the hollow).

[0066] The second segment of the filter rod 220 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 13 heating the tobacco rod 210. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0067] The distance or diameter of the second segment is variously determined according to the form of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the second segment is appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Desirably, the length of the second segment is 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0068] The second segment is produced 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 produced by weaving together separately provided fibers coated with the flavoring liquid and fibers made of the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment is formed by a crimped polymer sheet.

[0069] For example, the polymer is 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.

[0070] Since the second segment is formed by woven polymer fibers or a crimped polymer sheet, the second segment includes one or more channels extending in the longitudinal direction. Here, the channel means a passage through which gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0071] For example, the second segment made of a crimped polymer sheet is formed from 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 is between about 300 mm 2 / mm and about 1000 mm 2 / mm. Also, the aerosol cooling element is formed from a material having a specific surface area between about 10 mm 2 / mg and about 100 mm 2 / mg.

[0072] On the other hand, the second segment includes threads containing volatile flavor components. Here, the volatile flavor component is menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the threads are filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0073] The third segment of the filter rod 220 is also a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment is appropriately adopted within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment is 12 mm, but it is not limited thereto.

[0074] In the process of manufacturing the third segment, it may be manufactured such that a flavor 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 third segment. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 210 is cooled by passing through the second segment of the filter rod 220, and the cooled aerosol is transmitted to the user through the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, an effect of improving the persistence of the flavor transmitted to the user occurs.

[0075] Further, the filter rod 220 includes at least one capsule 230. Here, the capsule 230 may perform a function of generating a flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 230 has a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 230 may be spherical or cylindrical, but is not limited thereto.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 5, the cigarette 3 further includes a front plug 330. The front plug 330 is located on one side of the tobacco rod 310 opposite to the filter rod 320. The front plug 330 can prevent the tobacco rod 310 from detaching externally and prevent the liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 310 into the aerosol generating device (1 in FIGS. 1 to 3) during smoking.

[0077] The filter rod 320 includes a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 corresponds to the first segment of the filter rod 220 in FIG. 4, and the second segment 322 corresponds to the third segment of the filter rod 220 in FIG. 4.

[0078] The diameter and overall length of cigarette 3 correspond to those of cigarette 2 in FIG. 4. For example, the length of the front plug 330 is about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 310 is about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 is about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 is about 14 mm, but it is not limited thereto.

[0079] Cigarette 3 is wrapped by at least one wrapper 350. At least one hole is formed in the wrapper 350 through which outside air flows in or internal gas flows out. For example, the front plug 330 is wrapped by the first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 310 is wrapped by the second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 is wrapped by the third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 is wrapped by the fourth wrapper 354. Then, the entire cigarette 3 is re-wrapped by the fifth wrapper 355.

[0080] Further, at least one perforation 36 is formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, the perforation 36 is formed in the region surrounding the tobacco rod 310, but it is not limited thereto. The perforation 36 serves to transfer the heat generated by the heater 13 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 to the inside of the tobacco rod 310.

[0081] Further, at least one capsule 340 is included in the second segment 322. Here, the capsule 340 may function to generate a fragrance or may function to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 340 has a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped by a film. The capsule 340 may be spherical or cylindrical, but it is not limited thereto.

[0082] The first wrapper 351 is a general filter wrapping paper to which a metal foil such as aluminum foil is bonded. For example, the overall thickness of the first wrapper 351 is included within the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and desirably, it is 50.3 μm. Also, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 is included within the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and desirably, it is 6.3 μm. Also, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 is 50 g / m 2 to 55 g / m 2 and is included within the range, and desirably, it is 53 g / m 2 .

[0083] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 are made of general filter wrapping paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 are porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper.

[0084] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 is 35000 CU, but it is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 is included within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and desirably, it is 78 μm. Also, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 is 20 g / m 2 to 25 g / m 2 and is included within the range, and desirably, it is 23.5 g / m 2 .

[0085] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 is 24000 CU, but it is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 is included within the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and desirably, it is 68 μm. Also, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 is 20 g / m 2 to 25 g / m 2 and is included within the range, and desirably, it is 21 g / m 2 .

[0086] The fourth wrapper 354 is made of PLA laminated paper. Here, the PLA laminated paper means triple-layered paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 is included within the range of 100um to 120um, and preferably, it is 110um. Also, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 is within the range of 80g / m 2 to 100g / m 2 and preferably, it is 88g / m 2 .

[0087] The fifth wrapper 355 is made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) means paper that is specially manufactured so that its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are improved compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 is within the range of 57g / m 2 to 63g / m 2 and preferably, it is 60g / m 2 . Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 is included within the range of 64um to 70um, and preferably, it is 67um.

[0088] A predetermined substance is added to the fifth wrapper 355. Here, an example of the predetermined substance is silicon, but it is not limited thereto. 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 355 without limitation.

[0089] The front plug 330 is made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the front plug 330 is made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow is included within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, desirably within the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More desirably, the mono denier of the filaments of the front plug 330 is 5.0. Also, the cross-section of the filaments constituting the front plug 330 is also Y-shaped. The total denier of the front plug 330 is included within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, desirably within the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More desirably, the total denier of the front plug 330 is 28,000.

[0090] Also, if necessary, the front plug 330 includes at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel is manufactured in various ways.

[0091] The tobacco rod 310 corresponds to the tobacco rod 210 described above with reference to FIG. 4. Therefore, the specific description of the tobacco rod 310 will be omitted below.

[0092] The first segment 321 is made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment is a tubular structure including a hollow inside. The first segment 321 is made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the mono denier and total denier of the first segment 321 are the same as those of the front plug 330.

[0093] The second segment 322 is made of cellulose acetate. The monodenier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 is included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, desirably included in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More desirably, the monodenier of the filaments of the second segment 322 is 9.0. Also, the cross-section of the filaments of the second segment 322 is Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 is included in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, desirably 25,000.

[0094] FIG. 6A is a drawing showing the appearance of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 6A, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment includes a main body 110 and an external cover 120 coupled to the main body 110.

[0096] The external cover 120 is coupled to a region of the main body 110 to protect the components of the aerosol generating device 1 disposed in the main body 110. The coupled main body 110 and the external cover 120 form the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 1. The main body 110 and the external cover 120 are adhesively bonded to each other and inseparably coupled, or are separably coupled by a coupling means such as a coupling groove, and the coupling method is variously embodied.

[0097] As described later, the components of the aerosol generating device 1 excluding the circuit layer 121 included in the external cover 120 are included in the main body 110. For example, in the main body 110, there are disposed a housing space into which a cigarette can be inserted, a heater for heating the cigarette, and a user interface (e.g., a USB interface) for electrically connecting the aerosol generating device 1 and an external device, but it is not limited thereto.

[0098] FIG. 6B is a drawing schematically showing a position where the circuit layer 121 is attached to the external cover of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0099] FIG. 6B shows only a partial configuration of the external cover 120. The external cover 120 includes a circuit layer 121, a base layer, a light-transmitting layer, a shielding layer, and a coating layer 125 that are sequentially arranged in a direction from the back surface to the front surface of the external cover 120, and one or more light-emitting members 121a arranged on the circuit layer 121. However, in FIG. 6B, for the sake of schematically showing the position where the circuit layer 121 is attached to the external cover 120, the configuration excluding the circuit layer 121, the light-emitting member 121a, and the coating layer 125 is omitted.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 6B, the front surface of the external cover 120 includes the coating layer 125, and such a coating layer 125 shows the appearance of the external cover 120. The coating layer 125 shows the hue of the front surface of the external cover 120. Also, the coating layer 125 may show the texture of the external cover 120.

[0101] As one embodiment, the coating layer 125 further includes a hard coating layer for enhancing the strength of the external cover 120 and protecting the surface. In this case, the hard coating layer is made of a transparent material so that the hue of the coating layer 125 appears on the front surface of the external cover 120.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 6B, the circuit layer 121 includes one or more light-emitting members 121a. The light emitted from the light-emitting member 121a is transmitted toward the front surface of the external cover 120. The circuit layer 121 on which one or more light-emitting members 121a are arranged is disposed on the back surface of the external cover 120. The circuit layer 121 is formed by a method such as being adhered to the back surface of the external cover 120 or transferred to the back surface, but is not limited thereto.

[0103] FIGS. 7 to 12 are schematic cross-sectional views of an external cover of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0104] Figures 7 to 12 relate to various embodiments of the outer cover 120 of the aerosol generating device 1, and overlapping descriptions are omitted. Needless to say, for Figures 8 to 12, the various embodiments described later with respect to Figure 7 are applicable.

[0105] Figure 7 is a drawing showing a cross section of the outer cover 120 of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0106] The outer cover 120 of the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment includes a configuration in which light is emitted in the front direction of the outer cover 120. That is, the emitted light is displayed on the front surface of the outer cover 120 so that the user can visually recognize it.

[0107] Specifically, the outer cover 120 includes a circuit layer 121, a base layer 122, a light-transmitting layer 123, a shielding layer 124, and a coating layer 125 that are sequentially arranged in a direction from the back surface to the front surface of the outer cover 120.

[0108] The circuit layer 121 includes one or more light-emitting members 121a arranged in the circuit layer 121. The base layer 122, the light-transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, and the coating layer 125 include light-transmissive materials.

[0109] The light emitted from the light-emitting member 121a arranged in the circuit layer 121 is transmitted through the base layer 122, the light-transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, and the coating layer 125 in this order and is displayed on the front surface of the outer cover 120.

[0110] By providing the outer cover 120 with the circuit layer 121 including the light-emitting member 121a on its back surface, the distance between the position where the light is emitted from the light-emitting member 121a and the position where the emitted light is transmitted and displayed is reduced. As a result, the phenomenon that the light appears non-uniform due to position deviation can be reduced.

[0111] On the circuit layer 121, a base layer 122 is disposed. On the base layer 122, a light-transmitting layer 123 is disposed. On the light-transmitting layer 123, a shielding layer 124 is disposed. On the shielding layer 124, a coating layer 125 is disposed. The coating layer 125 constitutes the front surface of the external cover 120. That is, in the front direction of the circuit layer 121 that coincides with the front direction of the external cover 120, the base layer 122, the light-transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, and the coating layer 125 are sequentially disposed.

[0112] The light-emitting member 121a includes a light source. The light source is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), but is not limited thereto, and may include other light sources such as a lamp. The light-emitting member 121a is disposed on the back surface or the front surface of the circuit layer 121.

[0113] The light emitted from the light-emitting member 121a is transmitted in the front direction of the external cover 120. Specifically, the light emitted from the light-emitting member 121a is transmitted through the base layer 122, the light-transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, and the coating layer 125 in this order.

[0114] One or more light-emitting members 121a provide various information in the front direction of the external cover 120 by partially or entirely lighting or extinguishing. The light-emitting member 121a also provides various information through changes such as the intensity of the emitted light and the hue.

[0115] The light-emitting member 121a emits light in one of various predetermined hues to indicate the operating state of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, it is set such that as the temperature during preheating of the aerosol generating device 1 rises, the hue of the light emitted from the light-emitting member 121a changes, and such a change in hue is displayed on the front surface of the external cover 120 for the user to visually recognize. However, it is not limited thereto, and includes any embodiment that can notify the user. The operation of the light-emitting member 121a is controlled by a control unit (not shown).

[0116] The circuit layer 121 is located on the outermost side of the back surface of the external cover 120. When the main body 110 and the external cover 120 are coupled, the circuit layer 121 and the main body 110 come into contact with each other. However, other components such as a protective film may be further included in the back direction of the circuit layer 121 that coincides with the back direction of the external cover 120.

[0117] The circuit layer 121 is a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) or an FPCB (Flexible Printed Circuit Board), and the light-emitting member 121a is mounted on the circuit layer 121. However, the arrangement form and installation method of the light-emitting member 121a are not limited. Further, the circuit layer 121 includes at least one electrical connector (not shown) for electrically connecting the light-emitting member 121a, a control unit (not shown), and the like.

[0118] As an example, the base layer 122 is disposed on the circuit layer 121 and is formed to be transparent or translucent so as to be light transmissive. That is, the display unit is made of a material having a predetermined transmittance and transmitting light. Specifically, the translucent material refers to a material having a light transmittance exceeding 0% and less than 100%.

[0119] More specifically, the material of the base layer 122 includes glass, or plastic materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and polycarbonate (PC). However, it is not limited to these, and it may be made of other materials.

[0120] The base layer 122 serves as a base for laminating the light-transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, and the coating layer 125, and provides rigidity to the external cover 120.

[0121] As an example, in order to firmly arrange the circuit layer 121 and the base layer 122, a support member 121c is further included between the circuit layer 121 and the base layer 122. The support member 121c may be formed separately from the circuit layer 121 and the base layer 122, or may be formed integrally with the circuit layer 121, or may be formed integrally with the base layer 122.

[0122] By arranging the support member 121c between the circuit layer 121 and the base layer 122, the light-emitting member 121a and other components (not shown) of the circuit layer 121 are prevented from contacting the base layer 122. The support member 121c is formed on a portion of the circuit layer 121 where no component is arranged or is formed to abut against a portion where no component is arranged, so that a space 121b is formed between the circuit layer 121 and the base layer 122. Through such a space 121b, the light emitted from the light-emitting member 121a is transmitted in the direction of the base layer 122. As one embodiment, the surface of the support member 121c in contact with the space 121b has the property of reflecting light.

[0123] As an example, the light-transmitting layer 123 is arranged on the base layer 122. The light emitted from the light-emitting member 121a passes through the base layer 122 and then through the light-transmitting layer 123. The light-transmitting layer 123 contains a light-transmitting material.

[0124] The light-transmitting layer 123 includes one or more light-transmitting portions 123a capable of transmitting light and one or more light-blocking portions 123b capable of blocking light. That is, the light-transmitting portion 123a can have a higher light transmittance than the light-blocking portion 123b.

[0125] The light-transmitting portion 123a is formed at a position where the light emitted from the light-emitting member 121a is transmitted.

[0126] For example, a plurality of light-emitting members 121a are respectively formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of light-transmitting portions 123a, and a plurality of light-transmitting portions 123a may be formed at a position corresponding to one light-emitting member 121a. Or, one light-transmitting portion 123a is formed at a position corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting members 121a. Needless to say, in the above-described arrangement, various combinations are possible.

[0127] Also, the light emitted from the light-emitting member 121a is adjusted to travel along a desired path by reflection, refraction, etc., and one or more light-transmitting portions 123a are arranged in the adjusted light path.

[0128] The light-transmitting layer 123 is formed by printing like a silk screen or other transfer process on the base layer 122.

[0129] The light-blocking portion 123b blocks the light emitted from the light-emitting member 121a and is printed using a colored ink. The ink is black or other colors. The color of the ink is the same as or similar to the color of the shielding layer 124 or the coating layer 125.

[0130] The light-transmitting portion 123a transmits the light emitted from the light-emitting member 121a and is the remaining portion of the light-transmitting layer 123 where the light-blocking portion 123b is not formed. The light-transmitting portion 123a is formed at a position corresponding to the light-emitting member 121a. Therefore, when the light-emitting member 121a emits light, the light-transmitting portion 123a transmits the light and exposes the light to the outside.

[0131] The light-transmitting portion 123a is the remaining region excluding the light-blocking portion 123b. The light-transmitting portion 123a is a hole with an opening or is formed of a light-transmitting material. The light-blocking portion 123b is formed by printing a light-blocking material, and the light-transmitting portion 123a is formed in a region where the light-blocking material is not printed, so that the light-transmitting portion 123a is manufactured to have the aforementioned hole. The light-transmitting material is, for example, a urethane-based resin.

[0132] Each light-transmitting portion 123a can have various sizes and shapes, for example, a circular or polygonal shape.

[0133] The light-transmitting portion 123a transmits the light emitted from the light-emitting member 121a and exposes it on the front surface of the outer cover 120 so that the user can observe it. Specifically, the light emitted from the light-emitting member 121a is transmitted in the order of the base layer 122, the light-transmitting portion 123a of the light-transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, and the coating layer 125, and is observed by the user.

[0134] By turning on or off one or more light-emitting members 121a, a plurality of light-transmitting portions 123a display pictures, numbers, characters, etc. on the front surface of the outer cover 120.

[0135] As an example, the shielding layer 124 is disposed on the light-transmitting layer 123. When the light-emitting member 121a is turned off, the light-transmitting portion 123a is shielded by the shielding layer 124, and when observed from the front surface of the outer cover 120, the light-transmitting portion 123a for light transmission is not visible.

[0136] The shielding layer 124 transmits the light emitted from the light-emitting member 121a toward the front surface of the outer cover 120 when the light-emitting member 121a is turned on, and shields the light-transmitting portion 123a from being visible from the front surface of the outer cover 120 when the light-emitting member 121a is turned off. That is, the shielding layer 124 allows the light emitted from the light-emitting member 121a to be transmitted to the outside (i.e., the front direction), and does not allow the light incident from the outside to be transmitted to the inside (i.e., the back direction).

[0137] Due to the shielding layer 124, the user cannot recognize the light-emitting member 121a or the internal structure of the light-transmitting portion 123a that transmits the light emitted from the light-emitting member 121a, and can only recognize the light transmitted from the light-emitting member 121a to the front surface of the outer cover 120. Such an implementation can improve the design effect.

[0138] The shielding layer 124 is in the form of a very thin metal layer. For example, it is formed by printing metallic ink or applying a semi-transparent spray. However, it is not limited thereto and may be implemented by other substances with adjustable transmittance.

[0139] As an example, the coating layer 125 is disposed on the shielding layer 124. The coating layer 125 forms the appearance of the front surface of the outer cover 120 of the aerosol generating device 1. The coating layer 125 forms the hue, texture, etc. of the front surface of the outer cover 120. The coating layer 125 is formed, for example, by film transfer.

[0140] The coating layer 125 includes a light-transmissive material. The light emitted from the light-emitting member 121a is transmitted through the base layer 122, the light-transmissive layer 123, the shielding layer 124, and the coating layer 125 in this order and is displayed on the front surface of the outer cover 120. The front surface of the outer cover 120 is the front surface of the coating layer 125.

[0141] As an example, in order to enhance the surface hardness of the front surface of the outer cover 120 and improve durability, the coating layer 125 further includes a hard coating layer with high hardness.

[0142] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a cross-section of the outer cover 120 of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0143] As described with reference to FIG. 7, the circuit layer 121, the light-emitting member 121a, the base layer 122, the light-transmissive layer 123, the shielding layer 124, the coating layer 125, etc. shown in FIG. 8 are the same as the aforementioned components, so overlapping descriptions are omitted.

[0144] As described above, the light-transmissive layer 123 includes one or more light-transmissive portions 123a capable of transmitting light and one or more light-blocking portions 123b capable of blocking light. The light-transmissive portions 123a are formed at positions where the light emitted from the light-emitting member 121a is transmitted.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 8, a plurality of light-transmitting portions 123a are formed at positions where light emitted from one light-emitting member 121a is transmitted.

[0146] In FIG. 8, assuming that the path of light emitted from one light-emitting member 121a does not overlap with the path of light emitted from other light-emitting members 121a, the light emitted from one light-emitting member 121a is arranged to pass through two light-transmitting portions 123a, the light emitted from another one of the light-emitting members 121a is arranged to pass through three light-transmitting portions 123a, and the light emitted from another one of the light-emitting members 121a is arranged to pass through five light-transmitting portions 123a.

[0147] The number, arrangement interval, size, etc. of the light-transmitting portions 123a are formed in various ways. By suitably setting the number, arrangement interval, size, etc. of the light-transmitting portions 123a, at least one shape among pictures, characters, numbers, and symbols can be formed. That is, the light-transmitting portion 123a transmits light emitted from one or more of the light-emitting members 121a, and when the light transmitted through the light-transmitting portion 123a reaches the front surface of the outer cover 120, the user can recognize at least one shape among pictures, characters, numbers, and symbols.

[0148] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a cross-section of the outer cover 120 of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the third embodiment.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 9, different from the embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8, it includes a light diffusion layer 126 disposed between the circuit layer 121 and the base layer 122. Since the remaining circuit layer 121, light-emitting member 121a, base layer 122, light-transmitting layer 123, shielding layer 124, coating layer 125, etc. are the same as the above-described components, overlapping descriptions are omitted.

[0150] The light diffusion layer 126 is disposed between the circuit layer 121 and the base layer 122, and guides the light emitted from the light-emitting member 121a to be transmitted through the light-transmitting portion 123a. The light diffusion layer 126 includes one or more light guiding portions 126a and one or more light reflecting portions 126b.

[0151] The light guide portion 126a transmits the light emitted from the light emitting member 121a, and the light reflecting portion 126b reflects the light emitted from the light emitting member 121a. By including the light guide portion 126a and the light reflecting portion 126b, the light can be concentrated in the direction of the light transmitting portion 123a of the light transmitting layer 123. As a result, relatively bright light can be displayed even with a small amount of light, and relatively little power can be used when the light emitting member 121a emits light.

[0152] The light reflecting portion 126b is formed of a substance that reflects light, or includes a substance that reflects light only in a portion that contacts the light guide portion 126a. When only a part of the light reflecting portion 126b includes a substance that reflects light, the remaining part is filled with a substance that does not transmit light, so that the light emitted from the light emitting member 121a can be transmitted only through the light guide portion 126a.

[0153] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a cross section of the external cover 120 of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 10, the light guide portion 126a includes a shape in which the size gradually increases from the circuit layer 121 toward the base layer 122. With such a shape, the light can be further concentrated in the direction of the light transmitting portion 123a of the light transmitting layer 123. When the light guide portion 126a has the shape shown in FIG. 10, the light reflecting portion 126b includes a shape in which the size gradually decreases from the circuit layer 121 toward the base layer 122 relatively. However, the shape is not limited as long as the above-described object can be achieved.

[0155] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a cross section of the external cover 120 of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 11, different from the embodiments of FIGS. 7 to 10, the light emitting member 121a is disposed on the back surface of the circuit layer 121. Since the remaining circuit layer 121, the light emitting member 121a, the base layer 122, the light transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, the coating layer 125, etc. are the same as the above-described components, overlapping explanations are omitted.

[0157] The light emitted from the light-emitting member 121a disposed on the back surface of the circuit layer 121 passes through the base layer 122, the light-transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, and the coating layer 125, and is displayed on the front surface of the external cover 120.

[0158] As shown in FIG. 11, when the light-emitting member 121a is disposed on the back surface of the circuit layer 121, the arrangement interval between the circuit layer 121 and the base layer 122 can be reduced, and the positional deviation due to the tolerance can be reduced. That is, the distance between the position where light is emitted from the light-emitting member 121a and the position where the emitted light is transmitted and displayed is reduced, and the phenomenon that the light appears non-uniform due to the positional deviation can be reduced.

[0159] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a cross section of the external cover 120 of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the sixth embodiment.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 12, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 11, the light-emitting member 121a is disposed on the back surface of the circuit layer 121. Further, different from the embodiment of FIG. 11, it includes a light diffusion layer 126 disposed between the circuit layer 121 and the base layer 122. Since the remaining circuit layer 121, the light-emitting member 121a, the base layer 122, the light-transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, the coating layer 125, etc. are the same as the above-described components, overlapping descriptions are omitted.

[0161] The light diffusion layer 126 is disposed between the circuit layer 121 and the base layer 122, and guides the light emitted from the light-emitting member 121a to be transmitted through the light-transmitting portion 123a. The light diffusion layer 126 includes one or more light guiding portions 126a and one or more light reflecting portions 126b.

[0162] The light guide portion 126a transmits the light emitted from the light emitting member 121a, and the light reflecting portion 126b reflects the light emitted from the light emitting member 121a. By including the light guide portion 126a and the light reflecting portion 126b, the light can be concentrated in the direction of the light transmitting portion 123a of the light transmitting layer 123. Thereby, relatively bright light can be displayed even with a small amount of light, and relatively little power can be used when the light emitting member 121a emits light.

[0163] If the light guide portion 126a can concentrate the light in the direction of the light transmitting portion 123a, the number and shape of the light guide portion 126a are not limited.

[0164] The external cover 120 for the aerosol generating device 1 according to the above-described embodiment is manufactured by including a step of providing a base layer 122, a step of sequentially laminating a light transmitting layer 123, a shielding layer 124, and a coating layer 125 on the front surface of the base layer 122, and a step of disposing a circuit layer 121 on which one or more light emitting members 121a are disposed on the back surface of the base layer 122. As described above, the base layer 122, the light transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, and the coating layer 125 include a light transmissive material, and the light emitted from the light emitting member 121a is transmitted through the base layer 122, the light transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, and the coating layer 125 in this order.

[0165] As described above, the light transmitting layer 123 includes one or more light transmitting portions 123a that transmit light and one or more light blocking portions 123b that block light. At this time, the light blocking portion 123b is formed by printing a material that blocks light, and the light transmitting portion 123a is formed in a region where the material that blocks light is not printed, but it goes without saying that these methods are not limited.

[0166] In addition, the step of disposing the circuit layer 121 on the back surface of the base layer 122 is performed by including a step of adhering the circuit layer 121 to the back surface of the base layer 122 or a step of forming the circuit layer 121 on the back surface of the base layer 122.

[0167] Specifically, adhesion can be achieved using common adhesion methods in the industry. For example, it can be performed by using adhesives or adhesive tapes, or by a fusing method. Placing the circuit layer 121 on the back surface of the base layer 122 may be done by directly transferring the circuit layer 121 to the back surface of the base layer 122, but is not limited thereto.

[0168] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 1300 according to another embodiment.

[0169] The aerosol generating device 1300 includes a control unit 1310, a sensing unit 1320, an output unit 1330, a battery 1340, a heater 1350, a user input unit 1360, a memory 1370, and a communication unit 1380. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1300 is not limited to what is shown in FIG. 13. That is, those skilled in the art will understand that depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1300, some of the configurations shown in FIG. 13 may be omitted or new configurations may be further added.

[0170] The sensing unit 1320 senses the state of the aerosol generating device 1300 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1300, and transmits the sensed information to the control unit 1310. The control unit 1310 controls the aerosol generating device 1300 based on the sensed information so that various functions such as operation control of the heater 1350, restriction of smoking, determination of whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and notification display are performed.

[0171] The sensing unit 1320 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 1322, an insertion sensing sensor 1324, and a puff sensor 1326, but is not limited thereto.

[0172] The temperature sensor 1322 senses the temperature at which the heater 1350 (or the aerosol generating substance) is heated. The aerosol generating device 1300 includes a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 1350, or the heater 1350 itself serves as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1322 may be arranged around the battery 1340 to monitor the temperature of the battery 1340.

[0173] The insertion sensing sensor 1324 senses the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 1324 includes 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 senses a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article.

[0174] The puff sensor 1326 senses the user's puff based on various physical changes in the air flow path or air flow channel. For example, the puff sensor 1326 senses the user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow rate change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0175] In addition to the sensors described above (the temperature sensor 1322, the insertion sensing sensor 824, and the puff sensor 1326), the sensing unit 1320 further includes at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an ordinary technician from its name, specific descriptions are omitted.

[0176] The output unit 1330 outputs information about the state of the aerosol generating device 1300 and provides it to the user. The output unit 1330 includes at least one of a display unit 1332, a haptic unit 1334, and an acoustic output unit 1336, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 1332 and the touch pad form a layer structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit 1332 is also used as an input device in addition to the output device.

[0177] The display unit 1332 visually provides information about the aerosol generating device 1300 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 1300 means various information such as the charge / discharge state of the battery 1340 of the aerosol generating device 1300, the preheating state of the heater 1350, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 1300 is restricted (for example, detection of an abnormal article), and the display unit 1332 outputs the information to the outside. The display unit 1332 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. Further, the display unit 1332 may be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0178] The haptic unit 1334 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus and tactually provides information about the aerosol generating device 1300 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 1334 includes a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0179] The acoustic output unit 1336 aurally provides information about the aerosol generating device 1300 to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit 1336 converts an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and outputs it to the outside.

[0180] The battery 1340 supplies the power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1300. The battery 1340 supplies power so that the heater 1350 is heated. Also, the battery 1340 supplies the power necessary for the operation of other components (for example, the sensing unit 1320, the output unit 1330, the user input unit 1360, the memory 1370, and the communication unit 1380) provided in the aerosol generating device 1300. The battery 1340 is a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1340 is also a lithium polymer (Li Poly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0181] The heater 1350 is supplied with power from the battery 1340 and heats the aerosol generating substance. Although not shown in FIG. 13, the aerosol generating device 1300 may further include a power conversion circuit (for example, a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 1340 and supplies it to the heater 1350. Also, when the aerosol generating device 1300 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 1300 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power source of the battery 1340 into an AC power source.

[0182] The control unit 1310, the sensing unit 1320, the output unit 1330, the user input unit 1360, the memory 1370, and the communication unit 1380 are supplied with power from the battery 1340 and perform their functions. Although not shown in FIG. 13, the aerosol generating device 1300 further includes a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 1340 and supplies it to each component.

[0183] In one embodiment, the heater 1350 is formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials 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. Further, the heater 130 may be embodied as, but is not limited to, a metallic hot wire, a hot plate with electrically conductive tracks disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0184] In other embodiments, the heater 1350 is an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 1350 includes a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol generating material.

[0185] The user input unit 1360 receives information input from the user or outputs information to the user. For example, the user input unit 1360 includes, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (capacitive touch type, pressure resistive film type, infrared sensing type, surface acoustic wave conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Further, although not shown in FIG. 13, the aerosol generating device 1300 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and through the connection interface such as the USB interface, it connects to other external devices to transmit and receive information or charges the battery 1340.

[0186] Memory 1370 is hardware that stores various data processed within aerosol generator 1300, and stores the data processed by control unit 1310 and the data to be processed. Memory 1370 includes at least one type of recording 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.), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 1370 stores data such as the operating time of aerosol generator 1300, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and data about the user's smoking pattern.

[0187] Communication unit 1380 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, communication unit 1380 includes a short-range communication unit 1382 and a wireless communication unit 1384.

[0188] Short-range communication unit 1382 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a short-range wireless communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a ZigBee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0189] The wireless communication unit 1384 includes, 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 1384 can identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 1300 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0190] The control unit 1310 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1300. In one embodiment, the control unit 1310 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of a number of logic gates, or may be embodied as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executed by this microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will also understand that it may be embodied in other forms of hardware.

[0191] The control unit 1310 controls the temperature of the heater 1350 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 1340 to the heater 1350. For example, the control unit 1310 controls the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 1340 and the heater 1350. In another example, a direct heating circuit may control the power supply to the heater 1350 according to a control command of the control unit 1310.

[0192] The control unit 1310 analyzes the results sensed by the sensing unit 1320 and controls the subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 1310 controls the power supplied to the heater 1350 so that the operation of the heater 1350 starts or ends based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1320. As another example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1320, the control unit 1310 controls the amount of power supplied to the heater 1350 and the time during which the power is supplied so that the heater 1350 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0193] The control unit 1310 controls the output unit 1330 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1320. For example, if the puff count counted through the puff sensor 1326 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 1310 notifies the user, through at least one of the display unit 1332, the haptic unit 1334, and the acoustic output unit 1336, that the aerosol generator 1300 will end soon.

[0194] One embodiment is also embodied in the form of a recording medium including computer-executable instructions such as program modules executed by a computer. A computer-readable medium is any available medium accessible by a computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. Also, a computer-readable medium includes both computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media embodied by any method or technology for storing information such as computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. A communication media typically includes modulated data signals such as computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information delivery media.

[0195] The above description of the embodiments is merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that more various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention must be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the content described in the claims must be construed as being included in the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims

1. In an aerosol generating device, comprising a main body and an external cover coupled to the main body, the external cover includes a circuit layer, a base layer, a light-transmitting layer, a shielding layer, and a coating layer sequentially arranged in a direction from the back surface to the front surface of the external cover, and one or more light-emitting members arranged in the circuit layer, the base layer, the light-transmitting layer, the shielding layer, and the coating layer include a light-transmissible material, and light emitted from the light-emitting member is transmitted through the base layer, the light-transmitting layer, the shielding layer, and the coating layer in this order, an aerosol generating device.

2. The light-transmitting layer includes one or more light-transmitting portions that transmit light and one or more light-blocking portions that block light, the light-transmitting portions are formed at positions where light emitted from the light-emitting member is transmitted, the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein light emitted from the light-emitting member is transmitted through the base layer, the light-transmitting portions, the shielding layer, and the coating layer in this order.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, further comprising a light diffusion layer disposed between the circuit layer and the base layer and guiding light emitted from the light-emitting member to be transmitted through the light-transmitting portions.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the light diffusion layer includes one or more light guiding portions that transmit light emitted from the light-emitting member and one or more light reflecting portions that reflect light emitted from the light-emitting member.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the light guiding portions include a shape in which the size gradually increases from the circuit layer toward the base layer.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the shielding layer transmits light emitted from the light-emitting member toward the front surface of the external cover when the light-emitting member is lit, and shields the light-transmitting portions from being visible from the front surface of the external cover when the light-emitting member is turned off.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the one or more light-transmitting portions form at least one shape among pictures, characters, numbers, and symbols by light emitted from the light-emitting member.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting member is disposed on the back surface or the front surface of the circuit layer.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the coating layer shows the hue of the front surface of the external cover.

10. The step of providing a base layer, A step of sequentially laminating a light-transmitting layer, a shielding layer, and a coating layer on the front surface of the base layer; A step of disposing a circuit layer in which one or more light-emitting members are disposed on the back surface of the base layer, and includes: The base layer, the light-transmitting layer, the shielding layer, and the coating layer include a light-transmissible material, and light emitted from the light-emitting member is transmitted in the order of the base layer, the light-transmitting layer, the shielding layer, and the coating layer. A method for manufacturing an external cover for an aerosol generating device.

11. The light-transmitting layer includes one or more light-transmitting portions that transmit light and one or more light-blocking portions that block light. The light-transmitting portion is formed at a position where light emitted from the light-emitting member is transmitted. The method for manufacturing an external cover for an aerosol generating device according to claim 10.

12. The light-blocking portion is formed by printing a material that blocks light, and the light-transmitting portion is formed in a region where the material that blocks light is not printed. The method for manufacturing an external cover for an aerosol generating device according to claim 11.

13. The step of disposing the circuit layer includes adhering the circuit layer to the back surface of the base layer or forming the circuit layer on the back surface of the base layer. The method for manufacturing an external cover for an aerosol generating device according to claim 10.

Images