Aerosol generating device including a wick

Abstract

An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a wick including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, an extension extending between the first end and the second end, and a heating element disposed within the extension and configured to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to aerosol generating devices, for example, to aerosol generating devices that include a wick. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, an aerosol generating device can generate an aerosol by heating a target (e.g., an aerosol-generating material). For example, heat can be generated by supplying electrical energy to an electrically resistive element. For another example, heat can be generated by electromagnetic coupling between a coil and a susceptor. The background art described above was retained or learned in the process of deriving this disclosure, but is not necessarily publicly known prior to the filing of this disclosure. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that increases atomization efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to one aspect, a wick for an aerosol generating device is provided, the wick including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, an extension extending between the first end and the second end, and a heating element disposed within the extension and configured to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance.

[0005] The extension may include a plurality of textile strands, and the heating element may be embedded in the plurality of textile strands.

[0006] The extension may include a hollow portion and a body portion that defines the hollow portion, and the heating element may be disposed in the hollow portion.

[0007] The wick may further include a plurality of fiber strands disposed in the hollow portion and surrounding the heating element.

[0008] The wick may further include an opening disposed in the extension.

[0009] The wick may further include a light collector disposed in the opening.

[0010] The wick may further include a light diffuser disposed in the opening.

[0011] The heating element may include a substrate and a plurality of metal particles disposed on the substrate.

[0012] According to another aspect, there may be provided an aerosol generating device further including the above-described wick and a light source configured to emit light toward the wick.

[0013] The aerosol generating device may further include a reservoir configured to hold a liquid phase composition, and at least one of the first end and the second end may be coupled to the reservoir.

[0014] The wick may include a reflector disposed on the extension and configured to reflect light toward the heating element. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to one embodiment, the size of components (e.g., batteries) within the aerosol generating device may be reduced. According to one embodiment, heating-related elements (e.g., pogo) may be removed from the aerosol generating device. TM The effects of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of particular embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment, in which an aerosol-generating article is inserted. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment, in which an aerosol-generating article is inserted. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment, in which an aerosol-generating article is inserted. FIG.

[0018] [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating examples of aerosol-generating articles according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating examples of aerosol-generating articles according to one embodiment.

[0019] [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0020] [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram showing an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment;

[0021] [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates a wick according to one embodiment.

[0022] [Figure 9] FIG. 10 shows a wick according to another embodiment.

[0023] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a wick according to another embodiment.

[0024] [Figure 11] FIG. 10 shows a wick according to another embodiment.

[0025] [Figure 12] FIG. 10 shows a wick according to another embodiment.

[0026] [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heating element according to an embodiment.

[0027] [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a heating element according to an embodiment.

[0028] [Figure 15] 15 is a cross-sectional view of the heating element of FIG. 14 taken along line 15-15 according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The terms used in the embodiments are generally used as widely as possible in consideration of the functions of the present invention, but these may change depending on the intentions of engineers in the field, legal precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, the meanings of these terms will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined not simply by their names, but based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0030] Throughout the specification, when any part "includes" any component, this does not exclude other components, but means that it further includes other components, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the terms "module," "unit," etc. described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which can be realized in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0031] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed in this specification are merely examples for the purpose of describing the embodiments, and the embodiments may be embodied in various different forms, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in this specification.

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0033] 1 to 3 are diagrams showing examples of an aerosol-generating device in which an aerosol-generating article is inserted.

[0034] 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. An aerosol-generating article 2 (e.g., a cigarette) may be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0035] The components of this embodiment are shown in the aerosol generating device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3. Therefore, it will be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field of this embodiment that the aerosol generating device 1 further includes other general-purpose components in addition to the components shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0036] 2 and 3 show the aerosol generating device 1 including the heater 13, but the heater 13 may be omitted if necessary.

[0037] Fig. 1 shows that the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. Fig. 2 also shows that the battery 11, the control unit 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. Fig. 3 also shows that the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to that shown in Figs. 1 to 3. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0038] When the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1, the aerosol-generating device 1 can activate the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 passes through the aerosol-generating article 2 and is transmitted to the user.

[0039] If necessary, the aerosol generating device 1 can heat the heater 13 even when no aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 .

[0040] The battery 11 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and can supply power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12. The battery 11 can also supply power necessary for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generation device 1.

[0041] The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 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 generator 1. The control unit 12 can also check the state of each component of the aerosol generator 1 to determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is in an operable state.

[0042] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be realized by an array of a large number of logic gates, or may be realized by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may also be realized by different forms of hardware.

[0043] The heater 13 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 can be located outside the aerosol-generating article. Thus, the heated heater 13 can increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material within the aerosol-generating article.

[0044] The heater 13 may be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated by passing an electric current through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and may be any heater capable of heating to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generating device 1, or may be set by the user.

[0045] Alternatively, the heater 13 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive coil for inductively heating the aerosol-generating article, and the aerosol-generating article may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heater.

[0046] For example, the heater 13 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the interior or exterior of the aerosol-generating article 2 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0047] Furthermore, a plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged in the aerosol-generating device 1. In this case, the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol-generating article 2, or may be arranged outside the aerosol-generating article 2. Furthermore, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol-generating article 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the aerosol-generating article 2. Furthermore, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 1 to 3, and various shapes can be manufactured.

[0048] The vaporizer 14 can heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be transmitted to a user through the aerosol-generating article 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can travel along an airflow passage of the aerosol-generating device 1, and the airflow passage can be configured to allow the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 to be transmitted to a user through the aerosol-generating article.

[0049] For example, the vaporizer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit (reservoir), a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generation device 1 as independent modules.

[0050] The liquid storage unit can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit may be configured to be detachable from the vaporizer 14, or may be configured as an integral part of the vaporizer 14.

[0051] For example, the liquid composition may contain water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring, or vitamin mixture. Flavoring may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavoring ingredients, etc. Flavoring may include ingredients that can provide the user with various flavors or tastes. The vitamin mixture may be, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid composition may also contain an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0052] The liquid transfer means is an element for heating the liquid composition in the liquid storage portion, and may be, for example, but not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0053] The heating element can be an element configured to heat the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heating element can be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. The heating element can also be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and can be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element can be heated by supplying an electric current and can transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0054] For example, but not limited to, the vaporizer 14 may be called a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0055] Meanwhile, the aerosol generator 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 13, and vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generator 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generator 1 may also include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, or an aerosol-generating article insertion detection sensor). Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 may be constructed so that external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out even when the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted.

[0056] Although not shown in Figures 1 to 3, the aerosol generator 1 can also be used to configure a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle is used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generator 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generator 1 are coupled together.

[0057] The aerosol-generating article 2 may be similar to a typical combustion-type aerosol-generating article. For example, the aerosol-generating article 2 may be divided into a first portion containing an aerosol-generating material and a second portion containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the aerosol-generating article 2 may also contain an aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0058] The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part, or the entire first part and a part of the second part, may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1. A user can inhale the aerosol while biting the second part in their mouth. In this case, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

[0059] For example, external air can flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the opening and / or closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1 and / or the size of the air passage can be adjusted by the user. This allows the user to adjust the amount of atomization, smoking sensation, etc. As another example, external air can flow into the aerosol-generating article 2 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the aerosol-generating article 2.

[0060] An example of the aerosol-generating article 2 will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0061] 4 and 5 are diagrams showing examples of aerosol-generating articles.

[0062] 4, the aerosol-generating article 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first portion 21 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 includes the tobacco rod 21, and the second portion 22 includes the filter rod 22.

[0063] 4, the filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment, but is not limited to this. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment that cools the aerosol and a segment that filters a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. If necessary, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment that performs another function.

[0064] The diameter of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be, but is not limited to, within the range of 5 mm to 9 mm and the length may be approximately 48 mm. For example, but not limited to, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be approximately 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 may be approximately 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 may be approximately 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 may be approximately 12 mm.

[0065] The aerosol-generating article 2 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole formed therein to allow external air to enter or internal gas to escape. As an example, the aerosol-generating article 2 may be wrapped in a single wrapper 24. As another example, the aerosol-generating article 2 may be wrapped in two or more wrappers 24 stacked one on top of the other. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped in a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 may be wrapped in wrappers 242, 243, and 244. Alternatively, the entire aerosol-generating article 2 may be rewrapped in a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped in a wrapper 242, 243, and 244.

[0066] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made of common filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous or non-porous wrapping paper. The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can also be made of oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum-clad paper wrapping material.

[0067] The third wrapper 243 can be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 is 88 g / m 2 ~96g / m 2 and preferably 90 g / m 2 ~94g / m 2 The thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0068] The fourth wrapper 244 can be made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 is 88 g / m 2 ~96g / m 2 and preferably 90 g / m 2 ~94g / m 2The thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0069] The fifth wrapper 245 can be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 is 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 and preferably 60 g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0070] A predetermined material may be added to the fifth wrapper 245. Examples of the predetermined material include, but are not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance (i.e., small changes due to temperature), oxidation resistance (i.e., no oxidation), resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any material other than silicon that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

[0071] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the aerosol-generating article 2 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 210 is heated by the heater 13, the aerosol-generating article 2 may burn. Specifically, if the temperature of any of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 310 rises above the ignition point, the aerosol-generating article 2 may burn. Even in such a case, the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-flammable substance, so it can prevent the aerosol-generating article 2 from burning.

[0072] Furthermore, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the holder 1 from being contaminated by the substance generated in the aerosol-generating article 2. A liquid substance can be generated in the aerosol-generating article 2 when the user puffs. For example, a liquid substance (e.g., water) can be generated when the aerosol generated in the aerosol-generating article 2 is cooled by external air. By wrapping the aerosol-generating article 2 in the fifth wrapper 245, the liquid substance generated in the aerosol-generating article 2 can be prevented from leaking outside the aerosol-generating article 2.

[0073] The tobacco rod 21 contains an aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol-forming material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 21 may also contain other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. A flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, may be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0074] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in a sheet or a strand. Alternatively, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from shredded tobacco sheets. The tobacco rod 21 can be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can evenly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, improving the thermal conductivity of the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco flavor. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can also function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 can include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the exterior.

[0075] The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. However, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod or a tube-type rod having a hollow interior. The filter rod 22 may also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0076] The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior. When the heater 13 is inserted through the first segment, it can prevent the material inside the tobacco rod 210 from being pushed backward and also produce a cooling effect on the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow interior of the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0077] The length of the first segment may be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0078] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of plasticizer during manufacturing of the first segment. The first segment can also be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube made of the same or different material inside (e.g., hollow).

[0079] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 13 heating the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0080] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined in various ways depending on the form of the aerosol-generating article 2. For example, the length of the second segment can be appropriately set within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0081] The second segment can be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, the fragrance liquid can be applied to the polymer fibers. Alternatively, the second segment can be made by weaving the polymer fibers together with separate fibers to which the fragrance liquid has been applied. Alternatively, the second segment can be formed by a wound polymer sheet.

[0082] 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.

[0083] By forming the second segment from woven polymer fibers or wound polymer sheets, the second segment can include one or more longitudinally extending channels, where channel refers to a passageway through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0084] For example, the second segment of wound polymer sheet can be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, such as between about 10 μm and about 250 μm, and the total surface area of ​​the second segment can be less than about 300 mm 2 / mm and approximately 1000mm 2 / mm. Furthermore, the aerosol cooling element may have a specific surface area of ​​between about 10 mm 2 / mg and about 100mm 2 It can be made from materials between 1 / 2 mg.

[0085] The second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavor component, which may be, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread may be loaded with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0086] The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately selected within a range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be approximately 12 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0087] During the manufacturing process of the third segment, the third segment can be manufactured so that a flavor is generated by spraying a flavoring liquid onto the third segment. Alternatively, separate fibers coated with a flavoring liquid can be inserted into the third segment. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 21 is cooled as it passes through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user via the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the effect of enhancing the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user can be achieved.

[0088] Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform the function of generating a flavor or the function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a coating. The capsule 23 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0089] 5, the aerosol-generating article 3 may further include a shear plug 33. The shear plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The shear plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside, and may also prevent aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol-generating device (FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0090] Filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, first segment 321 corresponds to the first segment of filter rod 22 of FIG. 4, and second segment 322 corresponds to the third segment of filter rod 22 of FIG. 4.

[0091] The diameter and overall length of the aerosol-generating article 3 correspond to the diameter and overall length of the aerosol-generating article 2 in Figure 4. For example, but not limited to, 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.

[0092] The aerosol-generating article 3 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole formed therein to allow external air to enter or internal gas to escape. For example, the shear plug 33 may be wrapped in a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped in a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped in a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped in a fourth wrapper 354. The entire aerosol-generating article 3 may also be re-wrapped in a fifth wrapper 355.

[0093] In addition, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, but not limited to, the perforation 36 may be formed in the area surrounding the tobacco rod 31. The perforation 36 serves to transfer heat generated by the heater 13 shown in Figures 2 and 3 to the interior of the tobacco rod 31.

[0094] Furthermore, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform the function of generating a flavor or the function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a coating. The capsule 34 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0095] The first wrapper 351 may be made by bonding a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, to a common filter wrapping paper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably 6.3 μm. Furthermore, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 50 g / m 2 ~55g / m 2 and preferably 53 g / m 2 may be.

[0096] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can be made of common filter wrapping paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper.

[0097] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and preferably 78 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 and preferably 23.5 g / m 2 may be.

[0098] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be within a range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 68 μm. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 and preferably 21 g / m 2 may be.

[0099] The fourth wrapper 354 can be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, PLA laminated paper means a triple layer of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and another paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably 110 μm. The basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 is 80 g / m 2 ~100g / m 2 and preferably 88 g / m 2 may be.

[0100] The fifth wrapper 355 can be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 is 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 and preferably 60 g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0101] A predetermined material may be added to the fifth wrapper 355. An example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance (i.e., small changes due to temperature), oxidation resistance (i.e., no oxidation), resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any material other than silicon that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

[0102] The shear plug 33 can be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the shear plug 33 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono-denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably within the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono-denier of the filaments constituting the shear plug 33 may be 5.0. 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 within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably within the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the shear plug 33 may be 28,000.

[0103] Also, if desired, the shear plug 33 may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel may be varied.

[0104] The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to Figure 4. Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0105] The first segment 321 can be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment can be a tube-shaped structure with a hollow interior. The first segment 321 can be made of cellulose acetate tow with a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin). For example, the mono-denier and total denier of the first segment 321 can be the same as the mono-denier and total denier of the shear plug 33.

[0106] The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono-denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably within 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. 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 within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably 25,000.

[0107] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 400 according to one embodiment.

[0108] The aerosol generating device 400 includes 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, it will be understood by those skilled in the art of this embodiment that some of the components shown in Fig. 6 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 400.

[0109] 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. Based on the detected information, the control unit 410 can control the aerosol generating device 400 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 450, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., an aerosol generating article, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0110] The detection unit 420 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 422, an insertion detection sensor 424, and a puff sensor 426, but is not limited to these.

[0111] The temperature sensor 422 detects the temperature of the heater 450 (or the aerosol-generating material). The aerosol-generating device 400 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater 450, or the heater 450 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 422 may be disposed near the battery 440 to monitor the temperature of the battery 440.

[0112] The insertion detection sensor 424 detects the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 424 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article.

[0113] The puff sensor 426 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, for example, the puff sensor 426 may detect a user's puff based on any of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0114] 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 (illuminance) sensor, in addition to the above-described sensors 422 to 426. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a skilled artisan from its name, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0115] The output unit 430 may output and provide to a user information regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 400. The output unit 430 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 432, a haptic unit 434, and an audio output unit 436. When the display unit 432 and the touchpad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 432 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0116] The display unit 432 can visually provide a user with information about the aerosol generating device 400. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 400 can mean various information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 440 of the aerosol generating device 400, the preheating status of the heater 450, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol product, or a status in which use of the aerosol generating device 400 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 432 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 432 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. Alternatively, the display unit 432 can be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0117] The haptic unit 434 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 400. For example, the haptic unit 434 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0118] The acoustic output unit 436 can audibly provide the user with information relating to the aerosol generating device 400. For example, the acoustic output unit 436 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0119] The battery 440 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 400. The battery 440 can supply power to heat the heater 450. The battery 440 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device 400 (e.g., the detection unit 420, the output unit 430, the user input unit 460, the memory 470, and the communication unit 480). The battery 440 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 440 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0120] The heater 450 can heat the aerosol-generating material by receiving power from the battery 440. Although not shown in Fig. 6, the aerosol-generating device 400 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 440 and supplies it to the heater 450. Furthermore, when the aerosol-generating device 400 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 400 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 440 into AC power.

[0121] 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 function by receiving power from the battery 440. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 440 and supplies it to each component.

[0122] In one embodiment, heater 450 may be formed from any suitable electrically resistive material, including, but not limited to, metals or metal alloys, including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Additionally, heater 450 may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0123] In one embodiment, heater 450 may be an induction heater, for example, heater 450 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0124] In one embodiment, heater 450 may include multiple heaters. For example, heater 450 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol-generating article and a second heater for heating the liquid phase.

[0125] The user input unit 460 can receive information input by a user and output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 460 can be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., a contact-type capacitance type, a pressure-type resistive film type, an infrared detection type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, a piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Although not shown in FIG. 6 , the aerosol generating device 400 can further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and can connect to other external devices via the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 440.

[0126] The memory 470 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 400 and can store data that has been processed by the control unit 410 and data to be processed by the control unit 410. The memory 470 can include at least one type of storage medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory, hard disk, micro multimedia card, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 470 can store various information related to the operation of the aerosol generating device 400, such as, but not limited to, the operating time of the aerosol generating device 400, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

[0127] The communication unit 480 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices, such as a near field communication unit 482 and a wireless communication unit 484.

[0128] The short-range wireless communication unit 482 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wideband Local Area Network) communication unit, a Zigbee 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.

[0129] 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., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 484 may use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 400 within the communication network.

[0130] The control unit 410 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 400. In one embodiment, the control unit 410 can include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0131] 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 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 440 and the heater 450. As another example, a heating direct circuit can control the power supply to the heater 450 in response to a control command from the control unit 410.

[0132] The control unit 410 can analyze the result detected by the detection unit 420 and control subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 410 can control the power supplied to the heater 450 so that the operation of the heater 450 starts or ends based on the result detected by the detection unit 420. As another example, the control unit 410 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 450 and the time for which the power is supplied based on the result detected by the detection unit 420 so that the heater 450 is heated to a predetermined temperature or can maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0133] The control unit 410 can control the output unit 430 based on the result detected by the detection unit 420. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 426 reaches a preset number, the control unit 410 can notify the user through at least one of the display unit 432, the haptic unit 434, and the audio output unit 436 that the aerosol generating device 400 will soon be shut down.

[0134] In one embodiment, the control unit 410 can control the time and / or amount of power supplied to the heater 450 depending on the state of the aerosol product detected by the detection unit 420. For example, when the aerosol product is in an overly humid state, the control unit 410 can control the time of power supply to the induction coil to increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol product is in a normal state.

[0135] An embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. A computer-readable recording medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, including both volatile and non-volatile media, and both detachable and non-detachable media. Furthermore, a computer-readable recording medium may include both computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage medium includes both volatile and non-volatile, detachable and non-detachable media embodied in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. A communication medium typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal, such as a program module, or other transmission mechanism, and includes any information delivery medium.

[0136] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0137] 7, an aerosol generating device 500 (e.g., the aerosol generating device 1 of FIGS. 1 to 3 and / or the aerosol generating device 400 of FIG. 6) includes a housing 510. The housing 510 includes a first end 510A (e.g., a mouth end), a second end 510B (e.g., a device end) opposite the first end 510A, and an extension 510C between the first end 510A and the second end 510B.

[0138] In one embodiment, the width or diameter of the first end 510A is smaller than the width or diameter of the extension 510C. In an embodiment not shown, the width or diameter of the first end 510A may be substantially the same as the width or diameter of the extension 510C.

[0139] In one embodiment, housing 510 includes a reservoir 512 (e.g., a liquid storage portion). Reservoir 512 is configured to store a liquid phase composition 513. Reservoir 512 is disposed adjacent first end 510A.

[0140] In one embodiment, reservoir 512 includes a passageway 510D that connects to second end 510A. For example, reservoir 512 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. Passageway 510D may be located in the center of reservoir 512. Aerosol can flow along passageway 510D to the outside of housing 510 through second end 510A.

[0141] In one embodiment, the housing 510 contains a single reservoir 512 .

[0142] In one embodiment, the housing 510 can include multiple reservoirs 512. For example, the housing 510 can include a first reservoir 512A and a second reservoir 512B. The first reservoir 512A can be disposed on a first side of the extension 510C, and the second reservoir 512B can be disposed on a second side of the extension 510C opposite the first side. The first reservoir 512A and the second reservoir 512B are spaced apart from each other and face each other. The first reservoir 512A and the second reservoir 512B can form a passageway 510D.

[0143] In one embodiment, reservoir 512 may be releasably coupled to housing 510. Reservoir 512 may be replaced with a new reservoir (not shown).

[0144] In one embodiment, the housing 510 includes a chamber 510E. The chamber 510E is communicatively connected to the passage 510D. The width of the chamber 510E may be greater than the width of the passage 510D. In one embodiment, the chamber 510E may be disposed in the center of the single reservoir 512. In one embodiment, the chamber 510E may be provided between the first reservoir 512A and the second reservoir 512B.

[0145] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 500 includes a control unit 520 (for example, the control unit 12 in FIGS. 1 to 3 and / or the control unit 410 in FIG. 6).

[0146] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 500 includes a battery 530 (eg, battery 11 in FIGS. 1-3 and / or battery 440 in FIG. 6).

[0147] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 500 includes a light source 540. The light source 540 can be configured to generate light. For example, the light source 540 may include at least one or a combination of a light emitting diode (LED), a laser light source, or any suitable light generating device.

[0148] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 500 may not include the light source 540. The aerosol generating device 500 may use light external to the housing 510.

[0149] In one embodiment, light source 540 can be configured to transmit light in the ultraviolet band, the visible band (eg, about 380 nm to about 780 nm), and / or the infrared band.

[0150] In one embodiment, the light source 540 can be configured to generate light having a wavelength for generating surface plasmon resonance of the metal particles. The light source 540 can generate light in a wavelength range corresponding to the average maximum absorbance depending on the type of metal particle. In an embodiment in which the metal particles are gold (Au), the light source 540 can generate light having a wavelength of about 600 nm to about 650 nm. In an embodiment in which the metal particles are silver (Ag), the light source 540 can generate light having a wavelength of about 420 nm to about 470 nm.

[0151] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 500 includes a plurality of light sources 540. The plurality of light sources 540 may be realized as light sources of the same type, or at least some of the plurality of light sources 540 may be realized as light sources of different types.

[0152] In one embodiment, the multiple light sources 540 can be configured to emit light substantially simultaneously, hi one embodiment, the multiple light sources 540 can emit light at different times.

[0153] In one embodiment, the multiple light sources 540 can be configured to emit light for substantially the same time period, and in one embodiment, the illumination time of any one light source 540 of the multiple light sources 540 can be different from the illumination time of any other light source 540.

[0154] In one embodiment, the multiple light sources 540 can be configured to generate light in substantially the same wavelength band. In one embodiment, the wavelength band of light generated from any one light source 540 of the multiple light sources 540 can be different from the wavelength band of light generated from any other light source 540.

[0155] In one embodiment, the plurality of light sources 540 can be configured to generate light at substantially the same illuminance. In one embodiment, the illuminance of any one of the plurality of light sources 540 can be different from the illuminance of any other one of the light sources 540.

[0156] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 500 includes a wick 550. The wick 550 can be configured to transfer the liquid-phase composition from the reservoir 512 to a heating element 560 (e.g., heater 13 in FIGS. 1-3 and / or heater 450 in FIG. 4). The wick 550 includes a first end 550A (e.g., a first wick end), a second end 550B (e.g., a second wick end) opposite the first end 550A, and an extension 550C extending between the first end 550A and the second end 550B.

[0157] In one embodiment, the first end 550A and the second end 550B are disposed within the reservoir 512. In one embodiment, the first end 550A may be disposed within the first reservoir 512A and the second end 550B may be disposed within the second reservoir 512B.

[0158] In one embodiment, the first end 550A may be coupled to a first portion of the reservoir 512, and the second end 550B may be coupled to a second portion different from the first portion of the reservoir 512. For example, the first end 550A may be coupled to the first reservoir 512A, and the second end 550B may be coupled to the second reservoir 512B.

[0159] In one embodiment, at least a portion of extension 550C may be disposed within chamber 510E. In one embodiment, at least a portion of extension 550C may be disposed within reservoir 512. In one embodiment, at least a portion of extension 550C may be disposed within first reservoir 512A and / or second reservoir 512B.

[0160] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 500 includes a heating element 560. The heating element 560 can be configured to generate heat. For example, the heating element 560 can be configured to generate heat through surface plasmon resonance (SPR). "Surface plasmon resonance" refers to the collective oscillation of electrons propagating along the interface of metal particles with a medium. For example, the collective oscillation of the electrons of the metal particles can be generated by light propagating outside the heating element 560 (e.g., from the light source 540). The excitation of the electrons of the metal particles generates thermal energy, which is transferred within the environment to which the heating element 560 is applied. In one embodiment, the heating element 560 can be included in the wick 550. For example, the heating element 560 can be disposed within the extension 550C.

[0161] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a wick according to one embodiment.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 8, the wick 550 includes an extension 550C. The extension 550C includes a plurality of fiber strands 551. The plurality of fiber strands 551 may be entangled with one another. The plurality of fiber strands 551 are predominantly aligned in a manner that appears essentially parallel between a first end (e.g., first end 550A in FIG. 7) and a second end (e.g., second end 550B in FIG. 7) of the wick 550. Here, "essentially parallel" means that the fiber strands 551 are not exactly parallel to one another, but exhibit a wave shape based on the fiber strands 551 being entangled with one another.

[0163] In one embodiment, the plurality of fiber strands 551 may include a cotton material. In one embodiment, the plurality of fiber strands 551 may include a silica material.

[0164] In one embodiment, the wick 550 includes an opening 552. The opening 552 may be formed in a side surface of the extension 550C. The opening 552 may have any size and / or shape suitable for allowing light to travel from the exterior of the wick 550 to the interior of the wick 550.

[0165] In one embodiment, the wick 550 includes a heating element 560. The heating element 560 may be embedded inside the extension 550C. The heating element 560 is surrounded by a plurality of fiber strands 551. Heat generated from the heating element 560 is transmitted substantially in all directions inside the wick 550. The liquid phase composition absorbed in the plurality of fiber strands 551 and / or the liquid phase composition present in the spaces between the plurality of fiber strands 551 may undergo a phase change of an aerosol due to the heat generated by the heating element 560. A structure in which the heating element 560 is disposed inside the wick 550 can improve atomization efficiency.

[0166] In one embodiment, heating element 560 includes substrate 561. Substrate 561 includes first substrate surface 561A, second substrate surface 561B opposite first substrate surface 561A, and a plurality of side substrate surfaces 561C between first substrate surface 561A and second substrate surface 561B. First substrate surface 561A faces opening 552. In one embodiment, substrate 561 may include various heat transfer materials. For example, substrate 561 may include at least one or a combination of glass, stainless steel, or other heat transfer materials.

[0167] In one embodiment, the length or width of the substrate 561 is greater than the width or diameter of the opening 552. In an embodiment not shown, the length or width of the substrate 561 may be substantially the same as the width or diameter of the opening 552.

[0168] In one embodiment, the heating element 560 includes a metal layer 562. The metal layer 562 may include a first layer 562A. The first layer 562A may be disposed on the first substrate surface 561A. In one embodiment, the metal layer 562 may include a second layer 562B. The second metal layer 562B may be disposed on the second substrate surface 561B. In one embodiment, the metal layer 562 may include a plurality of third layers 562C. The plurality of third layers 562C may be disposed on corresponding side substrate surfaces 561C.

[0169] In one embodiment, the metal layer 562 includes a plurality of metal particles 563. For example, the plurality of metal particles 563 may include at least one or a combination of gold, silver, platinum, palladium, or any metal material suitable for generating heat via surface plasmon resonance.

[0170] FIG. 9 shows a wick according to another embodiment.

[0171] 9, wick 550-1 (e.g., wick 550 of FIG. 7) includes extension 550C. Extension 550C includes body portion 553 and hollow portion 554 formed within body portion 553. Hollow portion 554 is defined by body portion 553. In one embodiment, body portion 553 and hollow portion 554 can each comprise a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0172] In one embodiment, the body portion 553 may comprise a metallic material. In one embodiment, the body portion 553 may comprise a ceramic material.

[0173] In one embodiment, extension portion 550C includes a plurality of pores 555. The plurality of pores 555 can communicate between the outside of body portion 553 and hollow portion 554. The aerosol present in hollow portion 554 flows to the outside of body portion 553 through the plurality of pores 555. The plurality of pores 555 may be formed on a side surface of body portion 553.

[0174] In one embodiment, wick 550 includes opening 552-1. Opening 552-1 may be formed in body portion 553. Opening 552-1 may have any size and / or shape suitable for allowing light to travel from the exterior of body portion 553 to hollow portion 554.

[0175] In one embodiment, wick 550 includes a heating element 560. Heating element 560 may be disposed in hollow portion 554. Heating element 560 includes a substrate 561 and a metal layer 562. Metal layer 562 may include a plurality of metal particles 563.

[0176] FIG. 10 shows a wick according to another embodiment.

[0177] 10 , wick 550-2 (e.g., wick 550 in FIG. 7 ) includes extension 550C. Extension 550C includes a plurality of fiber strands 551, a body portion 553, a hollow portion 554, and a plurality of pores 555. Wick 550-2 includes opening 552-1. Wick 550-2 includes a heating element 560. Heating element 560 includes a substrate 561 and a metal layer 562. Metal layer 562 includes a plurality of metal particles 563. In one embodiment, the plurality of fiber strands 551 can surround heating element 560. The plurality of fiber strands 551 may be disposed in hollow portion 554.

[0178] FIG. 11 shows a wick according to another embodiment.

[0179] 11, wick 550-3 (e.g., wick 550 in FIG. 7) includes extension 550C. Extension 550C includes body portion 553, hollow portion 554, and a plurality of pores 555. Wick 550-3 includes opening 552-1. Wick 550-3 includes heating element 560. Heating element 560 includes substrate 561 and metal layer 562. Metal layer 562 includes a plurality of metal particles 563.

[0180] In one embodiment, wick 550-3 includes a light collector 570. Light collector 570 can be configured to concentrate light onto a specific area of ​​heating element 560 (e.g., a portion of metal layer 562). For example, light collector 570 can include a convex lens. Light collector 570 can be disposed in opening 552-1.

[0181] In one embodiment, the wick 550-3 includes a reflector 580. The reflector 580 can be configured to reflect light toward the heating element 560. The reflector 580 can be formed on an inner surface of the body portion 553.

[0182] FIG. 12 shows a wick according to another embodiment.

[0183] 12, wick 550-4 (e.g., wick 550 in FIG. 7) includes extension 550C. Extension 550C includes body portion 553, hollow portion 554, and a plurality of pores 555. Wick 550-3 includes opening 552-1. Wick 550-3 includes heating element 560. Heating element 560 includes substrate 561 and metal layer 562. Metal layer 562 includes a plurality of metal particles 563. Wick 550-3 includes reflector 580.

[0184] In one embodiment, wick 550-4 includes a light diffuser 571. Light diffuser 571 can be configured to diffuse light over substantially the entire area of ​​heating element 560 (e.g., the entire area of ​​metal layer 562). For example, light diffuser 571 can include a concave lens. Light diffuser 571 can be disposed in opening 552-1.

[0185] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a heating element according to an embodiment, Figure 14 is a plan view of a heating element according to an embodiment, and Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the heating element of Figure 14 taken along line 15-15 according to an embodiment.

[0186] 13 to 15, heating element 650 includes a substrate 651 (e.g., substrate 561 in FIGS. 8 to 12) and a metal prism 654 including a plurality of metal particles 653. Substrate 651 includes a first substrate surface 651A (e.g., first substrate surface 561A in FIG. 8) and a second substrate surface 651B (e.g., second substrate surface 561B in FIG. 8) opposite to first substrate surface 651A.

[0187] In one embodiment, the substrate 651 can include various materials. For example, the substrate 651 can include at least one of glass, silicon (Si), silicon oxide (SiO), sapphire, polystyrene, or polymethyl methacrylate, or a combination thereof.

[0188] In one embodiment, the substrate 651 comprises an electrically conductive material. In another embodiment, the substrate 651 may comprise an electrically insulating material.

[0189] In embodiments, substrate 651 can have a variety of thermal conductivities. For example, substrate 651 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.

[0190] In one embodiment, the heating element 650 includes a plurality of metal particles 653 (e.g., metal particles 563 in FIGS. 8-12). The plurality of metal particles 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 one embodiment, 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.

[0191] In one embodiment, the plurality of metal particles 653 may be formed of any material suitable for generating heat, for example, the plurality of metal particles 653 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.

[0192] In one embodiment, the plurality of metal particles 653 may be formed of any material suitable for interacting with light in a determined wavelength range (e.g., a visible light wavelength range, i.e., about 380 nm to about 780 nm) to generate heat, and may include at least one of gold, silver, copper, palladium, or platinum, or a combination thereof.

[0193] In one embodiment, the plurality of metal particles 653 may be formed of a metal material having an average maximum absorbance. The average maximum absorbance is defined as an absorbance that has a substantial peak over a wavelength range. The wavelength range in which the plurality of metal particles 653 resonates includes the wavelength range corresponding to the average maximum absorbance. The plurality of metal particles 653 may be formed of a metal material having an average maximum absorbance in a wavelength range 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 653 may vary depending on the type of metal, the type of substrate 651, the size of the structure (e.g., metal prism) formed by the plurality of metal particles 653, and / or the shape of the structure. For example, gold has a maximum absorbance in a wavelength band of about 600 nm to about 650 nm. For example, gold may have a maximum absorbance in a wavelength band of about 420 nm to about 470 nm.

[0194] In one embodiment, the thickness of the deposition of the plurality of metal particles 653 may be approximately 10 nm or less. If the plurality of metal particles 653 are deposited on the substrate to a thickness greater than 10 nm, the heat generation reaction may be reduced in the structure (e.g., metal prism) formed by the plurality of metal particles 653. If the thickness of the structure formed by the plurality of metal particles 653 exceeds 10 nm, the possibility of heat being lost to the surroundings of the heating element 650 increases, thereby reducing the thermal efficiency of the heating element 650.

[0195] The metal prism 654 may be formed of a substantially single structure. The metal prism 654 includes a plurality of holes H.

[0196] In one embodiment, the metal prism 654 includes a first base surface 654A (see FIG. 15) facing the first substrate surface 651A of the substrate 651, a second base surface 654B opposite the first base surface 654A, and a plurality of side surfaces 654C1, 654C2 between the first base surface 654A and the second base surface 654B. The first substrate surface 651A and the plurality of side surfaces 654C1, 654C2 can define a plurality of holes H.

[0197] In one embodiment, the first base surface 654A and the second base surface 654B may be substantially parallel to one another.

[0198] In one embodiment, the first base surface 654A and / or the second base surface 654B may be formed as a substantially flat surface.

[0199] In one embodiment, the distance between the first base surface 654A and the second base surface 654B (e.g., the thickness of the metal prism 654) may be about 10 nm or less. If the metal prism 654 has a thickness greater than 10 nm, the heat generation reaction of the metal particles forming the metal prism 654 may be reduced, resulting in a reduction in the thermal efficiency of the heating element 650.

[0200] In one embodiment, the side surfaces 654C1, 654C2 of the metal prism 654 may be oriented in different directions from each other. For example, the first side surface 654C1 may be oriented in a first direction (e.g., a first radial direction), and the second side surface 654C2 may be oriented in a second direction (e.g., a second radial direction) that is substantially opposite to the first direction.

[0201] In one embodiment, at least one of the side surfaces 654C1, 654C2 may be substantially curved. In one embodiment, the side surfaces 654C1, 654C2 may be curved to have substantially the same curvature. In one embodiment, the curvature of one of the side surfaces 654C1, 654C2 may be different from the curvature of the other side surface.

[0202] In one embodiment, the side surfaces 654C1, 654C2 may be formed as curved surfaces that are concave toward the center of the metal prism 654. In one embodiment, at least one of the side surfaces 654C1, 654C2 may be formed as a curved surface that is convex from the center of the metal prism 654.

[0203] In one embodiment, the metal prism 654 may include two side surfaces. For example, the metal prism 654 may have a substantially semicircular or semicircular-like shape.

[0204] In one embodiment, some of the holes H may be separated by parts of the metal prisms 654. In one embodiment, some of the holes H may be connected to each other.

[0205] In one embodiment, the plurality of holes H may have an average maximum diameter D 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.

[0206] In one embodiment, the plurality of holes H may have an average maximum diameter D 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.

[0207] The features and aspects of any embodiment described above can be combined with the features and aspects of any other embodiment unless an obvious technical conflict results.

Claims

1. 1. A wick for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a first end; a second end opposite the first end; an extension extending between the first end and the second end; a heating element disposed within the extension and configured to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance; Including, Wick.

2. the extension comprises a plurality of fiber strands; The wick of claim 1 , wherein the heating element is embedded in the plurality of fiber strands.

3. The extension portion is A hollow part and a body portion defining the hollow portion; Including, The wick of claim 1 , wherein the heating element is disposed in the hollow portion.

4. The wick of claim 3 , further comprising a plurality of fiber strands disposed in the hollow portion and arranged to surround the heating element.

5. The wick of claim 1 , further comprising an opening formed in the extension.

6. The wick of claim 5 , further comprising a light collector disposed in the opening.

7. The wick of claim 5 , further comprising a light diffuser disposed in the opening.

8. The heating element is A substrate; The wick of claim 1 , comprising a plurality of metal particles deposited on the substrate.

9. An aerosol generating device, comprising: The wick of claim 1; An aerosol generating device comprising a light source configured to emit light toward the wick.

10. further comprising a reservoir configured to hold a liquid phase composition; 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein at least one of the first end and the second end is connected to the reservoir.

11. 10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, further comprising a reflector disposed on the extension and configured to reflect light towards the heating element.

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