Cartridge and aerosol generating device including the same

Abstract

The cartridge includes a housing including a transparent window for transmitting external light into the interior of the cartridge, a storage tank in which the aerosol-generating material is stored, a dome-shaped heat-generating structure including nanoparticles that generate heat through surface plasmon resonance when exposed to external light, and a wick that includes a first storage portion arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the heat-generating structure and supplies the aerosol-generating material to the heat-generating structure, and the aerosol-generating material transmitted from the storage tank to the heat-generating structure via the wick is heated by the heat generated from the heat-generating structure.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge capable of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating substance using surface plasmon resonance technology, and an aerosol generating device including the cartridge. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes, such as systems that generate aerosols by heating cigarettes or aerosol-generating materials using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning cigarettes to generate aerosols.

[0003] Accordingly, various types of heaters for aerosol generators have been proposed, and recently, an aerosol generator capable of heating an aerosol-generating material using surface plasmon resonance technology has even been proposed.

[0004] Surface plasmon resonance technology is a technology that heats metals through the vibration of nano-sized metal particles. Specifically, free electrons in nano-sized metals oscillate collectively in response to external stimuli (e.g., incident light), and the free electrons polarized by such vibrations can heat the metal.

[0005] Aerosol generators using surface plasmon resonance can generate aerosols with lower power consumption than aerosol generators using heaters, and interest in aerosol generators using surface plasmon resonance is gradually increasing. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Aerosol generating devices using surface plasmon resonance can generate aerosols by heating a solid-phase aerosol generating substance inserted into the device via nano-sized metal particles, or by heating a liquid-phase aerosol generating substance transferred from a reservoir to the metal particles via a wick.

[0007] In the case of a liquid aerosol-generating substance, the amount of aerosol (or "atomization amount") increases in proportion to the amount of aerosol-generating substance delivered to the metal particles. As a result, there is a growing need for a method that can effectively deliver the aerosol-generating substance to the metal particles to improve the user's smoking experience.

[0008] The present invention aims to improve the supply efficiency of the aerosol generating material to the metal particles and increase the amount of aerosol generated by providing a cartridge having a structure that can increase the contact area and / or time between the aerosol generating material and the metal particles, and an aerosol generating device including the cartridge.

[0009] The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A cartridge according to one embodiment includes a housing including a transparent window for transmitting external light into the interior of the cartridge, a storage tank arranged inside the housing in which an aerosol-generating material is stored, a dome-shaped heat-generating structure including nanoparticles that generate heat through surface plasmon resonance when exposed to external light, and a wick including a first storage portion arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the heat-generating structure and supplying the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank to the heat-generating structure, and the aerosol-generating material transported from the storage tank to the heat-generating structure via the wick is heated by the heat generated from the heat-generating structure.

[0011] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a main body including a light source and a cartridge detachably connected to the main body, the cartridge including a housing including a transparent window for transmitting external light into the interior of the cartridge, a storage tank arranged inside the housing in which an aerosol generating material is stored, a dome-shaped heat generating structure including nanoparticles that generate heat by the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon when exposed to external light, and a wick including a first storage portion arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the heat generating structure and supplying the aerosol generating material stored in the storage tank to the heat generating structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The cartridge and aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention can effectively deliver the aerosol generating substance to the heat generating structure.

[0013] Furthermore, the cartridge and aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention can improve the heating efficiency of the aerosol generating material, thereby increasing the amount of aerosol generated.

[0014] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and any unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is a diagram illustrating the movement process of the aerosol-generating substance within the cartridge of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram illustrating a process of movement of an aerosol-generating material within a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 5] 3 is a diagram illustrating a process of generating an aerosol using a cartridge of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 8] 8 is a diagram illustrating a process of generating an aerosol using the cartridge of the aerosol generation device shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The terms used in the embodiments are generally used in the present invention, taking into consideration their functions in the present invention. However, these terms may change depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, legal precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply by their names.

[0017] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain element, this does not mean that it excludes other elements and may further include other elements, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "module" and "unit" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0018] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one of," precedes an element in an arrangement, it modifies the entire element and not each individual element in the arrangement. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, and c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0019] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

[0020] The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substance and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge is detachably connected to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed integrally with the body, incorporated therein, or fixed so as not to be detachable by a user. The cartridge is attached to the body with the aerosol-generating substance contained therein. However, is not limited thereto, and the aerosol-generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is connected to the body.

[0021] The cartridge contains an aerosol-forming material in any one of various states, such as a liquid, solid, gas, or gel. The aerosol-forming material includes a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0022] The cartridge is activated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body to convert the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge into a gas phase, thereby generating an aerosol. The aerosol refers to a gas mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material and air.

[0023] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user through the cigarette, i.e., the aerosol generated from the liquid composition travels along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, the airflow passage being configured to deliver the aerosol through the cigarette to the user.

[0024] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device can be a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol producing article via surface plasmon resonance technology.

[0025] The aerosol generating device includes a light source that emits light when power is supplied, and a heat generating structure including nano-sized metal particles that generate heat in response to an external stimulus (e.g., light). The free electrons inside the metal particles can generate heat by collectively vibrating and becoming polarized in response to the external stimulus. The aerosol generating device generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating substance absorbed in the aerosol product or wick with the heat generated by the heat generating structure.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device further comprises a cradle.

[0027] The aerosol generating device may be combined with a separate cradle to form a system. For example, the cradle may charge a battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may heat the aerosol generating device when the cradle and the aerosol generating device are combined.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating device of the various embodiments described above, or may be embodied in various different forms, but is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 1000 according to one embodiment includes a cartridge 100 and a main body 200 detachably coupled to the cartridge 100 .

[0032] The cartridge 100 includes a housing 110 that forms the overall appearance of the cartridge 100, and the components of the cartridge 100 for generating the aerosol are disposed in the interior space of the housing 110.

[0033] For example, the internal space of housing 110 may contain a storage tank in which the aerosol-generating substance is stored, a heat-generating structure that generates heat in response to an external stimulus (e.g., light), and a wick for transferring the aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage tank to the heat-generating structure, but the components of cartridge 100 are not limited to these.

[0034] Although the drawings show an embodiment in which the housing 110 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, the shape of the housing 110 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, the housing 110 may be formed in the shape of a polygonal pillar (e.g., a triangular pillar or a pentagonal pillar) or a cylindrical shape.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 100 further includes a mouthpiece 110m. For example, the mouthpiece 110m is disposed at one end of the housing 110 (e.g., one end in the +z direction) and can provide fluid communication between the interior space of the housing 110 and the outside of the cartridge 100. However, the location of the mouthpiece 110m is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and in some embodiments, the mouthpiece 110m may be disposed in an area of ​​a side surface of the housing 110 (e.g., one surface facing the +y direction).

[0036] The aerosol generated inside the housing 110 of the cartridge 100 is discharged to the outside of the cartridge 100 through the mouthpiece 110m, and the user smokes by contacting the mouth with the mouthpiece 110m and inhaling the aerosol discharged to the outside of the cartridge 100.

[0037] The main body 200 includes a main body housing 210 that is detachably connected to the housing 110 of the cartridge 100, and the components of the main body 200 for the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1000 are arranged in the internal space of the main body housing 210.

[0038] For example, the internal space of the main body housing 210 may include a light source for emitting light to the heat-generating structure, a battery for supplying power, and a processor, but the components of the main body 200 that may be placed in the internal space of the main body housing 210 are not limited to this.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the main body 200 further includes a recess (not shown) for accommodating a portion of the cartridge 100. For example, the cartridge 100 may be coupled to the main body 200 such that a portion of the cartridge 100 (e.g., a portion of the cartridge 100 facing the -z direction) is detachably accommodated in the recess, but this is not limiting. In another embodiment, the main body 200 may further include a fixing member (not shown) detachably coupled to the housing 110 of the cartridge 100, and the cartridge 100 and the main body 200 may be coupled or separated by a user's operation of the fixing member.

[0040] Hereinafter, the components of the aerosol-generating device 1000 for generating an aerosol will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0041] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 1000 of Fig. 1 taken along the yz plane according to one embodiment.

[0042] 2, an aerosol generating device 1000 according to an embodiment includes a cartridge 100 and a main body 200 detachably coupled to the cartridge 100. Components of the aerosol generating device 1000 according to an embodiment are substantially the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1000 of FIG. 1, and therefore, overlapping descriptions will be omitted below.

[0043] According to one embodiment, cartridge 100 includes a housing 110 (eg, housing 110 of FIG. 1), a reservoir 120, a wick 130, and a heat generating structure 140.

[0044] The housing 110 may form the overall appearance of the cartridge 100, and the interior of the housing 110 defines an interior space (or "mounting space") in which the components of the cartridge 100 are disposed.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the housing 110 includes a mouthpiece 110m and a transmission window 110w.

[0046] The mouthpiece 110m is positioned in a region of the housing 110 and can connect or fluidly communicate the internal space of the housing 110 with the outside of the cartridge 100, and the aerosol generated inside the housing 110 is discharged to the outside of the cartridge 100 through the mouthpiece 110m.

[0047] The transmission window 110w is disposed in a region of the housing 110 facing the main body 200 when the cartridge 100 and the main body 200 are coupled together, and external light from the cartridge 100 is transmitted through the transmission window 110w into the interior of the cartridge 100. For example, light emitted from the light source 220 of the main body 200 is transmitted through the transmission window 110w into the interior of the cartridge 100.

[0048] Although only one transmission window 110w is shown in the drawings, the number of transmission windows 110w is not limited to this. Depending on the embodiment, multiple transmission windows 110w may be arranged in one region of the housing 110 facing the main body 200.

[0049] Reservoir 120 is disposed inside housing 110, and an aerosol-generating material is stored inside reservoir 120. The aerosol-generating material stored in reservoir 120 moves by gravity toward wick 130 through hole 120h formed in an area of ​​reservoir 120 facing wick 130, which will be described in detail later.

[0050] In this case, the aerosol-forming material may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid composition containing a non-tobacco material.

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

[0052] For example, the liquid composition may include a glycerin and propylene glycol solution in any weight ratio to which a nicotine salt has been added. The liquid composition may also include two or more nicotine salts. The nicotine salt is formed by adding a suitable acid, including an organic or inorganic acid, to nicotine. The nicotine may be naturally occurring or synthetic nicotine, and may be present in any suitable concentration by weight relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0053] The acid for forming the nicotine salt is appropriately selected taking into consideration the rate of nicotine absorption in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 10, the flavor or taste, solubility, etc. For example, the acid for forming the nicotine salt can be a single acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharinic acid, malonic acid, or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group, but is not limited thereto.

[0054] The wick 130 is arranged so that one area is adjacent to the storage tank 120 and another area surrounds at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the heat generating structure 140, and serves to transfer the aerosol generating substance stored in the storage tank 120 to the heat generating structure 140.

[0055] For example, wick 130 is positioned such that one region faces hole 120h of reservoir 120, and absorbs the aerosol-generating substance that moves from reservoir 120 toward wick 130 due to gravity. The aerosol-generating substance absorbed by wick 130 moves along wick 130 toward heat-generating structure 140, and in this manner, wick 130 can transfer the aerosol-generating substance stored in reservoir 120 to heat-generating structure 140.

[0056] In one example, wick 130 is a cotton wick that absorbs the aerosol-forming substance, but this is not a limiting example of the type of wick 130. In another example, wick 130 may be a ceramic wick.

[0057] The heat generating structure 140 is disposed inside the housing 110 and receives external light transmitted into the interior of the housing 110 through the transmission window 110w, generating heat to heat the aerosol generating material transferred from the wick 130.

[0058] For example, at least a region of the wick 130 may be arranged to surround at least a region of the outer circumferential surface of the heat generating structure 140, so that the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick 130 is heated by the heat generated from the heat generating structure 140 to generate an aerosol, but this is not limitative.

[0059] The heat generating structure 140 contains nano-sized metal particles (or "metal nanoparticles") that generate heat through surface plasmon resonance (SPR) when exposed to light, thereby enabling the aerosol generating material to be heated using the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon.

[0060] In the present invention, "surface plasmon resonance" refers to a phenomenon in which free electrons on the metal surface collectively vibrate due to resonance with the electromagnetic field of a specific energy of light when light is incident on the surface of a conductive metal nanoparticle. Also, "metal nanoparticle" refers to a metal particle having a diameter on the nanoscale.

[0061] The free electrons on the surface of the metal nanoparticles of the heat-generating structure 140 are collectively vibrated and polarized by the light entering the interior of the housing 110 through the transparent window 110w due to the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon, and as a result, the metal nanoparticles of the heat-generating structure 140 generate heat and can heat the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the core 130.

[0062] For example, the heat generating structure 140 may be formed in a dome shape, and the wick 130 may be disposed so that at least one region surrounds the outer periphery of the dome-shaped heat generating structure 140. In this case, the heat generating structure 140 may heat the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick 130 surrounding the outer periphery of the heat generating structure 140 by the light entering the interior of the housing 110.

[0063] As the aerosol-generating substance is heated by the heat-generating structure 140, an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating substance, and the generated aerosol travels along the airflow passage 150 that fluidly connects the internal space of the housing 110 to the mouthpiece 110m in a direction toward the mouthpiece 110m, and is discharged to the outside of the cartridge 100 through the mouthpiece 110m.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the main body 200 includes a main body housing 210 (eg, the main body housing 210 of FIG. 1), a light source 220, a battery 230, and a processor 240.

[0065] The main body housing 210 may form the overall appearance of the main body 200, and an internal space in which components of the main body 200 are disposed is formed inside the main body housing 210.

[0066] The light source 220 is located in the interior space of the main body housing 210 and emits light L using power supplied from the battery 230. For example, the light source 220 may include a laser that emits light having a specified wavelength when power is supplied, but the type of the light source 220 is not limited thereto.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the light source 220 is positioned to face the transparent window 110w of the cartridge 100 when the cartridge 100 and the main body 200 are connected, and can emit light L toward the transparent window 110w, but the position of the light source 220 is not limited to this.

[0068] Light L emitted from light source 220 passes through transmission window 110w and reaches heating structure 140, and heating structure 140 generates heat from the light L emitted from light source 220 to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0069] The battery 230 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the battery 230 supplies power to the light source 220 so that light L is emitted. In another example, the battery 230 supplies power necessary for the operation of the processor 240.

[0070] In this case, the battery 230 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery, for example, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but the type of the battery 230 is not limited thereto.

[0071] The processor 240 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1000. According to one embodiment, the processor 240 is electrically or operatively coupled to the light source 220 to control the operation of the light source 220. For example, the processor 240 can supply power to the light source 220 via the battery 230, thereby causing the light source 220 to emit light L. In another example, the processor 240 can control the time during which the light source 220 emits light L by controlling the time during which power is supplied to the light source 220 via the battery 230.

[0072] The processor 240 may generate heat in the heat generating structure 140 or generally control the time the aerosol generating material is heated through the operations described above, but the control operations of the processor 240 are not limited to these.

[0073] Depending on the embodiment, the processor 240 may include multiple processors 240. The processor 240 may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates. The processor 240 may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executed by the microprocessor. The processor 240 may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0074] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the movement process of the aerosol-generating substance within the cartridge of the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 2. In Fig. 3, the solid arrow indicates the movement direction of the aerosol-generating substance.

[0075] 3, a cartridge 100 (or "cartridge for aerosol generating device") according to one embodiment includes a housing 110, a reservoir 120, a wick 130, and a heat generating structure 140. The components of the cartridge 100 according to one embodiment are substantially the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in FIG. 2, and therefore, overlapping descriptions will be omitted below.

[0076] The reservoir 120 is disposed in the interior space of the housing 110 above the wick 130 (eg, in the z direction in FIG. 1), and the reservoir 120 stores an aerosol-generating substance in a liquid phase.

[0077] A hole 120h is formed in an area of ​​the storage tank 120 facing the wick 130, and the aerosol-generating material stored inside the storage tank 120 is discharged to the outside of the storage tank 120 through the hole 120h. For example, the hole 120h is formed in an area of ​​the bottom surface of the storage tank 120 facing the wick 130, and the aerosol-generating material stored inside the storage tank 120 passes through the hole 120h by gravity and moves in a direction toward the wick 130.

[0078] The wick 130 can absorb the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the storage tank 120 and then transmit the absorbed aerosol-generating substance in a direction toward the heat-generating structure 140, thereby supplying the aerosol-generating substance to the heat-generating structure 140.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the wick 130 generally extends along the width direction of the housing 110 (e.g., the y-axis direction in FIG. 1 ) and includes a receiving portion 130a for receiving at least a region of the outer circumferential surface of the heat generating structure 140. For example, the receiving portion 130a of the wick 130 may be formed in a dome shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the heat generating structure 140, and may receive the outer circumferential surface of the heat generating structure 140 at the upper end of the heat generating structure 140 (e.g., a portion facing the +z direction in FIG. 1 ), but is not limited to this.

[0080] A portion (e.g., one end) of the wick 130 is disposed toward the lower end of the hole 120h of the storage tank 120, and another portion (e.g., the other end) of the wick 130 is disposed toward the lower end of the airflow passage 150 formed in the opposite direction to the storage tank 120. At this time, the containing portion 130a of the wick 130 is located between one end and the other end of the wick 130 and is disposed to contain the dome-shaped heat-generating structure 140.

[0081] The aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 120 is discharged to the outside of the storage tank 120 through the hole 120h, and the discharged aerosol-generating material is absorbed into one end of the wick 130 located toward the bottom of the storage tank 120. The aerosol-generating material absorbed into one end of the wick 130 moves along the wick 130 toward the other end of the wick 130 and is transferred to the heat-generating structure 140.

[0082] By arranging the wick 130 so as to surround the outer peripheral surface of the dome-shaped heat-generating structure 140 via the storage portion 130a, the contact area between the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick 130 and the heat-generating structure 140 is increased, and as a result, the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick 130 is effectively supplied to the heat-generating structure 140.

[0083] That is, the cartridge 100 according to one embodiment can stably and efficiently supply the aerosol-generating substance to the dome-shaped heat generating structure 140 via the wick 130 including the dome-shaped heat generating structure 140 and the housing portion 130a surrounding the outer periphery of the dome-shaped heat generating structure 140. As a result, the cartridge 100 according to one embodiment can increase the amount of aerosol generated, improving the user's smoking experience.

[0084] 4 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the aerosol-generating material within the cartridge of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, in which the solid arrows indicate the movement direction of the aerosol-generating material.

[0085] 4, a cartridge 100 according to another embodiment includes a housing 110, a reservoir 120, a wick 130, and a heat generating structure 140. The cartridge 100 according to another embodiment is a cartridge in which at least one recess 130r is added to the cartridge 100 shown in FIG. 3, and a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0086] According to another embodiment, the wick 130 includes a housing portion 130a (e.g., housing portion 130a in FIG. 3) for housing the dome-shaped heat generating structure 140, and at least one recess 130r arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the housing portion 130a.

[0087] At least one recess 130r is disposed along the outer periphery of the dome-shaped containing portion 130a, and a portion of the aerosol-generating material traveling along the wick 130 collects in the at least one recess 130r.

[0088] For example, at least one recess 130r is formed in a shape recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the containing portion 130a toward the heat generating structure 140. The recess 130r may have a "U" shape so that a large amount of the aerosol-generating material can be collected within the recess 130r, but the shape of the recess 130r is not limited thereto.

[0089] A portion of the aerosol-generating material moving from one end of the wick 130 toward the other end of the wick 130 collects in at least one recess 130r, thereby extending the contact time between the heat generating structure 140 and the aerosol-generating material, and as a result, the aerosol-generating material is more effectively supplied to the heat generating structure 140.

[0090] In other words, the cartridge 100 of another embodiment can increase the supply efficiency of the aerosol-generating substance to the heat-generating structure 140 and increase the amount of aerosol generated by extending the contact area and contact time between the aerosol-generating substance and the heat-generating structure 140 through the core 130 including the storage portion 130a and at least one recess 130r.

[0091] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the process of generating an aerosol using the cartridge of the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 2. In Fig. 5, the solid arrows indicate the direction in which heat generated by the heat generating structure 140 is transferred, and the dotted arrows indicate the direction in which the aerosol moves.

[0092] 5, a cartridge 100 according to one embodiment includes a housing 110, a reservoir 120, a wick 130, and a heat generating structure 140. The components of the cartridge 100 according to one embodiment are substantially the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, and therefore, overlapping descriptions will be omitted below. That is, although not shown in the drawings, the wick 130 may further include at least one recess (e.g., at least one recess 130r in FIG. 4) as shown in FIG.

[0093] The heat generating structure 140 is arranged in the internal space of the housing 110 so that one area faces the transparent window 110w, and generates heat by receiving light L that enters the interior of the housing 110 through the transparent window 110w, thereby heating the aerosol generating substance.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the heat generating structure 140 includes a substrate 141 and a plurality of metal nanoparticles 142 disposed on the substrate 141 .

[0095] The substrate 141 is formed in a dome shape, and the plurality of metal nanoparticles 142 are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the dome-shaped substrate 141, so that the heat generating structure 140 is formed to have an overall dome shape.

[0096] The plurality of metal nanoparticles 142 receives light L emitted from a light source (for example, light source 220 in FIG. 2) in the main body (for example, main body 200 in FIG. 2), and generates heat due to the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon.

[0097] The free electrons of the metal nanoparticles 142 receive light L that flows into the housing 110 through the transmission window 110w, and collectively oscillate due to the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon. The collective oscillation of the free electrons of the metal nanoparticles 142 polarizes the metal nanoparticles 142, generating heat, and the heat generated by the metal nanoparticles 142 is transferred toward the core 130 that surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the heat-generating structure 140.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the plurality of metal nanoparticles 142 may generate heat by vibrating in response to light of the same wavelength, but this is not limiting. In another embodiment, the plurality of metal nanoparticles 142 may include multiple types of metal nanoparticles that vibrate in response to light of different wavelengths. For example, the metal nanoparticles 142 may include first metal nanoparticles that vibrate in response to light having a first wavelength and generate heat, and second metal nanoparticles that vibrate in response to light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength and generate heat.

[0099] The aerosol-generating substance discharged from the storage tank 120 and absorbed into the wick 130 is heated by heat transferred from the metal nanoparticles 142 of the heat-generating structure 140, resulting in vapor being generated from the aerosol-generating substance. For example, by arranging the wick 130 in contact with the outer surface of the heat-generating structure 140, heat generated from the metal nanoparticles 142 of the heat-generating structure 140 is transferred to the wick 130, and the aerosol-generating substance absorbed into the wick 130 is heated by the transferred heat.

[0100] The vapor generated from the aerosol-generating material is mixed with air flowing into the housing 110 through the air flow passage 150 or a separate air inlet (not shown), resulting in the generation of aerosol in the interior space of the housing 110.

[0101] In the present invention, the term "aerosol" refers to fine particles formed by a mixture of vapor generated from an aerosol-generating substance and air.

[0102] The aerosol generated inside the housing 110 moves along the airflow passage 150, which is disposed in the opposite direction from the storage tank 120 relative to the wick 130, toward the mouthpiece 110m and is then discharged to the outside of the cartridge 100 through the mouthpiece 110m. At this time, the user can smoke by contacting the mouth with the mouthpiece 110m and inhaling the aerosol discharged to the outside of the cartridge 100.

[0103] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 1000 of Fig. 1 according to another embodiment, taken along the yz plane.

[0104] 6, an aerosol generating device 1000 according to another embodiment includes a cartridge 100 and a main body 200 detachably coupled to the cartridge 100. The aerosol generating device 1000 according to another embodiment may be a device in which the position of the light source 220 is changed from that of the aerosol generating device 1000 of FIG. 2 and only a reflective member 221 is added, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0105] According to another embodiment, the main body 200 includes a main body housing 210 (e.g., the main body housing 210 of FIG. 2), a light source 220, at least one reflective member 221, a battery 230 (e.g., the battery 230 of FIG. 2), and a processor 240 (e.g., the processor 240 of FIG. 2).

[0106] The light source 220 is disposed in the internal space of the main body housing 210, and is capable of emitting light L toward at least one reflecting member 221 using power supplied from the battery 230. For example, the light source 220 is disposed in a region of the main body housing 110 that does not overlap with the transmission window 110w when the cartridge 100 and the main body 200 are coupled, and emits light toward at least one reflecting member 221.

[0107] In the present invention, the expression "the light source 220 is positioned so as not to overlap with the transmission window 110w" means that the light source 220 and the transmission window 110w are not positioned on the same line extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 1000 (e.g., the z-axis direction in Figure 1).

[0108] At least one reflecting member 221 is arranged in the internal space of the main body housing 110 so as to change the traveling path of the light L emitted from the light source 220. For example, the at least one reflecting member 221 changes the traveling path of the light L emitted from the light source 220 toward the transmission window 110w of the cartridge 100.

[0109] According to one embodiment, at least one reflecting member 221 may include, but is not limited to, a mirror for reflecting incident light, and the reflecting member 221 may include other components capable of changing the travel path of incident light. Also, although the drawings only show an embodiment in which one reflecting member 221 is disposed, the number of reflecting members 221 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

[0110] The aerosol generation device 1000 according to another embodiment can allow light to be incident on the transmission window 110w even if the light source 220 is not disposed so as to face the transmission window 110w via at least one reflecting member 221. As a result, the aerosol generation device 1000 according to another embodiment improves the degree of freedom in the arrangement structure or mounting structure of the components of the main body 200 inside the main body housing 210.

[0111] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 1000 of Fig. 1 according to yet another embodiment, taken along the yz plane.

[0112] 7, an aerosol generating device 1000 according to yet another embodiment includes a cartridge 100 and a main body 200 detachably coupled to the cartridge 100. The aerosol generating device 1000 according to yet another embodiment may be a device in which a thermally conductive member 160 is added to the aerosol generating device 1000 of FIG. 2, and redundant description will be omitted below.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 100 includes a housing 110 (e.g., housing 110 of FIG. 2), a reservoir 120 (e.g., reservoir 120 of FIG. 2), a wick 130 (e.g., wick 130 of FIGS. 2-4), a heat generating structure 140 (e.g., heat generating structure 140 of FIG. 2), and a thermally conductive member 160.

[0114] The housing 110 forms the overall appearance of the cartridge 100 and includes a mouthpiece 110m that fluidly connects the internal space of the housing 110 with the outside of the cartridge 100, and a transmission window 110w that allows external light to enter the internal space of the housing 110. For example, when the cartridge 100 and the main body 200 are coupled together, light L emitted from the light source 220 of the main body 200 enters the internal space of the housing 110 through the transmission window 110w.

[0115] Reservoir 120 is disposed in the interior space of housing 110, and a liquid aerosol-generating material is stored inside reservoir 120. A hole 120h is formed in a region of reservoir 120 facing wick 130, and the aerosol-generating material stored in reservoir 120 passes through hole 120h by gravity and moves in the direction toward wick 130.

[0116] The wick 130 can absorb the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the storage tank 120 and then transmit the absorbed aerosol-generating substance in a direction toward the heat-generating structure 140, thereby supplying the aerosol-generating substance to the heat-generating structure 140.

[0117] For example, one end (e.g., one end) of wick 130 is positioned at the lower end of hole 120h of reservoir 120 to absorb the aerosol-generating substance discharged to the outside of reservoir 120 through hole 120h. The aerosol-generating substance absorbed at one end of wick 130 moves along wick 130 in a direction toward the other end of wick 130.

[0118] The heat generating structure 140 is disposed inside the housing 110, and generates heat by receiving external light transmitted into the housing 110 through the transmission window 110w. For example, the heat generating structure 140 is disposed so that at least one region faces the transmission window 110w of the housing 110, and receives light L emitted from the light source 220 of the main body 200.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the heat generating structure 140 can generate heat by the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon by including metal nanoparticles (e.g., metal nanoparticles 142 in FIG. 5) that generate heat by the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon when exposed to light.

[0120] The thermally conductive member 160 is disposed between the wick 130 and the heat-generating structure 140 in the internal space of the housing 110, and serves to transfer heat generated in the heat-generating structure 140 to the wick 130. For example, the thermally conductive member 160 may include a metal (e.g., aluminum or copper) having high thermal conductivity so as to transfer heat generated in the heat-generating structure 140 to the wick 130, but the type of the thermally conductive member 160 is not limited thereto.

[0121] The thermally conductive member 160 is arranged so that at least a portion of the area surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the heat-generating structure 140, and the core 130 is formed in a shape corresponding to the thermally conductive member 160 and is arranged so as to surround the outer peripheral surface of the thermally conductive member 160 that surrounds the heat-generating structure 140.

[0122] That is, the heat generating structure 140, the heat conductive member 160 and the core 130 are stacked in sequence, and due to the above-mentioned arrangement structure, the heat generated by the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon in the heat generating structure 140 is transferred to the core 130 via the heat conductive member 160.

[0123] The aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick 130 is heated by heat transmitted through the thermally conductive member 160, thereby generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substance, and the generated aerosol travels along the airflow passage 150 in a direction toward the mouthpiece 110m and is discharged outside the cartridge 100.

[0124] Although not shown in the drawings, the wick 130 may further include at least one recess (e.g., recess 130r in FIG. 4) formed on the outer surface of the wick 130 to extend the contact time between the thermally conductive member 160 and the aerosol-generating substance.

[0125] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, the process by which heat generated from heat generating structure 140 is transferred to the aerosol generating substance absorbed in wick 130 via thermally conductive member 160 will be described in detail.

[0126] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a process of generating an aerosol using the cartridge of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG.

[0127] 8, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment includes a housing 110, a reservoir 120, a wick 130, a heat generating structure 140, and a thermally conductive member 160. The components of the cartridge 100 according to one embodiment are substantially the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in FIG. 7, and therefore, overlapping descriptions will be omitted below.

[0128] Wick 130 absorbs the aerosol-generating substance discharged to the outside of reservoir 120 through hole 120h. For example, wick 130 can have a portion (e.g., one end) positioned at the lower end of hole 120h of reservoir 120 to absorb the aerosol-generating substance discharged from reservoir 120, and the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in one portion of wick 130 moves along wick 130 in a direction toward another portion (e.g., the other end) of wick 130.

[0129] The heat generating structure 140 is arranged in the internal space of the housing 110 so that one area faces the transparent window 110w, and can generate heat by receiving light L that flows into the interior of the housing 110 through the transparent window 110w.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the heat-generating structure 140 includes a dome-shaped substrate (e.g., substrate 141 in FIG. 5 ) and a plurality of metal nanoparticles (e.g., metal nanoparticles 142 in FIG. 5 ) disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the dome-shaped substrate. The plurality of metal nanoparticles receive light L emitted from a light source (e.g., light source 220 in FIG. 2 ) in the main body (e.g., main body 200 in FIG. 2 ) and generate heat by the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon.

[0131] The thermally conductive member 160 is located between the wick 130 and the heat generating structure 140, and transfers heat generated in the heat generating structure 140 to the wick 130. For example, the thermally conductive member 160 is arranged so that a first surface (e.g., a surface facing the +z direction in FIG. 1 ) is in contact with the wick 130, and a second surface opposite to the first surface (e.g., a surface facing the z direction in FIG. 1 ) is in contact with the heat generating structure 140. In this way, the thermally conductive member 160 transfers heat generated in the heat generating structure 140 to the wick 130.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the wick 130 includes a first housing portion 130a and the thermally conductive member 160 includes a second housing portion 160a.

[0133] The second accommodating portion 160a of the thermally conductive member 160 is formed in a shape (e.g., a dome shape) that corresponds to the outer peripheral surface of the dome-shaped heat generating structure 140, and is arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the heat generating structure 140.

[0134] In addition, the first accommodating portion 130a of the wick 130 is formed in a shape (e.g., a dome shape) corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the second accommodating portion 160a, and is arranged to surround the outer peripheral surface of the second accommodating portion 160a, which accommodates the outer peripheral surface of the heat generating structure 140.

[0135] With the above-described arrangement, heat generated from the heat generating structure 140 due to the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon is transferred to the second housing portion 160a of the heat conducting member 160 in contact with the heat generating structure 140. The heat transferred to the second housing portion 160a is transferred to the entire area of ​​the heat conducting member 160, and the heat transferred to the entire area of ​​the heat conducting member 160 is transferred to the wick 130 in contact with the heat conducting member 160.

[0136] The aerosol-generating material absorbed in the wick 130 is heated by heat transferred from the thermally conductive member 160, causing vapor to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. The vapor generated from the aerosol-generating material is mixed with air flowing into the housing 110 through the airflow passage 150 or a separate air inlet (not shown), generating aerosol. The generated aerosol travels along the airflow passage 150 toward the mouthpiece 110m and is then discharged to the outside of the cartridge 100 through the mouthpiece 110m. At this time, the user can smoke by contacting their mouth with the mouthpiece 110m and inhaling the aerosol discharged to the outside of the cartridge 100.

[0137] In one embodiment, the cartridge 100 allows heat generated in the heating structure 140 to be transferred to the entire area of ​​the wick 130 via the thermally conductive member 160, thereby expanding the area over which the aerosol-generating material is heated.As a result, the cartridge 100 can generate more aerosol with the same power, improving the user's smoking experience.

[0138] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 900 according to yet another embodiment.

[0139] The aerosol generating device 900 includes a control unit 910, a sensing unit 920, an output unit 930, a battery 940, a heater 950, a user input unit 960, a memory 970, and a communication unit 980. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 900 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 9. That is, a person skilled in the art would understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 9 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 900.

[0140] The sensing unit 920 senses the state of the aerosol generating device 900 or the state around the aerosol generating device 900, and transmits the sensed information to the control unit 910. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 910 controls the aerosol generating device 900 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 950, restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert an aerosol product (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.), and displaying notifications.

[0141] The sensing unit 920 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 922, an insertion sensor 924, and a puff sensor 926, but is not limited thereto.

[0142] The temperature sensor 922 senses the temperature to which the heater 950 (or the aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 900 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 950, or the heater 950 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 922 may be disposed around the battery 940 so as to monitor the temperature of the battery 940.

[0143] The insertion detection sensor 924 detects the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product. For example, the insertion detection sensor 924 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 detects a change in signal due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product.

[0144] The puff sensor 926 detects a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, such as a temperature change, a flow rate change, a voltage change, or a pressure change.

[0145] The sensing unit 920 further includes 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 922 to 926. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a skilled artisan from its name, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0146] The output unit 930 outputs and provides to a user information about the status of the aerosol generating device 900. The output unit 930 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 932, a haptic unit 934, and an audio output unit 936. When the display unit 932 and the touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 932 is used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0147] The display unit 932 visually provides a user with information about the aerosol generating device 900. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 900 refers to various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 940 of the aerosol generating device 900, the preheating status of the heater 950, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol product, or a status that restricts the use of the aerosol generating device 900 (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display unit 932 outputs the information to the outside. The display unit 932 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. The display unit 932 may also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0148] The haptic unit 934 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 900. For example, the haptic unit 934 includes a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0149] The acoustic output unit 936 audibly provides the user with information about the aerosol generation device 900. For example, the acoustic output unit 936 converts an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and outputs it to the outside.

[0150] The battery 940 supplies power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 900. The battery 940 supplies power to the heater 950 so that it can be heated. The battery 940 also supplies power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device 900 (e.g., the sensing unit 920, the output unit 930, the user input unit 960, the memory 970, and the communication unit 980). The battery 940 is a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 940 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0151] Heater 950 receives power from battery 940 and heats the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Fig. 9, aerosol generating device 900 further includes a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of battery 940 and supplies it to heater 950. Furthermore, when aerosol generating device 900 generates aerosol by induction heating, aerosol generating device 900 further includes a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of battery 940 into AC power.

[0152] The control unit 910, the sensing unit 920, the output unit 930, the user input unit 960, the memory 970, and the communication unit 980 perform their functions by receiving power from a battery 940. Although not shown in FIG. 9 , 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 940 and supplies it to each component.

[0153] In one embodiment, heater 950 is formed of any suitable electrically resistive material, such as, 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 950 may be embodied as, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate having an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0154] In another embodiment, heater 950 is an induction heater, for example, heater 950 includes a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0155] In yet another embodiment, heater 950 is a heater that uses the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon. For example, when heater 950 receives light, it generates heat through the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon to heat the aerosol generating material.

[0156] The user input unit 960 receives information input by a user or outputs information to a user. For example, the user input unit 960 may be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (such as a contact-type capacitance type, a pressure-type resistive film type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, or a piezoelectric effect type), a jog wheel, or a jog switch. Although not shown in FIG. 9 , the aerosol generating device 900 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, through which the aerosol generating device 900 can connect to other external devices to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 940.

[0157] The memory 970 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 900, and stores data that has been processed by the control unit 910 and data to be processed by the control unit 910. The memory 970 includes at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, 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 970 stores the operating time of the aerosol generating device 900, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data regarding the user's smoking pattern.

[0158] The communication unit 980 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 980 includes a short-range communication unit 982 and a wireless communication unit 984.

[0159] The short-range communication unit 982 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) 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.

[0160] The wireless communication unit 984 includes, 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 984 may use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 900 within the communication network.

[0161] The controller 910 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 900. In one embodiment, the controller 910 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the controller 910 may also be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0162] The control unit 910 controls the temperature of the heater 950 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 940 to the heater 950. For example, the control unit 910 controls the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 940 and the heater 950. In another example, a heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the heater 950 in response to a control command from the control unit 910.

[0163] The control unit 910 analyzes the results sensed by the sensing unit 920 and controls subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 910 controls the power supplied to the heater 950 to start or stop operation of the heater 950 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 920. As another example, the control unit 910 controls the amount of power supplied to the heater 950 and the time for which the power is supplied based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 920 so that the heater 950 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0164] The control unit 910 controls the output unit 930 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 920. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 926 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 910 notifies the user through at least one of the display unit 932, the haptic unit 934, and the audio output unit 936 that the aerosol generating device 900 will soon be finished.

[0165] An embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer-readable media are any available media accessible by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, and detachable and non-detachable media. Computer-readable media also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, detachable and non-detachable media embodied in any method or technology for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, or other transmission mechanism, and include any information delivery media.

[0166] The above description of the embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope of the claims should be construed as being included in the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. In the cartridge, a housing including a transmission window for transmitting external light into the interior of the cartridge; a reservoir disposed within the housing for storing an aerosol-generating material; a dome-shaped heat generating structure including nanoparticles that generate heat by a surface plasmon resonance phenomenon in response to receiving external light; a wick including a first housing portion arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the heat generating structure, the wick supplying the aerosol generating substance stored in the storage tank to the heat generating structure; A cartridge in which the aerosol-generating substance transferred from the reservoir toward the heat-generating structure via the wick is heated by heat generated from the heat-generating structure.

2. an airflow passage disposed to fluidly connect the interior of the housing with the exterior of the housing; The cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the aerosol-generating substance is heated by heat generated by the heat generating structure to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol is discharged to the outside of the cartridge through the air flow passage.

3. The cartridge of claim 2 , wherein the reservoir and the airflow passage are disposed in opposite directions relative to the core.

4. The cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the heat generating structure is disposed so that at least one region thereof faces the transmission window.

5. The cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the first housing portion is formed in a dome shape corresponding to an outer peripheral surface of the heat generating structure.

6. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the wick includes at least one recess disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the first housing portion for collecting at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substance absorbed into the wick.

7. 2. The cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a thermally conductive member positioned between the wick and the heat generating structure to transfer heat generated in the heat generating structure to the wick, one side of which is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the heat generating structure and another side opposite to the one side of which is in contact with the wick.

8. the thermally conductive member includes a second housing portion disposed to surround at least a partial region of an outer circumferential surface of the heat generating structure, The cartridge according to claim 7 , wherein the first accommodating portion of the core is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the second accommodating portion and is arranged to surround the outer peripheral surface of the second accommodating portion.

9. In the aerosol generating device, a body including a light source; a cartridge detachably coupled to the main body; The cartridge comprises: a housing including a transmission window for transmitting light emitted from the light source into the interior of the cartridge; a reservoir disposed within the housing for storing an aerosol-generating material; a dome-shaped heat generating structure including nanoparticles that generate heat by a surface plasmon resonance phenomenon in response to receiving light; a wick including a storage portion arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the heat generating structure, the wick supplying the aerosol generating substance stored in the storage tank to the heat generating structure; An aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating material transferred from the storage tank to the heat generating structure via the wick is heated by heat generated from the heat generating structure.

10. the cartridge further includes an airflow passage disposed to fluidly connect an interior of the housing with an exterior of the housing; 10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein the aerosol generating material is heated by heat generated from the heat generating structure to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol is discharged to the outside of the cartridge through the air flow passage.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9 , wherein at least one region of the heat generating structure is positioned opposite the transmission window so as to receive light emitted from the light source through the transmission window.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11 , wherein the light source is positioned opposite the transmission window when the cartridge and the main body are coupled together.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9 , wherein the body further includes at least one reflecting member for changing the path of light emitted from the light source toward the transmission window.

14. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein the wick includes at least one recess disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing portion for collecting at least a portion of the aerosol generating substance absorbed in the wick.

15. The aerosol generating device described in claim 9, further comprising a thermally conductive member arranged between the wick and the heat generating structure to transfer heat generated in the heat generating structure in response to light emitted from the light source to the wick, one side of which is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the heat generating structure and the other side opposite to the one side of which is in contact with the wick.

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