Heating element and aerosol generating device including the same

Abstract

Provided are a heating element for generating heat using surfaceplasmonresonance (SPR) and an aerosol generating device including the same.SOLUTION: The heating element 750 may include a substrate 751 including a first surface 751A and a second surface 751A opposite to the first surface 751B, SPR structures 754 located on the first surface 751A, and a reflective layer 755 located on the second surface 751B. The reflective layer 755 may be formed of a metal material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Techniques for generating heat to heat a target have been developed. 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 possessed or learned in the process of deriving the present disclosure, and is not necessarily publicly known prior to the filing of the present disclosure. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

[0004] The heating element may include a substrate including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure located on the first surface, and a reflective layer located on the second surface.

[0005] The reflective layer may be made of a metal material.

[0006] The reflective layer may have a thickness of more than 0 nm to about 15 nm or less.

[0007] The reflective layer may be in at least partial contact with the second surface.

[0008] The heating element may further include an absorbent layer positioned on the reflective layer.

[0009] The absorbing layer may have an emissivity substantially close to unity.

[0010] The SPR structure can include a first metal prism that at least partially defines a void region on the first surface.

[0011] The SPR structure may further include the first metal prism and a second metal prism that forms a void region on the first surface, and the first metal prism and the second metal prism may be offset from each other along the circumferential direction of the void region.

[0012] The first metal prism may define the entire periphery of the void region.

[0013] The void regions may have diameters ranging from about 300 nm to about 600 nm.

[0014] The SPR structure may be configured to resonate with light having a wavelength in the range between about 380 nm and about 780 nm.

[0015] The aerosol generating device may include a light source and a heating element configured to receive light from the electrical light source, and the heating element may include a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure located on the first surface, and a reflective layer located on the second surface.

[0016] The aerosol generating device may further include a thermal imaging device positioned above the reflective layer.

[0017] The distance between the electric light source and the heating element may be greater than 0 cm to about 30 cm or less.

[0018] The electrical light source may be configured to produce a light spot of about 1 mm or less on the heating element. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to one embodiment, heat may be generated uniformly from the heating element by exciting free electrons to a substantially uniform degree. According to one embodiment, when the heating element is applied to heat a target, the target may be locally heated, or at least some of a plurality of targets may be heated. According to one embodiment, the light utilization efficiency of the heating element may be improved. The effects of the heating element and the aerosol generating device including the same according to one embodiment are not limited to those described above, and other effects not described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0020] The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages of example specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [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. [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. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heating element according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a part of the heating element in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a portion of the heating element of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the heating element taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9. [Figure 11]FIG. 2 is a plan view of a portion of a heating element according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a heating element according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a graph comparing the temperature rise of various heating elements depending on the output of a light source. [Figure 14] 10 is a graph comparing the temperature rise of various heating elements depending on the output of a light source. [Figure 15] 1 is a diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The terms used in the embodiments are generally used as widely as possible while taking into consideration the functions of the present invention, but this may vary 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 relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined not simply as names of terms, but based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0023] 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, terms such as "module" and "unit" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be realized by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily understand and practice the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0026] 1 to 3 are diagrams showing examples of an aerosol-generating device in which an aerosol-generating article is inserted.

[0027] Referring to Fig. 1, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes a vaporizer 14. An aerosol-generating article 2 (e.g., a cigarette) may be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0028] 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 skilled in the art of this embodiment that the aerosol generating device 1 may further include different general-purpose components in addition to the components shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0029] 2 and 3 show the aerosol generating device 1 as including the heater 13, but the heater 13 may be omitted if necessary.

[0030] In Fig. 1, the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater 13 are shown as being arranged in a line. In Fig. 2, the battery 11, the control unit 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are shown as being arranged in a line. In Fig. 3, the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are shown as being 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 can be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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 .

[0033] The battery 11 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the battery 11 may supply power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, or may supply power necessary for the control unit 12 to operate. The battery 11 may also supply power necessary for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generation device 1.

[0034] 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 may also check the state of each component of the aerosol generator 1 to determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is in an operable state.

[0035] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be realized as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be realized 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 realized in other forms of hardware.

[0036] The heater 13 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, the heater 13 may be disposed outside the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1. Thus, the heated heater 13 can increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material within the aerosol-generating article.

[0037] The heater 13 may be an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 may include a conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated by passing a current through the 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 preset in the aerosol generating device 1, or may be set by the user.

[0038] Alternatively, the heater 13 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 13 may include a 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.

[0039] For example, the heater 13 may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the aerosol-generating article 2 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0040] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 1 may be provided with a plurality of heaters 13. Here, 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 heaters 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 1 to 3, and various shapes may be manufactured.

[0041] The vaporizer 14 can heat the liquid-phase 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.

[0042] For example, the vaporizer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit (e.g., a 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.

[0043] The liquid storage unit may store a liquid-phase composition. For example, the liquid-phase composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco aroma component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit may be manufactured so as to be detachable / attachable to the vaporizer 14, or may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14.

[0044] For example, the liquid phase 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 fragrance components, etc. Flavoring may include components that can provide various flavors or tastes to the user. 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 phase composition may also contain an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0045] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid phase composition of the liquid containment portion to the heating element, for example, but not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc.

[0046] The heating element is an element for heating the liquid-phase composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. Examples of the heating element include, but are not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, and a ceramic heater. The heating element may also be made of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element is heated by supplying an electric current and transfers heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0047] For example, but not limited to, vaporizer 14 may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0048] Meanwhile, the aerosol generator 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the 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 (e.g., a puff sensor, a temperature sensor, an insertion detection sensor for the aerosol-generating article, etc.). The aerosol generator 1 may also be manufactured with a structure that allows outside air to flow in and internal gas to flow out even when the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted.

[0049] Although not shown in Figures 1 to 3, the aerosol generator 1 can also form a system together with another cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generator 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generator 1 are coupled together.

[0050] The aerosol-generating article 2 may resemble a typical combustible cigarette. 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.

[0051] 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 may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, or the entire first part and a part of the second part may be inserted. A user can inhale the aerosol while holding the second part in their mouth. Here, the aerosol is generated by outside air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

[0052] As one example, outside air may flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the opening and / or size of the air passage formed in the aerosol-generating device 1 may be adjusted by the user. This allows the user to adjust the amount of smoke, smoking sensation, etc. As another example, outside air may flow into the aerosol-generating article 2 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the aerosol-generating article 2.

[0053] An example of the aerosol-generating article 2 will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0054] 4 and 5 are diagrams showing examples of aerosol-generating articles.

[0055] 4, the aerosol-generating article 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the first portion 21 includes the tobacco rod 21, and the second portion 22 includes the filter rod 22.

[0056] Although the filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment in FIG. 4, it 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 also include at least one additional segment that performs another function.

[0057] The aerosol-generating article 2 may have a diameter in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm and a length of approximately 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, but not limited to, the tobacco rod 21 may have a length of approximately 12 mm, the first segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of approximately 10 mm, the second segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of approximately 14 mm, and the third segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of approximately 12 mm.

[0058] 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 outside air to enter and internal gas to escape. As one 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. 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. The entire aerosol-generating article 2 may then 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, or 244.

[0059] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of common filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper. The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may also be made of oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum-clad wrapping material.

[0060] The third wrapper 243 may 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 It may be in the range of 125 μm to 130 μm, preferably 125 μm.

[0061] The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of a grease-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 2 The thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0062] The fifth wrapper 245 may 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 ordinary 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.

[0063] A predetermined substance may be added to the fifth wrapper 245. An example of the predetermined substance 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., resistance to various chemicals), water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any substance other than silicon that has the above properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

[0064] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the aerosol-generating article 2 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 13, the aerosol-generating article 2 may burn. Specifically, if the temperature of any one of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 21 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 the aerosol-generating article 2 can be prevented from burning.

[0065] Furthermore, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the aerosol generating device (e.g., holder) from being contaminated by the substance generated in the aerosol-generating article 2. A liquid substance may be generated in the aerosol-generating article 2 when the user puffs. For example, the liquid substance (e.g., moisture) may be generated when the aerosol generated in the aerosol-generating article 2 is cooled by outside 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.

[0066] The tobacco rod 21 includes 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 also be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0067] The tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in a sheet or a strand. Alternatively, the tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured from shredded tobacco, which is a tobacco sheet. The tobacco rod 21 may also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may evenly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, improving the thermal conductivity of the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco taste. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may also function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the exterior.

[0068] The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. However, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. 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.

[0069] The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure with a hollow interior. When the heater 13 is inserted through the first segment, it can prevent the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 from shifting backward and can also have a cooling effect on the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow interior of the first segment may be, but is not limited to, a suitable diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm.

[0070] 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.

[0071] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of plasticizer during manufacturing of the first segment. The first segment may also be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube made of the same material or a release material into the interior (e.g., hollow) of the first segment.

[0072] 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 that has been cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0073] The length or diameter of the second segment may be determined in various ways depending on the shape of the aerosol-generating article 2. For example, the length of the second segment may 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.

[0074] The second segment may be produced by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a fragrance liquid may be applied to the polymer fibers. Alternatively, the second segment may be produced by weaving a separate fiber coated with a fragrance liquid and a polymer fiber together. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed by a wound polymer sheet.

[0075] 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.

[0076] When the second segment is formed from woven polymer fibers or a wound polymer sheet, the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels, where channel refers to a passageway through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0077] For example, the second segment of wound polymer sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, e.g., between about 10 μm and about 250 μm, and the total surface area of ​​the second segment is about 300 mm 2 / mm and approximately 1000mm 2 / mm. The aerosol cooling element may also have a specific surface area of ​​between about 10 mm 2 / mg and about 100mm 2 / mg of material.

[0078] The second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavoring component, such as, but 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.

[0079] 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 the 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.

[0080] During the manufacturing process of the third segment, the third segment may 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 may 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.

[0081] The filter rod 22 may also include at least one capsule 23. The capsule 23 may function to generate a flavor or to generate 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 a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0082] Referring to Figure 5, the aerosol-generating article 3 may further include a shear plug 33. The shear plug 33 may be disposed on one side of the tobacco rod 31 opposite the filter rod 32. The shear plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside, and can prevent aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol-generating device (Figures 1 to 3).

[0083] Filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of filter rod 22 of FIG. 4, and second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of filter rod 22 of FIG. 4.

[0084] The diameter and overall length of the aerosol-generating article 3 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the aerosol-generating article 2 of 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.

[0085] 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 outside 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 then be rewrapped in a fifth wrapper 355.

[0086] Additionally, 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 may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater 13 shown in Figures 2 and 3 to the interior of the tobacco rod 31.

[0087] The second segment 322 may also include at least one capsule 34. The capsule 34 may function to generate a flavor or to generate 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 a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0088] The first wrapper 351 may be a typical filter wrapper with a metal foil such as aluminum foil bonded to it. For example, the overall 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. 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.

[0089] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may 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.

[0090] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be, but is not limited to, 35000 CU. 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.

[0091] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000 CU, but is not limited to this. The thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be within the 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.

[0092] The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, PLA laminated paper refers to 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 within a range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably 110 μm. The basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 80 g / m 2 ~100g / m 2 and preferably 88 g / m 2 may be.

[0093] The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) refers to a paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to ordinary 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.

[0094] 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., 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.

[0095] The shear plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the shear plug 33 may 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.

[0096] Optionally, the shear plug 33 may also include at least one channel, the cross-sectional shape of which may be manufactured in a variety of ways.

[0097] 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.

[0098] The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a hollow, tubular structure. The first segment 321 may 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 may be the same as the mono-denier and total denier of the shear plug 33.

[0099] 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.

[0100] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 400 according to one embodiment.

[0101] The aerosol generating device 400 may include a control unit 410, a detection unit 420, an output unit 430, a battery 440, a heater 450, a user input unit 460, a memory 470, and a communication unit 480. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 400 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 6. That is, a person skilled in the art of this embodiment would understand 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.

[0102] The detector 420 may 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 controller 410. Based on the detected information, the controller 410 may 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., a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0103] The detection unit 420 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 422, an insertion detection sensor 424, and a puff sensor 426, but is not limited to these.

[0104] The temperature sensor 422 can detect the temperature to which the heater 450 (or the aerosol-generating substance) heats. 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 the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 422 may be disposed near the battery 440 so as to monitor the temperature of the battery 440.

[0105] The insertion detection sensor 424 may detect 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 may detect a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article.

[0106] The puff sensor 426 may 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 one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0107] In addition to the above-described sensors (422 to 426), the detection unit 420 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an atmospheric 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. The function of the angle sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, so a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0108] The output unit 430 may output and provide to the 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.

[0109] The display unit 432 may visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 400 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 400 may indicate various information such as the charge / discharge 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-generating article, or a status in which the use of the aerosol generating device 400 is restricted (e.g., abnormal article detection), and the display unit 432 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 432 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. The display unit 432 may also be in the form of an LED light-emitting element.

[0110] The haptic unit 434 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and provide the user with tactile 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.

[0111] The acoustic output unit 436 may 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.

[0112] The battery 440 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 400. The battery 440 may supply power to the heater 450 so that it can heat. The battery 440 may also supply power necessary for the operation of different components provided within 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.

[0113] The heater 450 may 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 induction heating, the aerosol-generating device 400 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 440 into AC power.

[0114] 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.

[0115] In one embodiment, heater 450 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, 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 a conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0116] In one embodiment, heater 450 may be an induction heater. For example, heater 450 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0117] 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.

[0118] The user input unit 460 may receive information input by a user and output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 460 may 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 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may be connected to other external devices via the connection interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 440.

[0119] The memory 470 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 400 and may store data that has been processed by the control unit 410 and data to be processed by the control unit 410. The memory 470 may 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 may store 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.

[0120] The communication unit 480 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 480 may include a short-range communication unit 482 and a wireless communication unit 484.

[0121] The short-range wireless communication unit 482 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra-wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0122] The wireless communication unit 484 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 484 may also use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 400 within the communication network.

[0123] 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 can be realized as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can also be realized in other forms of hardware.

[0124] The control unit 410 can control the temperature of the heater 450 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 440 to the heater 450. For example, the control unit 410 may control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 440 and the heater 450. As another example, a heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the heater 450 in accordance with a control command from the control unit 410.

[0125] The control unit 410 may analyze the results detected by the detection unit 420 and control the processing to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit 410 may control the power supplied to the heater 450 so that the operation of the heater 450 starts or ends, based on the results detected by the detection unit 420. In another example, the control unit 410 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 450 and the time for which the power is supplied, based on the results detected by the detection unit 420, so that the heater 450 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0126] The control unit 410 may 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 may notify the user via 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.

[0127] In one embodiment, the control unit 410 may control the time and / or amount of power supplied to the heater 450 depending on the state of the aerosol-generating article detected by the detection unit 420. For example, if the aerosol-generating article is in an overly humid state, the control unit 410 may control the time of power supply to the induction coil to increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol-generating article is in a normal state.

[0128] 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. Computer-readable media may be any available medium accessible by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, and both detachable and non-detachable media. Computer-readable media may also include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and non-volatile, detachable and non-detachable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include 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 media.

[0129] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a heating element according to one embodiment, and Figure 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the heating element of Figure 7. Figure 9 is a plan view of a portion of the heating element of Figure 8, and Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the heating element taken along line 10-10 of Figure 9.

[0130] 7-10, the heating element 550 may be configured to generate heat through surface plasmon resonance. "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 may be generated by light propagating from outside the heating element 550. The excitation of the electrons of the metal particles generates thermal energy, which can be transferred into an environment to which the heating element 550 is applied. In one embodiment, the heating element 550 may be configured to heat another object (e.g., an aerosol-generating article) by transferring the generated heat to the object.

[0131] The heating element 550 may include a substrate 551 having a first surface 551A (e.g., a surface oriented in the +Z direction) and a second surface 551B (e.g., a surface oriented in the -Z direction) opposite the first surface 551A.

[0132] In one embodiment, the substrate 551 may be realized in a substantially plate shape. The first surface 551A and / or the second surface 551B may be formed as a substantially flat surface. In one embodiment, the substrate 551 may have any shape suitable for generating heat. For example, the substrate 551 may be realized in a substantially cylindrical shape with the first surface 551A as the outer surface and the second surface 551B as the inner surface.

[0133] In one embodiment, the substrate 551 may be formed of various materials. For example, the substrate 551 may be formed of glass, silicon (Si), silicon oxide (SiO2), sapphire, polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, and / or any other material suitable for thermal conduction. In some embodiments, the substrate 551 may be formed of any one or combination of glass, silicon (Si), silicon oxide (SiO2), and sapphire. In some embodiments, the substrate 551 may include a material with a relatively low heat transfer coefficient, which may allow heat to be transferred locally to some areas on the substrate 551.

[0134] In one embodiment, the substrate 551 may be electrically conductive. In one embodiment, the substrate 551 may be electrically insulating.

[0135] In one embodiment, substrate 551 can be formed of any material having a thermal conductivity suitable for use in the environment in which heating element 550 is placed. For example, substrate 551 may have a thermal conductivity of about 0.6 W / mK or less, about 1 W / mK to about 2 W / mK, about 2 W / mK to about 5 W / mK, about 5 W / mK to about 10 W / mK, about 10 W / mK to about 100 W / mK, or about 100 W / mK to about 200 W / mK at a pressure of 1 bar and a temperature of 25°C. In some embodiments, substrate 551 may have a thermal conductivity of about 0.6 W / mK or less, about 1.3 W / mK, about 148 W / mK, or about 46.06 W / mK at a pressure of 1 bar and a temperature of 25°C.

[0136] Heating element 550 may include a plurality of metal prisms 554 located on a first surface 551A of substrate 551. The plurality of metal prisms 554 may include a plurality of metal particles deposited on substrate 551 via any suitable deposition process (e.g., physical vapor deposition).

[0137] In one embodiment, the metal particles forming the metal prisms 554 may have nanoscale dimensions. For example, the metal particles may have an average maximum diameter of about 1 μm or less. In some embodiments, the 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.

[0138] In one embodiment, the plurality of metal particles may be formed of any material suitable for generating heat, for example, the plurality of metal particles may include at least one of gold, silver, copper, palladium, platinum, aluminum, titanium, nickel, chromium, iron, cobalt, manganese, rhodium, and ruthenium, or a combination thereof.

[0139] In one embodiment, the plurality of metal particles may be formed of any material suitable for interacting with light in a predetermined wavelength range (e.g., a visible light wavelength range, i.e., about 380 nm to about 780 nm) to generate heat. For example, the plurality of metal particles may include at least one of gold, silver, copper, palladium, and platinum, or a combination thereof.

[0140] In some embodiments, the plurality of metal particles may be formed of a metal material having an average maximum absorbance. Here, the average maximum absorbance may be defined as an absorbance having a substantial peak associated with a wavelength band. The wavelength band corresponding to the absorbance may be understood as a wavelength band in which the plurality of metal particles resonate. For example, the plurality of metal particles may be formed of a metal material having an average maximum absorbance in a wavelength band between about 430 nm and about 450 nm, between about 480 nm and about 500 nm, between about 490 nm and about 510 nm, between about 500 nm and about 520 nm, between about 550 nm and about 570 nm, between about 600 nm and about 620 nm, between about 620 nm and about 640 nm, between about 630 nm and about 650 nm, between about 640 nm and about 660 nm, between about 680 nm and about 700 nm, or between about 700 nm and about 750 nm. The average maximum absorbance of the plurality of metal particles may vary depending on the type of substrate 551, the size of the metal prisms 554 formed by the plurality of metal particles, and / or the shape of the metal prisms 554, in addition to the metal material.

[0141] In one embodiment, the plurality of metal prisms 554 may define a void area VA surrounded by the plurality of metal prisms 554 on the first surface 551A of the substrate 551. For example, the void area VA may have a substantially circular or elliptical shape, and the plurality of metal prisms 554 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the void area VA.

[0142] In one embodiment, the void areas VA can have an average maximum diameter of about 10 nm or more, about 50 nm or more, about 90 nm or more, about 100 nm or more, about 150 nm or more, about 200 nm or more, about 300 nm or more, about 350 nm or more, about 450 nm or more, or about 500 nm or more. In some embodiments, the void areas VA can have an average maximum diameter of about 450 nm or more. In some embodiments, the void areas VA can have an average maximum diameter of about 350 nm or more. In some embodiments, the void areas VA can have an average maximum diameter of about 300 nm or more.

[0143] In one embodiment, the void areas VA can have an average maximum diameter of about 1,000 nm or less, about 900 nm or less, about 800 nm or less, about 700 nm or less, about 600 nm or less, or about 550 nm or less, hi some embodiments, the void areas VA can have an average maximum diameter of about 600 nm or less.

[0144] In one embodiment, the multiple metal prisms 554 may each include a first base surface 554A (e.g., a lower base surface) facing the first surface 551A of the substrate 551, a second base surface 554B (e.g., an upper base surface) opposite the first base surface 554A, and multiple side surfaces 554C1, 554C2, and 554C3 between the first base surface 554A and the second base surface 554B.

[0145] In one embodiment, the first base surface 554A and the second base surface 554B can be substantially parallel to one another.

[0146] In one embodiment, the first base surface 554A and / or the second base surface 554B may be formed as a substantially flat surface.

[0147] In one embodiment, the distance between the first base surface 554A and the second base surface 554B (e.g., the thickness of the metal prism 554) may be approximately 10 nm or less. If the metal prism 554 has a thickness greater than 10 nm, the heat generation reaction of the metal particles forming the metal prism 554 may be reduced, resulting in a reduction in the thermal efficiency of the heating element 550.

[0148] In one embodiment, the side surfaces 554C1, 554C2, and 554C3 may be oriented in different directions. For example, the first side surface 554C1 may be oriented in a first direction (e.g., a first radial direction), the second side surface 554C2 may be connected to the first side surface 554C1 and oriented in a second direction (e.g., a second radial direction), and the third side surface 554C3 may be connected to both the first side surface 554C1 and the second side surface 554C3 and oriented in a third direction (e.g., a third radial direction).

[0149] In one embodiment, at least one of the side surfaces 554C1, 554C2, and 554C3 may be formed with a substantially curved surface. In some embodiments, the side surfaces 554C1, 554C2, and 554C3 may be formed with curved surfaces having substantially the same curvature. In one embodiment, the curvature of any one of the side surfaces 554C1, 554C2, and 554C3 may be different from the curvature of any other one of the side surfaces.

[0150] In one embodiment, the multiple side surfaces 554C1, 554C2, and 554C3 may be formed with curved surfaces that are concave toward the center of the metal prism 554. In one embodiment, at least one side surface of the multiple side surfaces 554C1, 554C2, and 554C3 may be formed with a curved surface that is convex from the center of the metal prism 554.

[0151] In one embodiment, the plurality of metal prisms 554 may include two sides. For example, the metal prisms 554 may have a substantially semicircular or near-semicircular shape.

[0152] In one embodiment, the multiple metal prisms 554 may be physically separated from one another on the first surface 551A of the substrate 551. For example, the multiple metal prisms 554 may be offset from one another at predetermined intervals along the periphery (e.g., circumference) of the void area VA.

[0153] In one embodiment, the plurality of metal prisms 554 may be offset from one another at substantially equal intervals, hi one embodiment, the spacing between adjacent pairs of metal prisms 554 among the plurality of metal prisms 554 may be different from the spacing between other adjacent pairs of metal prisms 554.

[0154] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a portion of a heating element according to one embodiment.

[0155] 11 , the heating element 650 may include a substrate 651 and a metal prism 654 positioned on the substrate 651. The metal prism 654 may be a substantially single structure and define multiple void regions VA. For example, the metal prism 654 may define substantially the entire periphery of the multiple void regions VA. The metal prism 654 may include a first prism region 6541 at one position on the periphery (e.g., circumference) of the void region VA, a second prism region 6542 at another position on the periphery (e.g., circumference) of the void region VA, and a third prism region 6543 between the first prism region 6541 and the second prism region 6542. The first prism region 6541, the second prism region 6542, and the third prism region 6543 may be seamlessly connected together.

[0156] FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating a heating element according to an embodiment.

[0157] 12 , a heating element 750 may include a substrate 751 (e.g., substrate 551, 651) including a first surface 751A and a second surface 751B, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure 754 (e.g., metal prism 554, 654) located on the first surface 751A, and a reflective layer 755 located on the second surface 751B. The heating element 750 may be configured to receive light L on the substrate 751 and / or the SPR structure 754.

[0158] In one embodiment, SPR structure 754 may be realized as at least one metal prism (e.g., metal prisms 554 and 654) including a plurality of metal particles. In one embodiment, SPR structure 754 may include a plurality of metal particles coated on first surface 751A of substrate 751. In one embodiment, SPR structure 754 may include at least one metal film formed of a metal material.

[0159] The light source emitting light L may be separated from the heating element 750 by a predetermined distance. For example, the distance between the light source and the heating element 750 may be determined to be about 40 cm or less, about 35 cm or less, about 30 cm or less, about 25 cm or less, about 20 cm or less, about 15 cm or less, about 10 cm or less, or about 5 cm or less. The distance between the light source and the heating element 750 may be determined to be about 5 cm or more, about 10 cm or more, about 15 cm or more, about 20 cm or more, or about 25 cm or more.

[0160] The light L may form a spot LS on the substrate 751 and / or the SPR structure 754. For example, the spot LS may have a size of about 2 mm or less, about 1.5 mm or less, about 1 mm or less, or about 0.5 mm or less. The spot LS may have a size of about 0.2 mm or more, about 0.4 mm or more, about 0.6 mm or more, or about 0.8 mm or more.

[0161] The reflective layer 755 can be configured to reflect the light L transmitted through the substrate 751 at the substrate 751 and / or the SPR structure 754. By the reflective layer 755 reflecting the light L transmitted through the substrate 751, the reflected light can be utilized by the substrate 751 and the SPR structure 754, improving the light utilization efficiency of the heating element 750 and the associated heat generation efficiency.

[0162] In one embodiment, the reflective layer 755 may be formed over the entire second surface 751B of the substrate 751. In another embodiment, the reflective layer 755 may be formed locally on the second surface 751B of the substrate 751. For example, the reflective layer 755 may be realized in a single reflective area or in multiple reflective areas in a partial area of ​​the second surface 751B of the substrate 751.

[0163] The reflective layer 755 may be formed of any material suitable for reflecting light L. In one embodiment, the reflective layer 755 may be formed of a metallic material. For example, the reflective layer 755 may be formed of at least one of gold, silver, copper, and any other metallic material suitable for reflection, or a combination thereof.

[0164] The reflective layer 755 may have any thickness suitable for reflecting the light L. The thickness of the reflective layer 755 may be determined to a value suitable for substantially total reflection of the light L. For example, the thickness of the reflective layer 755 may be about 15 nm or less, about 12 nm or less, about 10 nm or less, about 8 nm or less, or about 5 nm or less. In a preferred example, the reflective layer 755 may have a thickness of about 10 nm. The thickness of the reflective layer 755 may be determined by the refractive index of the substrate 751, the thickness of the substrate 751, the refractive index of the reflective layer 755, and / or any other parameters.

[0165] In one embodiment, the reflective layer 755 may be in direct contact with the second surface 751B of the substrate 751. In another embodiment, the reflective layer 755 may be spaced apart from the second surface 751B of the substrate 751, with an intermediary (e.g., air) positioned between the second surface 751B and the reflective layer 755.

[0166] In one embodiment, the heating element 750 may include an absorbing layer 756 disposed on the reflective layer 755. The absorbing layer 756 may be configured to absorb a portion of the transmitted light that is not reflected by the reflective layer 755 but is transmitted through the reflective layer 755. The absorbing layer 756 may increase the light utilization efficiency of the heating element 750.

[0167] In one embodiment, the absorbing layer 756 may be applied at least partially by coating onto the reflective layer 755 .

[0168] In one embodiment, the absorbing layer 756 can have a substantially high emissivity. In some embodiments, the absorbing layer 756 can have an emissivity substantially close to 1. The absorbing layer 756 can be realized as a structure and / or material that resembles a substantially black body. For example, the absorbing layer 756 can be realized as a structure having at least one hole through which light can enter and be substantially permanently reflected therein. In one embodiment, the absorbing layer 756 can be realized as a gray body or a white body.

[0169] In one embodiment, the heating element 750 may include a thermal imaging device 760 configured to generate a thermal image. For example, the thermal imaging device 760 may generate an image including a thermal distribution of the heating element 750. In one embodiment, the thermal imaging device 760 may be included in a component external to the heating element 750 (e.g., the aerosol generating device 800 of FIG. 15).

[0170] FIG. 13 is a graph comparing the temperature rise of various heating elements depending on the output of the light source.

[0171] 13, a test was conducted to compare the temperature rise of various heating elements SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 while varying the output power of a light source emitting a laser to the heating elements SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. All heating elements SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 were fabricated without a reflective layer or an absorbing layer.

[0172] The first heating element SP1 (e.g., heating element 650 in FIG. 11) was fabricated by applying approximately 460 nm polystyrene beads to a glass substrate to form triangular prisms made of gold with a thickness of approximately 10 nm. The second heating element SP2 was fabricated by applying an approximately 50 nm gold film to a glass substrate. The third heating element SP3 was fabricated without any structures (e.g., prisms or films) on the glass substrate. The fourth heating element SP4 (e.g., heating element 550 in FIGS. 7 to 10) was fabricated by applying approximately 460 nm polystyrene beads to a glass substrate to form gold prisms with a thickness of approximately 10 nm, and then reactive ion etching was performed on the polystyrene beads to form an integrated prism structure that defined the entire periphery of a plurality of void regions.

[0173] As a result of the test, the heating elements SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 showed a transmittance of approximately 97%.

[0174] As can be seen from the graph, the second heating element SP2 and the third heating element SP3 showed a low temperature rise as the laser power increased. On the other hand, the first heating element SP1 and the fourth heating element SP4 showed a higher temperature rise rate compared to the laser power than the second heating element SP2 and the third heating element SP3, indicating that the target temperature can be reached at a relatively low power. In particular, the fourth heating element SP4 showed an even higher temperature rise rate than the first heating element SP1, indicating that it can be used as a heating element requiring a higher target temperature.

[0175] FIG. 14 is a graph comparing the temperature rise of various heating elements depending on the output of the light source.

[0176] 14, a test was conducted to compare the temperature rise of various heating elements SP5, SP6, and SP7 while varying the power of the light source emitting laser light to the heating elements SP5, SP6, and SP7. The heating elements SP5, SP6, and SP7 were all fabricated to include a reflective layer and an absorbing layer.

[0177] The fifth heating element SP5 was fabricated by coating 460 nm polystyrene beads on a glass substrate, depositing gold particles on them, and then removing the polystyrene beads. The sixth heating element SP6 was fabricated by coating 800 nm polystyrene beads on a glass substrate, depositing gold particles on them, and then removing the polystyrene beads. The seventh heating element SP7 was fabricated by coating 460 nm polystyrene beads on a glass substrate, etching the polystyrene beads using reactive ion etching (RIE) to adjust the size of the polystyrene beads to 300 nm, depositing gold particles on them, and then removing the polystyrene beads.

[0178] As a result of the test, the heating elements SP5, SP6, and SP7 showed a transmittance of approximately 2%. It was shown that the heating elements SP5, SP6, and SP7, to which the reflective and absorbing layers were applied, could significantly improve the light utilization efficiency of the heating elements compared to heating elements to which the reflective and absorbing layers were not applied (e.g., heating elements SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 in FIG. 13).

[0179] As can be seen from the graph, there was not much difference in temperature rise due to the difference in the size of the void area on the substrate of the fifth heating element SP5 and the sixth heating element SP6. On the other hand, when the polystyrene beads were etched to form an integrated prism structure, as in the seventh heating element SP7, the temperature rise rate relative to the laser output was high.

[0180] FIG. 15 is a diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0181] 15, an aerosol-generating device 800 (e.g., aerosol-generating device 1, 400) may include at least one heating element 850 (e.g., heater 13, 450 and / or heating element 550, 650, 750) configured to heat an aerosol-generating article (e.g., aerosol-generating article 2, 3), and at least one light source 855 configured to emit light toward the at least one heating element 850. While FIG. 15 illustrates the aerosol-generating device 800 as including a controller 810 (e.g., controller 12, 410) configured to control the heating element 850 and / or light source 855, and a battery 840 (e.g., battery 11, 440) configured to supply electrical energy to the controller 810, other components may be included or omitted.

[0182] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 800 may include a single heating element 850. The heating element 850 may at least partially surround a cavity in which an aerosol-generating article may be placed. The heating element 850 may have a structure in which, for example, the substrate 551, 651, 751 is at least partially curved.

[0183] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 800 may include multiple heating elements 850. The multiple heating elements 850 may be located in different portions based on the cavities in which the aerosol-generating articles may be placed. The metal materials of the metal prisms included in the multiple heating elements 850 may be the same or different.

[0184] In one embodiment, light source 855 may be configured to transmit an optical signal at a predetermined angle toward heating element 850. For example, light source 855 may transmit an optical signal at an angle that may cause total internal reflection at a surface of heating element 850 (e.g., a surface of substrate 551, 651, 751 and / or surfaces 554B, 554C1, 554C2, 554C3 of metal prisms 554, 654, 754). In one embodiment, light source 855 may transmit an optical signal at any angle toward heating element 850.

[0185] In one embodiment, light source 855 may be configured to transmit light in the ultraviolet, visible, and / or infrared bands. In some embodiments, light source 855 may be configured to transmit light in the visible band (e.g., from about 380 nm to about 780 nm).

[0186] In some embodiments, light source 855 may be configured to transmit light in a band corresponding to the material of the metal particles in the metal prisms (e.g., metal prisms 554, 654, 754) included in heating element 850. For example, light source 855 may transmit light in a wavelength band corresponding to the average maximum absorbance of the metal particle material. In embodiments in which the metal prisms are formed of gold, light source 855 may transmit light having a wavelength of approximately 638 nm.

[0187] In one embodiment, light source 855 may transmit light at any suitable power output. For example, light source 855 may transmit light at a power output of approximately 1,000 mW.

[0188] In one embodiment, the light source 855 may include a light emitting diode and / or a laser. The light emitting diode and / or laser may have a type and / or size suitable for inclusion in the aerosol generating device 800. By way of example, the laser may include a solid-state laser and / or a semiconductor laser.

[0189] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 800 may include multiple light sources 855. The multiple light sources 855 may be implemented as the same type of light source. In one embodiment, at least some of the multiple light sources 855 may be implemented as different types of light sources.

[0190] In one embodiment, at least one light source 855 of the plurality of light sources 855 may be configured to illuminate a portion of the heating element 850 .

[0191] In one embodiment, the portion of the heating element 850 illuminated by any one of the multiple light sources 855 may be different from the portion of the heating element 850 illuminated by another of the multiple light sources 855. For example, the multiple light sources 855 may illuminate different portions of a single heating element 850, or may each illuminate multiple heating elements 850.

[0192] In one embodiment, the multiple light sources 855 can be configured to illuminate substantially simultaneously, and in one embodiment, the illumination time of any one light source 855 of the multiple light sources 855 can be different from the illumination time of any other light source 855.

[0193] In one embodiment, the multiple light sources 855 may illuminate the heating element 850 for substantially the same amount of time. In one embodiment, the illumination time of any one of the multiple light sources 855 may be different from the illumination time of any other one of the multiple light sources 855.

[0194] In one embodiment, the multiple light sources 855 may transmit light in substantially the same wavelength band. In one embodiment, the band of light emitted by any one of the multiple light sources 855 may be different from the band of light emitted by any other one of the multiple light sources 855.

[0195] In one embodiment, the multiple light sources 855 may irradiate the heating element 850 with substantially the same irradiance. In one embodiment, the irradiance of any one of the multiple light sources 855 may be different from the irradiance of any other one of the multiple light sources 855.

[0196] The embodiments of this document are illustrative and not limiting. Various modifications of the details of the present disclosure are possible, including within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Any of the embodiments described herein may be used in combination with any other embodiment described herein.

Claims

1. a substrate including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure located on the first surface; a reflective layer located on the second surface; and an absorbing layer located on the reflective layer; a heating element comprising:

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

3. The heating element of claim 1 , wherein the reflective layer has a thickness of greater than 0 nm to about 15 nm or less.

4. The heating element of claim 1 , wherein the reflective layer is in at least partial contact with the second surface.

5. The heating element according to claim 1 , wherein the absorption layer absorbs light transmitted through the reflection layer.

6. The heating element of claim 5 , wherein the absorbing layer has an emissivity substantially close to 1.

7. The heating element of claim 1 , wherein the SPR structure includes a first metal prism that at least partially defines a void region on the first surface.

8. the SPR structure further includes the first metal prism and a second metal prism forming a void region on the first surface; The heating element of claim 7 , wherein the first metal prism and the second metal prism are offset from each other along the periphery of the void region.

9. The heating element of claim 7 , wherein the first metal prism defines the entire periphery of the void region.

10. The heating element of claim 7, wherein the void regions have a diameter in the range of about 300 nm to about 600 nm.

11. The heating element of claim 1 , wherein the SPR structure is configured to resonate with light having a wavelength in the range between about 380 nm and about 780 nm.

12. A light source and The heating element of claim 1 configured to receive light from the light source; An aerosol generating device comprising:

13. 13. The aerosol generating device of claim 12, further comprising a thermal imaging device positioned above the reflective layer.

14. 13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein the distance between the light source and the heating element is greater than 0 cm and not more than about 30 cm.

15. 13. The aerosol generating device of claim 12, wherein the light source is configured to form a light spot of about 1 mm or less on the heating element.

Images