A method for manufacturing a cartridge, a cartridge manufactured by the manufacturing method, and an aerosol generating apparatus containing the cartridge.

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a cartridge that can improve the sealing force of a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substance. [Solution] A method for manufacturing a cartridge according to one embodiment includes the steps of: plasma treatment of at least a portion of one area of ​​a storage tank; applying an adhesive to the plasma-treated area; and sealing the storage tank by attaching a cover to the area to which the adhesive has been applied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a cartridge, a cartridge manufactured by the manufacturing method, and an aerosol generating device including the cartridge. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a cartridge that can improve the sealing force of a cartridge for storing an aerosol generating substance.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for a system that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette or an aerosol generating substance using an aerosol generating device, rather than by burning a cigarette to generate an aerosol. As a result, research on heat-type aerosol generating devices has been actively conducted.

[0003] An aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating a liquid aerosol generating substance also includes a cartridge that holds the liquid aerosol generating substance. The cartridge can be integrally formed with the main body of the aerosol generating device or detachably coupled thereto.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A cartridge that holds a liquid aerosol generating substance needs to have excellent sealing force to prevent leakage of the liquid aerosol generating substance. In addition, a single-use cartridge that is detachably coupled to an aerosol generating device is discarded when all of the initially held liquid aerosol generating substance is exhausted, so economy is required in the manufacture of the cartridge.

[0005] The problems to be solved through this embodiment are not limited to those described above, and any problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A method for manufacturing a cartridge according to one embodiment includes the steps of: plasma-treating at least a portion of one area of ​​a storage tank; applying an adhesive to the plasma-treated area; and attaching a cover to the area to which the adhesive has been applied and sealing the storage tank.

[0007] The means of solving the problem are not limited to those stated above, and also include any matters that can be inferred by an ordinary engineer throughout this specification. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The cartridge manufacturing method according to this embodiment can produce cartridges with improved airtightness that can generate an aerosol safe for user inhalation. Furthermore, the cartridge manufacturing method according to this embodiment can improve work efficiency and cost-effectiveness during manufacturing.

[0009] The effects of this embodiment are not limited to those described above, but also include any effects that can be inferred from the configuration described later. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a cartridge according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure illustrates an example of a cartridge manufactured by a cartridge manufacturing method according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge taken along the xz plane. [Figure 4]Figure 2 is an exploded view showing the cartridge storage tank and cover disassembled. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates an example in which an aerosol product is inserted into an aerosol generating apparatus containing a cartridge according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates an example in which an aerosol product is inserted into an aerosol generating apparatus containing a cartridge according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol product. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol product. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] A method for manufacturing a cartridge according to one embodiment includes the steps of: plasma-treating at least a portion of one area of ​​a storage tank; applying an adhesive to the plasma-treated area; and attaching a cover to the area to which the adhesive has been applied and sealing the storage tank.

[0012] The storage tank or cover may also contain one or more plastics selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyvinylidene chloride, polyetherimide, polyurethane, and polyetheretherketone.

[0013] The step of performing the plasma treatment also includes exposing the plasma to an area of the storage tank for 0.1 second to 10 seconds.

[0014] The step of performing the plasma treatment also includes moving a transfer-type plasma torch relative to an area of the storage tank at a speed of 0.1 cm / second to 50 cm / second.

[0015] The step of applying the adhesive can be carried out within 2 hours after the step of performing the plasma treatment is completed.

[0016] The adhesive also includes an ultraviolet (UV) adhesive.

[0017] The method for manufacturing the cartridge also includes a step of introducing the aerosol product substance into the plasma-treated storage tank.

[0018] The storage tank includes a storage space for accommodating the aerosol product substance, and the step of introducing the aerosol product substance includes introducing an aerosol product substance having a volume of 70% to 95% of the volume of the storage space.

[0019] A cartridge according to another embodiment is manufactured by a manufacturing method according to one embodiment.

[0020] An aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment includes a cartridge according to another embodiment.

[0021] The terms used in this embodiment are selected as general terms currently in use as much as possible while considering the functions in the present disclosure. However, they may also vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. In addition, in specific cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant. In such cases, the meaning thereof will be described in detail in the description part of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present disclosure must be defined based not only on the name of the simple term but also on the meaning the term has and the overall content of the present disclosure.

[0022] Throughout the specification, when a part states that a certain component "includes" something, unless there is a special statement to the contrary, it does not exclude other components, but also means that it further includes other components. Also, terms such as "~ part" and "~ module" described in the specification mean units that process at least one function or operation, and they can be implemented by hardware or software, or by the combination of hardware and software.

[0023] As used in this specification, when an expression such as "at least any one" is before the arranged components, it modifies the entire components, not each of the arranged components. For example, the expression "at least any one of a, b, and c" is interpreted to include a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0024] Also, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" or "second" used in this specification are also used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components.

[0025] Throughout the specification, an "aerosol generating device" is also a device that uses an aerosol generating substance to generate an aerosol for directly inhaling into the user's lungs through the user's mouth.

[0026] Throughout the specification, a "cigarette" means an article used for smoking. For example, the cigarette can be a combustion-type cigarette used in a manner of being ignited and burned, or a heated-type cigarette used in a manner of being heated by an aerosol generating device.

[0027] Hereafter, embodiments of the Disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so as to be readily implementable by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the Disclosure pertains. However, the Disclosure may be embodied in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0028] In the following, this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a cartridge according to one embodiment.

[0030] Referring to Figure 1, a method for manufacturing a cartridge according to one embodiment includes the steps of: plasma treatment of at least a portion of one area of ​​the storage tank (S110); applying an adhesive to the plasma-treated area of ​​the storage tank (S120); and covering the area of ​​the storage tank to which the adhesive has been applied. This includes the step of joining the components and sealing the storage tank (S130).

[0031] A method for manufacturing a cartridge according to one embodiment can produce a cartridge that includes a storage tank for containing an aerosol-generating substance and a cover coupled to a region of the storage tank and sealing the storage tank. The cartridge can heat the aerosol-generating substance and generate an aerosol.

[0032] The plasma treatment step (S110) involves exposing at least a portion of one area of ​​the storage tank to plasma and modifying the surface of at least a portion of that area. Plasma refers to a state in which electrons, ions, and neutral particles are mixed, and is the fourth state of matter following solid, liquid, and gas. When the surface is modified using plasma, excellent adhesion can be maintained with the cover that will later be bonded to the storage tank, and leakage of aerosol-generating material can be prevented.

[0033] The time required for plasma treatment is relatively short, and since plasma treatment can be performed on multiple objects in a single process, the work efficiency and cost-effectiveness of cartridge manufacturing can be improved.

[0034] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cartridge manufactured by a cartridge manufacturing method according to one embodiment, and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge in Figure 2 taken along the xz plane. Figure 4 is an exploded view of the storage tank and cover of the cartridge in Figure 2.

[0035] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the cartridge 140 includes a storage tank 141 and a cover 142. The cover 142 is attached to one area 141a of the storage tank 141, sealing the storage tank 141.

[0036] The storage tank 141 also includes a storage space 143 for containing aerosol-generating material. A liquid transfer means 144 and a heating element 145 may be located inside the storage space 143. The heating element 145 can heat the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the liquid transfer means 144 to generate an aerosol. Detailed components of the cartridge 140 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5 and 6 below.

[0037] The storage tank 141 also includes a region 141a to which the cover 142 is attached. The cover 142 may be attached to the storage tank 141 in a manner that surrounds the region 141a of the storage tank 141. Plasma treatment may be performed on the region 141a of the storage tank 141, either partially or entirely. However, the location where the plasma treatment is performed is not limited to that region. For example, the plasma treatment may be performed on at least a portion of the surface of the cover 142.

[0038] The storage tank 141 or cover 142 can be made of plastic. Plasma treatment on the surface of a polymer material such as plastic deforms the chemical structure of the surface, thereby changing only the physical and chemical properties of the surface while maintaining the basic physical properties of the polymer material. This can improve the surface adhesion of the polymer material and remove impurities. Furthermore, while plastic materials with high chemical resistance are difficult to apply adhesives to, when the chemical structure of the surface is deformed via surface plasma treatment, adhesives can be easily applied.

[0039] Furthermore, when using bonding methods that involve heat fusion or primer pretreatment, there is a risk of generating substances harmful to the human body. Therefore, such bonding methods are unsuitable for the manufacture of cartridge 140, which generates aerosols that users inhale. However, Plasma treatment is suitable for the manufacture of cartridge 140 because it does not pose a risk of generating substances harmful to the human body.

[0040] The storage tank 141 or cover 142 may also contain one or more plastics selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyvinylidene chloride, polyetherimide, polyurethane, and polyetheretherketone. For example, the storage tank 141 or cover 142 may, but are not limited to, be manufactured by molding polypropylene.

[0041] Cartridge 140 must be transparent so that the amount of aerosol-generating material contained inside can be checked from the outside. Furthermore, since the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge 140 must be heated, it must be heat-resistant. Also, since cartridge 140 can be used as a single-use cartridge that is discarded when the aerosol-generating material is depleted, economic efficiency is required. Therefore, considering the transparency of the cartridge 140's appearance, economic efficiency, etc., an appropriate plastic can be selected and used for the storage tank 141 or cover 142.

[0042] For example, the storage tank 141 or cover 142 may be manufactured from polypropylene. This polypropylene can have excellent chemical resistance to aerosol-generating substances (e.g., propylene glycol, glycerin, etc.). Furthermore, this polypropylene is easier to injection mold than other engineering plastic materials and is suitable for manufacturing the storage tank 141 or cover 142.

[0043] Referring again to Figure 1, the manufacturing method of the cartridge will be explained. The plasma treatment step (S110) involves exposing one area of ​​the storage tank to plasma for approximately 0.1 seconds to approximately 10 seconds. If the plasma exposure time falls outside this time range, sufficient surface modification may not be achieved, or the surface may be excessively damaged, potentially inducing deformation of the shape. Furthermore, the plasma treatment step (S110) also involves exposing one area of ​​the storage tank to plasma for approximately 0.5 seconds to approximately 5 seconds.

[0044] Furthermore, the plasma treatment step (S110) involves moving a transfer-type plasma torch over a specific area of ​​the storage tank at a speed of approximately 0.1 cm / second to approximately 50 cm / second. This plasma torch can eject plasma through a nozzle, directed towards a specific area of ​​the storage tank. Additionally, the plasma treatment step (S110) also involves moving the transfer-type plasma torch over a specific area of ​​the storage tank at a speed of approximately 10 cm / second to approximately 30 cm / second. This plasma torch is, but is not limited to, a plasma arc torch.

[0045] The diameter of the nozzle of the transfer-type plasma torch can be approximately 0.5 to 2 times the diameter of the storage tank in the cross-section in the direction in which the cover is attached to the storage tank. Furthermore, the plasma torch can inject plasma into a region of the storage tank in the direction in which the cover is attached. When the conditions related to the diameter of the plasma torch nozzle and the direction of plasma injection of the plasma torch are satisfied, the workability of the plasma treatment step (S110) can be improved and the time required for plasma treatment can be shortened.

[0046] The plasma treatment stage (S110) utilizes high-voltage discharge to generate plasma. The plasma power consumption is approximately 500W to 2,000W, and the plasma treatment operating frequency is approximately 10kHz to 30kHz.

[0047] The step of applying adhesive to a region of the plasma-treated storage tank (S120) may also involve applying liquid adhesive to the surface of a region of the plasma-treated storage tank, but is not limited to this. For example, the step of applying adhesive (S120) may also involve spraying liquid adhesive onto the surface of a region of the plasma-treated storage tank.

[0048] The step of applying the adhesive (S120) can be carried out within approximately two hours after the completion of the plasma treatment step (S110). A surface whose chemical structure has been deformed by plasma treatment may be restored to its original chemical structure after a certain period of time has elapsed. Therefore, applying the adhesive after a considerable amount of time has elapsed may reduce the plasma treatment effect, such as the improvement of adhesive strength. In one embodiment, the step of applying the adhesive (S120) can be carried out within approximately one hour after the completion of the plasma treatment step (S110).

[0049] The adhesive may also include a UV (ultraviolet ray) adhesive. The UV (ultraviolet ray) adhesive is also a liquid adhesive containing a photoreaction initiator. Therefore, when UV (ultraviolet ray) is irradiated, the photoreaction initiator starts to react, and the liquid adhesive can harden into a solid state in a relatively short time. Thus, when the adhesive includes a UV (ultraviolet ray) adhesive, the method for manufacturing the cartridge according to one embodiment may further include a step of irradiating a region of the storage tank to which the adhesive has been applied with UV (ultraviolet ray) after the step of applying the adhesive (S120). However, the type of adhesive is not limited thereto, and for example, the adhesive may also include one or more adhesives selected from UV (ultraviolet ray) adhesives and instant adhesives.

[0050] Furthermore, the method for manufacturing a cartridge according to one embodiment also further includes the step of introducing an aerosol-generating substance into a plasma-treated storage tank. Since the chemical structure of the aerosol-generating substance may be deformed when exposed to plasma, the step of introducing the aerosol-generating substance may be carried out after the plasma treatment step (S110).

[0051] The storage tank includes a storage space for containing aerosol-generating material, and the step of introducing the aerosol-generating material involves introducing a volume of aerosol-generating material equivalent to approximately 70% to approximately 95% of the volume of the storage space. The surface of one area of ​​the plasma-treated storage tank may become rougher or undergo deformation. This may cause the liquid aerosol-generating material to be absorbed into the surface of that area of ​​the storage tank or to leak. By adjusting the volume of aerosol-generating material introduced into the storage space to within the aforementioned range, the problem of the aerosol-generating material being absorbed into the surface of one area of ​​the storage tank or leaking can be prevented. In one embodiment, the step of introducing the aerosol-generating material also involves introducing a volume of aerosol-generating material equivalent to approximately 85% to approximately 95% of the volume of the storage space.

[0052] Example 1: Manufacturing of a cartridge via plasma treatment

[0053] Cartridges identical in shape to those shown in Figures 2 and 3 were manufactured. Polypropylene was used as the material for the storage tank and cover.

[0054] Plasma treatment was applied to the surface of the storage tank where the cover is attached. This plasma treatment was performed using a transfer-type plasma torch, moving it at a speed of 20 cm / second over the surface of the storage tank for approximately 1 second. The plasma power consumption was 1000W.

[0055] Glycerin was introduced as an aerosol-generating substance into the storage space of a plasma-treated storage tank, and the volume of the introduced glycerin was 90% of the volume of the storage space.

[0056] UV (ultraviolet ray) adhesive was applied to the surface of the plasma-treated storage tank, the storage tank was bonded to the cover, and then UV (ultraviolet ray) was irradiated for approximately 12 seconds to manufacture the cartridge.

[0057] Comparative Example 1: Manufacturing of a cartridge via ultrasonic fusion

[0058] Similar to Example 1, cartridges identical in shape to those shown in Figures 2 and 3 were manufactured. Polypropylene was used as the material for the storage tank and cover.

[0059] UV (ultraviolet ray) adhesive was applied to the surface of the storage tank area to which the cover would be attached. After attaching the storage tank to the cover, the joint between the storage tank and the cover was fused using ultrasound to manufacture the cartridge.

[0060] Experimental Example 1: Adhesion Strength Measurement Test

[0061] The adhesive strength of the storage tank and cover of the cartridges manufactured according to Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 was measured. The adhesive strength was measured by taking the tensile force required to separate the storage tank and cover 10 times using a tensile force testing device and calculating the average value.

[0062] The measurement results showed that the cartridge of Comparative Example 1 had a tensile force of approximately 1.2 kgf, while the cartridge of Example 1 had a tensile force of approximately 19.51 kgf. This confirmed that the adhesion between the cartridge storage tank and cover was improved through plasma treatment.

[0063] In the following, a cartridge manufactured by a manufacturing method according to one embodiment, and an aerosol generating apparatus including said cartridge will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0064] Figures 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating an example in which aerosol products are inserted into an aerosol generator.

[0065] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the aerosol generator 100 includes a battery 110, a control unit 120, a heater 130, and a cartridge 140. Furthermore, the aerosol product 200 can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generator 100.

[0066] Although the aerosol generator 100 shown in Figures 5 and 6 may include a cartridge, this embodiment is not limited by such an implementation of the aerosol generator, and the cartridge may be omitted in the aerosol generator 100. When the cartridge is omitted in the aerosol generator 100, the aerosol product 200 contains an aerosol-generating substance, and when the aerosol product 200 is heated by the heater 130, the aerosol product 200 can generate an aerosol.

[0067] The aerosol generator 100 shown in Figures 5 and 6 illustrates the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, it will be understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment that, in addition to the components shown in Figures 5 and 6, other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol generator 100.

[0068] Furthermore, although Figures 5 and 6 illustrate that the aerosol generator 100 includes a heater 130, the heater 130 may be omitted if necessary.

[0069] Figure 5 illustrates the battery 110, control unit 120, cartridge 140, and heater 130 arranged in a line. Figure 6 illustrates the cartridge 140 and heater 130 arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 100 is not limited to what is shown in Figure 5 or Figure 6. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 110, control unit 120, cartridge 140, and heater 130 can be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generator 100.

[0070] When the aerosol product 200 is inserted into the aerosol generator 100, the aerosol generator 100 activates the cartridge 140, which generates an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the cartridge 140 passes through the aerosol product 200 and is transmitted to the user. A more detailed explanation of the cartridge 140 is provided below.

[0071] The battery 110 supplies the power used to operate the aerosol generator 100. For example, the battery 110 can supply power to heat the heater 130 or cartridge 140, and can supply the power necessary for the control unit 120 to operate. The battery 110 can also supply the power necessary for the operation of the display, sensors, motors, etc., provided in the aerosol generator 100.

[0072] The control unit 120 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 100. Specifically, the control unit 120 controls the operation of not only the battery 110, heater 130, and cartridge 140, but also other components included in the aerosol generator 100. The control unit 120 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 100 and determine whether the aerosol generator 100 is in an operational state or not.

[0073] The control unit 120 includes at least one processor. This processor can also be embodied by an array of numerous logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored. It will be understood by anyone with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it can also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0074] The heater 130 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 110. For example, if the aerosol product 200 is inserted into the aerosol generator 100, the heater 130 can be located outside the aerosol product 200. Thus, the heated heater 130 can raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance within the aerosol product 200.

[0075] The heater 130 is also an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater 130 includes an electrical conductive track, and the heater 130 can be heated by the flow of current through the electrical conductive track. However, the heater 130 is not limited to the above example, and can be any heater that can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be one that is already set in the aerosol generator 100, or it may be set to a temperature desired by the user.

[0076] As another example, heater 130 is also an induction heating type heater. Specifically, heater 130 includes an electrically conductive coil for heating the aerosol product by induction heating, and the aerosol product also includes a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating type heater.

[0077] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the heater 130 as being located outside the aerosol product 200, but are not limited thereto. For example, the heater 130 may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod heating element, and depending on the form of the heating element, it may be possible to heat the inside or outside of the aerosol product 200.

[0078] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 100 may be equipped with multiple heaters 130. In this case, the multiple heaters 130 may be arranged to be inserted inside the aerosol product 200, or to be arranged outside the aerosol product 200. Alternatively, some of the multiple heaters 130 may be arranged to be inserted inside the aerosol product 200, while the rest are arranged outside the aerosol product 200. In addition, the shape of the heater 130 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 5 and 6, but can be manufactured in a variety of shapes.

[0079] The cartridge 140 can heat an aerosol-generating substance to generate an aerosol, which can then pass through the aerosol product 200 and be transmitted to the user. In other words, the aerosol generated by the cartridge 140 can travel along the airflow passage of the aerosol generator 100, which may be configured so that the aerosol generated by the cartridge 140 passes through the aerosol product 200 and is transmitted to the user.

[0080] For example, the cartridge 140 may include, but is not limited to, a storage tank, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the storage tank, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may also be included in the aerosol generator 100 as independent modules.

[0081] The storage tank can store aerosol-generating substances. For example, the aerosol-generating substances may be liquids containing tobacco-containing substances, including volatile tobacco flavor components, or liquids containing non-tobacco substances. The storage tank is manufactured to be detachable from / attached to cartridge 140, or it may be manufactured as an integral part of cartridge 140.

[0082] For example, the aerosol-generating substance may also contain water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavorings, or vitamin mixtures. The fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. The flavorings may also contain components that can provide users with a variety of flavors or aromas. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E. Furthermore, the aerosol-generating substance may also contain aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0083] The liquid transfer means can transfer aerosol-generating material from the storage tank to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means may be a wick made of cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramics, but is not limited to these.

[0084] The heating element is an element for heating the aerosol-generating substance transmitted by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, or a ceramic heater, but is not limited to these. The heating element may also be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element is heated by an electric current supply, and heat is transferred to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0085] For example, Cartridge 140 is also called a cartomizer or atomizer, but is not limited to these terms.

[0086] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 100 may also include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 110, control unit 120, heater 130, and cartridge 140. For example, the aerosol generator 100 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generator 100 may also include at least one sensor (such as a puff sensor, temperature sensor, or aerosol product insertion detection sensor). The aerosol generator 100 may also be constructed in such a way that external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out even when the aerosol product 200 is inserted.

[0087] Although not shown in Figures 5 and 6, the aerosol generator 100 can also be configured with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can be used to charge the battery 110 of the aerosol generator 100. Alternatively, the heater 130 can be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generator 100 are coupled together.

[0088] The aerosol product 200 is similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the aerosol product 200 may be divided into a first part containing an aerosol-generating substance and a second part containing a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second part of the aerosol product 200 may also contain an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

[0089] The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generator 100, while the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generator 100, or both the first part and a portion of the second part may be inserted. The user can inhale the aerosol with the second part in their mouth. At that time, the aerosol is generated as outside air passes through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

[0090] As an example, outside air may flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generator 100. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generator 100, and / or the size of the air passage, may be adjusted by the user. This allows the amount of atomization, the smoking sensation, etc., to be adjusted by the user. As another example, outside air may flow into the interior of the aerosol product 200 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the aerosol product 200.

[0091] The following describes an example of aerosol product 200 with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

[0092] Figures 7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating examples of aerosol products.

[0093] Referring to Figure 7, the aerosol product 200 includes a tobacco rod 210 and a filter rod 220. Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the aforementioned first part includes the tobacco rod 210, and the second part includes the filter rod 220.

[0094] Figure 7 illustrates the filter rod 220 as a single segment, but it is not limited to this. In other words, the filter rod 220 can also be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 220 may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering predetermined components contained in the aerosol. Furthermore, the filter rod 220 may also include at least one additional segment performing other functions, as needed.

[0095] The aerosol product 200 may be packaged by at least one trumpet 240. The trumpet 240 may have at least one hole through which external air enters or internal gas exits. As an example, the aerosol product 200 may be packaged by one trumpet 240. As another example, the aerosol product 200 may be superimposed on two or more trumpets 240. For example, the tobacco rod 210 may be packaged by a first trumpet 241, and the filter rod 220 may be packaged by trumpets 242, 243, and 244. The entire aerosol product 200 may then be further packaged by a single trumpet 245. If the filter rod 220 consists of multiple segments, each segment may be packaged by trumpets 242, 243, and 244.

[0096] The tobacco rod 210 contains an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance 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 210 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. The tobacco rod 210 may also be enriched by spraying a flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, onto the tobacco rod 210.

[0097] The tobacco rod 210 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 210 can be made from a sheet or from a strand. It can also be made from shredded tobacco, which is a tobacco sheet that has been finely chopped. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 210 may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, this heat-conducting material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to that. As an example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 210, improving the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and thereby improving the tobacco flavor. The heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 can also function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 210 may also include additional susceptors in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding its exterior.

[0098] The filter rod 220 is also a cellulose acetate filter. There are no restrictions on the shape of the filter rod 220. For example, the filter rod 220 can be a cylindrical rod, a tubular rod containing a hollow interior, or a recessed rod. If the filter rod 220 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0099] The filter rod 220 may be manufactured to generate flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 220, or a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 220.

[0100] Furthermore, the filter rod 220 also contains at least one capsule 230, where the capsule 230 can generate flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 230 may be a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is covered with a film. The capsule 230 may, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0101] If the filter rod 220 includes a segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment may also be made from a polymer or a biodegradable polymer. For example, the cooling segment may be made from pure polylactic acid (PLA), but is not limited to that. It is not defined. Alternatively, the cooling segment may also be made from a cellulose acetate filter with multiple pores. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the examples described above, and may be any such segment as long as it performs the function of cooling the aerosol.

[0102] Referring to Figure 8, the aerosol product 300 also further includes a front plug 330. The front plug 330 can be located on one side of the tobacco rod 310 opposite the filter rod 320. The front plug 330 can prevent the tobacco rod 310 from detaching to the outside and can prevent liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 310 into the aerosol generator 100 (Figures 5 and 6) during smoking.

[0103] The filter rod 320 also includes a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 220 in Figure 7, and the second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 220 in Figure 7.

[0104] The diameter and overall length of the aerosol product 300 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the aerosol product 200 in Figure 7. For example, the length of the front plug 330 is approximately 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 310 is approximately 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 is approximately 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 is approximately 14 mm, but is not limited to these.

[0105] The aerosol product 300 may be packaged by at least one flaps 350. The flaps 350 may have at least one hole through which external air enters or internal gases exit. For example, the front plug 330 may be packaged by a first flaps 351, the tobacco rod 310 by a second flaps 352, the first segment 321 by a third flaps 353, and the second segment 322 by a fourth flaps 354.

[0106] The entire aerosol product 300 can then be further packaged by the fifth flap 355. The fifth flap 355 may also have at least one perforation 360. For example, the perforation 360 may be formed in the region surrounding the tobacco rod 310, but is not limited to that. The perforation 360 can serve to transfer the heat generated by the heater 130, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, into the interior of the tobacco rod 310.

[0107] Furthermore, the second segment 322 also includes at least one capsule 340, where the capsule 340 can generate flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 340 may also be a structure that encloses a liquid containing a flavor in a coating. The capsule 340 may, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0108] Figure 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 900 according to another embodiment.

[0109] The aerosol generator 900 also 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 generator 900 is not limited to what is shown in Figure 9. That is, depending on the design of the aerosol generator 900, some of the components shown in Figure 9 may be omitted, or new components may be added, as can be understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment.

[0110] The sensing unit 920 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 900 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 900, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 910. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 910 can control the aerosol generator 900 so that various functions can be performed, such as controlling the operation of the heater 950, restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert aerosol products (e.g., cigarettes, cartridges, etc.), and displaying notifications.

[0111] The sensing unit 920 also includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the temperature sensor 922, the insertion sensing sensor 924, and the puff sensor 926.

[0112] The temperature sensor 922 can sense the temperature at which the heater 950 (or the aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 900 may include a separate temperature sensor to sense the temperature of the heater 950, or the heater 950 itself may perform the role of a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 922 may be positioned around the battery 940 to monitor its temperature.

[0113] The insertion sensing sensor 924 can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 924 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect signal changes caused by the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products.

[0114] The puff sensor 926 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 926 can detect a user's puff based on any one of the following: temperature changes, flow rate changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0115] In addition to the aforementioned sensors 922 to 926, the sensing unit 920 also includes at least one of the following: a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS (global positioning system)), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (red-green-blue) sensor (illuminance sensor). The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from its name by an average engineer, so a detailed explanation can be omitted.

[0116] The output unit 930 can output and provide to the user information relating to the status of the aerosol generator 900. The output unit 930 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the display unit 932, the haptic unit 934, and the acoustic output unit 936. When the display unit 932 and the touchpad form a layered structure and are configured as a touchscreen, the display unit 932 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0117] The display unit 932 can visually provide the user with information related to the aerosol generator 900. For example, information related to the aerosol generator 900 can include a variety of information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 940 of the aerosol generator 900, the preheating status of the heater 950, the insertion / removal status of aerosol products, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 900 is restricted (e.g., detection of abnormal items), and the display unit 932 can output this information to the outside. The display unit 932 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel. It can also be an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an Organic Light-Emitting Display Panel (OLED). Furthermore, the display unit 932 can also be an LED light-emitting element.

[0118] The haptic unit 934 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli, and provide the user with tactile information related to the aerosol generator 900. For example, the haptic unit 934 may also include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0119] The acoustic output unit 936 can provide the user with information related to the aerosol generator 900 audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit 936 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0120] The battery 940 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator 900. The battery 940 can supply power so that the heater 950 can be heated. The battery 940 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components within the aerosol generator 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 both a rechargeable and a single-use battery. For example, the battery 940 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to that.

[0121] The heater 950 is powered by the battery 940 and can heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Figure 9, the aerosol generator 900 also further includes a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC (direct current) / DC converter) that converts the power from the battery 940 and supplies it to the heater 950. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 900 generates aerosols using an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 900 also further includes a DC / AC (alternating current) converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 940 into AC power supply.

[0122] The control unit 910, sensing unit 920, output unit 930, user input unit 960, memory 970, and communication unit 980 are powered by the battery 940 and can perform their functions. Although not shown in Figure 9, the system also further includes a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power from the battery 940 and supplies it to each component.

[0123] In one embodiment, the heater 950 may be formed from any suitable electrical resistant material. For example, suitable electrical resistant materials may include, but are 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, and nichrome. The heater 130 may also be embodied by, but are not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate with an electrically conductive track, or a ceramic heating element.

[0124] In other embodiments, the heater 950 is also an induction heating heater. For example, the heater 950 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0125] The user input unit 960 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 960 can be a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (contact-type capacitive type, pressure-type resistive type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, pied Possible and not limited to the following are the aerosol generator 900, such as the zo-effect method, jog wheel, and jog switch. Although not shown in Figure 9, the aerosol generator 900 may also include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, which can connect to other external devices to send and receive information or charge the battery 940.

[0126] Memory 970 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 900, and can store data processed by the control unit 910, as well as data being processed. Memory 970 can be a flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD (Secure Digital) memory or XD (Extreme Digital) memory), or RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 970 also includes at least one type of recording medium from among memory, SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 970 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 900, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0127] The communication unit 980 also includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 980 also includes a short-range wireless communication unit 982 and a wireless communication unit 984.

[0128] The near-field communication unit 982 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth® communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication unit, a near-field communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) (Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity)) 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.

[0129] The wireless communication unit 984 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN (local area network) communication unit or a WAN (wide area network)) communication unit. The wireless communication unit 984 can also use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) to verify and authenticate the aerosol generator 900 within the communication network.

[0130] The control unit 910 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 900. In one embodiment, the control unit 910 also includes at least one processor. This processor may also be embodied by an array of numerous logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. It is also understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may be embodied by other forms of hardware. It will be possible.

[0131] The control unit 910 can control 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 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 940 and the heater 950. In another example, the control command of the control unit 910 can control the power supply to the heater 950 by a direct heating circuit.

[0132] The control unit 910 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 920 and control the subsequent processing. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 920, the control unit 910 can control the power supplied to the heater 950 so that the heater 950 starts or stops operating. Another example is that, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 920, the control unit 910 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 950 and the duration of power supply so that the heater 950 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0133] The control unit 910 can control the output unit 930 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 920. For example, if the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 926 reaches a pre-set number, the control unit 910 can notify the user via at least one of the display unit 932, the haptic unit 934, and the acoustic output unit 936 that the aerosol generator 900 will soon shut down.

[0134] One embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules executed by a computer. A computer-readable medium is any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, and isolated and non-isolated media. A computer-readable medium also includes both computer recording media and communication media. The computer recording media includes both volatile and non-volatile, isolated and non-isolated media embodied by any method or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. The communication medium typically includes any information transmission medium, including computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data such as modulated data signals or other transmission mechanisms.

[0135] The descriptions relating to the embodiments described above are illustrative only, and a person with ordinary skill in the art will understand from them that a variety of modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the true scope of protection of the invention is determined by the claims, and all differences that are equivalent to those described in the claims are to be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a cartridge including a storage tank for containing an aerosol-generating substance and a cover attached to one region of the storage tank, The steps include: Plasma treatment of at least a portion of one region of the storage tank; The steps include applying an adhesive to a region of the plasma-treated storage tank, A method for manufacturing a cartridge, comprising the steps of: attaching the cover to a region of the storage tank to which the adhesive has been applied, and sealing the storage tank.

2. The method for manufacturing a cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the storage tank or the cover comprises one or more plastics selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyvinylidene chloride, polyetherimide, polyurethane, and polyetheretherketone.

3. The method for manufacturing a cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the plasma treatment step involves exposing a region of the storage tank to plasma for 0.1 to 10 seconds.

4. The method for manufacturing a cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the plasma treatment step involves moving a transferable plasma torch over a region of the storage tank at a speed of 0.1 cm / second to 50 cm / second.

5. The method for manufacturing a cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the step of applying the adhesive is carried out within two hours after the plasma treatment step is completed.

6. The method for manufacturing a cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive includes a UV (ultraviolet ray) adhesive.

7. The method for manufacturing a cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising the step of introducing the aerosol-generating substance into the plasma-treated storage tank.

8. The storage tank includes a storage space for containing the aerosol-generating substance, The method for manufacturing a cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the step of introducing the aerosol-generating substance involves introducing an aerosol-generating substance in an amount equal to 70% to 95% of the volume of the storage space.

9. A cartridge manufactured by the manufacturing method described in claim 1.

10. An aerosol generating apparatus comprising the cartridge described in claim 9.

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