Aerosol generating device including a heater

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a chamber configured to hold an aerosol generating material, a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating material, the heater being a substrate having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a side extending between the first end and the second end, the substrate having an exterior surface at least partially facing the chamber and an interior surface opposite the exterior surface, the heater being disposed on the interior surface and including a plurality of metal particles configured to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance, and a wick configured to transport the aerosol generating material from the chamber to the heater.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] To achieve atomization performance, technologies for injecting air into an aerosol-generating article have been developed. For example, aerosol generators have been developed that generate aerosols from aerosol-generating articles using a non-combustion method. The background art described above is held or learned in the process of deriving this disclosure, but it is not necessarily publicly known art that was disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of this disclosure. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] One aspect of the disclosure is to provide a heater that improves light utilization efficiency and ensures thermal stability. Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide a heater that increases the contact area with an aerosol-generating material. Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide a heater that can be used semi-permanently. Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide an aerosol-generating device that includes a heater. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The aerosol generating device includes a chamber configured to hold an aerosol generating material, a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating material, the heater being a substrate including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a side extending between the first end and the second end, the substrate including an exterior surface at least partially facing the chamber and an interior surface opposite the exterior surface, the heater including a plurality of metal particles disposed on the interior surface and configured to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance, and a wick configured to transport the aerosol generating material from the chamber to the heater.

[0005] The chamber may include a first reservoir and a second reservoir arranged along a periphery of the exterior surface.

[0006] The aerosol generating device may include a first airflow channel defined between the first reservoir and the second reservoir.

[0007] The aerosol generating device may include a second airflow channel defined between the first reservoir and the second reservoir, the second airflow channel being positioned opposite the first airflow channel with respect to the substrate.

[0008] The first end may include a closed surface.

[0009] The second end may include an opening.

[0010] The heater may be configured to be separate from the chamber.

[0011] The aerosol generating device may include an optical fiber connected to the second end.

[0012] The heater may include an absorbent layer disposed on or over the exterior surface.

[0013] The heater may include a reflective layer disposed on or over the exterior surface.

[0014] The heater may include a heat transfer plate disposed between the substrate and the wick.

[0015] The heater may extend beyond the end boundaries of the chamber.

[0016] The core may extend along the exterior surface.

[0017] The aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing the chamber.

[0018] The aerosol forming material can include a liquid phase composition. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to one embodiment, the amount of aerosol generated can be increased. According to one embodiment, the heater is detachably coupled to the cartridge, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the cartridge. The effects of the aerosol generating device including the heater according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

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

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] [Figure 3] FIG. 10 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.

[0025] [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a body and cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first container of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a first container of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first container of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] [Figure 9] 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a first container and a second container of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.

[0030] [Figure 10] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first container and a second container of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.

[0031] [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an airflow channel of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] [Figure 12] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. FIG.

[0033] [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0034] [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a heater according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but regardless of the drawing numbers, the same or similar components will be given the same reference numbers and redundant explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0036] The suffixes "module" and "section" for components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably solely for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have any distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

[0037] Furthermore, in the description of the present embodiments disclosed herein, if a detailed description of related publicly known technologies is deemed to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are merely for facilitating an understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and the technical ideas disclosed herein should not be limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included within the ideas and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe multiple elements, but the elements are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one element from another.

[0039] When a component is described as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, and that there may be other components in between. On the other hand, when a component is described as being "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0040] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] The aerosol generation device 1 includes a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and at least one heater 18, 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1. That is, a person skilled in the art of this embodiment would understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0043] The sensor 13 can detect the state of the aerosol generation device 1 or the state around the aerosol generation device 1, and transmit the detected information to the control unit 12. Based on the detected information, the control unit 12 can control the aerosol generation device 1 so that various functions are performed, such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, restricting smoking, determining whether the stick S and / or the cartridge 19 is inserted, displaying notifications, etc.

[0044] The sensors 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 131 , a puff sensor 132 , an insertion detection sensor 133 , a reuse detection sensor 134 , a cartridge detection sensor 135 , a cap detection sensor 136 , and a motion detection sensor 137 .

[0045] The temperature sensor 131 detects the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The aerosol generation device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 themselves may function as the temperature sensor.

[0046] The temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistive element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The temperature sensor 131 may be implemented by a thermistor, which is an element that utilizes the property of changing resistance with temperature. Here, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be configured with a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. Here, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0047] Temperature sensor 131 is disposed around power supply 11 to monitor the temperature of power supply 11. Temperature sensor 131 may be disposed adjacent to power supply 11. For example, temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one side of the battery of power supply 11. For example, temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0048] The temperature sensor 131 is disposed inside the body 10 and can detect the internal temperature of the body 10 .

[0049] The puff sensor 132 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 132 outputs a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 may be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generation device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generation device 1 corresponds to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 is disposed in the aerosol generation device 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0050] The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect a signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 may be provided around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S according to a change in the dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 133 may be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitive sensor.

[0051] The inductive sensor includes at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. For example, when a magnetic field changes around a coil through which a current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include the frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the alternating current.

[0052] The inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to a characteristic of the current flowing through the coil. For example, the inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0053] The capacitor sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitor sensor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitor sensor may output a signal corresponding to a surrounding electromagnetic characteristic, for example, the capacitance of the conductor. For example, when a stick S with a metallic wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the wrapper of the stick S may change the electromagnetic characteristic of the conductor.

[0054] The reuse detection sensor 134 can detect whether the stick S has been reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be a color sensor. The color sensor detects the color of the stick S. The color sensor can detect the color of a portion of the wrapper surrounding the outside of the stick S. The color sensor detects a value for an optical property corresponding to the color of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical property may be the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented in a single configuration together with the proximity sensor, or may be implemented as a separate configuration separate from the proximity sensor.

[0055] At least a portion of the wrapper constituting the stick S may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor 134 is disposed in a position corresponding to the position where at least a portion of the wrapper that changes color due to the aerosol is disposed when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick S is used by a user, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may be a first color. Here, while the aerosol generated by the aerosol generation device 1 passes through the stick S, at least a portion of the wrapper may become wet with the aerosol, thereby changing the color of at least a portion of the wrapper to a second color. Meanwhile, after the color of at least a portion of the wrapper has changed from the first color to the second color, the color may be maintained at the second color.

[0056] The cartridge detection sensor 135 can detect the installation and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge detection sensor 135 may be realized by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, or the like.

[0057] The cap detection sensor 136 can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the body 10, the cartridge 19 and a part of the body 10 that were covered by the cap are exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor 136 can be realized by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0058] The motion detection sensor 137 can detect the motion of the aerosol generating device and can be realized by at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0059] The sensor 13 may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor in addition to the above-described sensors 131 to 137. 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 will be omitted.

[0060] The output unit 14 can output and provide to a user information regarding the status of the aerosol generation device 1. The output unit 14 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display 141, a haptic unit 142, and an audio output unit 143. If the display 141 and the touchpad are configured as a touch screen without a layer structure, the display unit 141 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0061] The display 141 can visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the information about the aerosol generation device 1 refers to various information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generation device 1, the preheating status of the heater 18, the insertion / removal status of the stick S and / or cartridge 19, the attachment / removal status of a cap, or a status in which use of the aerosol generation device 1 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display 141 can output the information to the outside. For example, the display 141 may be an LED light-emitting diode (LED) display. For example, the display 141 may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like.

[0062] The haptic unit 142 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide a user with information about the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the haptic unit 142 can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of initial preheating when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 for a set time. The haptic unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0063] The acoustic output unit 143 can audibly provide the user with information related to the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 143 may convert an electric signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0064] The power supply 11 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generation device 1. The power supply 11 may supply power to heat the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The power supply 11 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generation device 1, such as the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17. The power supply 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 11 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to these.

[0065] 1, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power supply 11 and may include a switching element.

[0066] The power supply protection circuit cuts off the electrical path to the power supply 11 in accordance with a predetermined condition. For example, the power supply protection circuit may cut off the electrical path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power supply protection circuit may cut off the electrical path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarging.

[0067] Heater 18 can heat the medium or aerosol-generating substance in stick S by receiving power from power supply 11. Although not shown in Fig. 10, aerosol generation device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of power supply 11 and supplies it to cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. Furthermore, when aerosol generation device 1 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, aerosol generation device 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of power supply 11 into AC power.

[0068] The control unit 12, the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17 can function by receiving power from the power supply 11. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the power supply 11 may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power from the power supply 11 and supplies it to each component. Also, although not shown in FIG. 10, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter may be a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter includes at least one inductor and capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter corresponds to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter can prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensors 13, such as the insertion detection sensor 133.

[0069] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 can be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials can 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, the heater 18 can be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0070] In other embodiments, heater 18 may be an induction heater, for example, heater 18 may include a susceptor that generates heat due to a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0071] The input unit 15 can receive information input by a user and output information to a user. For example, the input unit 15 may be a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor that detects a touch. For example, the touch sensor may include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, and the like.

[0072] The display 141 and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted (on-cell type or in-cell type) into the display 141. For example, the touch panel may be an add-on type on the display panel 141.

[0073] On the other hand, the input unit 15 includes, but is not limited to, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

[0074] The memory 17 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generation device 1, and can store data that has been processed by the control unit 12 and data to be processed. The memory 17 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 17 may store the operating time of the aerosol generation device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data regarding the user's smoking pattern.

[0075] The communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 16 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0076] The short-range wireless communication unit includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0077] The wireless communication unit includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (eg, LAN or WAN) communication unit, and the like.

[0078] Although not shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may be connected to other external devices via a connection interface such as a USB interface to send and receive information or charge the power source 11.

[0079] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be realized as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may also be realized in other forms of hardware.

[0080] The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the power supply 11 to supply to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 detected by the temperature sensor 131. The control unit 12 can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0081] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 11 between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, the heater 18, or an induction coil (not shown). The power supply circuit includes at least one switching element. The switching element may be realized by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 12 can control the power supply circuit.

[0082] The control unit 12 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts DC power output from the power supply 11 into AC power. For example, the inverter may be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

[0083] The control unit 12 can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power source 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The control unit 12 can turn off the switching element so that power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is cut off. The control unit 12 can adjust the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element to adjust the current supplied from the power source 11.

[0084] The control unit 12 can control the voltage output from the power supply 11 by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck converter that boosts the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may be realized using a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.

[0085] The control unit 12 controls the on / off operation of a switching element included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. When the switching element is kept on, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit corresponds to the level of the voltage output from the power source 11. The duty ratio of the on / off operation of the switching element corresponds to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power source 11. As the duty ratio of the on / off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The heater 18 is heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0086] The control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the heater 18 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0087] For example, the control unit 12 may use a PWM method to control current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can adjust the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulses to control the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0088] For example, the control unit 12 may determine a target temperature based on the temperature profile. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using the difference between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

[0089] The control unit 12 can prevent the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeds a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 by a certain percentage when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeds a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge 19 has been consumed when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, and can interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24.

[0090] The control unit 12 can control the charging and discharging of the power supply 11. The control unit 12 can check the temperature of the power supply 11 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0091] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generation device 1, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the power source 11 is equal to or higher than a first limit temperature, which is a criterion for cutting off charging of the power source 11. When the temperature of the power source 11 is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit 12 can control the power source 11 to be charged based on a preset charging current. When the temperature of the power source 11 is equal to or higher than the first limit temperature, the control unit 12 can cut off charging of the power source 11.

[0092] When the aerosol generating device 1 is powered on, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the power source 11 is equal to or higher than a second limit temperature, which is a criterion for cutting off the discharge of the power source 11. If the temperature of the power source 11 is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit 12 can control the power source 11 to use the power stored in the power source 11. If the temperature of the power source 11 is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature, the control unit 12 stops using the power stored in the power source 11.

[0093] The control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source 11. For example, the control unit 12 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power source 11 based on the detected voltage and / or current value of the power source 11.

[0094] The control unit 12 can determine whether or not the stick S is inserted into the insertion space via the insertion detection sensor 133. The control unit 12 determines that the stick S has been inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor 133. If it determines that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 may supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0095] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S is removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 may determine whether the stick S is removed from the insertion space via the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, the control unit 12 may determine that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than a limit temperature, or when the slope of the temperature change of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than a set slope. When it is determined that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space, the control unit 12 may cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0096] The control unit 12 can control the time and / or amount of power supply to the heater 18 according to the state of the stick S detected by the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can check the level range that includes the level of the signal from the capacitor sensor based on a lookup table. The control unit 12 can determine the amount of moisture in the stick S based on the checked level range.

[0097] When the stick S is in an over-humid state, the control unit 12 controls the time for which power is supplied to the heater 18, and can increase the pre-heating time of the stick S compared to when the stick S is in a normal state.

[0098] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space can be reused via the reuse detection sensor 134. For example, the control unit 12 may compare the detection value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor 134 with a first reference range that includes a first color, and determine that the stick S has not been used if the detection value is within the first reference range. For example, the control unit 12 may compare the detection value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor 134 with a second reference range that includes a second color, and determine that the stick S has been used if the detection value is within the second reference range. If it is determined that the stick S has been used, the control unit 12 may cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0099] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 can be connected and / or removed via the cartridge detection sensor 135. For example, the control unit 12 may determine whether the cartridge 19 can be connected and / or removed based on the detection value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor 135.

[0100] The control unit 12 can determine whether the aerosol generating material in the cartridge 19 has been depleted. For example, the control unit 12 applies power to preheat the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, determines whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period, and determines that the aerosol generating material in the cartridge 19 has been depleted if the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature. If it determines that the aerosol generating material in the cartridge 19 has been depleted, the control unit 12 cuts off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0101] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 is usable. For example, the control unit 12 may determine that the cartridge 19 is usable if the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19, based on data stored in the memory 17. For example, the control unit 12 may determine that the cartridge 19 is unusable if the total heating time of the heater 24 is equal to or greater than a preset maximum time or if the total amount of power supplied to the heater 24 is equal to or greater than a preset maximum amount of power.

[0102] The control unit 12 can make a determination regarding the user's inhalation via the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 may determine whether a puff has occurred based on the detected value of the signal from the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 may determine the strength of the puff based on the detected value of the signal from the puff sensor 132. If the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs, or if no puffs have been detected for a preset time or longer, the control unit 12 may cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0103] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed via the cap detection sensor 136. For example, the control unit 12 may determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the detection value of the signal of the cap detection sensor 136.

[0104] The control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the results detected by the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 132 reaches a preset number, the control unit 12 may notify the user via at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, and the audio output unit 143 that the aerosol generating device 1 will soon be shut down. For example, the control unit 12 may notify the user via the output unit 14 based on the determination that the stick S is not present in the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 may notify the user via the output unit 14 based on the determination that the cartridge 19 and / or the cap are not attached. For example, the control unit 12 may transmit information regarding the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to the user via the output unit 14.

[0105] The control unit 12 can store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The events may include operations performed by the aerosol generation device 1, such as detection of insertion of the stick S, start of heating of the stick S, detection of puffing, end of puffing, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, end of heating of the stick S, turning the power of the aerosol generation device 1 on / off, start of charging the power supply 11, detection of overcharging of the power supply 11, and end of charging the power supply 11. The history of the event may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is detection of insertion of the stick S, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the detection value of the insertion detection sensor 133, etc. For example, if a given event is the detection of overheating of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the voltage applied to cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the current flowing through cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, etc.

[0106] The control unit 12 may control the establishment of a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving authentication-related data from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 12 removes restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generation device 1. Here, the authentication-related data may include data indicating the completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user may perform user authentication via the external device. The external device may determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number identifying the user, or the like, and receive data regarding the authorization to use the aerosol generation device 1 from an external server. The external device may transmit data indicating the completion of user authentication to the aerosol generation device 1 based on the data regarding the authorization. Upon completion of user authentication, the control unit 12 may remove restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generation device 1. For example, upon completion of user authentication, the control unit 12 may remove restrictions on the use of a heating function that supplies power to the heater 18.

[0107] The control unit 12 can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generation device 1 to the external device through a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generation device 1, the operation mode, etc. through a display of the external device.

[0108] The external device can send a location search request to the aerosol generation device 1 based on an input initiating a location search of the aerosol generation device 1. When receiving a location search request from the external device, the control unit 12 controls at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit 142 may generate a vibration in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search in response to the location search request.

[0109] When the control unit 12 receives firmware data from an external device, it can control the aerosol generation device 1 to perform a firmware update. The external device checks the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generation device 1 and determines whether a new version of the firmware exists. When an input requesting a firmware download is received, the external device can receive firmware data of the new version and transmit the firmware data of the new version to the aerosol generation device 1. By receiving the firmware data of the new version, the control unit 12 can control the aerosol generation device 1 to perform a firmware update.

[0110] The control unit 12 can transmit data on the detection values ​​of at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 16 and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the detection values ​​through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The control unit 12 performs operations such as determining a user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile using the learning model received from the server. The control unit 12 stores the detection value data of at least one sensor 13 and data for training an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 may store a database for each component provided in the aerosol generation device 1, weights and biases constituting the artificial neural network (ANN) structure, for training the artificial neural network (ANN). The control unit 12 can learn the data on the detection values ​​of at least one sensor 13, the user's inhalation pattern, the temperature profile, and the like stored in the memory 17, and generate at least one learning model used for determining a user's inhalation pattern, generating a temperature profile, and the like.

[0111] 2 and 3 show an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] 2 and 3, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a body 10 and a cartridge 19. The aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one of a power source 11, a control unit 12, and a sensor 13. At least one of the power source 11, the control unit 12, and the sensor 13 may be disposed inside the body 10. A cartridge 19, which is an aerosol producing product, may be attached to the body 10. A user can inhale the aerosol by biting a mouthpiece provided at one end of the cartridge 19.

[0113] Cartridge 19 may contain an aerosol-forming material in an internal chamber C0, which may be in any one of a liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel state. The aerosol-forming material includes 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.

[0114] The cartridge 19 can be detachably coupled to the body 10. The cartridge 19 can be attached to the body 10 by being inserted into the body 10.

[0115] The body 10 may be formed with a structure that allows outside air to flow into the body 10 when the cartridge 19 is inserted. Here, the outside air that has flowed into the body 10 can pass through the cartridge 19 and flow to the user's oral cavity via the airflow channel CN.

[0116] The cartridge 19 includes a chamber C0 containing an aerosol-generating material and / or a heater 24 for heating the aerosol-generating material in the chamber C0. A liquid transfer means 25 impregnated with (containing) the aerosol-generating material may be disposed inside the chamber C0. The liquid transfer means 25 may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or a porous ceramic material. The electrically conductive track of the heater 24 may be formed in a coil-shaped structure that closes the liquid transfer means 25 or in a structure that contacts one side of the liquid transfer means 25. The heater 24 may also be referred to as a cartridge heater.

[0117] The cartridge 19 can generate an aerosol. The aerosol can be generated by heating the liquid transfer means 25 with the cartridge heater 24. The generated aerosol is inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel CN.

[0118] The airflow channel CN ​​may be provided in the cartridge 19. The airflow channel CN ​​may communicate between the chamber C1 (see FIG. 3) of the cartridge 19 in which the heater 24 is disposed and the outside of the cartridge 19. One end of the airflow channel CN ​​may open to the chamber C1 in which the heater 24 is disposed, and the other end may communicate with the mouthpiece 35. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the airflow channel CN ​​may extend longitudinally along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 19 on one side of the chamber C0 of the cartridge 19. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the airflow channel CN ​​may extend longitudinally along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 19, penetrating the chamber C0 of the cartridge 19.

[0119] The power source 11 can supply power to operate the components of the aerosol generating device 1. The power source 11 may be referred to as a battery. The power source 11 may supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the cartridge heater 24.

[0120] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 1. The control unit 12 may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit 12 may control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11, the sensor 13, and the cartridge 19. The control unit 12 controls the operation of a display, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generation device 1. The control unit 12 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generation device 1 and determine whether the aerosol generation device 1 is in an operable state.

[0121] The control unit 12 can analyze the results detected by the sensor 13 and control the processing to be executed thereafter. For example, the control unit 12 may control the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 so as to start or end the operation of the cartridge heater 24 based on the results detected by the sensor 13. For example, the control unit 12 may control the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the cartridge heater 24 can heat up to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor 13.

[0122] The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and a movement detection sensor. For example, the sensor 13 may detect at least one of the temperature of the cartridge heater 24, the temperature of the power source 11, and the temperature inside or outside the body 10. For example, the sensor 13 may detect a puff by the user. For example, the sensor 13 may detect whether the cartridge 19 is attached or not. For example, the sensor 13 may detect movement of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0123] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] 4, an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a body 10 and a cartridge 19. The cartridge 19 includes a first container 20 and a second container 30. The cartridge 19 may be coupled to the body 10.

[0125] The body 10 can house a power source 11 and a control unit 12. The power source 11 provides the power necessary for the configuration to operate. The power source 11 may be named as a battery 11. The control unit 12 can control the operation of the configuration.

[0126] The first container 20 may provide a first chamber C1 therein. The first container 20 may include a wick 25. The wick 25 may be disposed in the first chamber C1. An upper portion of the wick 25 protrudes from the first chamber C1 upwardly of the first container 20.

[0127] The first container 20 includes a heater 2531. The heater 2531 may be disposed in the first chamber C1. The heater 2531 may heat the wick 25. The heater 2531 may be attached to the wick 25. The first container 20 may include a terminal 223 therein. The terminal 223 may be exposed at the bottom of the first container 20. The terminal 223 may be electrically connected to the heater 2531. The first container 20 is referred to as the lower container 20 or the heating module 20.

[0128] The first container 20 may include a first air inlet 241 formed by opening the first chamber C1. The first container 20 may also include a first air outlet 242 formed by opening the first chamber C1.

[0129] The second container 30 may provide a second chamber C2 therein. The second container 30 may store a liquid in the second chamber C2. The second container 30 may include an airflow discharge passage 340. Both ends 341, 342 of the airflow discharge passage 340 may be open. The airflow discharge passage 340 may be separated from the second chamber C2. The second container 30 may be named an upper container 30 or a liquid phase storage section 30.

[0130] The mouthpiece 35 may be coupled to the upper side of the second container 30. The mouthpiece 35 may cover the top of the second container 30. The mouthpiece 35 may have a second airflow outlet 354 therein. The second airflow outlet 354 may communicate with the other end 342 of the airflow exhaust channel 340.

[0131] The first container 20 may be coupled to the body 10. The first container 20 may be inserted into the body 10. When the first container 20 is coupled to the body 10, the heater 2531 is electrically connected to the power source 11 via the terminal 223. The heater 2531 generates heat when power is supplied from the power source 11. The heater 2531 may be a resistive heater.

[0132] The second container 30 may be coupled to the upper side of the first container 20. The second container 30 being coupled to the first container 20 includes the second container 30 being directly coupled to the first container 20 and the second container 30 being indirectly coupled to the first container 20 by being coupled to the body 10.

[0133] When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, the second container 30 supplies the stored liquid to the wick 25. The wick 25 can absorb the liquid supplied from the second container 30. The heater 2531 heats the wick 25 that has absorbed the liquid, thereby generating an aerosol in the first chamber C1.

[0134] The body 10 has an opening on one side and is provided with a second airflow inlet 141. When the first container 20 is coupled to the body 10, the first airflow inlet 241 can communicate with the second airflow inlet 141. When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, one end 341 of the airflow discharge passage 340 can communicate with the first airflow outlet 242. This allows for a passage through which air flows. A user can inhale air by biting the mouthpiece 35. When the user inhales, external air passes through the second airflow inlet 141, the first airflow inlet 241, the first chamber C1, the first airflow outlet 242, the airflow discharge passage 340, and the second airflow outlet 354 in this order, and is then provided to the user. The air can flow together with the aerosol generated in the first chamber C1.

[0135] Therefore, the first container 20 and the second container 30 can be replaced independently. For example, the consumption cycle of the liquid stored in the second container 30 and the appropriate replacement cycle of the first container 20 are different, so a user may replace only the second container 30 separately, or only the first container 20 separately. For example, the consumption cycle of the liquid stored in the second container 30 may be shorter than the appropriate replacement cycle of the first container 20, so while the second container 30 is replaced several times, the first container 20 may be replaced only once. This allows the first container 20 to be used for a longer period of time, and reduces the cost of replacing cartridges.

[0136] FIG. 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a body and cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] 5, the first container 20 may be detachably coupled to the body 10. A first coupler 151 may detachably couple the first container 20 to the body 10. For example, the first coupler 151 may include a hook groove 225 and a hook 125 detachably fastened to the hook groove 225. The hook 125 may be made of a material such as rubber or silicone, and may provide a seal between the body and the first container 20 around the second air inlet 141. As another example, the first coupler 151 may couple the first container 20 to the body 10 using magnetic force.

[0138] The second container 30 may be detachably coupled to the first container 20. The second container 30 may be coupled to the upper side of the first container 20. The second container 30 may be indirectly coupled to the first container 20 by being coupled to the body 10. The second coupler 152 may detachably couple the second container 30 to the body 10. For example, the second coupler 152 may include a hook groove 325 and a hook 125 detachably fastened to the hook groove 325. As another example, the second coupler 152 may couple the second container 30 to the body 10 by magnetic force.

[0139] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a first container of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the first container of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0140] 6, the first container 20 includes a case 21, a wick 25, and a heater 2531 (see FIG. 7). The case 21 includes a first case 22 and a second case 23.

[0141] The second case 23 may be coupled to the upper side of the first case 22. The first case 22 is open on the upper side and has a space 224 that forms the first chamber C1. The second case 23 is open on the lower side and has a space 234 that forms the first chamber C1. The first case 22 and the second case 23 may be coupled vertically to form the first chamber C1 therebetween.

[0142] The terminals 223 may be fixed to the bottom of the first case 22 and exposed at the bottom of the first case 22. The terminals 223 may protrude upward from the first case 22 toward the first chamber C1. The terminals 223 may be provided in pairs spaced apart horizontally from each other.

[0143] The first air inlet 241 may be formed at the bottom of the first case 22. A plurality of first air inlets 241 may be formed to form a multi-hole shape. The first air inlet 241 may be spaced apart horizontally from the terminal 223. The first air inlet 241 may be formed by opening a lateral wall of the first case 22 and / or a lateral wall of the second case 23.

[0144] The case 21 may have one configuration of the first coupler 151. For example, the hook groove 225 may be formed by recessing the periphery of the lower part of the first case 22. As another example, the hook 125 may be formed by protruding the periphery of the lower part of the first case 22. As another example, the first case 21 may include a magnet or a ferromagnetic material.

[0145] The first airflow outlet 242 may be formed in an upper wall of the second case 23. As another example, the first airflow outlet 242 may be formed in a side wall of the second case 23. The first airflow outlet 242 may be formed at a position opposite the first airflow inlet 241.

[0146] The liquid inlet 235 may be formed in the upper wall of the second case 23. The liquid inlet 235 may be formed on an upper side of the first chamber C1. The liquid inlet 235 may be separated from the second air outlet 242. The liquid inlet 235 may be formed on one side of the upper wall of the second case 23, and the second air outlet 242 may be formed on the other side of the upper wall of the second case 23. The liquid inlet 235 may be formed on a side corresponding to the terminal 223 and the supporter 227, and the first air outlet 242 may be formed on a side corresponding to the first air inlet 241.

[0147] The core 25 includes a first core part 251 and a second core part 252. The first core part 251 may be disposed in a first chamber C1 between the first case 22 and the second case 23. A lower end of the first core part 252 may be supported by a supporter 227.

[0148] The second wick part 252 protrudes upward from the first wick part 251. The second wick part 252 may be exposed to the outside of the first chamber C1 through the liquid inlet 235. The second wick part 252 may protrude upward through the liquid inlet 235 and the first wick sealing portion 265.

[0149] 7, the heater 2531 may be coupled to the first wick part 251. The heater 2531 heats the first wick part 251. First terminals 2533 formed on both ends of the heater 2531 contact the second terminals 223, thereby electrically connecting the heater 2531 and the second terminals 223.

[0150] The supporter 227 protrudes upward from the bottom of the first case 22. The supporter 227 may be formed around the terminal 223. A plurality of the supporters 227 are provided and arranged around the terminal 223. The supporters 227 include a first supporter 227a and a second supporter 227b. The first supporter 227a and the second supporter 227b may be disposed in regions corresponding to the lower corners of the first core part 251.

[0151] The first supporter 227a and the second supporter 227b may be spaced apart from each other. The second supporter 227b may be formed adjacent to the first air inlet 242. The second supporter 227b may be formed between the terminal 223 and the first air inlet 241. The second supporters 227b may be formed in pairs. The pair of second supporters 227b may be spaced apart from each other to form a first gap 227c therebetween. The first supporter 227a and the second supporter 227b may be spaced apart from each other to form a second gap 227d therebetween.

[0152] The sealer 26 may be attached to the upper side of the first container 20. A sealing plate 261 of the sealer 26 may cover the upper surface of the case 21. The sealer 26 may be made of an elastic material. For example, the sealer 26 may be made of rubber or silicone material.

[0153] The sealer 26 includes a first wick sealing portion 265. The first wick sealing portion 265 may be formed by opening the sealing plate 261 at a position corresponding to the liquid inlet 235. The first wick sealing portion 265 may form one inner peripheral surface of the sealing plate 261. The first wick sealing portion 265 has a shape corresponding to the peripheral surface 235a surrounding the liquid inlet 235. The first wick sealing portion 265 protrudes downward from the sealing plate 261 and is in close contact with the inside of the peripheral surface 235a of the liquid inlet 235. The second wick part 252 passes through the first wick sealing portion 265 and protrudes above the liquid inlet 235.

[0154] The sealer 26 includes a second wick sealing portion 262. The second wick sealing portion 262 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the sealing plate 261. The second wick sealing portion 262 may be formed below the first wick sealing portion 265 or below the periphery of the first wick sealing portion 265. The second wick sealing portion 262 extends along the periphery of the first wick sealing portion 265.

[0155] The sealer 26 includes sealing walls 266, 267 protruding upward from the upper surface of the sealing plate 261. The sealing walls 266, 267 surround the periphery of the liquid inlet 235 and the first wick sealing portion 265. The sealing walls 266, 267 may extend along the periphery of the first wick sealing portion 265 to form a periphery. A plurality of sealing walls 266, 267 may be formed. For example, the sealing walls 266, 267 include a first sealing wall 266 adjacent to the periphery of the first wick sealing portion 265 and a second sealing wall 267 spaced outward from the first sealing wall 266. The second sealing wall 267 protrudes higher above the first sealing wall 266. The second sealing wall 267 may surround the first sealing wall 266.

[0156] The sealer 26 includes an airflow sealing portion 268. The airflow sealing portion 268 may surround the periphery of the first airflow outlet 242. The airflow sealing portion 268 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the sealing plate 261. The second sealing wall 267 protrudes higher than the airflow sealing portion 268. The airflow sealing portion 268 may be formed on the outer side of the sealing walls 266 and 267.

[0157] The wick 25 can be made of a porous rigid material that absorbs liquid. For example, the wick 25 may be made of a porous ceramic. The wick 25 is more rigid or heat resistant than a cotton wick.

[0158] This allows the core 25 to be shaped in various ways without or with minimal deformation. Furthermore, the durability of the core 25 is improved, and the replacement cycle of the first container 20 equipped with the core 25 can be extended.

[0159] The first core part 251 may extend elongatedly to one side in the horizontal direction. The first core part 251 has a hexahedral shape. The upper surface of the first core part 251 may be formed horizontally. The lower surface of the first core part 251 may be formed horizontally. The side surface of the first core part 251 is formed between the upper peripheral edge and the lower peripheral edge, and defines the periphery of the first core part 251. The side surface of the first core part 251 is called the peripheral surface of the first core part 251.

[0160] The second core part 252 protrudes upward from the center of the upper surface of the first core part 251. The second core part 252 extends horizontally. The second core part 252 has a hexahedral shape. The upper surface of the second core part 252 may be formed horizontally. The lower surface of the second core part 252 may be formed horizontally. The lower surface of the second core part 252 overlaps with the upper surface of the first core part 251. The side surface of the second core part 252 is formed between the upper surface peripheral edge and the lower surface peripheral edge and defines the periphery of the second core part 252. The side surface of the second core part 252 is named the peripheral surface of the second core part 252.

[0161] The first core part 251 may be larger than the second core part 252. The periphery of the upper surface of the first core part 251 is larger than the periphery of the upper surface of the second core part 252. The height of the first core part 251 is larger than the height of the second core part 252. The length of the first core part 251 is larger than the length of the second core part 252. The width of the first core part 251 is larger than the width of the second core part 252.

[0162] The first core part 251 may further protrude by a certain width outward in the horizontal direction from the lower surface of the second core part 252. The second core part 252 may protrude from the inside of the periphery of the upper surface of the first core part 251. The periphery of the upper surface of the first core part 251 may protrude outward from the lower surface of the second core part 252.

[0163] The heater 2531 may be attached to the first wick part 251. The heater 2531 may form a pattern on the underside of the first wick part 251. The heater 2531 can form various patterns along the longitudinal direction of the first wick part 251. Both ends of the heater 2531 are adjacent to both ends of the first wick part 251.

[0164] The pair of first terminals 2533 may be formed on both ends of the heater 2531. The first terminals 2533 may be coupled to the lower surface of the first core part 251. The pair of first terminals 2533 are adjacent to both ends of the first core part 251. The first terminals 2533 may protrude below the first core part 251.

[0165] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a first container of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0166] 8, the first airflow inlet 241 may be formed on the lower side of the first chamber C1. The first airflow outlet 242 may be formed on the upper side of the first chamber C1. The first airflow inlet 241 and the first airflow outlet 242 may be formed next to each other above and below. The wick 25 may be disposed on the right side of the first chamber C1, and the first airflow inlet 241 and the first airflow outlet 242 may be formed on the left side of the first chamber C1. The first channel CN1 is formed on the left side of the first chamber C1 and includes the first airflow inlet 241 and the first airflow outlet 242. Air flows into the first channel CN1 through the first airflow inlet 241 and is discharged through the first airflow outlet 242.

[0167] The first terminal 2533 contacts the second terminal 223 and electrically connects the heater 2531 to the second terminal 223. The second terminal 223 can support the first terminal 2533 and the lower surface 2513 of the first core part 251.

[0168] The lower part of the first wick part 251 is supported by the supporter 227. The upper surface 2511 of the first wick part 251 is supported around the liquid inlet 235 by the lower part of the second case 23 and / or the second wick sealing part 262. The peripheral edge of the side part 2522 of the second wick part 252 is supported by the peripheral surface 235a of the liquid inlet 235 and / or the inner surface of the first wick sealing part 265.

[0169] The wick 25 is therefore fixed to the first container 20 .

[0170] The supporter 227 can space the first wick part 2511 upward from the bottom of the first chamber C1. The supporter 227 can be arranged around the heater 2513. The supporter 227 forms gaps 227c and 227d that connect the heater 2531 attached to the lower surface 2513 of the first wick part 2511 to the first chamber C1. The supporter 227 can be opened between the first channel CN1 and the heater 2531 to form the first gap 227c.

[0171] The supporter 227 includes a first supporter 227a and a second supporter 227b. The second supporter 227b may be positioned closer to the first air inlet 241 and the first air outlet 242 than the first supporter 227a. The first air inlet 241 and the first air outlet 242 may be adjacent to the left side of the first core part 251. The first supporter 227a extends longitudinally along the right corner between the lower surface 2513 and the side surface 2512 of the first core part 251. The first supporter 227a may support the periphery of the right corner between the lower surface 2513 and the side surface 2512 of the first core part 251. The pair of second supports 227b may support the periphery of the left vertex of the first core part 251.

[0172] The pair of second supporters 227b are spaced apart from each other to form a first gap 227c through which air can flow between the periphery of the heater 2531 and the first air inlet 242. The first supporter 227a and the second supporter 227b are spaced apart from each other to form a second gap 227d through which air can flow between the periphery of the heater 2531 and the first air inlet 242. The first gap 227c and the second gap 227d may be formed around the periphery of the lower surface 2513 of the first core part 251.

[0173] This allows the aerosol generated by the wick 25 and the air around it to pass around the pair of supporters 227 and flow smoothly toward the first airflow outlet 242.

[0174] The first wick sealing portion 265 may be disposed between the peripheral surface 2522 of the second wick part 252 and the peripheral surface 235a of the liquid inlet 235. The inner peripheral surface of the first wick sealing portion 265 may be in intimate contact with the peripheral surface 2522 of the second wick part 252. The first wick sealing portion 265 provides a seal between the peripheral surface 2522 of the second wick part 252 and the peripheral surface 235a of the liquid inlet 235.

[0175] The periphery of the top surface 2511 of the first wick part 251 is larger than the periphery of the liquid inlet 235. The periphery of the top surface 2511 of the first wick part 251 may be formed horizontally outward from the periphery of the liquid inlet 235. An end portion of the first wick part 251 can absorb liquid leaking between the liquid inlet 235 and the peripheral surface 2522 of the second wick part 252.

[0176] The second wick sealing portion 262 protrudes downward from the periphery of the liquid inlet 235 towards the upper surface 2511 of the first wick part 251. The second wick sealing portion 262 may be in close contact with the upper surface 2511 of the first wick part 251. The second wick sealing portion 262 can support the upper surface 2511 of the first wick part 251.

[0177] Therefore, the liquid supplied from the second container 30 to the wick 25 is prevented from being absorbed by the wick 25 and leaking into the first chamber C1 through the gap between the second wick part 252 and the peripheral surface 235a of the liquid inlet 235.

[0178] Figure 9 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the first container and the second container of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 10 is a combined cross-sectional view of the first container and the second container of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the airflow channel of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0179] 9, the second container 30 provides a second chamber C2 for storing a liquid. The second chamber C2 is opened to form a liquid outlet 314. The liquid outlet 314 may be formed in a lower portion of the second chamber C2. The liquid outlet 314 may be composed of a plurality of holes. The liquid stored in the second chamber C2 is discharged through the liquid outlet 314.

[0180] The absorbent section 316 can close the lower part of the liquid outlet 314. The absorbent section 316 can absorb liquid that has passed through the liquid outlet 314. For example, the absorbent section 316 may be formed from a felt material.

[0181] The bracket 317 protrudes downward from the periphery of the liquid outlet 314 to the second container 30. The bracket 317 can surround the side peripheral edge of the absorbent portion 316. The absorbent portion 316 may be exposed from the bracket 317 to the lower side of the second container 30. The bracket 317 may fix the absorbent portion 316 to the lower part of the first container 30. The bracket 317 may support the lower peripheral edge of the absorbent portion 316 in a hook-like manner.

[0182] A film may be detachably attached to the lower surface of the absorbent portion 316. The edge of the film may be attached to the lower surface of the bracket 317. The film may be made of a waterproof material. The film can prevent liquid from leaking from the absorbent portion 316. Before connecting the second container 30 to the first container 20, the user can peel the film off the absorbent portion 316.

[0183] The recessed portion 315 may be formed by recessing the lower surface 312 of the second container 30 upward. The groove formed by the recessed portion 315 may surround the periphery of the bracket 317.

[0184] The second container 30 may include one configuration of the second coupler 152. For example, the hook groove 325 may be formed by recessing the outer wall of the second container 30. As another example, the hook 125 may be formed by protruding the outer wall of the second container 30. As another example, the second container 30 may include a magnet or a ferromagnetic material.

[0185] The second container 30 may provide an airflow discharge channel 340. The airflow discharge channel 340 is separated from the second chamber C2 by the inner wall of the second container 30. The airflow discharge channel 340 is defined by the outer and inner walls of the second container 30. Both ends of the airflow discharge channel 340 may be open. One end of the airflow discharge channel 340 may be open at a lower side. The other end of the airflow discharge channel 340 may be open at an upper side. One end of the airflow discharge channel 340 may be formed by opening the lower surface 312 of the second container 30. The other end of the airflow discharge channel 340 may be connected to a second airflow discharge port 354 formed inside the mouthpiece 35. The airflow discharge channel 340 is named a second channel CN2.

[0186] 10 , the first container 20 may be detachably coupled to the body 10. A first coupler 151 may detachably couple the first container 20 to the body 10. The second container 30 may be detachably coupled to the first container 20. The second container 30 may be indirectly coupled to the first container 20 by being coupled to the body 10 via a second coupler 152. The second container 30 may be coupled to the upper side of the first container 20.

[0187] When the second container 30 is connected to the first container 20, the second container 30 supplies liquid to the wick 25. The liquid stored in the second chamber C2 passes through the liquid outlet 314 and is absorbed by the absorption section 316. The absorption section 316, which has absorbed the liquid, contacts the second wick part 252 and can transfer the liquid. The liquid absorbed by the second wick part 252 is diffused into the first wick part 251. The heater 3531 heats the first wick part 251, which has absorbed the liquid, to generate an aerosol.

[0188] The sealer 26 can seal the periphery of the liquid inlet 235 through which the wick 25 is exposed from the first chamber C1. When the second container 30 is attached to the top of the first container 20, the sealer 26 can seal between the first container 20 and the second container 30.

[0189] The sealing walls 266, 267 protrude towards the second container 30. The sealing walls 266, 267 may be in close contact with the second container 30. The sealing walls 266, 267 may surround the periphery of the liquid inlet 235.

[0190] This makes it possible to prevent the liquid discharged from the second container 30 from leaking into the gap between the first container 20 and the second container 30.

[0191] The first sealing wall 266 may surround the liquid inlet 235 and the periphery 2522 of the second wick part 252. The first sealing wall 266 may be in close contact with the lower part of the second container 30. The first sealing wall 266 may be in close contact with a protruding portion formed inside the recess 315. For example, the first sealing wall 266 may be in close contact with the bracket 317. The bracket 317 and the first sealing wall 266 surround the periphery 2522 of the second wick part 252. Therefore, the bracket 317 not only fixes the absorbent part 316, but also presses the first sealing wall 266 to seal the periphery of the second wick part 252 and the liquid inlet 235.

[0192] The second sealing wall 267 protrudes higher than the first sealing wall 266. The second sealing wall 267 is disposed horizontally outward of the first sealing wall 266 and surrounds the periphery of the first sealing wall 266. The second sealing wall 267 may be in close contact with the lower part of the second container 30. The second sealing wall 267 may be inserted into a groove formed by the recessed portion 315 and in close contact with the recessed portion 315.

[0193] Therefore, the first sealing wall 266 can seal the periphery of the second wick part 252 and the liquid inlet 235. Furthermore, even if the liquid flows to the outside of the first sealing wall 266, it is sealed by the second sealing wall 267.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 11 , the first channel CN1 may be formed on the left side of the first chamber C1. The wick 25 and the heater 2531 may be disposed on the right side of the first chamber C1. The first channel CN1 includes a first airflow inlet 241 and a first airflow outlet 242. The first airflow inlet 241 may be formed at one end of the first channel CN1. The first airflow outlet 242 may be formed at the other end of the first channel CN1. The first channel CN1 is offset from the wick 25 in the vertical direction. The wick 25 may be spaced apart from the first airflow inlet 241 and the second airflow outlet 242. Unlike the illustrated example, at least one of the first airflow inlet 241 and the first airflow outlet 242 may be formed by opening a sidewall of the first container 20 in the first channel CN1.

[0195] When the first container 20 is coupled to the body 10, the second air inlet 141 formed by opening one side of the body 10 communicates with the first air inlet 241. A seal can be formed between the body 10 and the first container 20 around the second air inlet 141. For example, a hook 125 can seal the gap between the body 10 and the first container 20 around the second air inlet 141.

[0196] When the second container 30 is connected to the first container 20, the first airflow outlet 242 and the lower part of the second channel CN2 can communicate with each other. The first channel CN1 and the second channel CN2 communicate with each other to form a single flow path CN. The second channel CN2 can communicate with the second airflow outlet 354.

[0197] When a user bites the mouthpiece 35 and inhales, external air passes through the second air inlet 141, the first channel CN1, the second channel CN2, and the second air outlet 354 in that order and is provided to the user. Aerosol may be generated in the first chamber C1 separated from the first channel CN1. The air passing through the first channel CN1 flows together with the air and aerosol in the first chamber C1 due to the difference between the suction force and the pressure. The air and aerosol pass through the first gap 227c and the second gap 227d between the supporters 227 and flow into the first channel CN1.

[0198] Therefore, by allowing air to flow only to one side of the first chamber C1, the size of the flow path can be reduced, thereby reducing or optimizing the size of the aerosol generating device, and the resistance to air flow from the structure supporting the wick 25 can be reduced.

[0199] The airflow sealing part 268 may be in close contact with the bottom of the second container 30 around the periphery of the lower part of the second channel CN2. The airflow sealing part 268 may surround the periphery of the lower part of the second channel CN2 and the first airflow outlet 242. The airflow sealing part 268 may seal the space between the first container 20 and the second container 30 around the periphery of the lower part of the airflow exhaust passage 340 and the first airflow outlet 242.

[0200] This prevents air passing through the air discharge passage 340 at the first air discharge port 242 from leaking between the first container 20 and the second container 30, thereby improving the air flow efficiency.

[0201] In this document, terms such as "substantially," "generally," "generally," and "about" when referring to a given parameter, attribute, or condition include the extent to which one skilled in the art would understand that the given parameter, attribute, or condition is satisfied with a small degree of variance, such as within an acceptable manufacturing tolerance. For example, any specified parameter that is substantially satisfied may be at least about 90% satisfied, at least about 95% satisfied, or at least 99% satisfied.

[0202] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment, Fig. 13 is a plan view of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment, and Fig. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of a heater according to an embodiment.

[0203] 12-14, aerosol generating device 400 includes a housing 410, also referred to as "body." Housing 410 may include a mouth end 411 and a device end (not shown) opposite mouth end 411. Housing 410 includes a mouthpiece 412. Mouthpiece 412 may be located at or adjacent to mouth end 411. Housing 410 includes an airflow path P that leads to mouthpiece 412.

[0204] The aerosol generating device 400 includes a chamber 420. The chamber 420 can be configured to be coupled within and / or detached from the housing 410. The chamber 420 includes a first reservoir 421. The first reservoir 421 can hold a first aerosol generating substance M1. The first aerosol generating substance M1 includes a first liquid-phase composition. The chamber 420 includes a second reservoir 422. The second reservoir 422 can hold a second aerosol generating substance M2. The second aerosol generating substance M2 includes a second liquid-phase composition. The first liquid-phase composition and the second liquid-phase composition can contain at least some of the same components. The first liquid-phase composition and the second liquid-phase composition can also be composed of different components.

[0205] The first reservoir 421 and the second reservoir 422 may be arranged in a circumferential direction of the housing 410 (e.g., a circumferential direction relative to the Z axis). The first reservoir 421 and the second reservoir 422 are spaced apart from each other. The airflow path P includes a first airflow channel P1 defined between one side surface of the first reservoir 421 (e.g., a clockwise side surface relative to the Z axis in FIG. 1 ) and one side surface of the second reservoir 422 (e.g., a counterclockwise side surface relative to the Z axis in FIG. 13 ). The airflow path P includes a second airflow channel P2 positioned opposite the first airflow channel P1 relative to the axis of the housing 410 (e.g., a central axis or the Z axis). The second airflow channel P2 is defined between the opposite side surface of the first reservoir 421 (e.g., the counterclockwise side surface relative to the Z axis in FIG. 13 ) and the opposite side surface of the second reservoir 422 (e.g., the clockwise side surface relative to the Z axis in FIG. 13 ). The first airflow channel P1 and the second airflow channel P2 may be combined into a single airflow channel leading to the mouthpiece 412.

[0206] In embodiments not shown, chamber 420 may include a single reservoir 421 or 422. In embodiments not shown, chamber 420 may include three or more reservoirs.

[0207] The aerosol generating device 400 includes a heater 430. The heater 430 is configured to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). "Surface plasmon resonance" refers to the collective oscillation of electrons propagating along the interface of metal particles with a medium. For example, the collective oscillation of electrons in the metal particles can be generated by light propagating outside the heater 430. The excitation of the electrons in the metal particles generates thermal energy, which can be transferred within the environment to which the heater 430 is applied.

[0208] The heater 430 includes a substrate 431. The substrate 431 includes a first end 431A disposed toward the mouth end 411 or the mouthpiece 412. The first end 431A may include a substantially closed surface or a surface that is substantially closed. The first end 431A may substantially prevent light from passing through the first end 431A. The substrate 431 may include a second end 431B disposed toward the device end (not shown). The second end 431B may be disposed opposite the first end 431A. The second end 431B may be at least partially open. For example, the second end 431B may include an opening 431B1. The substrate 431 may include a side 431C extending between the first end 431A and the second end 431B. The first end 431A, the second end 431B, and the side 431C define a substantially cylindrical shape of the substrate 431. The substrate 431 may include an outer surface F1. At least a portion of the outer surface F1 (e.g., an outer side surface) may at least partially face at least one of the first reservoir 421 and the second reservoir 422. The substrate 431 may include an inner surface F2. The inner surface F2 may be disposed opposite the outer surface F1. The inner surface F2 defines a cavity 431D. The cavity 431D may have a substantially cylindrical space.

[0209] The substrate 431 may be formed of various materials. For example, the substrate 431 may be formed of a metal material such as aluminum, glass, silicon (Si), silicon oxide (SiO2), sapphire, polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, and / or any other suitable material. The substrate 431 may be formed of any one or combination of glass, silicon (Si), silicon oxide (SiO2), and sapphire. The substrate 431 may include a material having a relatively low heat transfer coefficient, which allows heat to be transferred to only a portion of the surface of the substrate 431.

[0210] The substrate 431 exhibits electrical conductivity. The substrate 431 may also exhibit electrical insulation.

[0211] Substrate 431 can be formed of any material having any thermal conductivity suitable for use in the environment in which heater 430 is placed. For example, substrate 431 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. Substrate 431 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.

[0212] The heater 430 includes a metal layer 432 disposed on the inner surface F2. The metal layer 432 may include a plurality of metal particles. Electrons constituting each of the plurality of metal particles are collectively vibrated when exposed to light. The excitation of the electrons can generate thermal energy.

[0213] The metal particles have a nanoscale size. For example, the metal particles may have an average maximum diameter of about 1 μm or less. 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.

[0214] 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.

[0215] The metal particles may be formed of any material suitable for interacting with light in a specific wavelength range (e.g., a visible light wavelength range, i.e., about 380 nm to about 780 nm) to generate heat. For example, the metal particles may include at least one of gold, silver, copper, palladium, and platinum, or a combination thereof.

[0216] The plurality of metal particles may be formed of a metal material having an average maximum absorbance. Here, the average maximum absorbance is defined as an absorbance having a substantial peak in a specific wavelength range. The specific wavelength range corresponding to the absorbance is understood to be a wavelength range in which the plurality of metal particles are resonant. For example, the plurality of metal particles may be formed of a metal material having an average maximum absorbance in a wavelength range between about 430 nm and about 450 nm, between about 480 nm and about 500 nm, between about 490 nm and about 510 nm, between about 500 nm and about 520 nm, between about 550 nm and about 570 nm, between about 600 nm and about 620 nm, between about 620 nm and about 640 nm, between about 630 nm and about 650 nm, between about 640 nm and about 660 nm, between about 680 nm and about 700 nm, or between about 700 nm and about 750 nm. The average maximum absorbance of a plurality of metal particles depends on the type of substrate 431, the size of metal layer 432, and / or the shape of metal layer 432, in addition to the metal material.

[0217] The metal layer 432 may be approximately 10 nm or less in thickness. Having the metal layer 432 thicker than 10 nm may reduce the exothermic reaction of the metal particles forming the metal layer 432, thereby reducing the thermal efficiency of the heater 430.

[0218] The heater 430 includes an absorbing layer 433 configured to absorb light. The absorbing layer 433 is configured to absorb light passing through the substrate 431 in a direction from the inner surface F2 of the substrate 431 toward the outer surface F1. The absorbing layer 433 can improve the light utilization efficiency of the heater 430. The absorbing layer 433 may be disposed on or over the outer surface F1. The absorbing layer 433 may be disposed over substantially the entire area of ​​the outer surface F1. The absorbing layer 433 may be disposed in a localized area of ​​the outer surface F1 (e.g., an outer side surface). The absorbing layer 433 can be attached to the outer surface F1. The absorbing layer 433 is separated from the first reservoir 421 and the second reservoir 422. This can ensure the safety of the aerosol inhaled by the user. The absorbing layer 433 may include a material with a relatively high color saturation (e.g., black). For example, the absorbent layer 433 may have a temperature resistance of approximately 800°C.

[0219] The heater 430 includes a reflective layer 434. The reflective layer 434 can be configured to reflect light passing through the substrate 431 in a direction from the inner surface F2 of the substrate 431 toward the outer surface F1 of the substrate 431 toward the inner surface F2. The reflective layer 434 can be disposed on the absorbing layer 433. In an embodiment not shown, the reflective layer 434 can be spaced apart from the absorbing layer 433. The reflective layer 434 can be disposed over substantially the entire area of ​​the absorbing layer 433. The reflective layer 434 can also be disposed on a localized region of the absorbing layer 433. The reflective layer 434 can include any material suitable for reflecting light. For example, the reflective layer 434 can include at least one of gold, silver, copper, or any other metallic material suitable for reflection, or a combination thereof. The reflective layer 434 can have any thickness suitable for reflecting light. For example, the thickness of the reflective layer 434 can be approximately 10 nm or less.

[0220] The heater 430 includes a heat transfer plate 435. The heat transfer plate 435 is configured to transfer heat generated by surface plasmon resonance to the core 440. The heat transfer plate 435 may transfer heat by conduction. In an embodiment not shown, a gap is formed between the heat transfer plate 435 and the core 440, and the heat transfer plate 435 may transfer heat to the core 440 by convection or radiation. The heat transfer plate 435 may include a metal material. For example, the heat transfer plate 435 may include aluminum or copper.

[0221] The heater 430 can be configured to be separate from the chamber 420. The heater 430 is not included in a cartridge (e.g., cartridge 19 in FIGS. 1-11) that includes the chamber 420. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the cartridge during manufacturing and allows for semi-permanent use of the heater 430.

[0222] The aerosol generating device 400 includes a wick 440. The wick 440 is configured to transfer the aerosol-generating substance from the chamber 420 to the heater 430. Heat generated by the heater 430 causes the aerosol-generating substance held in the wick 440 to undergo a phase change into an aerosol. The wick 440 includes a first wick end 441 connected to at least one of the first reservoir 421 and the second reservoir 422. The wick 440 may include a second wick end 442 opposite the first wick end 441. The second wick end 442 is substantially coplanar with the second surface 442 of the substrate 431. In embodiments not shown, the second wick end 442 may be located anywhere on the exterior surface F1. The wick 440 includes a wick extension 443 extending along the exterior surface F1 (e.g., the exterior side surface) between the first wick end 441 and the second wick end 442. The core extension 443 may be in at least partial contact with the exterior surface F1.

[0223] The aerosol generating device 400 includes an optical fiber 450. The optical fiber 450 is configured to transmit light generated from a light source (not shown) to the heater 430. The optical fiber 450 may be coupled to the opening 431B1. The light passing through the opening 431B1 via the optical fiber 450 enters the cavity 431D and travels toward the inner surface of the substrate 431.

[0224] The optical fiber 450 is tightly coupled to the opening 431B1, which can increase the efficiency of light passing through the optical fiber 450 and being transmitted to the cavity 431D to approximately 99%. This allows the amount of light used by the heater 430 to be controlled to a predictable level, which in turn reduces heat loss from the heater 430 and ensures the thermal stability of the heater 430.

[0225] The aerosol-generating device 400 may include an internal light source (not shown) configured to emit light. For example, the internal light source may include a laser light source. The internal light source may emit light in the ultraviolet, visible, and / or infrared bands. The aerosol-generating device 400 may use an external light source external to the aerosol-generating device 400 without an internal light source.

[0226] Any of the embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct, and any of the embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination with or in combination with each other in their respective configurations or functions.

[0227] For example, it means that a specific embodiment and / or configuration A illustrated in a drawing can be combined with a different embodiment and / or configuration B illustrated in a drawing. In other words, even if not directly described, the combination between components means that they can be combined unless it is described that they cannot be combined.

[0228] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects, but should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. a chamber configured to hold an aerosol-generating material; a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating material, the heater comprising: a substrate including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a side extending between the first end and the second end, the substrate including an exterior surface at least partially facing the chamber and an interior surface opposite the exterior surface; a plurality of metal particles disposed on the interior surface and configured to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance; the heater including a wick configured to transfer the aerosol generating material from the chamber to the heater; An aerosol generating device comprising:

2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the chamber includes a first reservoir and a second reservoir arranged along a periphery of the exterior surface.

3. The aerosol generating device of claim 2 , further comprising a first airflow channel defined between the first reservoir and the second reservoir.

4. 4. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, further comprising a second airflow channel defined between the first reservoir and the second reservoir, the second airflow channel being positioned opposite the first airflow channel relative to the substrate.

5. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the first end includes a closed surface.

6. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the second end includes an opening.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the heater is configured to be separate from the chamber.

8. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , further comprising an optical fiber connected to the second end.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the heater further comprises an absorbing layer disposed on or above the outer surface.

10. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the heater further comprises a reflective layer disposed on or above the external surface.

11. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the heater further comprises a heat transfer plate disposed between the substrate and the wick.

12. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the heater extends beyond an end boundary of the chamber.

13. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the wick extends along the exterior surface.

14. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , further comprising a cartridge containing the chamber.

15. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the aerosol generating material comprises a liquid phase composition.

Images