Aerosol generating device including heater

Abstract

An aerosol generator includes a first reservoir configured to hold an aerosol-generating material, a chamber including a first external air channel configured to guide the generated aerosol, a core configured to supply the aerosol-generating material from the chamber, and a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating material supplied from the core by surface plasma resonance, wherein the heater is a substrate including a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a side portion extending between the first end and the second end, the substrate including an outer surface, a substrate including an inner surface opposite to the outer surface, a plurality of metal particles disposed on the inner surface, and an internal airflow channel configured to guide air along the outer surface in a direction from the second end toward the first end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure generally relates to an aerosol generating device, for example, an aerosol generating device including a heater.

Background Art

[0002] In order to realize atomization performance, techniques for introducing an air flow into an aerosol generating article have been developed. For example, an aerosol generating device of a type that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating article in a non-combustion manner has been developed. The above-described background art is not necessarily prior art publicly known to the general public before the filing of the present disclosure as something retained or acquired in the derivation process of the present disclosure.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] One aspect of the disclosure is to provide a space in which an aerosol is generated. One aspect of the disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device including an aerosol generating device that increases the amount of aerosol generated by a core.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The aerosol generating device includes a chamber including a first reservoir configured to hold an aerosol generating substance and a first external air flow channel configured to guide the generated aerosol, a core configured to transmit the aerosol generating substance from the chamber, and a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating substance transmitted from the core by surface plasmon resonance, wherein the heater includes a substrate including a first end portion, a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, and a side portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, the substrate including an outer surface and the substrate including an inner surface opposite to the outer surface, a plurality of metal particles disposed on the inner surface, and the heater including an internal air flow channel configured to guide air along the outer surface in a direction from the second end portion toward the first end portion.

[0005] The substrate further includes grooves formed on its side, and the internal airflow channels can be arranged in the grooves.

[0006] The groove can extend linearly along the outer surface.

[0007] The groove can extend spirally along the outer surface.

[0008] The substrate further includes a plurality of grooves, and internal airflow channels are arranged in the plurality of grooves, and the plurality of grooves can be substantially parallel to one another.

[0009] The internal airflow channel can be formed on the outer surface of the substrate.

[0010] The mount is positioned between the substrate and the core, and the internal airflow channel may be positioned in the mount.

[0011] The core may include a first core portion facing the first reservoir and having a first thickness, and a second core portion facing the first external airflow channel and having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness.

[0012] The chamber may include a second reservoir opposite to the first reservoir, and a second external airflow channel defined between the first reservoir and the second reservoir and opposite to the first external airflow channel.

[0013] The core may include a third core portion having a third thickness facing the second reservoir, and a fourth core portion having a fourth thickness smaller than the third thickness facing the second external airflow channel.

[0014] The first core portion, the second core portion, the third core portion, and the fourth core portion can be arranged in the peripheral direction of the substrate.

[0015] The core may include a ceramic material.

[0016] A spacer may be included, which is positioned between the core and the heater to separate the substrate and the core.

[0017] The spacer includes a plurality of first longitudinal members extending in a first direction from the second end toward the first end, and a plurality of second longitudinal members extending in a second direction along the periphery of the substrate, wherein the plurality of first longitudinal members and the second longitudinal members can intertwine with each other to form a plurality of pores.

[0018] The aforementioned spacer may contain a heat accelerator.

[0019] An aerosol generator includes a chamber comprising a first reservoir configured to hold an aerosol-generating substance and a first external airflow channel configured to guide the generated aerosol; a core configured to transmit the aerosol-generating substance from the chamber; and a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance transmitted from the core by surface plasmon resonance, wherein the heater includes a substrate comprising a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a side portion extending between the first end and the second end, the substrate comprising an external surface and an internal surface opposite to the external surface, and the heater comprising a plurality of metal particles disposed on the internal surface; and the core may include a first core portion facing the first reservoir and having a first thickness, and a second core portion facing the first external airflow channel and having a second thickness less than the first thickness.

[0020] The aerosol generator includes a chamber comprising a first reservoir configured to hold an aerosol-generating substance and a first external airflow channel configured to guide the generated aerosol, a core configured to transmit the aerosol-generating substance from the chamber, and a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance transmitted from the core by surface plasmon resonance, wherein the heater includes a substrate comprising a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a side portion extending between the first end and the second end, the substrate comprising an external surface and an internal surface opposite to the external surface, and the heater comprising a plurality of metal particles disposed on the internal surface, and may include a spacer disposed between the core and the heater to separate the substrate and the core. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to one embodiment, the amount of aerosol generated can be increased. According to one embodiment, a space for aerosol generation can be provided. According to one embodiment, the amount of aerosol-generating material undergoing phase change in the core can be increased. According to one embodiment, the amount of heat generated from the heater and transferred to the core can be increased. The effects of an aerosol generating apparatus including a heater according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] The aforementioned and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] [Figure 2] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] [Figure 3] A diagram showing an aerosol generation device related to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] [Figure 4] A cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation device related to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] [Figure 5] An exploded cross-sectional view of the body and cartridge of an aerosol generation device related to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] [Figure 6] An exploded perspective view of the first container of an aerosol generation device related to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] [Figure 7] A bottom perspective view of the first container of an aerosol generation device related to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] [Figure 8] A cross-sectional view of the first container of an aerosol generation device related to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] [Figure 9] An exploded cross-sectional view of the first container and the second container of an aerosol generation device related to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] [Figure 10] A combined cross-sectional view of the first container and the second container of an aerosol generation device related to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] [Figure 11] A cross-sectional view showing the airflow channel of an aerosol generation device related to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] [Figure 12]This figure shows a cross-section of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0035] [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing a plan view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0036] [Figure 14] This figure shows a partial cross-section of a heater according to one embodiment.

[0037] [Figure 15] This figure shows a cross-section of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0038] [Figure 16] This is a diagram showing a plan view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0039] [Figure 17] This is an exploded perspective view of a heater, wick, and spacer according to one embodiment.

[0040] [Figure 18] This figure shows a heater according to one embodiment.

[0041] [Figure 19] This figure shows a heater according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] The embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals used in the drawings, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0043] The suffixes "module" and "part" used with respect to the constituent elements in the following description are added or used interchangeably solely for the purpose of facilitating the creation of the specification, and do not inherently possess a distinct meaning or role from one another.

[0044] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments disclosed herein, if it is determined that a specific description of the relevant prior art would obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, such detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are merely for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and should be understood that the accompanying drawings do not limit the technical ideas disclosed herein, and include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes that fall within the idea and scope of this disclosure.

[0045] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe multiple components, but the components are not limited by such terms. The terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0046] If it is stated that one component is “linked” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that it may also be directly linked or connected to that different component, and that other components may exist in between. On the other hand, if it is stated that one component is “directly linked” or “directly connected” to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0047] A singular expression includes plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0048] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] The aerosol generator 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 generator 1 is not limited to that shown in Figure 1. That is, a person with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1, some of the components shown in Figure 1 may be omitted, or new components may be added.

[0050] The sensor 13 can detect the state of the aerosol generator 1 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 1 and transmit the detected information to the control unit 12. Based on the detected information, the control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 so that various functions are performed, such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, restricting smoking, determining whether or not the stick S and / or cartridge 19 is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0051] Sensor 13 may include at least one of the following: temperature sensor 131, puff sensor 132, insertion detection sensor 133, reuse detection sensor 134, cartridge detection sensor 135, cap detection sensor 136, and motion detection sensor 137.

[0052] The temperature sensor 131 detects the temperature at which the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 heat. The aerosol generator 1 may include a separate temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 themselves may perform the role of a temperature sensor.

[0053] 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 changes in response to temperature changes in the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. This may be implemented using a thermistor or other element that utilizes the property that resistance changes 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 as 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.

[0054] The temperature sensor 131 is positioned around the power supply 11 to monitor its temperature. The temperature sensor 131 may also be positioned adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one side of the battery of the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0055] The temperature sensor 131 is located inside the body 10 and can detect the internal temperature of the body 10.

[0056] 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 generator. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1 corresponds to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 is positioned in the aerosol generator 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0057] 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 in accordance with the change in dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 133 may be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitor sensor.

[0058] An induction sensor includes at least one coil. The coil of the induction sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if the magnetic field around a coil through which current flows changes, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0059] An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through a coil. For example, an inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0060] The capacitor sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitor sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitor sensor may output a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic properties, such as the capacitance around the conductor. For example, if a stick S including a metal wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the wrapper of the stick S may alter the electromagnetic properties around the conductor.

[0061] The reuse detection sensor 134 can detect whether or not the stick S is being reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 may also 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 the object based on the 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 with the proximity sensor, or in a separate configuration separate from the proximity sensor.

[0062] At least a portion of the wrappers constituting the stick S may change color due to aerosols. The reuse detection sensor 134 is positioned corresponding to the location where at least a portion of the wrappers that change color due to aerosols are located when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick S is used by the user, at least a portion of the wrappers may be the first color. Here, as the aerosols generated by the aerosol generator 1 pass through the stick S, at least a portion of the wrappers may be wetted by the aerosols, thereby changing the color of at least a portion of the wrappers to the second color. On the other hand, at least a portion of the wrappers may remain the second color after changing from the first color to the second color.

[0063] The cartridge detection sensor 135 can detect the installation and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge detection sensor 135 may be implemented by an inductance substrate sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, or a Hall sensor (Hall IC) utilizing the Hall effect.

[0064] 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 portion of the body 10 that were covered by the cap are exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor 136 can be implemented by a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0065] The motion detection sensor 137 can detect the movement of the aerosol generator. The motion detection sensor 137 can be implemented using at least one of an accelerometer and a gyro sensor.

[0066] Sensor 13 may further include at least one of the following in addition to the aforementioned sensors 131 to 137: a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. The function of the angle sensor can be intuitively inferred by those skilled in the art from its name, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0067] The output unit 14 can output and provide to the user information regarding the status of the aerosol generator 1. The output unit 14 includes, but is not limited to, a display 141, a haptic unit 142, and an acoustic output unit 143. If the display 141 and touchpad are configured as a touchscreen without a layer structure, the display unit 141 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0068] The display 141 can visually provide the user with information regarding the aerosol generator 1. For example, information regarding the aerosol generator 1 could include various pieces of information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generator 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 the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 1 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal object), and the display 141 can output this information to the outside. For example, the display 141 may be in an LED light-emitting state. For example, the display 141 may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0069] The haptic unit 142 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the haptic unit 142 can generate vibrations corresponding to the completion of initial preheating when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 for a set time. The haptic unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0070] The acoustic output unit 143 can provide the user with information about the aerosol generator 1 audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit 143 may convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0071] The power supply 11 can supply the power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. The power supply 11 may also supply power to heat the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The power supply 11 can also supply the power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generator 1, namely the sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17. The power supply 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 11 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0072] Although not shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generator 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.

[0073] The power protection circuit interrupts the circuit to the power supply 11 according to predetermined conditions. For example, the power protection circuit may interrupt the circuit to the power supply 11 if the voltage level of the power supply 11 is equal to or greater than a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power protection circuit may interrupt the circuit to the power supply 11 if the voltage level of the power supply 11 is less than a second voltage corresponding to over-discharge.

[0074] The heater 18 is powered by the power supply 11 and can heat the medium or aerosol-generating material inside the stick S. Although not shown in Figure 10, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the power supply 11 and supplies it to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 1 generates aerosols using an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the power supply 11 into AC power.

[0075] The control unit 12, sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17 can function by being powered by the power supply 11. Although not shown in Figure 1, a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, may be further included to convert the power from the power supply 11 and supply it to each component. Also, although not shown in Figure 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 a 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 prevents the application of high-frequency noise to the sensor 13, such as the insertion detection sensor 133.

[0076] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 can be formed from any suitable electrical resistant material. For example, suitable electrical resistant materials may include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys, such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. The heater 18 may also be implemented as, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which an electrically conductive track is arranged, or a ceramic heating element.

[0077] In other embodiments, the heater 18 may be an induction heating type heater, and for example, the heater 18 may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol-generating substance.

[0078] The input unit 15 can receive information input from the user and output information to the user. For example, the input unit 15 may be a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor for detecting touches. For example, the touch sensor may include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, an ultrasonic touch sensor (surface acoustic wave touch sensor), or an infrared touch sensor.

[0079] The display 141 and the touch panel may be implemented in a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be embedded within the display 141 (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added on to the display panel 141 (add-on type).

[0080] On the other hand, the input section 15 includes, but is not limited to, buttons, keypads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0081] Memory 17, as hardware for storing various data processed within the aerosol generator 1, can store data processed by the control unit 12 and data to be processed. Memory 17 may include at least one type of storage medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 17 may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on the user's smoking pattern.

[0082] 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.

[0083] The short-range wireless communication unit includes, but is not limited to, Bluetooth® communication units, BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication units, Near Field Communication units, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication units, Zigbee® communication units, infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication units, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication units, UWB (ultra wideband) communication units, Ant+ communication units, and others.

[0084] The wireless communication section includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication section, an Internet communication section, and a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication section.

[0085] Although not shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may be connected to other external devices via such a connection interface to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0086] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory containing a program executed by that microprocessor. It will also be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0087] The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the supply of power from the power supply 11 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.

[0088] The aerosol generator 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 heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, heater 18, or induction coil (not shown). The power supply circuit includes at least one switching element. The switching element can be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 12 can control the power supply circuit.

[0089] 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 the DC power output from the power supply 11 into AC power. For example, the inverter may consist of a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit that includes multiple switching elements.

[0090] The control unit 12 can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power supply 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The control unit 12 can turn off the switching element so that the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 is cut off. The control unit 12 can adjust the current supplied from the power supply 11 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty cycle of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0091] The control unit 12 can control the voltage output from the power supply 11 by controlling the switching of the switching elements 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 implemented via a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.

[0092] The control unit 12 can adjust the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit by controlling the on / off operation of the switching elements included in the power conversion circuit. When the switching elements remain in the on state, the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit corresponds to the voltage level output from the power supply 11. The duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching elements corresponds to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 11. The lower the duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching elements, the lower the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit may be. The heater 18 is heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0093] The control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the heater 18 using at least one of the following methods: pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID).

[0094] For example, the control unit 12 may use a PWM method to control the supply of current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can adjust the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses to control the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0095] For example, the control unit 12 may determine a target temperature for control 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 that uses the difference between the heater temperature 18 and the target temperature, the integral of the difference over time, and the derivative of the difference over time.

[0096] The control unit 12 can prevent the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 is interrupted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 by a certain percentage based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeding 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 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeding a limit temperature and cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24.

[0097] 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.

[0098] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generator 1, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or above a first limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the charging of the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is below the first limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can control the charging of the power supply 11 based on a preset charging current. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or above the first limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can shut off the charging of the power supply 11.

[0099] With the aerosol generator 1 powered on, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is above the second limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the discharge of the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is below the second limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can control the use of the power stored in the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is above the second limiting temperature, the control unit 12 interrupts the use of the power stored in the power supply 11.

[0100] The control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 relative to the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the control unit 12 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on the detected voltage and / or current values ​​of the power supply 11.

[0101] The control unit 12 can determine whether or not the stick S is inserted into the insertion space via the insertion detection sensor 133. Based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor 133, the control unit 12 determines that the stick S has been inserted. 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 heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 may supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0102] The control unit 12 can determine whether or not the stick S is removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 may determine whether or not 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 if the temperature of the heater 18 is above a limit temperature, or if the slope of the temperature change of the heater 18 is above a set slope. If the control unit 12 determines that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space, it may cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0103] The control unit 12 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater 18 according to the state of the stick S detected by the sensor 13. Based on the lookup table, the control unit 12 can determine the level range that includes the signal level of the capacitor sensor. Based on the determined level range, the control unit 12 can determine the amount of moisture in the stick S.

[0104] If the stick S is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 12 can control the power supply time to the heater 18, increasing the preheating time of the stick S compared to the normal state.

[0105] 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 detected value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range that includes a first color, and if the detected value falls within the first reference range, it may determine that the stick S has not been used. For example, the control unit 12 may compare the detected value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range that includes a second color, and if the detected value falls within the second reference range, it may determine that the stick S has been used. If it is determined that the stick S has been used, the control unit 12 may cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0106] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 can be attached and / or removed via the cartridge detection sensor 135. For example, the control unit 12 may determine whether the cartridge 19 can be attached and / or removed based on the detected value of the signal from the cartridge detection sensor.

[0107] The control unit 12 can determine whether the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 is decreasing. For example, the control unit 12 preheats the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 by applying power, 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 consumed 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 consumed, the control unit 12 cuts off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0108] The control unit 12 can determine whether or not the cartridge 19 is usable. For example, based on the data stored in the memory 17, 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. For example, the control unit 12 may determine that the cartridge 19 is unusable if the total time the heater 24 has been heated 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.

[0109] The control unit 12 can make decisions regarding the user's inhalation via the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 may determine whether or not a puff has occurred based on the detected signal value of the puff sensor. For example, the control unit 12 may determine the intensity of the puff based on the detected signal value of the puff sensor 132. If the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs, or if no puff has been detected for a preset period of time or longer, the control unit 12 may cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0110] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cap can be attached and / or removed via the cap detection sensor 136. For example, the control unit 12 may determine whether the cap can be attached and / or removed based on the detected value of the signal from the cap detection sensor.

[0111] 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 acoustic output unit 143 that the aerosol generator 1 will immediately shut down. For example, the control unit 12 may notify the user via the output unit 14 based on the determination that there is no stick S 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 cap is not installed. For example, the control unit 12 may transmit information regarding the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 to the user via the output unit 14.

[0112] The control unit 12 can store and update a history of events in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. Events may include operations performed by the aerosol generator 1, such as detection of stick S insertion, heating of stick S, puff detection, puff completion, detection of overheating of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, detection of overvoltage application to cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, completion of stick S heating, turning the aerosol generator 1 on / off, charging of power supply 11, detection of overcharge of power supply 11, and completion of charging of power supply 11. The history of events may include the date and time the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of stick S insertion, the log data corresponding to the event may include data such as the detection value of the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, and the current flowing through the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0113] The control unit 12 can be controlled to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving authentication data from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 12 removes the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. Here, the authentication 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 the user data is valid based on the user's date of birth, a unique number identifying the user, etc., and may receive data from an external server regarding the right to use the aerosol generator 1. Based on the data regarding the right to use, the external device may send data to the aerosol generator 1 indicating the completion of user authentication. If user authentication is complete, the control unit 12 may remove the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. For example, if user authentication is complete, the control unit 12 may remove the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater 18.

[0114] The control unit 12 can transmit data regarding the status of the aerosol generator 1 to the external device via 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 generator 1, the operating mode, etc., via the external device's display.

[0115] An external device can send a location search request to the aerosol generator 1 based on an input disclosing the location search of the aerosol generator 1. When the control unit 12 receives a location search request from the external device, it 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 vibrations in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 may output an object corresponding to the location search and the completion of the search in response to the location search request.

[0116] The control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update upon receiving firmware data from an external device. The external device checks the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generator 1 and determines whether a new version of the firmware exists. If the external device receives an input requesting a firmware download, it can receive the new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generator 1. Upon receiving the new version of the firmware data, the control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update.

[0117] The control unit 12 transmits data for the detection values ​​of at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 16, and can receive and store a learning model generated by learning the detection values ​​from the server via machine learning, such as deep learning. The control unit 12 uses the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile. The control unit 12 stores the detection value data of at least one sensor 13 and data for learning the artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 may store a database for each component provided in the aerosol generator 1, weights forming the ANN structure, and biases for learning the artificial neural network (ANN). The control unit 12 learns the data for the detection values ​​of at least one sensor 13, the user's inhalation pattern, the temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory 17, and can generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile.

[0118] Figures 2 and 3 show an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the aerosol generator 1 includes a body 10 and a cartridge 19. The aerosol generator 1 may include at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, and a sensor 13. At least one of the power supply 11, control unit 12, and sensor 13 may be located inside the body 10. The body 10 may be fitted with a cartridge 19 containing the aerosol product. The user can inhale the aerosol by biting the mouthpiece provided at one end of the cartridge 19.

[0120] The cartridge 19 may contain an aerosol-generating substance in its internal chamber C0 that is in one of the following states: liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance includes a liquid-phase composition. For example, the liquid-phase composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0121] The cartridge 19 can be detachably attached to the body 10. The cartridge 19 can be attached to the body 10 by being inserted into the body 10.

[0122] The body 10 may be formed in such a way that outside air can flow into the body 10 when the cartridge 19 is inserted. Here, the outside air that flows into the body 10 can pass through the cartridge 19 and flow into the user's mouth via the airflow channel CN.

[0123] 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 the aerosol-generating material may be located inside the chamber C0. Here, the liquid transfer means 25 may include a wick such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramic material. The electrically conductive track of the heater 24 may be formed in the form of a coil 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 be referred to as a cartridge heater.

[0124] 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 mouth via the airflow channel CN.

[0125] An airflow channel CN ​​may be provided in the cartridge 19. The airflow channel CN ​​can communicate the chamber C1 (see Figure 3) where the heater 24 of the cartridge 19 is located with the outside of the cartridge. One end of the airflow channel CN ​​may open into the chamber C1 where the heater 24 is located, and the other end may communicate with the mouthpiece 35. For example, referring to Figure 2, the airflow channel CN ​​may extend along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 19 on one side of the chamber C0 of the cartridge 19. For example, referring to Figure 3, the airflow channel CN ​​may extend along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 19, penetrating the chamber C0 of the cartridge 19.

[0126] The power supply 11 can supply power to the components of the aerosol generator 1 so that they can operate. The power supply 11 may also be referred to as a battery. The power supply 11 may supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the cartridge heater 24.

[0127] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 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, sensor 13, and cartridge 19. The control unit 12 controls the operation of the display, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is in an operational state.

[0128] The control unit 12 can analyze the results detected by the sensor 13 and control the processing to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit 12 may control the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 so that the operation of the cartridge heater 24 is disclosed or terminated 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 duration for which power is supplied so that the cartridge heater 24 heats up to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature, based on the results detected by the sensor 13.

[0129] Sensor 13 may include at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, or a motion detection sensor. For example, sensor 13 may detect at least one of the following: the temperature of the cartridge heater 24, the temperature of the power supply 11, or the temperature inside or outside the body 10. For example, sensor 13 may detect a user's puff. For example, sensor 13 may detect whether or not a cartridge 19 is installed. For example, sensor 13 may detect the movement of the aerosol generator 1.

[0130] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0131] Referring to Figure 4, an aerosol generating apparatus 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.

[0132] The body 10 can house a power supply 11 and a control unit 12. The power supply 11 supplies the power necessary for the configuration to operate. The power supply 11 may be named, for example, a battery 11. The control unit 12 can control the operation of the configuration.

[0133] The first container 20 may have a first chamber C1 inside. The first container 20 may also have a core 25. The core 25 may be located in the first chamber C1. The upper part of the core 25 protrudes from the first chamber C1 to the upper side of the first container 20.

[0134] The first container 20 includes a heater 2531. The heater 2531 may be located in the first chamber C1. The heater 2531 may heat the wick 25. The heater 2531 can be attached to the wick 25. The first container 20 may have a second terminal 223 inside. The second terminal 223 may be exposed at the bottom of the first container 20. The second terminal 223 may be electrically connected to the heater 2531. The first container 20 is named the lower container 20 or the heating module 20.

[0135] The first container 20 may be provided with a first airflow inlet 241 formed by opening the first chamber C1. The first container 20 may also be provided with a first airflow outlet 242 formed by opening the first chamber C1.

[0136] The second container 30 may have a second chamber C2 inside. The second container 30 may store liquid in the second chamber C2. The second container 20 may be equipped with an airflow discharge channel 340. Both ends 341, 342 of the airflow discharge channel 340 may be open. The airflow discharge channel 340 may be separated from the second chamber C2. The second container 30 may be named as the upper container 30 or the liquid phase storage section 30.

[0137] The mouthpiece 35 may be coupled to the upper side of the second container 30. The mouthpiece 35 can cover the top of the second container 30. The mouthpiece 35 may have a second airflow outlet 354 inside. The second airflow outlet 354 may communicate with the other end 342 of the airflow outlet 340.

[0138] The first container 20 may be coupled to the body 10. The first container 20 may be inserted inside the body 10. If the first container 20 is coupled to the body 10, the heater 2531 is electrically connected to the power supply 11 via the second terminal 223. The heater 2531 is heated when power is supplied from the power supply 11. The heater 2531 may be a resistive heater.

[0139] The second container 30 may be coupled to the upper side of the first container 20. The coupling of the second container 30 to the first container 20 includes both the direct coupling of the second container 30 to the first container 20 and the indirect coupling of the second container 30 to the body 10.

[0140] 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, and an aerosol can be generated in the first chamber C1.

[0141] Body 10 is open on one side and is provided with a second airflow inlet 1411. When the first container 20 is coupled to body 10, the first airflow inlet 241 can communicate with the second airflow inlet 1411. When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, one end 341 of the airflow discharge channel 340 and the first airflow outlet 242 can communicate. Thus, a flow path for air can be formed. The user can inhale air by biting the mouthpiece 35. When the user inhales air, the outside air is supplied to the user by passing through the second airflow inlet 1411, the first airflow inlet 241, the first chamber C1, the first airflow outlet 242, the airflow discharge channel 340, and the second airflow outlet 354 in that order. The air can flow together with the aerosol generated in the first chamber C1.

[0142] Therefore, the first container 20 and the second container 30 can be replaced independently of each other. For example, the consumption cycle of the liquid stored in the second container 30 and the appropriate replacement cycle of the first container 20 may be different, and the 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, and when the second container 30 is replaced several times, the first container 20 may be replaced only once. Therefore, the first container 20 can be used for a longer period, and the cost of replacing cartridges can be reduced.

[0143] Figure 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the body and cartridge of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0144] Referring to Figure 5, the first container 20 can be detachably coupled to the body 10. The first coupler 151 can detachably couple the first container 20 and the body 10. For example, the first coupler 151 includes a hook groove 225 and a hook 125 that is detachably fastened to the hook groove 225. The hook 125 may be made of a material such as rubber or silicone and may seal the space between the body and the first container 20 around the second airflow inlet 1411. In a different example, the first coupler 151 can couple the first container 20 and the body 10 by magnetic force.

[0145] The second container 30 can 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 and the body 10. For example, the second coupler 152 includes a hook groove 325 and a hook 135 that is detachably fastened to the hook groove 325. In a different example, the second coupler 152 may couple the second container 30 and the body 10 by magnetic force.

[0146] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the first container of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of the first container of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0147] Referring to Figure 6, the first container 20 includes a case 21, a core 25, and a heater 2531 (see Figure 7). Case 21 includes the first case 22 and the second case 23.

[0148] 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 includes a space 224 that forms the first chamber C1. The second case 23 is open on the lower side and includes 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 inside.

[0149] The second terminal 223 may be fixed to the bottom of the first case 22 and exposed on the lower part of the first case 22. The second terminal 223 may protrude upward from the first case 22 toward the first chamber C1. The second terminal 223 may be provided in a pair that are horizontally spaced apart from each other.

[0150] The first airflow inlet 241 can be formed at the bottom of the first case 22. Multiple first airflow inlets 241 may be formed to form a porous hole. The first airflow inlet 241 may be spaced horizontally away from the second terminal 223. The first airflow inlet 241 may be formed by openings in the lateral wall of the first case 22 and / or the lateral wall of the second case 23.

[0151] Case 21 may comprise one configuration of the first coupler 151. For example, the hook groove 225 may be formed by recessing the lower periphery of the first case 22. In a different example, the hook 125 may be formed by protruding the lower periphery of the first case 22. In a different example, the first case 21 may comprise a magnet or a ferromagnetic material.

[0152] The first airflow outlet 242 may be formed on the upper wall of the second case 23. In a different example, the first airflow outlet 242 may be formed on the side wall of the second case 23. The first airflow outlet 242 may be formed in a position opposite the first airflow inlet 241.

[0153] The liquid inlet 235 may be formed on the upper wall of the second case 23. The liquid inlet 235 may be formed on the upper side of the first chamber C1. The liquid inlet 235 may be separated from the first airflow outlet 242. The liquid inlet 235 may be formed on one side of the upper wall of the second case 23, and the first airflow 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 the side corresponding to the second terminal 223 and the supporter 227, and the first airflow outlet 242 may be formed on the side corresponding to the first airflow inlet 241.

[0154] The core 25 includes a first core part 251 and a second core part 252. The first core part 251 may be located in a first chamber C1 between a first case 22 and a second case 23. The lower end of the first core part 251 may be supported by a supporter 227.

[0155] The second core part 252 protrudes upward from the first core part 251. The second core part 252 may be exposed to the outside of the first chamber C1 through the liquid inlet 235. The second core part 252 may protrude upward through the liquid inlet 235 and the first core sealing portion 265.

[0156] Referring to Figure 7, the heater 2531 can be coupled to the first core part 251. The heater 2531 heats the first core part 251. The first terminals 2533 formed at both ends of the heater 2531 contact the second terminals 223, thereby electrically connecting the heater 2531 and the second terminals 233.

[0157] The supporter 227 protrudes upward from the bottom of the first case 22. The supporter 227 may be formed around the second terminal 223. Multiple supporters 227 may be provided and arranged around the second terminal 223. The supporter 227 includes a first supporter 227a and a second supporter 227b. The first supporter 227a and the second supporter 227b may be located in a region corresponding to the lower corner of the first core part 251.

[0158] The first supporter 227a and the second supporter 227b may be spaced apart from each other. The second supporter 227b is formed adjacent to the first airflow outlet 242. The second supporter 227b may be formed between the second terminal 223 and the first airflow inlet 241. The second supporters 227b may be formed in pairs. The pair of second supporters 227b may be spaced apart from each other, forming a first gap 227c between them. The first supporter 227a and the second supporter 227b may be spaced apart from each other, forming a second gap 227d between them.

[0159] The sealer 26 may be bonded to the upper side of the first container 20. The sealing plate 261 of the sealer 26 can 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.

[0160] The sealer 26 includes a first core sealing portion 265. The first core sealing portion 265 may be formed by opening the sealing plate 261 at a position corresponding to the liquid inlet 235. The first core sealing portion 265 may form one inner circumferential surface of the sealing plate 261. The first core sealing portion 265 has a shape corresponding to the peripheral surface 235a surrounding the liquid inlet 235. The first core 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 core part 252 passes through the first core sealing portion 265 and protrudes above the liquid inlet 235.

[0161] The sealer 26 includes a second core sealing portion 262. The second core sealing portion 262 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the sealing plate 261. The second core sealing portion 262 may be formed below the first core sealing portion 265 or below the periphery of the first core sealing portion 265. The second core sealing portion 262 extends along the periphery of the first core sealing portion 265.

[0162] The sealer 26 includes sealing walls 266, 267 that project upward from the upper surface of the sealing plate 261. The sealing walls 266, 267 surround the liquid inlet 235 and the periphery of the first core sealing section 265. The sealing walls 266, 267 may extend along the periphery of the first core sealing section 265 and form a periphery. Multiple 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 core sealing section 265, and a second sealing wall 267 spaced outward from the first sealing wall 266. The second sealing wall 267 projects higher above the first sealing wall 266. The second sealing wall 267 can surround the first sealing wall 266.

[0163] The sealer 26 includes an airflow sealing section 268. The airflow sealing section 268 can surround the periphery of the first airflow outlet 242. The airflow sealing section 268 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the sealing plate 261. The second sealing wall 267 protrudes higher than the airflow sealing section 268. The airflow sealing section 268 may be formed on the outside of the sealing walls 266, 267.

[0164] The core 25 can be formed from a porous, rigid body that absorbs liquid. For example, the core 25 may be formed from a porous ceramic. The core 25 is more rigid or heat-resistant than a cotton core.

[0165] As a result, the core 25 does not deform or deforms very little, and can be realized in various shapes. In addition, 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.

[0166] The first core part 251 may extend horizontally to one side. The first core part 251 has a hexahedral shape. The top surface of the first core part 251 may be formed horizontally. The bottom surface of the first core part 251 may be formed horizontally. The side surfaces of the first core part 251 are formed between the top and bottom periphery and define the periphery of the first core part 251. The side surfaces of the first core part 251 are named the peripheral surfaces of the first core part 251.

[0167] 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 and lower periphery 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.

[0168] The first core part 251 may be larger than the second core part 252. The periphery of the top surface of the first core part 251 is larger than the periphery of the top 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.

[0169] The first core part 251 may further protrude horizontally outward by a certain width 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.

[0170] The heater 2531 may be attached to the first core part 251. The heater 2531 may form a pattern on the underside of the first core part 251. The heater 2531 can form various patterns along the longitudinal direction of the first core part 251. Both ends of the heater 2531 are adjacent to both ends of the first core part 251.

[0171] A pair of first terminals 2533 may be formed at 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 from the lower side of the first core part 251.

[0172] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first container of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0173] Referring to Figure 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 side by side. The core 25 is located 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.

[0174] The first terminal 2533 contacts the second terminal 223, electrically connecting the heater 2531 and 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.

[0175] The lower part of the first core part 251 is supported by the supporter 227. The upper surface 2511 of the first core part 251 is supported around the liquid inlet 235 by the lower part of the second case 23 and / or the second core sealing part 262. The periphery of the side portion 2522 of the second core part 252 is supported by the peripheral surface 235a of the liquid inlet 235 and / or the inner surface of the first core sealing part 265.

[0176] Therefore, core 25 is fixed to the first container 20.

[0177] The supporter 227 can separate the first core part 251 upward from the bottom of the first chamber C1. The supporter 227 may be positioned around the heater 2531. The supporter 227 forms gaps 227c, 227d that connect the heater 2531, which is attached to the lower surface 2513 of the first core part 251, 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.

[0178] Supporter 227 includes a first supporter 227a and a second supporter 227b. The second supporter 227b may be positioned more adjacent to the first airflow inlet 241 and the first airflow outlet 242 than the first supporter 227a. The first airflow inlet 241 and the first airflow outlet 242 may be adjacent to the left side of the first core part 251. The first supporter 227a extends along the right-hand corner between the bottom surface 2513 and the side surface 2512 of the first core part 251. The first supporter 227a may support the periphery of the right-hand corner between the bottom surface 2513 and the side surface 2512 of the first core part 251. A pair of second supporters 227b may support the periphery of the left-hand apex of the first core part 251.

[0179] A pair of second supporters 227b are separated from each other, forming a first gap 227c through which air can flow between the periphery of the heater 2531 and the first airflow outlet 242. The first supporter 227a and the second supporter 227b are separated from each other, forming a second gap 227d through which air can flow between the periphery of the heater 2531 and the first airflow outlet 242. The first gap 227c and the second gap 227d may be formed around the lower surface 2513 of the first core part 251.

[0180] As a result, the aerosol generated in the core 25 and the surrounding air can flow smoothly towards the first airflow outlet 242 by passing around the pair of supporters 227.

[0181] The first core sealing portion 265 may be positioned between the peripheral surface 2522 of the second core part 252 and the peripheral surface 235a of the liquid inlet 235. The inner peripheral surface of the first core sealing portion 265 may be in close contact with the peripheral surface 2522 of the second core part 252. The first core sealing portion 265 seals the space between the peripheral surface 2522 of the second core part 252 and the peripheral surface 235a of the liquid inlet 235.

[0182] The periphery of the upper surface 2511 of the first core part 251 is larger than the periphery of the liquid inlet 235. The periphery of the upper surface 2511 of the first core part 251 may be formed horizontally outward from the periphery of the liquid inlet 235. The end portion of the first core part 251 can absorb liquid leaking between the liquid inlet 235 and the peripheral surface 2522 of the second core part 252.

[0183] The second core sealing portion 262 protrudes downward from the vicinity of the liquid inlet 235 toward the upper surface 2511 of the first core part 251. The second core sealing portion 262 may be in close contact with the upper surface 2511 of the first core part 251. The second core sealing portion 262 can support the upper surface 2511 of the first core part 251.

[0184] Therefore, the liquid supplied from the second container 30 to the core 25 is not absorbed by the core 25 and is prevented from leaking into the first chamber C1 through the space between the second core part 252 and the peripheral surface 235a of the liquid inlet 235.

[0185] Figure 9 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the first and second containers of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 10 is a combined cross-sectional view of the first and second containers of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the airflow channel of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0186] Referring to Figure 9, the second container 30 provides a second chamber C2 for storing liquid. The liquid outlet 314 is formed by opening the second chamber C2. The liquid outlet 314 may be formed at the bottom of the second chamber C2. The liquid outlet 314 may consist of multiple holes. The liquid stored in the second chamber C2 is discharged through the liquid outlet 314.

[0187] The absorbent portion 316 can block the lower part of the liquid outlet 314. The absorbent portion 316 can absorb the liquid that has passed through the liquid outlet 314. For example, the absorbent portion 316 may be made of felt material.

[0188] The bracket 317 protrudes from around the liquid outlet 314 toward the lower side of the second container 30. The bracket 317 can surround the side periphery of the absorbent portion 316. The absorbent portion 316 may be exposed from the bracket 317 toward the lower side of the second container 30. The bracket 317 may fix the absorbent portion 316 to the lower part of the second container 30. The bracket 317 may support the lower periphery of the absorbent portion 316 in a hook-like manner.

[0189] The film can be detachably attached to the lower surface of the absorbent section 316. The edges 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 leakage from the absorbent section 316. Before joining the second container 30 to the first container 20, the user can peel the film off the absorbent section 316.

[0190] The recess 315 may be formed by recessing the lower surface 312 of the second container 30 upwards. The groove formed by the recess 315 can surround the periphery of the bracket 317.

[0191] 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. In a different example, the hook 135 may be formed by protruding the outer wall of the second container 30. In a different example, the second container 30 may include a magnet or a ferromagnetic material.

[0192] The second container 30 can 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 on the underside. The other end of the airflow discharge channel 340 may be open on the upper side. One end of the airflow discharge channel 340 may be formed by opening the bottom surface 312 of the second container 30. The other end of the airflow discharge channel 340 can communicate with a second airflow outlet 354 formed inside the mouthpiece 35. The airflow discharge channel 340 is named the second channel CN2.

[0193] Referring to Figure 10, the first container 20 can be detachably coupled to the body 10. The first coupler 151 may detachably couple the first container 20 and 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 coupling to the body 10 via the second coupler 152. The second container 30 may be coupled to the upper side of the first container 20.

[0194] When the second container 30 is coupled with the first container 20, the second container 30 supplies liquid to the core 25. The liquid stored in the second chamber C2 passes through the liquid outlet 314 and is absorbed into the absorbent section 316. The absorbent section 316, having absorbed the liquid, can then come into contact with the second core part 252 and transfer the liquid. The liquid absorbed into the second core part 252 diffuses into the first core part 251. The heater 2531 can heat the first core part 251, which has absorbed the liquid, to generate an aerosol.

[0195] The sealer 26 can seal around the liquid inlet 235 where the core 25 is exposed from the first chamber C1. Once the second container 30 is coupled to the top of the first container 20, the sealer 26 can seal between the first container 20 and the second container 30.

[0196] The sealing walls 266 and 267 protrude toward the second container 30. The sealing walls 266 and 267 may be in close contact with the second container 30. The sealing walls 266 and 267 can surround the liquid inlet 235.

[0197] This prevents the liquid discharged from the second container 30 from leaking into the gap between the first container 20 and the second container 30.

[0198] The first sealing wall 266 can surround the liquid inlet 235 and the periphery 2522 of the second core part 252. The first sealing wall 266 may be in close contact with the bottom 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 a bracket 317. The bracket 317 and the first sealing wall 266 surround the periphery 2522 of the second core part 252. Thus, the bracket 317 not only secures the absorbent part 316 but can also pressurize the first sealing wall 266 to seal around the second core part 252 and the liquid inlet 235.

[0199] The second sealing wall 267 protrudes higher than the first sealing wall 266. The second sealing wall 267 is positioned horizontally outside 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 bottom of the second container 30. The second sealing wall 267 may be inserted into a groove formed by the recess 315 and be in close contact with the recess 315.

[0200] Therefore, the first sealing wall 266 can seal the area around the second core part 252 and the liquid inlet 235. Furthermore, even if the liquid flows outside the first sealing wall 266, it will be sealed by the second sealing wall 267.

[0201] Referring to Figure 11, the first channel CN1 may be formed on the left side of the first chamber C1. The core 25 and heater 2531 may be located 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 core 25 with respect to the vertical direction. The core 25 may be spaced apart from the first airflow inlet 241 and the first airflow outlet 242. Unlike the illustration, at least one of the first airflow inlet 241 and the first airflow outlet 242 may be formed by opening the side wall of the first container 20 in the first channel CN1.

[0202] When the first container 20 is coupled to the body 10, the second airflow inlet 1411, which is formed by an opening on one side of the body 10, communicates with the first airflow inlet 241. The space between the body 10 and the first container 20 can be sealed around the second airflow inlet 1411. For example, the hook 125 can seal the space between the body 10 and the first container 20 around the second airflow inlet 1411.

[0203] When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, the first airflow outlet 242 and the lower section of the second channel CN2 can communicate. The first channel CN1 and the second channel CN2 communicate to form a single flow path CN. The second channel CN2 can communicate with the second airflow outlet 354.

[0204] When a user bites down on the mouthpiece 35 and inhales air, external air is supplied to the user by passing through the second airflow inlet 1411, the first channel CN1, the second channel CN2, and the second airflow outlet 354 in that order. Aerosols may be generated in the first chamber C1, which is separated from the first channel CN1. The air passing through the first channel CN1 flows together with the air and aerosols in the first chamber C1 due to the difference between the inhalation force and the pressure. The air and aerosols flow into the first channel CN1 by passing through the first gap 227c and the second gap 227d between the supporters 227.

[0205] Therefore, by directing air flow to only 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 generator. In addition, the structure supporting the core 25 can reduce resistance to airflow.

[0206] The airflow sealing section 268 may be in close contact with the lower part of the second container 30 around the lower section of the second channel CN2. The airflow sealing section 268 can surround the lower section of the second channel CN2 and the area around the first airflow outlet 242. The airflow sealing section 268 can seal the space between the first container 20 and the second container 30 around the lower section of the airflow discharge passage 340 and the area around the first airflow outlet 242.

[0207] This prevents air passing through the airflow discharge channel 340 at the first airflow outlet 242 from leaking between the first container 20 and the second container 30, thereby improving the airflow efficiency.

[0208] In this document, terms such as “substantially,” “approximately,” “generally,” and “about” used to refer to a given parameter, attribute, or condition include the degree to which a person skilled in the art can understand that the given parameter, attribute, or condition is satisfied with a small degree of variance, such as within a sufficient manufacturing tolerance. For example, any particular parameter that is substantially satisfied may be satisfied at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least 99%.

[0209] Figure 12 is a diagram showing a cross-section of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. Figure 13 is a diagram showing a plan view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. Figure 14 is a diagram showing a partial cross-section of a heater according to one embodiment.

[0210] Referring to Figures 12 to 14, the aerosol generator 400 includes a housing 410 described as “Body”. The housing 410 may include a mouth end 411 and a device end (not shown) opposite to the mouth end 411. The housing 410 includes a mouthpiece 412. The mouthpiece 412 may be located on or adjacent to the mouth end 411. The housing 410 includes an airflow path P connected to the mouthpiece 412.

[0211] The aerosol generator 400 includes a chamber 420. The chamber 420 can be configured to be coupled into 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 may contain at least partially the same components. The first liquid-phase composition and the second liquid-phase composition may consist of different components.

[0212] The first reservoir 421 and the second reservoir 422 may be arranged in the circumferential direction of the housing 410 (for example, in the circumferential direction with respect 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 external airflow channel P1 defined between one side surface of the first reservoir 421 (for example, the clockwise side surface with respect to the Z axis in Figure 1) and one side surface of the second reservoir 422 (for example, the counterclockwise side surface with respect to the Z axis in Figure 13). The airflow path P includes a second external airflow channel P2 positioned opposite the first external airflow channel P1 with respect to the axis of the housing 410 (for example, the central axis or the Z axis). The second external airflow channel P2 is defined between the opposite side surface of the first reservoir 421 (for example, the side surface counterclockwise with respect to the Z axis in Figure 13) and the opposite side surface of the second reservoir 422 (for example, the side surface clockwise with respect to the Z axis in Figure 13). The first external airflow channel P1 and the second external airflow channel P2 may be integrated into a single airflow channel connected to the mouthpiece 412.

[0213] In embodiments not shown, the chamber 420 may include a single reservoir 421 or 422. In embodiments not shown, the chamber 420 may include three or more reservoirs.

[0214] The aerosol generator 400 includes at least one heater 430. The heater 430 is configured to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Surface plasmon resonance refers to the collective vibration of electrons propagating along the interface of metal particles with the medium. For example, the collective vibration of electrons in metal particles can be generated by light propagating outside the heater 430. The excitation of electrons in metal particles generates thermal energy, which can be transmitted within the environment in which the heater 430 is applied.

[0215] In embodiments not shown, the aerosol generator 400 may include a plurality of heaters 430. The plurality of heaters 430 can increase the amount of aerosol-generating material transmitted from the chamber 420 that undergoes a phase change into an aerosol.

[0216] The heat generated from the heater 430 causes the aerosol-generating material held in the core 440 to undergo a phase change into an aerosol.

[0217] The heater 430 includes a substrate 431. The substrate 431 includes a first end 431A positioned toward the mouse end 411 or mouthpiece 412. The first end 431A may include a substantially closed surface or a substantially closed surface. The first end 431A can substantially prevent light from passing through the first end 431A. The substrate 431 may include a second end 431B positioned toward the device end (not shown). The second end 431B may be positioned 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 portion 431C extending between the first end 431A and the second end 431B. The first end 431A, the second end 431B and the side portion 431C substantially define the cylindrical shape of the substrate 431. The substrate 431 may include an external surface F1. At least a portion of the external surface F1 (e.g., an external side surface) may face at least partially one of the first reservoir 421 and the second reservoir 422. The substrate 431 may include an internal surface F2. The internal surface F2 may be positioned opposite the external surface F1. The internal surface F2 defines a cavity 431D. The cavity 431D may have a substantially cylindrical space.

[0218] The substrate 431 may be formed from a variety of materials. For example, the substrate 431 may be formed from a metallic 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 from one of glass, silicon (Si), silicon oxide (SiO2), and sapphire, or a combination thereof. The substrate 431 may include a material having a relatively low heat transfer coefficient. This ensures that heat is transferred to only a portion of the substrate 431.

[0219] The substrate 431 exhibits electrical conductivity. The substrate 431 may also exhibit electrical insulation properties.

[0220] The substrate 431 can be formed from a material having any thermal conductivity suitable for use in the environment in which the heater 430 is placed. For example, the 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. The 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.

[0221] The heater 430 includes a metal layer 432 disposed on the internal surface F2. The metal layer 432 may contain multiple metal particles. The electrons constituting each of the multiple metal particles vibrate collectively when they receive light. The excitation of electrons can generate thermal energy.

[0222] Multiple metal particles have nanoscale sizes. For example, multiple metal particles may have an average maximum diameter of about 1 μm or less. Multiple 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.

[0223] The multiple metal particles may be formed from any material suitable for generating heat. For example, the multiple metal particles may include at least one or a combination thereof from gold, silver, copper, palladium, platinum, aluminum, titanium, nickel, chromium, iron, cobalt, manganese, rhodium, and ruthenium.

[0224] Multiple metal particles can be formed from any material suitable for interacting with light in a specific wavelength range (e.g., the visible light wavelength range, i.e., approximately 380 nm to approximately 780 nm) to generate heat. For example, the multiple metal particles may include at least one or a combination thereof from gold, silver, copper, palladium, and platinum.

[0225] The multiple metal particles may be formed from a metallic material having an average maximum absorbance, where the average maximum absorbance is defined as the absorbance having a substantially peak in a specific wavelength band. The specific wavelength band corresponding to the absorbance is understood as the wavelength band in which the multiple metal particles resonate. For example, the multiple metal particles may be formed from a metallic material having an average maximum absorbance in the wavelength bands between approximately 430 nm and approximately 450 nm, between approximately 480 nm and approximately 500 nm, between approximately 490 nm and approximately 510 nm, between approximately 500 nm and approximately 520 nm, between approximately 550 nm and approximately 570 nm, between approximately 600 nm and approximately 620 nm, between approximately 620 nm and approximately 640 nm, between approximately 630 nm and approximately 650 nm, between approximately 640 nm and approximately 660 nm, between approximately 680 nm and approximately 700 nm, or between approximately 700 nm and approximately 750 nm. The average maximum absorbance of multiple metal particles depends not only on the metal material but also on the type of substrate 431, the size of the metal layer 432, and / or the shape of the metal layer 432.

[0226] The metal layer 432 may be approximately 10 nm or less in thickness. Having a metal layer 432 with a thickness exceeding 10 nm can reduce the exothermic reaction of the multiple metal particles forming the metal layer 432, and consequently reduce the thermal efficiency of the heater 430.

[0227] The heater 430 includes an absorbing layer 433 configured to absorb light. The absorbing layer 433 is configured to absorb light transmitted through the substrate 431 in the direction from the inner surface F2 to the outer surface F1. The absorbing layer 433 can improve the light utilization efficiency of the heater 430. The absorbing layer 433 may be placed on or over the outer surface F1. The absorbing layer 433 is placed substantially over the entire area of ​​the outer surface F1. The absorbing layer 433 may be placed in local areas of the outer surface F1 (e.g., the 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 aerosols inhaled by the user. The absorbing layer 433 may contain a material of a relatively high saturation color (e.g., black). For example, the absorption layer 433 may have heat resistance of approximately 800 degrees Celsius.

[0228] The heater 430 includes a reflective layer 434. The reflective layer 434 can be configured to reflect light transmitted through the substrate 431 in the direction from the inner surface F2 to the outer surface F1 toward the inner surface F2. The reflective layer 434 may be placed on the absorbing layer 433. In embodiments not shown, the reflective layer 434 may be spaced over the absorbing layer 433. The reflective layer 434 may be placed substantially over the entire area of ​​the absorbing layer 433. The reflective layer 434 may be placed in local areas of the absorbing layer 433. The reflective layer 434 may contain any material suitable for reflecting light. For example, the reflective layer 434 may contain at least one of gold, silver, copper, or any other metallic material suitable for reflection, or a combination thereof. The reflective layer 434 may have any thickness suitable for reflecting light. For example, the thickness of the reflective layer 434 may be about 10 nm or less.

[0229] 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 embodiments not shown, a gap is formed between the heat transfer plate 435 and the core 440, and the heat transfer plate 435 can transfer heat to the core 440 by convection or radiation. The heat transfer plate 435 may be made of a metallic material. For example, the heat transfer plate 435 may be made of aluminum or copper.

[0230] The heater 430 can be configured to be separate from the chamber 420. The heater 430 is not included in the cartridge containing the chamber 420 (for example, cartridge 19 in Figures 1 to 11). This reduces the manufacturing cost of the cartridge during production and allows for the semi-permanent use of the heater 430.

[0231] The aerosol generator 400 includes a core 440. The core 440 is configured to transfer aerosol-generating material from the chamber 420 to the heater 430. The heat generated from the heater 430 causes the aerosol-generating material held in the core 440 to undergo a phase change into an aerosol. The core 440 includes a first core end 441 connected to at least one of the first reservoir 421 and the second reservoir 422. The core 440 may also include a second core end 442 opposite to the first core end 441. The second core end 442 is substantially in the same plane as the second end 431B of the substrate 431. In embodiments not shown, the second core end 442 may be at any position on the outer surface F1. The core 440 includes a core extension 443 extending along the outer surface F1 (e.g., the outer side surface) between the first core end 441 and the second core end 442. The core extension portion 443 may be in at least partial contact with the outer surface F1.

[0232] The aerosol generator 400 includes an optical fiber 450. The optical fiber 450 is configured to transmit light generated from a light source (not shown) to a heater 430. The optical fiber 450 may be coupled to an aperture 431B1. Light passing through the aperture 431B1 via the optical fiber 450 enters the cavity 431D and travels toward the inner surface of the substrate 431.

[0233] The optical fiber 450 is coupled so as to be in close contact with the aperture 431B1. This can increase the efficiency of light passing through the optical fiber 450 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, and consequently reduces the heat loss of the heater 430, ensuring the thermal stability of the heater 430.

[0234] The aerosol generator 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 band, the visible light band and / or the infrared band. The aerosol generator 400 may use an external light source located outside the aerosol generator 400 without an internal light source.

[0235] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. Figure 16 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of a heater, wick, and spacer according to one embodiment.

[0236] Referring to Figures 15 to 17, the aerosol generator 400-1 includes a housing 410, a chamber 420, and a heater 430-1. The chamber 420 includes a first reservoir 421 and a second reservoir 422. In embodiments not shown, the chamber 420 may include a single reservoir 421 or 422. In embodiments not shown, the chamber 420 may include three or more reservoirs.

[0237] The heater 430-1 includes a substrate 431-1. The substrate 431-1 includes a first end 431A, a second end 431B, a side 431C, an outer surface F1, and an inner surface F2. The inner surface F2 defines a cavity 431D. The substrate 431-1 includes a groove G formed in the side 431C of the substrate 431-1. The groove G extends from the second end 431B to the first end 431A of the substrate 431-1. The groove G extends linearly along the outer surface F1 of the substrate 431-1. The cross-section of the groove G may include a substantially rectangular shape. In embodiments not shown, the cross-section of the groove G may include a substantially semicircular shape. The cross-section of the groove G may include a variety of shapes not shown.

[0238] The substrate 431-1 includes a plurality of grooves G. The plurality of grooves G may be substantially parallel to each other. The spacing between two adjacent grooves G may be the same as the spacing between two different adjacent grooves G.

[0239] The cross-sectional area of ​​one groove G may be 1 / 10 or less, 1 / 15 or less, 1 / 20 or less, 1 / 25 or less, 1 / 30 or less, 1 / 50 or less, or 1 / 100 or less of the cross-sectional area of ​​the first end portion 431A of the substrate 431-1.

[0240] The airflow path P includes an internal airflow channel P3 defined by grooves G. The internal airflow channel P3 is defined by multiple grooves G. The first external airflow channel P1, the second external airflow channel P2, and the internal airflow channel P3 are integrated into a single airflow channel connected to the mouthpiece 412. In embodiments not shown, the airflow path may include a single external airflow channel P1 or P2, or may include only the internal airflow channel P3 without the external airflow channels P1 or P2.

[0241] The internal airflow channel P3 is configured to guide the flow of at least a portion of the aerosol generated when the aerosol-generating material transmitted from the core 440 is heated by the heater 430-1. The internal airflow channel P3 is configured to guide air along the outer surface F1 in the direction from the second end 431B to the first end 431A of the substrate 431-1 (e.g., the +Z direction). The internal airflow channel P3 provides a space for aerosol generation between the heater 430-1 and the core 440. The internal airflow channel P3 can increase the amount by which the heater 430-1 phase-changes the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol.

[0242] The aerosol generator 400-1 includes a core 440. The core 440 includes a first core portion 440A that at least partially faces the first reservoir 421. The first core portion 440A has a first thickness between its internal surface (e.g., the surface facing the spacer 460) and the surface facing the first reservoir 421.

[0243] The core 440 includes a second core portion 440B that at least partially faces the first external airflow channel P1. The second core portion 440B has a second thickness smaller than the first thickness between its internal surface (e.g., the surface facing the spacer 460) and the surface facing the first external airflow channel P1. Aerosols that have undergone phase change in the second core portion 440B are transferred to the first external airflow channel P1 or the internal airflow channel P3. The amount of aerosol-generating material that undergoes phase change in the second core portion 440B is greater than the amount of aerosol-generating material that undergoes phase change in the first core portion 440A. Aerosol-generating material transferred from the first reservoir 421 to the first core portion 440A is transferred to the second core portion 440B (or the fourth core portion 440D).

[0244] The core 440 includes a third core portion 440C that at least partially faces the second reservoir 422. The third core portion 440C has a third thickness between its internal surface (e.g., the surface facing the spacer 460) and the surface facing the second reservoir 422.

[0245] The core 440 includes a fourth core portion 440D that at least partially faces the second external airflow channel P2. The fourth core portion 440D has a fourth thickness less than the third thickness between its internal surface (e.g., the surface facing the spacer 460) and the surface facing the second external airflow channel P2. Aerosols that have undergone phase change in the fourth core portion 440D are transferred to the second external airflow channel P2 or the internal airflow channel P3. The amount of aerosol-generating material that undergoes phase change in the fourth core portion 440D is greater than the amount of aerosol-generating material that undergoes phase change in the third core portion 440C. Aerosol-generating material transferred from the second reservoir 422 to the third core portion 440C is transferred to the fourth core portion 440D (or the second core portion 440B).

[0246] The first core portion 440A, the second core portion 440B, the third core portion 440C, and the fourth core portion 440D may be arranged in the peripheral direction of the housing 410 (for example, in the peripheral direction with respect to the Z axis).

[0247] The first and third thicknesses may be substantially the same. The second and fourth thicknesses may be substantially the same.

[0248] The core 440 includes a cotton core configured to absorb liquid. The core 440 may also include a porous rigid body configured to absorb liquid. The core 440 may also include a ceramic material.

[0249] The aerosol generator 400-1 may include a spacer 460 positioned between the heater 430-1 and the core 440, configured to separate the substrate 431-1 and the core 440. The spacer 460 provides a space between the heater 430-1 and the core 440 for aerosol generation. The spacer 460 is configured to transfer heat generated from the heater 430-1 to the core 440. The spacer 460 may transfer heat by conduction, convection, or radiation.

[0250] The spacer 460 includes a plurality of first longitudinal members 461 extending in a direction toward the first end 431A of the substrate 431-1 (e.g., the +Z direction). The spacer 460 also includes a plurality of second longitudinal members 462 extending in a peripheral direction of the substrate 431-1 (e.g., the peripheral direction relative to the Z axis) perpendicular to the direction toward the first end 431A. The plurality of first longitudinal members 461 and the plurality of second longitudinal members may be intertwined with each other to form a plurality of pores O. The plurality of pores O provide spaces for aerosol generation.

[0251] In embodiments not shown, each of the plurality of first longitudinal members 461 and the plurality of second longitudinal members 462 may extend in a different direction than in the shown embodiment. In embodiments not shown, the spacer 460 may include only the first longitudinal members 461 and not the second longitudinal members 462. In embodiments not shown, the spacer 460 may be positioned to face only a portion of the core 440 (for example, a first core portion 440A, a second core portion 440B, a third core portion 440C, or a fourth core portion 440D).

[0252] The spacer 460 may contain a heat accelerator with relatively high thermal conductivity. The heat accelerator increases the amount of heat transferred from the heater 430-1 to the core 440, thereby improving the thermal efficiency of the heater 430-1. The heat accelerator may have a thermal conductivity of approximately 16 W / mK or more, approximately 20 W / mK or more, approximately 29 W / mK or more, approximately 32 W / mK or more, approximately 54 W / mK or more, approximately 70 W / mK or more, approximately 80 W / mK, approximately 180 W / mK or more, approximately 250 W / mK, approximately 310 W / mK or more, or approximately 400 W / mK or more at a pressure of 1 bar and a temperature of 25°C. The spacer 460 may contain a metallic substance. For example, the spacer 460 may contain aluminum or copper.

[0253] Although not explicitly shown in the drawings, the length of the first longitudinal member 461 extending in the longitudinal direction may be substantially the same as the length of the core extension 443. In embodiments not shown, the length of the first longitudinal member 461 extending in the longitudinal direction is less than the length of the core extension 443. In embodiments not shown, the length of the first longitudinal member 461 extending in the longitudinal direction is greater than the length of the core extension 443.

[0254] Figure 18 shows a heater according to one embodiment.

[0255] Referring to Figure 18, the aerosol generator 400-2 includes a heater 430-2. The heater 430-2 includes a substrate 431-2. The substrate 431-2 may include a groove G extending spirally along the outer surface F1 of the substrate 431-2. The internal airflow channel P3 is defined by the spiral groove G. The aerosol, which has undergone a phase change due to the heat generated from the heater 430-2, may flow spirally along the spiral groove G.

[0256] In embodiments not shown, the groove G may extend in any shape (for example, a meandering shape) from the second end 431B to the first end 431A at the side 431C of the substrate 431-2.

[0257] Figure 19 shows a heater according to one embodiment.

[0258] Referring to Figure 19, the aerosol generator 400-3 includes a heater 430-3. The heater 430-3 includes a substrate 431. The aerosol generator 400-3 includes a mount M positioned between the substrate 431 and a core (e.g., core 440 in Figures 15-17). An internal airflow channel P3 may be provided in the mount M. The mount M provides a space for aerosol generation between the heater 430-1 and the core 440.

[0259] The mount M includes grooves G. The mount M includes multiple grooves G. The grooves G may face at least partially the core (e.g., the core 440 in Figures 15-17). The internal airflow channel P3 is defined by the grooves G. The grooves G may extend in the mount M in a direction substantially parallel to the direction from the second end 431B to the first end 431A of the substrate 431. The grooves G guide the aerosol in the mount M in the direction from the second end 431B to the first end 431A.

[0260] In embodiments not shown, the groove G may extend helically in the mount M. The internal airflow channel P3 is defined by the helically extending groove G.

[0261] Mount M is positioned on the side portion 431C of the substrate 431. Mount M may extend from the second end portion 431B to the first end portion 431A of the substrate 431. Mount M may also extend linearly along the outer surface F1 of the substrate 431.

[0262] The cross-sectional area of ​​mount M may be 1 / 2 or less, 1 / 5 or less, 1 / 10 or less, 1 / 15 or less, 1 / 20 or less, 1 / 25 or less, 1 / 30 or less, 1 / 50 or less, or 1 / 100 or less of the cross-sectional area of ​​the first end 431A of the substrate 431.

[0263] Any or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are mutually exclusive or indistinguishable from each other. Any or other embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in combination or in combination with each other in terms of their respective configurations or functions.

[0264] For example, it means that a configuration B described in a different embodiment and / or drawing may be combined with a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, it means that combinations between configurations are possible unless explicitly stated that they cannot be combined, even if not directly described.

[0265] The above detailed description should not be construed restrictively in any respect, but should be considered illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A chamber comprising a first reservoir configured to hold an aerosol-generating material and a first external airflow channel configured to guide the generated aerosol, A core configured to transmit the aerosol-generating substance from the chamber, A heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating substance transmitted from the core by surface plasmon resonance, wherein the heater is As a substrate including a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a side portion extending between the first end and the second end, the substrate includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface, Multiple metal particles arranged on the aforementioned internal surface, An internal airflow channel configured to guide air along the outer surface in a direction from the second end toward the first end, an aerosol generating apparatus including the heater, which includes the heater.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the substrate further includes grooves formed on the side, and the internal airflow channels are arranged in the grooves.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the groove extends linearly along the outer surface.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the groove extends spirally along the outer surface.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the substrate further includes a plurality of grooves, internal airflow channels are arranged in the plurality of grooves, and the plurality of grooves are substantially parallel to each other.

6. The internal airflow channel is formed on the outer surface of the substrate, and the aerosol generating apparatus is as described in claim 1.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mount disposed between the substrate and the core, wherein the internal airflow channel is disposed in the mount.

8. The aforementioned core is Facing the first reservoir, a first core portion having a first thickness, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a second core portion facing the first external airflow channel and having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness.

9. The aforementioned chamber is A second reservoir opposite to the first reservoir, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a second external airflow channel defined between the first reservoir and the second reservoir and opposite to the first external airflow channel.

10. The aforementioned core is Facing the second reservoir, a third core portion having a third thickness, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a fourth core portion facing the second external airflow channel and having a fourth thickness smaller than the third thickness.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the first core portion, the second core portion, the third core portion, and the fourth core portion are arranged in the peripheral direction of the substrate.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the core comprises a ceramic material.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a spacer disposed between the core and the heater to separate the substrate and the core.

14. The previous spacer is A plurality of first longitudinal members extending in a first direction from the second end toward the first end, The substrate includes a plurality of second longitudinal members extending in a second direction along the periphery of the substrate, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of first longitudinal members and the second longitudinal members are intertwined with each other to form a plurality of pores.

15. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the spacer contains a heat accelerator.

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