Aerosol generating apparatus including ceramic core and heater

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a reservoir configured to store an aerosol generating substance, a ceramic core containing a ceramic material configured to receive the aerosol generating substance from the reservoir, and a heater positioned on the ceramic core, configured to heat the aerosol generating substance by surface plasmon resonance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure generally relates to aerosol generating devices, for example, aerosol generating devices including a ceramic core and a heater.

Background Art

[0002] In order to achieve atomization performance, techniques for allowing an air flow to flow into an aerosol generating article have been developed. For example, aerosol generating devices of a type that generate aerosol from an aerosol generating article in a non-combustion manner have been developed. The background art described above cannot necessarily be said to be publicly known technology that was publicly disclosed 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 an aerosol generating device including a ceramic core. One aspect of the disclosure is to provide a heater that heats an aerosol generating substance by surface plasmon resonance. One aspect of the disclosure is to provide a heater that improves light utilization efficiency. One aspect of the disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device including a heater with increased durability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The aerosol generating device can include a reservoir configured to store an aerosol generating substance, a ceramic core including a ceramic material configured to be supplied with the aerosol generating substance from the reservoir, and a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating substance by surface plasmon resonance and disposed on the ceramic core.

[0005] The heater can include a substrate and a plurality of metal particles disposed on the substrate.

[0006] The substrate can be configured to be fitted into the ceramic core.

[0007] The substrate can be attached to the ceramic core.

[0008] The plurality of metal particles can form a metal layer.

[0009] The plurality of metal particles form a plurality of prisms, and the plurality of prisms define a void region surrounded by the plurality of prisms.

[0010] The plurality of metal particles form a substantially single net-shaped structure, and the structure defines a plurality of void regions.

[0011] The plurality of metal particles form a structure of substantially single shape, and the structure defines a void region in a meandering form.

[0012] The ceramic core includes a first core end facing at least a portion of the reservoir, a second core end opposite to the first core end and facing at least a portion of the heater, and a core extension portion extending between the first core end and the second core end, and the heater may include a plurality of metal particles deposited on the second core end.

[0013] The second core end includes a plurality of first regions and a second region different from the plurality of first regions, and the plurality of metal particles can be arranged in the plurality of first regions.

[0014] The aerosol generator may include at least one light source configured to transmit light to the heater.

[0015] The at least one light source includes a light-emitting diode, and the aerosol generating device may further include at least one convex lens positioned between the heater and the at least one light source.

[0016] The at least one light source includes a laser, and the aerosol generating device can include at least one concave lens disposed between the heater and the at least one light source.

[0017] The heater can include a plurality of metal particles of random sizes.

[0018] The aerosol generating device can include an air flow path defined at the side of the reservoir.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to one embodiment, the heater can heat the aerosol generating material by surface plasmon resonance. According to one embodiment, the heater can be fixed at an inner position. The effects of the aerosol generating device including the ceramic core and the heater according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and different effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] The above-mentioned, as well as other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when referring to the accompanying drawings.

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

[0022] [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0031] [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view showing an air flow channel of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

[0033] [Figure 13] It is a plan view of a heater according to an embodiment.

[0034] [Figure 14] It is a plan view of a heater according to an embodiment.

[0035] [Figure 15] This is a plan view of a heater according to one embodiment.

[0036] [Figure 16] This is a plan view of a heater according to one embodiment.

[0037] [Figure 17] This is a plan view of a heater according to one embodiment.

[0038] [Figure 18] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0039] [Figure 19] This is a plan view of a heater according to one embodiment.

[0040] [Figure 20] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0041] [Figure 21] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of an aerosol generating apparatus 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] When the stick S is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 12 controls the power supply time to the heater 18, and can increase 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 cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. Figure 13 is a plan view of a heater according to one embodiment.

[0210] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the aerosol generator 400 includes a control unit 12 and a housing 410 described as “Body”. The housing 410 includes a mouth end 411 and a device end (not shown) opposite the mouth end 411. The housing 410 includes a mouthpiece 412. The mouthpiece 412 may be positioned on or adjacent to the mouth end 411.

[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 reservoir 421. The reservoir 421 can hold an aerosol-generating substance M. The aerosol-generating substance M may include a liquid-phase composition.

[0212] The housing 410 includes an airflow path P connected to the mouthpiece 412. The chamber 420 and the airflow path P may be arranged in the periphery direction of the housing 410 (e.g., periphery direction with respect to the Z axis). The airflow path P is defined between one side surface of the housing 410 and the reservoir 421 (e.g., the surface in the +Y normal direction in Figure 12).

[0213] In embodiments not shown, the chamber 420 may include a plurality of reservoirs 421.

[0214] The aerosol generator 400 includes a wick 430 configured to receive an aerosol-generating substance M from a reservoir 421. The wick 430 may be configured to transfer the aerosol-generating substance from a chamber 420 to a heater 440. Heat generated from the heater 440 can cause the aerosol-generating substance held in the wick 430 to undergo a phase change into an aerosol. The wick 430 includes a first wick end 431 connected to the reservoir 421. The wick 430 includes a second wick end 432 opposite the first wick end 431. The wick 430 includes a wick extension 433 extending between the first wick end 431 and the second wick end 432.

[0215] The core 430 includes a rectangular cross-sectional shape. In embodiments not shown, the core 430 may include a substantially circular or elliptical cross-sectional shape. In embodiments not shown, the core 430 may include a polygonal cross-sectional shape.

[0216] The core 430 contains a ceramic material. The core 430 containing the ceramic material is highly rigid and heat resistant. The core 430 containing the ceramic material can be used repeatedly without being replaced while the chamber 420 is replaced several times. The core 430 containing the ceramic material can be easily fixed in its original position relative to the reservoir 421. Other components (e.g., heater 440) may be fixed to the core 430 containing the ceramic material. The core 430 containing the ceramic material may be configured separately from the chamber 420. The core 430 is not included in the cartridge containing the chamber 420 (e.g., cartridge 19 in Figures 1 to 11). This reduces the manufacturing cost of the cartridge during manufacturing and allows for the semi-permanent use of the core 430.

[0217] The area of ​​the cross-section of the core 430 (e.g., the area of ​​the plane in the +Z normal direction) is smaller than the area of ​​the cross-section of the reservoir 421 (e.g., the area of ​​the plane in the -Z normal direction). In embodiments not shown, the area of ​​the cross-section of the core 430 (e.g., the area of ​​the plane in the +Z normal direction) is substantially the same as the area of ​​the cross-section of the reservoir 421 (e.g., the area of ​​the plane in the -Z normal direction). In embodiments not shown, the area of ​​the cross-section of the core 430 (e.g., the area of ​​the plane in the +Z normal direction) may be larger than the area of ​​the cross-section of the reservoir 421 (e.g., the area of ​​the plane in the -Z normal direction).

[0218] The aerosol generator 400 includes a heater 440. The heater 440 can be 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 440. The excitation of electrons in metal particles generates thermal energy, which can be transmitted within the environment in which the heater 440 is applied.

[0219] The heat generated from the heater 440 causes the aerosol-generating material held in the wick 430 to undergo a phase change into an aerosol.

[0220] The heater 440 includes a substrate 441. The substrate 441 includes a first substrate end 441A connected to a core 430. In one embodiment, the heater 440 includes a bonding layer B that bonds both a second core end 432 and the first substrate end 441A. The bonding layer B may be selected as a material that does not generate gases harmful to the human body when heated by the heater 440. The substrate 441 includes a second substrate end 441B opposite to the first substrate end 441A. The second substrate end 441B may be at least partially open. For example, light emitted from a light source 450 may be transmitted through the second substrate end 441B.

[0221] The substrate 441 may be formed from a variety of materials. For example, the substrate 441 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 441 may be formed from one of glass, silicon (Si), silicon oxide (SiO2), and sapphire, or a combination thereof. The substrate 441 may include a material having a relatively low heat transfer coefficient. This ensures that heat is transferred to only a portion of the substrate 441.

[0222] The substrate 441 exhibits electrical conductivity. The substrate 441 may also exhibit electrical insulation properties.

[0223] The substrate 441 can be formed from a material having any thermal conductivity suitable for use in the environment in which the heater 440 is placed. For example, the substrate 441 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 441 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.

[0224] The heater 440 includes a plurality of metal particles 442 arranged on the substrate 441. The plurality of metal particles 442 can be deposited on the second substrate edge 441B through any suitable deposition process (e.g., physical vapor deposition). The structure in which the plurality of metal particles 442 are deposited on the heater 440 connected to the core 430 does not require a separate connecting component (e.g., lead wires), and the risk of failure due to a separate connecting component (e.g., poor contact of lead wires) can be substantially eliminated. For example, since the core 430 is hard, including ceramic, the heater 440 may be easily attached or bonded by clamping and fitting, and since the heater 440 has a plurality of metal particles 442 arranged via a deposition process, no separate connecting component is required between them. This can increase the durability of the aerosol generator 400.

[0225] The electrons constituting each of the multiple metal particles 442 vibrate collectively when they receive light. This electron excitation can generate thermal energy.

[0226] The multiple metal particles 442 have a nanoscale size. For example, the multiple metal particles 442 may have an average maximum diameter of about 1 μm or less. The multiple metal particles 442 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.

[0227] The multiple metal particles 442 may be formed from any material suitable for generating heat. For example, the multiple metal particles 442 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.

[0228] The multiple metal particles 442 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., about 380 nm to about 780 nm) to generate heat. For example, the multiple metal particles 442 may include at least one or a combination thereof from gold, silver, copper, palladium, and platinum.

[0229] The multiple metal particles 442 may be formed from a metallic material having an average maximum absorbance. Here, the average maximum absorbance is defined as the absorbance having a substantially peak in a particular wavelength band. The particular wavelength band corresponding to the absorbance is understood as the wavelength band in which the multiple metal particles 442 resonate. For example, the multiple metal particles 442 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 442 depends not only on the metal material but also on the type of substrate 441, the size of the metal layer, the shape of the metal layer, the type of core 430, the size of the core 430, and / or the shape of the core 430.

[0230] The multiple metal particles 442 can form a metal layer that substantially covers the entire surface of the second substrate edge 441B. In one embodiment, a metal layer may be placed on the substrate 441 and the metal layer may contain the multiple metal particles 442. In embodiments not shown, the shapes that the multiple metal particles 442 can form are not limited and may form a variety of shapes.

[0231] The metal layer may be approximately 10 nm or less in thickness. Having a metal layer with a thickness exceeding 10 nm reduces the exothermic reaction of the multiple metal particles 442 forming the metal layer, and consequently reduces the thermal efficiency of the heater 440.

[0232] In embodiments not shown, the heater 440 may include an absorbing layer configured to absorb light. The absorbing layer may be configured to absorb light transmitted through the substrate 441 in the direction from the second substrate edge 441B toward the first substrate edge 441A. The absorbing layer can improve the light utilization efficiency of the heater 440. The absorbing layer may be placed on or over the second substrate edge 441B. The absorbing layer may contain a material with a relatively high saturation color (e.g., black). For example, the absorbing layer may have heat resistance up to about 800 degrees Celsius.

[0233] In embodiments not shown, the heater 440 may include a reflective layer. The reflective layer may be configured to reflect light transmitted through the substrate 441 in the direction from the first substrate edge 441A toward the second substrate edge 441B toward the second substrate edge 441B. The reflective layer may be placed (on) on the absorption layer. The reflective layer may include any material suitable for reflecting light. For example, the reflective layer may include at least one or a combination of gold, silver, copper, or any other metallic material suitable for reflection. The reflective layer may have any thickness suitable for reflecting light. For example, the thickness of the reflective layer may be about 10 nm or less.

[0234] In embodiments not shown, the heater 430 may include a heat transfer plate. The heat transfer plate may be configured to transfer heat generated by surface plasmon resonance to the core 430. The heat transfer plate may be placed between the substrate 441 and the core 430. The heat transfer plate may transfer heat by conduction. The heat transfer plate can transfer heat to the core 430 by convection or radiation. The heat transfer plate may be made of a metallic material. For example, the heat transfer plate 435 may be made of aluminum or copper.

[0235] The aerosol generator 400 includes at least one light source 450 configured to emit light. For example, at least one light source 450 may include a light-emitting diode or a laser light source. At least one light source 450 may be configured to transmit light to a heater. In embodiments not shown, the aerosol generator 400 may use an external light source without an internal light source.

[0236] Figure 14 is a plan view of a heater according to one embodiment.

[0237] Referring to Figure 14, the aerosol generator 400-1 includes a wick 430 and a heater 440-1.

[0238] The heater 440-1 includes a substrate 441. The heater 440-1 includes a plurality of metal particles 442-1 arranged at the second substrate edge 441B. The plurality of metal particles 442-1 may form a plurality of metal prisms 443. In one embodiment, a plurality of metal prisms 443 are arranged on the substrate 441, and the plurality of metal prisms 443 may include a plurality of metal particles 442.

[0239] The multiple metal prisms 443 define a void region VA surrounded by the multiple metal prisms 443 on the second substrate edge 441B of the substrate 441. For example, the void region VA may have a substantially circular or elliptical shape, and the multiple metal prisms 443 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the void region VA.

[0240] The void region VA may have an average maximum diameter of approximately 10 nm or more, approximately 50 nm or more, approximately 90 nm or more, approximately 100 nm or more, approximately 150 nm or more, approximately 200 nm or more, approximately 300 nm or more, approximately 350 nm or more, approximately 450 nm or more, or approximately 500 nm or more. The void region VA may have an average maximum diameter of approximately 450 nm or more. The void region VA may have an average maximum diameter of approximately 350 nm or more.

[0241] The void region VA may have an average maximum diameter of approximately 1,000 nm or less, approximately 900 nm or less, approximately 800 nm or less, approximately 700 nm or less, approximately 600 nm or less, or approximately 550 nm or less.

[0242] Multiple metal prisms 443 can be arranged on the second substrate edge 441B of the substrate 441, physically separated from each other. For example, the multiple metal prisms 443 may be spaced apart from each other at intervals determined along the periphery (e.g., circumference) of the void region VA.

[0243] Multiple metal prisms 443 may be spaced substantially the same distance apart from one another. The spacing between adjacent pairs of metal prisms 443 may differ from the spacing between other adjacent pairs of metal prisms.

[0244] Figure 15 is a plan view of a heater according to one embodiment.

[0245] Referring to Figure 15, the aerosol generator 400-2 includes a wick 430 and a heater 440-2.

[0246] The heater 440-2 includes a substrate 441. The heater 440-2 includes a plurality of metal particles 442-2 arranged at the second substrate edge 441B. The plurality of metal particles 442-2 may form a substantially single net-like structure.

[0247] A net-shaped structure defines multiple void regions VA. For example, a net-shaped structure substantially defines the entire periphery (e.g., circumference) of multiple void regions VA.

[0248] Figure 16 is a plan view of a heater according to one embodiment.

[0249] Referring to Figure 16, the aerosol generator 400-3 includes a wick 430 and a heater 440-3.

[0250] The heater 440-3 includes a substrate 441. The heater 440-3 includes a plurality of metal particles 442-3 arranged at the second substrate edge 441B. The plurality of metal particles 442-3 may form a structure of substantially single shape. The structure defines a void region VA with a meandering shape. In embodiments not shown, the void region VA is connected to one end of the second substrate edge 441B (e.g., the +X direction end, the -X direction end, the +Y direction end, or the -Y direction end).

[0251] In embodiments not shown, the multiple metal particles 442-3 may form a meandering structure. For example, in Figure 16, the multiple metal particles 442-3 are arranged in the portion defined by the void region VA, and in Figure 16, the region in which the multiple metal particles 442-3 are arranged is defined as the void region VA.

[0252] Figure 17 is a plan view of a heater according to one embodiment.

[0253] Referring to Figure 17, the aerosol generator 400-4 includes a wick 430 and a heater 440-4.

[0254] The heater 440-4 does not include a substrate (e.g., substrate 441 in Figures 12-16). The heater 440-4 includes a plurality of metal particles 442-4 arranged on the core 430. The plurality of metal particles 442-4 are deposited on the second core end 432 through any suitable deposition process (e.g., physical vapor deposition). The arrangement shape of the plurality of metal particles 442-4 is limited and varied. For example, the plurality of metal particles 442-4 may form a metal layer that substantially covers the entire surface of the second core end 432. In one embodiment, a metal layer is arranged on the core 430, and the metal layer may include the plurality of metal particles 442-4.

[0255] In embodiments not shown, the shape in which the multiple metal particles 442-4 are formed on the core 430 is not limited and may form various shapes.

[0256] Figure 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0257] Referring to Figure 18, the aerosol generator 400-5 includes a core 430-5 and a heater 440-5. The heater 440-5 includes a substrate 441-5 configured to fit into the core 430-5.

[0258] The core 430-5 includes a recess 434 formed in the direction from the second core end 432 toward the first core end (not shown). The width or diameter of the recess 434 (e.g., width or diameter in the X-axis or Y-axis direction) may be substantially the same as the width or diameter of the substrate 441-5 (e.g., width or diameter in the X-axis or Y-axis direction). The second substrate end 441B-5 of the substrate 441-5 is substantially in the same plane as the second core end 432.

[0259] In embodiments not shown, the second substrate end 441B-5 does not have to be substantially on the same plane as the second core end 432.

[0260] Figure 19 is a plan view of a heater according to one embodiment.

[0261] Referring to Figure 19, the aerosol generator 400-6 includes a wick 430 and a heater 440-6.

[0262] The second core end 432 includes a plurality of first regions A1 in which the heater 440-6 is located. The second core end 432 also includes at least one second region A2 that is different from the plurality of first regions A1. The plurality of first regions A1 are not limited and may form various shapes. For example, the plurality of first regions A1 may be defined as regions defined in the plurality of void regions VA in Figure 15 to form a net structure as shown in Figure 15.

[0263] Even if one of the heaters 440-6 located in the first region A1 fails to function, the aerosol generator 400-8 can still operate via the heaters 440-6 located in the other first region A1.

[0264] Selectively, the heater 440-6 may include a substrate (e.g., substrate 441 in Figures 12 to 16). If the heater 440-6 includes a substrate, multiple metal particles (e.g., multiple metal particles 442 in Figures 12 and 13) may be arranged on the substrate. If the heater 440-6 does not include a substrate, multiple metal particles may be arranged on the core 430.

[0265] Figure 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0266] Referring to Figure 20, the aerosol generator 400-7 includes a heater 440 and at least one light source 450-7.

[0267] At least one light source 450-7 includes a laser. The laser has a type and / or size suitable for inclusion in the aerosol generator 400-7. For example, the laser may include a solid-state laser and / or a semiconductor laser.

[0268] The aerosol generator 400-7 includes a concave lens 461 configured to refract light emitted from at least one light source 450-7. The concave lens 461 can improve the efficiency of light utilization. The concave lens 461 is positioned between the heater 440 and at least one light source 450-7. Light passing through the concave lens 461 is transmitted to a plurality of metal particles 442. Even if at least one light source 450-7 includes a single laser, the concave lens 461 can ensure that light is transmitted relatively uniformly to the plurality of metal particles 442.

[0269] Figure 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0270] Referring to Figure 21, the aerosol generator 400-8 includes a heater 440 and at least one light source 450-8.

[0271] At least one light source 450-8 includes a light-emitting diode. The light-emitting diode has a type and / or size suitable for inclusion in the aerosol generator 400-8.

[0272] The aerosol generator 400-8 includes a convex lens 462 configured to refract light emitted from at least one light source 450-8. The convex lens 462 can improve the efficiency of light utilization. The convex lens 462 is positioned between the heater 440 and at least one light source 450-8. Light passing through the convex lens 462 is transmitted to a plurality of metal particles 442. Even if the intensity of light emitted from the light-emitting diode is not sufficient to cause surface plasmon resonance, the convex lens 462 can concentrate the light to cause surface plasmon resonance.

[0273] In embodiments not shown, at least one light source 450-8 may include different types of light sources. For example, at least one light source 450-8 may include a laser and a light-emitting diode. For example, at least one light source 450-8 may include an external light source.

[0274] 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.

[0275] For example, this 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, with respect to combinations between configurations, it means that combinations are possible unless explicitly stated that they cannot be combined, even if not directly described.

[0276] 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 reservoir configured to store aerosol-generating material, The system is configured such that an aerosol-generating substance is supplied from the reservoir, and includes a ceramic core containing a ceramic material, A heater is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material by surface plasmon resonance and is placed on the ceramic core, Aerosol generating device containing [aerosols].

2. The aforementioned heater is circuit board and Multiple metal particles arranged on the substrate, An aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, including the following:

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the substrate is configured to be fitted into the ceramic core.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the substrate is attached to the ceramic core.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of metal particles form a metal layer.

6. The plurality of metal particles form a plurality of prisms, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of prisms define a void region surrounded by the plurality of prisms.

7. The plurality of metal particles form a substantially single net-shaped structure. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the structure defines a plurality of void regions.

8. The plurality of metal particles form a structure of substantially a single shape. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the structure defines a void region in a meandering shape.

9. The ceramic core further includes a first core end facing at least a portion of the reservoir, a second core end opposite to the first core end and facing at least a portion of the heater, and a core extension portion extending between the first core end and the second core end. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heater includes a plurality of metal particles deposited on the end of the second core.

10. The second core end includes a plurality of first regions and a second region different from the plurality of first regions, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of metal particles are arranged in the plurality of first regions.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one light source configured to transmit light to the heater.

12. The at least one light source includes a light-emitting diode, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising at least one convex lens disposed between the heater and the at least one light source.

13. The at least one light source includes a laser, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising at least one concave lens disposed between the heater and the at least one light source.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heater contains a plurality of metal particles of random size.

15. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an airflow path defined on the side of the reservoir.

Images