Cartridges and aerosol generating devices

Abstract

The cartridge according to the embodiment includes a container portion for containing a liquid composition that generates an aerosol when heated; and a superhydrophobic (water-repellent) coating layer formed along the inner surface of the container portion, the coating layer of which a plurality of microscale protrusions may be formed in the direction toward the interior of the container portion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a cartridge and an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for alternative technologies to the conventional method of supplying aerosols by burning cigarettes. For example, research is underway on methods such as generating aerosols from liquid or solid aerosol-generating materials, or generating vapor from liquid aerosol-generating materials and then passing the resulting vapor through a solid flavor medium to supply a flavored aerosol.

[0003] Recently, as an alternative to the method of supplying aerosols by burning cigarettes, aerosol generating devices have been proposed that can generate aerosols by heating aerosol-producing materials. For example, an aerosol generating device can mean a device that can generate aerosols by heating a liquid or solid aerosol-generating material to a predetermined temperature via a heater.

[0004] When using an aerosol generator, smoking is possible without additional items such as lighters, and users can smoke as much as they want, thus improving the convenience of smoking for the user. For this reason, research on aerosol generators has been gradually increasing in recent years. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Even after use has ended, residual liquid composition remains inside the cartridge that stores the liquid composition of the aerosol generation device.

[0006] Such liquid compositions have high viscosity, which presents a problem as they are difficult to remove by physical means.

[0007] Furthermore, such residual liquid composition can lead to frequent cartridge replacements.

[0008] The technical problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a cartridge and an aerosol generating device that can minimize the amount of residual liquid composition in the cartridge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The cartridge according to the embodiment includes a container portion for containing a liquid composition that generates an aerosol when heated; and a superhydrophobic (water-repellent) coating layer formed along the inner surface of the container portion, wherein the coating layer may have a plurality of microscale protrusions formed in the direction toward the inside of the container portion.

[0010] The coating layer may include a base layer disposed along the inner surface of the container portion and having protrusions formed on its surface in the direction toward the interior of the container portion, and a liquid layer disposed between the protrusions of the base layer.

[0011] The liquid layer can support the liquid phase contained in the container.

[0012] The liquid layer can be immiscible with respect to the liquid composition contained in the container.

[0013] The liquid layer can be miscible with respect to propylene glycol (PG) and glycerin (vegetable glycerin).

[0014] The superhydrophobicity may vary depending on the distance between the heater that heats the liquid composition and the coating layer.

[0015] The less distance there is from the heater, the more the superhydrophobicity can be enhanced.

[0016] An aerosol generation device according to another embodiment includes a battery that supplies power used for the operation of the aerosol generation device; a control unit including at least one processor; and a cartridge. The cartridge may include a container portion that houses a liquid composition that generates an aerosol when heated, and a superhydrophobic coating layer formed along the inner surface of the container portion.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] The cartridge and the aerosol generation device according to the embodiment can enable the liquid composition to be easily discharged by chemical coating treatment of the inner surface of the liquid cartridge.

[0018] Also, a liquid composition having a high viscosity can be prevented from impregnating the inner surface of the container portion.

[0019] Also, by ensuring that the liquid composition contained in the cartridge is used to the maximum extent, frequent replacement of the cartridge can be prevented.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. shows an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. shows an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. shows an example of a cigarette according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. shows an example of a cigarette according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. is a block diagram of an aerosol generation device according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. is a diagram for explaining a cartridge according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. is a diagram for explaining a coating layer according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure illustrates a coating layer according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates a coating layer according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates a coating layer according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure illustrates a coating layer according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure illustrates a coating layer according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates a coating layer according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure illustrates a coating layer according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 15] This figure illustrates a coating layer according to yet another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] The terminology used in the embodiments has been selected as widely used and general terms as possible, taking into account the functions of the present invention; however, this may change depending on the intentions of the articulators, case law, and the emergence of new technologies. In certain cases, the applicant has also arbitrarily selected some terms, in which case their meanings are described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terminology used in the present invention should not be merely names of terms, but should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0022] Where the specification states that a part "includes" a component, this means, unless otherwise stated, that it may include other components rather than excluding them. Furthermore, terms such as "~part" and "~module" used in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware or software, or realized through a combination of hardware and software.

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that they can be easily implemented by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. However, the present invention can be implemented in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0025] Figures 1 and 2 show examples of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generation device.

[0026] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, a heater 13, and a vaporizer 14. A cigarette 2 can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0027] The aerosol generating device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 includes components related to this embodiment. Therefore, a person with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment will understand that, in addition to the components shown in Figures 1 and 2, other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0028] Furthermore, although Figures 1 and 2 show that the aerosol generation device 1 includes a heater 13, the heater 13 may be omitted if necessary.

[0029] Figure 1 shows the battery 11, control unit 12, vaporizer 14, and heater 13 arranged in a line. Figure 2 shows the vaporizer 14 and heater 13 arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to those shown in Figures 1 and 2. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 13, and vaporizer 14 can be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0030] When a cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 can activate the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 is transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2.

[0031] If necessary, the aerosol generating device 1 can heat the heater 13 even when a cigarette 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 1.

[0032] The battery 11 supplies the power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power so that the heater 13 or vaporizer 14 can be heated, and it can supply the power necessary for the control unit 12 to operate. The battery 11 can also supply the power necessary for the operation of the display, sensors, motors, etc., provided in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0033] The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, heater 13, and vaporizer 14, but also other components included in the aerosol generating device 1. The control unit 12 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 1 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operational state.

[0034] 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 that can be executed by this microprocessor. It will be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it can also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0035] The heater 13 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 can be located outside the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 13 can raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material inside the cigarette.

[0036] The heater 13 may be an electrical resistive heater. For example, the heater 13 may include a conductive track, and as current flows through the conductive track, the heater 13 may be heated. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example and can be any heater capable of heating to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generating device 1 or set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0037] On the other hand, as an alternative example, heater 13 may be an induction heating heater. Specifically, heater 13 may include a conductive coil for heating a cigarette by induction heating, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating heater.

[0038] For example, the heater 13 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and depending on the shape of the heating element, it can heat the inside or outside of the cigarette 2.

[0039] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 1 may have multiple heaters 13. In this case, the multiple heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, or they may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Alternatively, some of the multiple heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Note that the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 1 to 3, and can be manufactured in various shapes.

[0040] The vaporizer 14 can heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can then be delivered to the user through the cigarette 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can travel along the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 1, which may be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 is delivered to the user through the cigarette.

[0041] For example, the vaporizer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For instance, the liquid storage unit, liquid transfer means, and heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device 1 as independent modules.

[0042] The liquid storage unit can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit may be manufactured to be detachable from the vaporizer 14, or it may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14.

[0043] For example, a liquid composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavoring agents, or a vitamin mixture. Fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavoring components. Flavoring agents may include components that can provide users with a variety of flavors or aromas. A vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E. Furthermore, a liquid composition may include aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0044] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition of the liquid storage unit to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means may be, but is not limited to, a wick such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramic.

[0045] A heating element is an element for heating a liquid composition that is transmitted by a liquid transmission means. For example, a heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, or a ceramic heater. Furthermore, a heating element may be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and may be arranged in a structure that wraps around the liquid transmission means. A heating element can be heated by supplying an electric current, thereby transferring heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element and heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0046] For example, the vaporizer 14 may be called a cartomizer or atomizer, but is not limited to these terms.

[0047] On the other hand, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 13, and vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, or a cigarette insertion detection sensor). In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may be manufactured with a structure that allows outside air to flow in and internal gas to flow out even when a cigarette 2 is inserted.

[0048] Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol generating device 1 may be configured with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generating device 1 are coupled together.

[0049] The cigarette 2 may be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the cigarette 2 can be divided into a first part containing an aerosol-generating substance and a second part containing a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second part of the cigarette 2 may also contain an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

[0050] The entire first part is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, while the second part is exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, or both the entire first part and a portion of the second part may be inserted. The user can inhale the aerosol while biting down on the second part. In this case, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol is transmitted to the user's mouth by passing through the second part.

[0051] As an example, outside air can flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1 and / or the size of the air passage can be adjusted by the user. This allows the amount of atomization, the smoking sensation, etc., to be adjusted by the user. As another example, outside air may flow into the inside of the cigarette 2 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 2.

[0052] The following describes an example of cigarette 2 with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

[0053] Figures 3 and 4 show examples of cigarettes.

[0054] Referring to Figure 3, the cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the first part 21 includes the tobacco rod 21, and the second part 22 includes the filter rod 22.

[0055] In Figure 3, the filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment, but is not limited to this. In other words, the filter rod 22 may consist of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering out certain components contained in the aerosol. Furthermore, if necessary, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment that performs other functions.

[0056] The diameter of the cigarette 2 is in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and its length may be, but is not limited to, approximately 48 mm. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be, but is not limited to, approximately 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 may be, approximately 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 may be, approximately 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 may be, approximately 12 mm.

[0057] A cigarette 2 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole formed therein, through which outside air enters or internal gases exit. As an example, a cigarette 2 may be wrapped by one wrapper 24. As another example, a cigarette 2 may be wrapped in layers by two or more wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 may be wrapped by wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The entire cigarette 2 may then be rewrapped by a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 consists of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped by wrappers 242, 243, and 244.

[0058] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made from general filter paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous or non-porous paper. Alternatively, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made from oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum laminated packaging material.

[0059] The third wrapper 243 can be made from hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be 88 g / m². 2 ~96g / m 2 It may be included within the range, preferably 90 g / m² 2 ~94g / m 2 It may fall within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. Furthermore, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may fall within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0060] The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be 88 g / m². 2 ~96g / m 2 It may be included within the range, preferably 90 g / m² 2 ~94g / m 2It may be included within the range. Also, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be included within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably may be 125 μm.

[0061] The fifth wrapper 245 can be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) means paper specially manufactured so that its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be included within the range of 57 g / m 2 ~63 g / m 2 and preferably may be 60 g / m 2 . Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be included within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably may be 67 μm.

[0062] A predetermined substance may be added to the fifth wrapper 245. Here, as an example of the predetermined substance, silicon may be applicable, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that is not oxidized, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, and electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, as long as it is a substance having the above-described properties, it can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

[0063] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the phenomenon of the cigarette 2 burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 13, the cigarette 2 may burn. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 21, the cigarette 2 can burn. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-combustible substance, the phenomenon of the cigarette 2 burning can be prevented.

[0064] Furthermore, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent contamination of the cradle 1 by substances generated in the cigarette 2. Liquid substances may be generated inside the cigarette 2 by the user's puffing. For example, aerosols generated in the cigarette 2 may be cooled by the outside air, generating liquid substances (e.g., water). As the fifth wrapper 245 wraps the cigarette 2, it can prevent liquid substances generated inside the cigarette 2 from leaking out of the cigarette 2.

[0065] The tobacco rod 21 contains an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 21 may contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it.

[0066] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of a sheet or a strand. Alternatively, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of shredded tobacco, where the tobacco sheet is finely shredded. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. As an example, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, improving the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and thereby improving the taste of the tobacco. Furthermore, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat conductive material surrounding the outside.

[0067] The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. However, there are no restrictions on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod, or a tubular rod containing a hollow interior. The filter rod 22 may also be a concave rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0068] The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure containing a hollow interior. The first segment can also prevent the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 from shifting backward when the heater 13 is inserted, and may also generate an aerosol cooling effect. The diameter of the hollow in the first segment can be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0069] The length of the first segment can be set to a suitable length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0070] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the plasticizer content during the manufacturing of the first segment. Furthermore, the first segment can be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube of the same or different material into its interior (for example, hollow).

[0071] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 13 heating the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0072] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined in various ways depending on the form of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the second segment can be appropriately set within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] The second segment can be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a fragrance solution may be applied to the fibers made from polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be made by weaving together a separate fiber coated with a fragrance solution and a fiber made from polymer. Alternatively, the second segment can be formed from a crimped polymer sheet.

[0074] For example, the polymer may be made from a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0075] When the second segment is formed from woven polymer fibers or crimped polymer sheets, the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels, where a channel means a passage through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0076] For example, the second segment, which consists of a crimped polymer sheet, may be formed from a material having a thickness between approximately 5 μm and approximately 300 μm, for example, between approximately 10 μm and approximately 250 μm. Furthermore, the total surface area of ​​the second segment is approximately 300 mm². 2 / mm and approximately 1000mm 2 It can be between / mm. Furthermore, the aerosol cooling element is approximately 10mm 2 / mg and approximately 100mm 2 It can be formed from a material having a specific surface area between / mg.

[0077] On the other hand, the second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component may be menthol, but is not limited to it. For example, the thread may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0078] The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment can be appropriately set within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be approximately 12 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0079] In the process of manufacturing the third segment, the third segment may be manufactured in such a way that it generates flavor by spraying it with a flavoring liquid. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the interior of the third segment. The aerosol generated from the tobacco rod 21 is cooled as it passes through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is transmitted to the user through the third segment. Therefore, if a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the effect of increasing the persistence of the flavor transmitted to the user may occur.

[0080] Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform a function of generating flavor or a function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is coated with a film. The capsule 23 may, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0081] Referring to Figure 4, the cigarette 3 may further include a shear plug 33. The shear plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 opposite the filter rod 32. The shear plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside and can prevent the liquefied aerosol from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generator (Figures 1 to 3, 1).

[0082] The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 in Figure 4, and the second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 in Figure 4.

[0083] The diameter and overall length of cigarette 3 can correspond to the diameter and overall length of cigarette 2 in Figure 4. For example, the length of the shear plug 33 may be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 may be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 may be about 14 mm, but are not limited to these.

[0084] A cigarette 3 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole formed therein for external air to enter or internal air to exit. For example, the shear plug 33 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 by a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 by a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 by a fourth wrapper 354. The entire cigarette 3 may then be rewrapped by a fifth wrapper 355.

[0085] Furthermore, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in the region surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited to this. The perforation 36 can serve to transfer the heat generated by the heater 13 shown in Figures 2 and 3 into the interior of the tobacco rod 31.

[0086] Furthermore, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34, where the capsule 34 may perform a function of generating flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may be a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is coated with a film. The capsule 34 may, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0087] The first wrapper 351 may be made of general filter wrapping paper bonded with a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, preferably 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, preferably 6.3 μm. The basis weight of the first wrapper 351 is 50 g / m². 2 ~55g / m 2 It may be included within the range, preferably 53 g / m² 2 That's fine.

[0088] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can be made from common filter paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be porous or non-porous paper.

[0089] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be, but is not limited to, 35,000 CU. The thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, preferably 78 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 is 20 g / m². 2 ~25g / m 2It may be included within the range, preferably 23.5 g / m². 2 That's fine.

[0090] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be, but is not limited to, 24,000 CU. The thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be in the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, preferably 68 μm. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 is 20 g / m². 2 ~25g / m 2 It may be included within the range, preferably 21 g / m² 2 That's fine.

[0091] The fourth wrapper 354 can be made of PLA laminate. Here, PLA alloy refers to a three-layer paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, preferably 110 μm. The basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 is 80 g / m². 2 ~100g / m 2 It may be included within the range, preferably 88 g / m² 2 That's fine.

[0092] The fifth wrapper 355 can be made from sterile paper (MFW). Here, sterile paper (MFW) refers to paper specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 is 57 g / m². 2 ~63g / m 2 It may be included within the range, preferably 60 g / m² 2 This is also possible. Furthermore, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0093] The fifth wrapper 355 may have a predetermined substance added to it. Here, an example of the predetermined substance is silicon, but it is not limited to silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that prevents oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any substance that has the aforementioned properties can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation, even if it is not silicon.

[0094] The shear plug 33 can be made from cellulose acetate. For example, the shear plug 33 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to a cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filament constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filament of the shear plug 33 may be 5.0. The cross-section of the filament constituting the shear plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug 33 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the shear plug 33 may be 28,000.

[0095] Furthermore, if necessary, the shear plug 33 may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel may be manufactured in various ways.

[0096] The tobacco rod 31 can correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above, as shown in Figure 4. Therefore, a detailed explanation of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0097] The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure containing a hollow interior. The first segment 321 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the monodenier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the monodenier and total denier of the shear plug 33.

[0098] The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The monodenier of the filament constituting the second segment 322 may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the monodenier of the filament of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. Furthermore, the cross-section of the filament of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably in the range of 25,000.

[0099] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an aerosol generation device 900 according to another embodiment.

[0100] The aerosol generating device 900 may include a control unit 910, a sensing unit 920, an output unit 930, a battery 940, a heater 950, a user input unit 960, a memory 970, and a communication unit 980. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 900 is not limited to that shown in Figure 5. That is, a person with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 900, some of the configurations shown in Figure 5 may be omitted or new configurations may be added.

[0101] The sensing unit 920 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 900 or the state of the area surrounding the aerosol generating device 900, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 910. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 910 can control the aerosol generating device 900 so that various functions are performed, such as controlling the operation of the heater 950, restricting smoking, determining whether or not an aerosol product (e.g., cigarettes, cartridges, etc.) is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0102] The sensing unit 920 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the temperature sensor 922, the insertion sensing sensor 924, and the puff sensor 926.

[0103] The temperature sensor 922 can sense the temperature at which the heater 950 (or the aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 900 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 950, or the heater 950 itself may act as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 922 may be positioned around the battery 940 to monitor the temperature of the battery 940.

[0104] The insertion sensing sensor 924 can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 924 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect signal changes associated with the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products.

[0105] The puff sensor 926 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 926 can detect a user's puff based on any of the following: temperature changes, flow rate changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0106] In addition to the aforementioned sensors 922 to 926, the sensing unit 920 may include at least one of the following: a temperature / humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by those skilled in the art from its name, so a detailed explanation may be omitted.

[0107] The output unit 930 can output and provide to the user information regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 900. The output unit 930 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the display unit 932, the haptic unit 934, and the acoustic output unit 936. When the display unit 932 and the touchpad form a layered structure and are configured as a touchscreen, the display unit 932 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0108] The display unit 932 can visually provide the user with information regarding the aerosol generating device 900. For example, the information regarding the aerosol generating device 900 can refer to a variety of information, such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 940 of the aerosol generating device 900, the preheating status of the heater 950, the insertion / removal status of aerosol products, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 900 is restricted (e.g., detection of abnormal items), and the display unit 932 can output this information to the outside. The display unit 932 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. The display unit 932 may also be in the form of an LED light-emitting element.

[0109] The haptic unit 934 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generating device 900. For example, the haptic unit 934 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0110] The acoustic output unit 936 can provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 900 audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit 936 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0111] The battery 940 can supply the power used to operate the aerosol generating device 900. The battery 940 can also supply power to enable the heater 950 to heat up. Furthermore, the battery 940 can supply the power necessary for the operation of other components within the aerosol generating device 900 (e.g., the sensing unit 920, the output unit 930, the user input unit 960, the memory 970, and the communication unit 980). The battery 940 may be a rechargeable or disposable battery. For example, the battery 940 may, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0112] The heater 950 is powered by the battery 940 and can heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Figure 5, the aerosol-generating device 900 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the battery 940 and supplies it to the heater 950. Furthermore, if the aerosol-generating device 900 generates aerosols by induction heating, the aerosol-generating device 900 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 940 into AC power supply.

[0113] The control unit 910, sensing unit 920, output unit 930, user input unit 960, memory 970, and communication unit 910 can function by being powered by the battery 940. Although not shown in Figure 5, the system may further include power conversion circuits, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that convert the power from the battery 940 and supply it to each component.

[0114] In one embodiment, the heater 950 may be formed from any suitable electrical resistant material. For example, suitable electrical resistant materials may be, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The heater 950 may also be, but are not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which conductive tracks are arranged, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0115] In another embodiment, the heater 950 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 950 may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol-generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0116] In one embodiment, the heater 950 may include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 950 may include a first heater for heating a cigarette and a second heater for heating the liquid phase.

[0117] The user input unit 960 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 960 may be, but is not limited to, a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact-type capacitive type, pressure-type resistive type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Although not shown in Figure 5, the aerosol generation device 900 also includes a connection interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via the USB interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 940.

[0118] Memory 970 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 900, and can store data processed by the control unit 910 and data being processed. Memory 970 can 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 970 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device 900, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0119] The communication unit 980 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 980 may include a short-range communication unit 982 and a wireless communication unit 984.

[0120] The short-range wireless communication unit 982 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth® communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a ZigBee® communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and the like.

[0121] The wireless communication unit 984 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit. The wireless communication unit 984 may also verify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 900 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0122] The control unit 910 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 900. In one embodiment, the control unit 910 may include 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 storing a program that can be executed by this microprocessor. It will be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may also be implemented as other forms of hardware.

[0123] The control unit 910 can control the temperature of the heater 950 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 940 to the heater 950. For example, the control unit 910 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 940 and the heater 950. In another example, a direct heating circuit may control the power supply to the heater 950 according to a control command from the control unit 910.

[0124] The control unit 910 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 920 and control the processing to be performed thereafter. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 920, the control unit 910 can control the power supplied to the heater 950 so that the heater 950 starts or stops operating. In another example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 920, the control unit 910 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 950 and the duration of power supply so that the heater 950 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0125] The control unit 910 can control the output unit 930 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 920. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 926 reaches a preset number, the control unit 910 can notify the user that the aerosol generating device 900 will soon be shut off via at least one of the display unit 932, the haptic unit 934, and the acoustic output unit 936.

[0126] In one embodiment, the control unit 910 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater 950 according to the state of the aerosol product sensed by the sensing unit 920. For example, if the aerosol product 15 is in an over-humid state, the control unit 910 can control the power supply time to the induction coil (e.g., induction coil 124 in Figure 2) to increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol product 15 is in a normal state.

[0127] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram of a cartridge according to an embodiment.

[0128] The cartridge 400 according to this embodiment may include a container portion 410 for containing a liquid composition and a superhydrophobic coating layer 420 formed along the inner surface of the container portion 410.

[0129] In this embodiment, the container section 410 may have a configuration corresponding to the liquid storage section shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0130] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a cartridge 400 that holds an aerosol generating substance. The cartridge 400 may, but is not limited to, be detachably coupled to the main body 500. The cartridge 400 may be formed integrally with the main body 500 or assembled and fixed so as not to be detached by the user. The cartridge 400 can be mounted on the main body 500 with a liquid composition, which is the aerosol generating substance, contained inside. However, it is not limited to this, and the liquid composition may be injected into the cartridge 400 while the cartridge 400 is coupled to the main body 500.

[0131] For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or it may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0132] The cartridge 400 operates in response to electrical or wireless signals transmitted from the main unit 500, thereby converting the phase of the aerosol-generating substance inside the cartridge 400 to a gaseous phase and generating an aerosol. An aerosol can refer to a gaseous state in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating substance and air are mixed.

[0133] The aerosol generating device 1 can generate an aerosol by heating a liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user by passing through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition can move along the airflow passage of the aerosol generator, and the airflow passage can be configured so that the aerosol can pass through the cigarette and be delivered to the user.

[0134] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the coating layer according to the embodiment.

[0135] The cartridge 400 according to this embodiment may include a superhydrophobicity coating layer 420 formed along its inner surface. The coating layer 420 may have a plurality of protrusions 421 formed in the direction toward the interior of the container portion 410.

[0136] In embodiments, the multiple protrusions 421 may be composed on a microscale. The protrusions 421 may represent physical texture or surface roughness. The protrusions 421 may be formed randomly, including fractal or patterned forms. The protrusions 421 may be realized as microscale features. For example, the protrusions 421 may have a length scale L of about 15 to 20 microns (e.g., average pore diameter or average protrusion height). For example, the protrusions 421 may be formed including spherical or hemispherical protrusions. The protrusions 421 can be formed on the surface of the coating layer 420 by applying mechanical and / or chemical methods, such as lithography, self-assembly, and deposition.

[0137] In this embodiment, the surface of the coating layer 420 may have a surface texture defined by protrusions 421. Between the protrusions 421 of the coating layer 420, a gas such as air may occupy the region between the protrusions. The liquid composition may come into contact with the top of the protrusions 421, and the formation of a gas-liquid interface can prevent the liquid composition from impregnating the entire surface of the coating layer 420.

[0138] As a result, the coating layer 420 becomes superhydrophobic, preventing the liquid composition from remaining inside the cartridge 400.

[0139] However, in certain cases, the liquid composition can replace the gas remaining between the protrusions 421 and penetrate the area between the protrusions 421. For example, such penetration can occur when the liquid composition impacts the surface of the coating layer 420 at high speed. When penetration by the liquid composition occurs, the liquid composition can partially or completely replace the gas occupying the area between the protrusions 421, thereby reducing the superhydrophobicity of the surface of the coating layer 420.

[0140] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a technique for preventing the reduction of this superhydrophobicity through another embodiment of the present invention.

[0141] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a coating layer according to another embodiment.

[0142] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the coating layer 420 according to this embodiment may include a base layer 423 arranged along the inner surface of the container portion 410, with protrusions 422 formed on its surface in the direction toward the interior of the container portion 410, and a liquid layer 424 arranged between the protrusions 422 of the base layer 423.

[0143] In the embodiment, the coating layer 420 may be provided with a superhydrophobic surface by impregnating the space between the protrusions 422 with a liquid layer 424. The liquid composition in contact with the surface of the coating layer 420 may be located on the surface protrusions 422. In the region between the protrusions 422, the liquid layer 424 can support the liquid composition. The protrusions 422 of the base layer 423 may be formed on a microscale, and the liquid layer 424 may have immiscibility properties so that it does not mix with the liquid composition. For example, the liquid layer 424 may be immiscible with propylene glycol (PG) and glycerin (vegetable glycerin).

[0144] The base layer 423 may contain any intrinsic hydrophobic, oleophilic, and / or metallic materials or coatings. For example, the base layer 423 may contain hydrocarbons, such as alkanes and fluoropolymers, such as Teflon®, trichloro(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl)silane (TCS), octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS), heptadecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetrahydrodecyltrichlorosilane, fluoroPOSS, and / or other fluoropolymers. Additional materials or coatings to the base layer 423 may include ceramics, polymer materials, fluorinated materials, intermetallic compounds, and composite materials. Polymer materials may include, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene, fluoroacrylates, fluoroeurathane, fluorosilicon, fluorosilane, modified carbonates, chlorosilane, silicones, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and / or combinations thereof. Ceramics may include, for example, titanium carbide, titanium nitride, chromium nitride, boron nitride, chromium carbide, molybdenum carbide, titanium carbon nitride, electroless nickel, zirconium nitride, fluorinated silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, tantalum carbide, tantalum nitride, diamond-like carbon, and / or combinations thereof. Intermetallic compounds may include, for example, nickel aluminide, titanium aluminide, and / or combinations thereof.

[0145] The protrusions 422 may represent physical texture or surface roughness. The protrusions 422 may be formed randomly, including fractal or patterned forms. The protrusions 422 may be realized as microscale features. For example, the protrusions 422 may have a length scale L of about 15 to 20 microns (e.g., average pore diameter or average protrusion height). For example, the protrusions 422 may be formed including spherical or hemispherical protrusions. The protrusions 422 can be formed on the surface of the base layer 423 by applying mechanical and / or chemical methods, such as lithography, self-assembly, and deposition.

[0146] The liquid layer 424 can be any form of liquid that can provide superhydrophobicity to the substances constituting the liquid composition. For example, the liquid layer 424 can be oily or aqueous (i.e., water-based). For example, the liquid layer 424 can be an ionic liquid (e.g., BMI-IM). Other examples of substances constituting the liquid layer 424 include hexadecane, vacuum pump oil, fluorocarbons (e.g., perfluorotripentylamine, FC-70), shear thinning fluids, shear thickening fluids, liquid polymers, soluble polymers, viscoelastic fluids, and / or liquid fluoroPOSS. For example, the liquid layer can be embodied in liquid metals, dielectric fluids, liquid magnets, magnetoviscous (MR) fluids, electroviscous (ER) fluids, ionic fluids, hydrocarbon liquids, and / or fluorocarbon liquids.

[0147] The liquid layer 424 can be manufactured by a shear thickening method involving the introduction of nanoparticles. For example, a shear thickened liquid layer can be applied to prevent the liquid composition from penetrating between the protrusions 422 and to resist impacts from the liquid composition.

[0148] To minimize evaporation of the liquid layer 424 from the surface of the coating layer 420, a liquid layer 424 with a low vapor pressure (e.g., less than 0.1 mmHg, less than 0.001 mmHg, less than 0.00001 mmHg, or less than 0.000001 mmHg) can be used. For example, the freezing point of the liquid layer 424 may be less than -20°C, less than -40°C, or about -60°C. Furthermore, the surface tension of the liquid layer 424 may be about 15 mN / m, about 20 mN / m, or about 40 mN / m, and the viscosity of the liquid layer 424 may be from about 10 cSt to about 1000 cSt.

[0149] In the embodiment, a coating process such as deep coating, blade coating, or roller coating can be used to apply the liquid layer 424 to the surface of the base layer 423. Alternatively, the liquid layer 424 may be introduced and / or replenished with a liquid material flowing over the surface (e.g., from a conduit). After the liquid layer 424 is applied, capillary forces can hold the liquid in the liquid layer 424 in place. The capillary forces may be resized inversely to the distance between projections or the pore radius so that the liquid in the liquid layer 424 is maintained in place despite surface movement and the movement of air or other fluids on the surface.

[0150] The liquid layer 424 according to the embodiment can resist the penetration of the liquid composition because the liquid cannot be compressed over a wide range of pressures.

[0151] Furthermore, the liquid layer 424 according to the embodiment can reduce the viscous resistance between the surface of the base layer 423 and the flowing liquid composition.

[0152] Furthermore, the liquid layer 424 according to the embodiment can induce a large amount of slip on a solid surface via superhydrophobicity. When the liquid layer 424 or gas supports the liquid composition, the liquid-liquid or liquid-gas interface flows and slides freely against the underlying solid material. This slip can achieve a drag reduction of as high as 40%. However, as mentioned above, the liquid composition may penetrate into the areas between the protrusions formed by the gas, and when such penetration occurs, the benefit of the reduced drag reduction may be lost.

[0153] In the embodiment, the liquid layer 424 can reduce the viscous drag between the solid surface and the flowing liquid composition. The liquid layer 424 can increase the slip of the contacting liquid composition and therefore abruptly reduce the viscous drag between the liquid and solid.

[0154] In this embodiment, the liquid layer 424 can provide a self-cleaning function. For example, particles and chemicals on the surface of the liquid layer 424 can be absorbed and swept away by droplets removed from the surface. This self-cleaning property can help maintain cleanliness inside the cartridge 400.

[0155] The liquid layer 424 can also be used to facilitate the condensation of the liquid composition. For example, the liquid layer 424 can be used to increase condensation heat transfer (e.g., drop condensation) by facilitating the removal of condensates.

[0156] In embodiments, the liquid composition contained in the cartridge 400 may include propylene glycol (PG) and glycerin (vegetable glycerin). For example, the liquid layer 424 may have a thickness of 100 micrometers to 500 micrometers. If the thickness of the liquid layer 424 is less than 100 micrometers, it may not be able to adequately prevent the penetration of propylene glycol (PG) and glycerin (vegetable glycerin), which are the main components of the liquid composition. If it exceeds 500 micrometers, the overall thickness of the coating layer 420 will increase.

[0157] Propylene glycol is a viscous, colorless liquid with almost no odor but a slightly sweet taste. Its chemical formula is CH3CH(OH)CH2OH, and it can have a viscosity of approximately 60.5 cp at a temperature of 20°C.

[0158] Glycerin (glycerol) is a colorless, odorless liquid. It is characterized by its very high viscosity. Glycerin is described in the table below. <1> As shown above, it can have a viscosity of approximately 825 mpas (=825 cp) at a temperature of 25°C, a viscosity of approximately 367.5 mpas at a temperature of 35°C, and a viscosity of approximately 178.5 mpas at a temperature of 45°C.

[0159] [Table 1]

[0160] The viscosity of the substances constituting the liquid composition can change depending on the temperature and the content of the substances. As shown in Table 1, it can be confirmed that the viscosity of glycerin, which has a relatively high viscosity compared to propylene glycol, decreases significantly as the temperature rises. Therefore, the cartridge 400 according to the embodiment can be made superhydrophobic with respect to propylene glycol by being superhydrophobic with respect to glycerin, which has high viscosity. Furthermore, the coating layer 420 of the cartridge 400 according to the embodiment can be realized such that the superhydrophobicity differs depending on the distance from the heater, which is the heat source, taking into account the viscosity characteristics that change with temperature.

[0161] Figures 10 to 15 illustrate a coating layer according to yet another embodiment.

[0162] The coating layer 420 according to this embodiment can embody protruding scales such that the superhydrophobicity differs depending on the distance between the heater 510 and the coating layer 420. For example, in the region of the coating layer 420 that is close to the heater 510, the temperature is relatively high, so the viscosity of the propylene glycol and glycerin constituting the liquid composition may appear low. Conversely, in the region of the coating layer 420 that is far from the heater 510, the temperature is relatively low, so the viscosity of the propylene glycol and glycerin constituting the liquid composition may appear high.

[0163] Considering these viscosity characteristics, the protrusion scale in regions farther from the heater 510 can be made smaller than in regions closer to the heater 510. As mentioned above, the smaller the protrusion scale, i.e., the smaller the scale of the protrusions 425 and the narrower the spacing between the protrusions 425, the stronger the superhydrophobicity can be. Therefore, by making the protrusion scale in regions farther from the heater 510 smaller than in regions relatively close to the heater 510, a coating layer 420 can be realized in which superhydrophobicity is stronger in regions where viscosity is high. Here, scale can be used as a concept defined by the size (height, length, width, etc.) of the protrusions 425 and the spacing between the protrusions 425.

[0164] In other words, according to this embodiment, a coating layer 420 can be realized in which the superhydrophobicity is enhanced as the distance from the heater 510 increases.

[0165] Referring to Figure 10, the size of the protrusions 425 can decrease in proportion to the distance D between the heater 510 and the coating layer 420. As the size of the protrusions 425 increases, the scale of the protrusions 425 increases, and the superhydrophobicity decreases. In conclusion, enhanced superhydrophobicity can be achieved in regions located relatively far from the heater 510 compared to regions located close to the heater 510.

[0166] For example, when the heater 510 is operating, the temperature inside the cartridge 400 can be measured in different regions, and the size of the protrusions 425 can be determined in proportion to the measured temperature. In other words, the surface of the coating layer 420 can be formed such that the size of the protrusions 425 increases in proportion to the measured temperature.

[0167] Referring to Figure 11, the spacing between the protrusions 425 can decrease in proportion to the distance D between the heater 510 and the coating layer 420. The wider the spacing between the protrusions 425, the larger the scale of the protrusions 425 becomes, and the less superhydrophobic the surface becomes. In conclusion, enhanced superhydrophobicity can be achieved in regions located relatively far from the heater 510 compared to regions located close to the heater 510.

[0168] For example, when the heater 510 is operating, the temperature inside the cartridge 400 can be measured in different regions, and the spacing between the protrusions 425 can be determined in proportion to the measured temperature. That is, the surface of the coating layer 420 can be formed such that the spacing between the protrusions 425 widens in proportion to the measured temperature.

[0169] Referring to Figure 12, by combining the protrusion characteristics of Figures 10 and 11, the size of the protrusions 425 can decrease and the spacing between the protrusions 425 can increase in proportion to the distance between the heater 510 and the coating layer 420.

[0170] Alternatively, as shown in Figures 13 to 15, microscale protrusions 426 can be formed in regions above a preset temperature, and nanoscale protrusions 427 can be formed in regions below a preset temperature to form a coating layer 420. In the case of nanoscale protrusions, the manufacturing process is relatively more difficult compared to microscale protrusions. Therefore, in regions where the liquid composition can have sufficiently low viscosity characteristics, even if microscale protrusions are realized, it is possible to prevent the liquid composition from remaining inside the container.

[0171] Referring to Figure 13, the size of the protrusion 426 formed in the region where the internal temperature of the cartridge 400 is above a preset temperature may be larger than the size of the protrusion 427 formed in the region where the internal temperature of the cartridge 400 is below a preset temperature. That is, when the straight-line distance between the heater 510 and the coating layer 420 is within a certain distance, a protrusion 426 of size a is formed, and when the straight-line distance between the heater 510 and the coating layer 420 is outside that certain distance, a protrusion 427 of size b (a > b) may be formed. In conclusion, enhanced superhydrophobicity can be achieved in regions located relatively farther from the heater 510 compared to regions located within a certain distance from the heater 510.

[0172] Referring to Figure 14, the spacing between protrusions 428 formed in the region where the internal temperature of the cartridge 400 is above a preset temperature may be wider than the spacing between protrusions 429 formed in the region where the internal temperature of the cartridge 400 is below a preset temperature. That is, if the straight-line distance between the heater 510 and the coating layer 420 is within a certain distance, the spacing between the protrusions 428 may be c, and if the straight-line distance between the heater 510 and the coating layer 420 is outside that certain distance, the coating layer 420 can be implemented such that the spacing between the protrusions 429 is d (c>d). In conclusion, enhanced superhydrophobicity can be achieved in regions located relatively farther from the heater 510 compared to regions located within a certain distance.

[0173] Referring to Figure 15, by combining the protrusion characteristics of Figures 10 and 11, the protrusions 428 in the region where the temperature inside the cartridge 400 is above a preset temperature can be formed to be larger and spaced further apart than the protrusions 429 formed in the region below the preset temperature.

[0174] One embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules executed by a computer. Computer-readable media can be any available medium accessible by a computer, and include all volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-separable media. Furthermore, computer-readable media may include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media include all volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-separable media implemented by any method or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include any information transmission medium, including computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, other data of modulated data signals, or other transmission mechanisms.

Claims

1. A container for containing a liquid composition that generates an aerosol when heated; and It includes a superhydrophobic coating layer formed along the inner surface of the container portion, The coating layer is a cartridge in which a plurality of microscale protrusions are formed in the inward direction of the container portion.

2. The aforementioned coating layer is A base layer arranged along the inner surface of the container portion, with protrusions formed on its surface in the direction toward the interior of the container portion; and The cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a liquid layer disposed between the protrusions of the base layer.

3. The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the liquid layer supports the liquid composition contained in the container portion.

4. The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the liquid layer is immiscible with respect to the liquid composition contained in the container.

5. The cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the liquid layer is immiscible with propylene glycol (PG) and glycerin.

6. The cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the liquid layer is miscible with respect to substances having a viscosity of 825 cp or less.

7. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the superhydrophobicity differs depending on the distance between the heater for heating the liquid composition and the coating layer.

8. The cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the superhydrophobicity is enhanced as the distance from the heater increases.

9. The cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the size of the protrusions and the spacing between the protrusions differ depending on the distance from the heater.

10. In aerosol generation devices, A battery that supplies the power used to operate the aerosol generating device; A control unit including at least one processor; and Including the cartridge, The aforementioned cartridge is A container for containing a liquid composition that generates an aerosol when heated; and It includes a superhydrophobic coating layer formed along the inner surface of the container portion, The coating layer is an aerosol generating device in which multiple microscale protrusions are formed in the inward direction of the container portion.

11. The aforementioned coating layer is A base layer arranged along the inner surface of the container portion, with protrusions formed on its surface in the direction toward the interior of the container portion; and The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, further comprising a liquid layer disposed between the protrusions of the base layer.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein the liquid layer supports the liquid composition contained in the container.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein the liquid layer is immiscible with respect to the liquid composition contained in the container.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the superhydrophobicity differs depending on the distance between the heater for heating the liquid composition and the coating layer.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the size of the protrusions and the spacing between the protrusions differ depending on the distance from the heater.

Images