Aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a heater that heats an aerosol product to generate an aerosol, and a first battery that supplies power to the heater, the first battery containing an aqueous electrolyte.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more specifically, to an aerosol generating device with improved battery life. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is growing demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating cigarettes or aerosol-generating materials using an aerosol generator, rather than by burning cigarettes. As a result, research into heated aerosol generators is becoming more active.

[0003] A heated aerosol generator may include a heater for heating the aerosol product and a battery for powering the heater. Because the aerosol generator must be portable, there are limitations on the size and capacity of the battery, which necessitates repeated battery charging. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] Frequent charging and discharging of the battery required during the use of an aerosol generator can shorten its lifespan. Furthermore, since there is a risk of external impact, such as dropping the aerosol generator, while the user is carrying it, battery stability must be ensured.

[0005] The problems to be addressed through these embodiments are not limited to those described above, and any problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which these embodiments belong, based on this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a heater that heats an aerosol product to generate an aerosol, and a first battery that supplies power to the heater, the first battery containing an aqueous electrolyte. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The aerosol generating apparatus according to this embodiment includes a battery containing an aqueous electrolyte and may have a fast charge / discharge rate, improved service life, and high stability.

[0008] The effects of the embodiment are not limited to those described above, and may include any effects that can be inferred from the configuration described later. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol product being inserted into an aerosol generating device. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol product being inserted into an aerosol generating device. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol product being inserted into an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol product being inserted into an aerosol generating device. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing an example of the first battery configuration. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the holder of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a drawing showing an example of a holder from various angles. [Figure 8] This is a drawing showing an example of a holder from various angles. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the cradle of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing an example of a cradle from various angles. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing an example of a cradle from various angles. [Figure 12]It is a configuration diagram showing a case where a holder is inserted into a cradle. [Figure 13] It is a drawing showing a case where a holder is inserted into a cradle. [Figure 14] It is a drawing showing an example of an aerosol-generating article. [Figure 15] It is a drawing showing an example of an aerosol-generating article. [Figure 16] It is a drawing showing an example of an aerosol-generating article. [Figure 17] It is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] An aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment includes a heater that heats an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol and a first battery that supplies power to the heater, and the first battery includes an aqueous electrolyte.

[0011] It may include a holder including the heater and the first battery and an internal space that houses the holder, and a cradle including a second battery that charges the first battery by supplying power to the first battery.

[0012] The second battery is a lithium-ion battery.

[0013] The aqueous electrolyte may contain one or more polyvalent metal ions selected from the group consisting of Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , Zn 2+ , and Al 3+ .

[0014] The aqueous electrolyte may contain one or more metal salts selected from the group consisting of ZnSO4, ZN(CF3SO3)2, Zn(NO3)2, Zn(ClO4)2, ZnCl2, Zn(CH3COO)2, Zn(TFSI)2, Zn(BF4)2·xH2O, and Zn(N(CF3SO2)2)2(Zn(TFSI)2).

[0015] The aqueous electrolyte contains a metal salt, and the concentration of the metal salt in the aqueous electrolyte is 1 M or higher.

[0016] The aqueous electrolyte may contain one or more additives selected from the group consisting of zinc triflate, Na2SO4, PAM (polyacrylamide), Et2O (diethyl ether), and DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide).

[0017] The first battery may include a positive electrode containing one or more transition metals selected from manganese and vanadium as a positive electrode active material, and a negative electrode containing zinc as a negative electrode active material.

[0018] The aqueous electrolyte comprises a positive electrode electrolyte and a negative electrode electrolyte, and the first battery comprises a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator membrane disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, wherein the positive electrode electrolyte can be circulated from a positive electrode electrolyte tank containing the positive electrode electrolyte to the positive electrode electrolyte tank via the positive electrode, and the negative electrode electrolyte can be circulated from a negative electrode electrolyte tank containing the negative electrode electrolyte to the negative electrode electrolyte tank via the negative electrode.

[0019] The positive electrode electrolyte may contain bromine, and the negative electrode electrolyte may contain zinc.

[0020] The first battery may further include a positive electrode pump for circulating the positive electrode electrolyte from the positive electrode electrolyte tank to the positive electrode electrolyte tank via the positive electrode, and a negative electrode pump for circulating the negative electrode electrolyte from the negative electrode electrolyte tank to the negative electrode electrolyte tank.

[0021] The terminology used in the embodiments is selected as widely used and general terms as possible, taking into account the function of the present invention, although this may vary depending on the intent of the articulators in the field, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In certain cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected terms, in which case their meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention are not merely names of terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention.

[0022] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a component, it means, unless otherwise specified, that it does not exclude other components, but rather that it may include other components. Furthermore, terms such as "...part" and "...module" used in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which is embodied by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0023] As used herein, when an expression such as “at least one of the following” precedes a set of elements, it modifies the entire set of elements, not each of the elements themselves. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” must be interpreted as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0024] Furthermore, while terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first" or "second," as used herein may be used to describe a variety of components, such components are not limited by such terms. The terms are simply used to distinguish one component from another.

[0025] Throughout the specification, "aerosol generating apparatus" is defined as an apparatus that generates an aerosol using an aerosol generating substance in order to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth.

[0026] Throughout the specification, "aerosol product" means an article used for smoking. For example, an aerosol product can be a combustible cigarette used by being ignited and burned, or a heated cigarette used by being heated by an aerosol generating device.

[0027] Throughout the specification, “upstream” and “downstream” may be determined based on the direction of airflow when a user inhales an aerosol using the aerosol product. A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that “upstream” and “downstream” are relative due to the relationship between the components.

[0028] Throughout this specification, "puff" means the user's inhalation. Inhalation means the user drawing an aerosol into their oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through their mouth or nose.

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached 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 embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0030] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0031] Figures 1 to 3 are diagrams showing examples of aerosol products being inserted into an aerosol generating apparatus.

[0032] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generator 100 includes a first battery 110, a control unit 120, and a heater 130.

[0033] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the aerosol generator 100 further includes a vaporizer 140. Furthermore, the aerosol product 200 can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generator 100.

[0034] The aerosol generator 100 shown in Figures 1 to 3 illustrates the components according to this embodiment. Therefore, a person with ordinary skill in the art according to this embodiment can understand that other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol generator 100 in addition to those shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0035] Furthermore, although Figures 2 and 3 show that the aerosol generator 100 includes a heater 130, the heater 130 can be omitted if necessary.

[0036] Figure 1 shows the first battery 110, control unit 120, and heater 130 arranged in a line. Figure 2 shows the first battery 110, control unit 120, vaporizer 140, and heater 130 arranged in a line. Figure 3 shows the vaporizer 140 and heater 130 arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 100 is not limited to what is shown in Figures 1 to 3. In other words, the arrangement of the first battery 110, control unit 120, heater 130, and vaporizer 140 can be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generator 100.

[0037] When the aerosol product 200 is inserted into the aerosol generator 100, the aerosol generator 100 activates the heater 130 and / or the vaporizer 140 to generate aerosols from the aerosol product 200 and / or the vaporizer 140. The aerosols generated by the heater 130 and / or the vaporizer 140 pass through the aerosol product 200 and are transmitted to the user.

[0038] If necessary, the aerosol generator 100 can heat the heater 130 even if the aerosol product 200 is not inserted into the aerosol generator 100.

[0039] The first battery 110 supplies the power used to operate the aerosol generator 100. For example, the first battery 110 can supply power to heat the heater 130 or the vaporizer 140, and can supply the power necessary for the operation of the control unit 120. The first battery 110 can also supply the power necessary for the operation of the display, sensors, motors, etc., provided in the aerosol generator 100.

[0040] The control unit 120 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 100. Specifically, the control unit 120 controls the operation of not only the first battery 110, the heater 130, and the vaporizer 140, but also other components included in the aerosol generator 100. The control unit 120 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 100 and determine whether the aerosol generator 100 is in an operational state.

[0041] The control unit 120 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. It will be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0042] The heater 130 can be heated by power supplied from the first battery 110. For example, if the aerosol product 200 is inserted into the aerosol generator 100, the heater 130 can be located outside the aerosol product 200. Therefore, the heated heater 130 can raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance within the aerosol product 200.

[0043] The heater 130 is also an electrical resistive heater. For example, the heater 130 includes a conductive track, and if current flows through the conductive track, the heater 130 can be heated. However, the heater 130 is not limited to the above example, and can be any heater that heats up to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generator 100, or it may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0044] On the other hand, as another example, heater 130 is also an induction heating heater. Specifically, heater 130 includes a conductive coil for heating the aerosol product by induction heating, and the aerosol product may include a susceptor that is heated by the induction heating heater.

[0045] For example, the heater 130 includes tubular heating elements, plate-shaped heating elements, needle-shaped heating elements, or rod-shaped heating elements, and the inside or outside of the aerosol product 200 can be heated depending on the shape of the heating elements.

[0046] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 100 may have multiple heaters 130. In this case, the multiple heaters 130 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 200, or they may be arranged outside the aerosol product 200. Alternatively, some of the multiple heaters 130 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 200, and the rest may be arranged outside the aerosol product 200. Also, the shape of the heater 130 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 1 to 3, and can be manufactured in a variety of shapes.

[0047] The vaporizer 140 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol is transmitted to the user through the aerosol product 200. That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 140 moves along the airflow passage of the aerosol generator 100, and the airflow passage may be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 140 is transmitted to the user through the aerosol product 200.

[0048] For example, the vaporizer 140 includes, 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 generator 100 as independent modules.

[0049] The liquid storage section can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances including volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. The liquid storage section may be manufactured to be detachable from the vaporizer 140, or it may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 140.

[0050] For example, the liquid composition may contain water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavoring agents, or vitamin mixtures. Fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. Flavoring agents may include components capable of providing users with a variety of flavors or aromas. Vitamin mixtures may be mixtures of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E, but are not limited to these. The liquid composition may also contain aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0051] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition of the liquid storage section to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means may be, but is not limited to, a wick made of cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramic.

[0052] A heating element is an element for heating a liquid composition that is transmitted by a liquid transfer means. For example, a heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, or a ceramic heater, but is not limited to these. Alternatively, a heating element may be composed of a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, and arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element is heated by an electric current supply, and heat is transferred to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol is generated.

[0053] For example, the steam generator 140 is also called a cartomizer or atomizer, but is not limited to these terms.

[0054] On the other hand, the aerosol generator 100 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the first battery 110, control unit 120, heater 130, and vaporizer 140. For example, the aerosol generator 100 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generator 100 may also include at least one sensor (such as a puff sensor, temperature sensor, or aerosol product insertion detection sensor). Furthermore, the aerosol generator 100 may be constructed in such a way that external air is allowed to flow in or internal gas is allowed to flow out even when the aerosol product 200 is inserted.

[0055] Figure 4 is a diagram showing another example in which aerosol products are inserted into an aerosol generator.

[0056] Referring to Figure 4, the aerosol generator 100 includes a first battery 110, a control unit 120, and a heater 130, and the heater 130 may include a heating element 131 and an induction coil 132.

[0057] The aerosol generator 100 can generate aerosols by heating the aerosol product 200 contained within the aerosol generator 100 using an induction heating method. The induction heating method refers to a method of generating heat in a magnetic material that generates heat in response to an external magnetic field by applying an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically.

[0058] When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, energy loss occurs in the magnetic material due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss, and the lost energy can be released from the magnetic material as thermal energy. The larger the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field applied to the magnetic material, the more thermal energy can be released from the magnetic material. The aerosol generator 100 can cause the magnetic material to release thermal energy by applying an alternating magnetic field, and can transfer the thermal energy released from the magnetic material to the aerosol product 200.

[0059] A magnetic material that generates heat due to an external magnetic field is a susceptor. The susceptor is provided in the aerosol generator 100 in the form of a fragment, flake, or strip. For example, at least a portion of the heating element 131 placed inside the aerosol generator 100 is made of susceptor material.

[0060] At least a portion of the susceptor material may be made of a ferromagnetic material. For example, the susceptor material may contain metal or carbon. The susceptor material may contain at least one of ferrite, ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). The susceptor material may also contain at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, metal film, ceramics such as zirconia, transition metals such as nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co), and quasimetallic elements such as boron (B) and phosphorus (P).

[0061] The heating element 131 can heat the aerosol product 200 contained in the aerosol generator 100. As described above, the heating element 131 can heat the aerosol product 200 by induction heating. The heating element 131 contains a susceptor substance that generates heat in response to an external magnetic field, and the aerosol generator 100 can apply a variable magnetic field to the heating element 131.

[0062] The induction coil 132 is provided in the aerosol generator 100. The induction coil 132 can apply a variable magnetic field to the heating element 131. When power is supplied to the induction coil 132 from the aerosol generator 100, a magnetic field can be formed inside the induction coil 132. When an alternating current is applied to the induction coil 132, the direction of the magnetic field formed inside the induction coil 132 can be continuously changed. When the heating element 131 is located inside the induction coil 132 and is exposed to a variable magnetic field whose direction changes periodically, the heating element 131 generates heat, and the aerosol product 200 contained in the containment space can be heated.

[0063] The induction coil 132 may be wound along the outer surface of the heating element 131. Alternatively, the induction coil 132 may be wound along the inner surface of the outer housing of the aerosol generator 100. The heating element 131 may be located in the internal space formed by the winding of the induction coil 132. When power is supplied to the induction coil 132, a variable magnetic field generated by the induction coil 132 may be applied to the heating element 131.

[0064] The induction coil 132 may be extended along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator 100. The induction coil 132 may be extended to an appropriate length along the longitudinal direction. For example, the induction coil 132 may be extended to correspond to the length of the heating element 131, or to be extended to a length greater than the length of the heating element 131.

[0065] The induction coil 132 can be positioned in a location suitable for applying a variable magnetic field to the heating element 131. For example, the induction coil 132 can be positioned in a location corresponding to the heating element 131. The efficiency of applying the variable magnetic field of the induction coil 132 to the heating element 131 can be improved by the size and position of the induction coil 132.

[0066] If the amplitude or frequency of the variable magnetic field formed by the induction coil 132 is changed, the degree to which the heating element 131 heats the aerosol product 200 may also be changed. Since the amplitude or frequency of the magnetic field formed by the induction coil 132 is changed by the power applied to the induction coil 132, the aerosol generator 100 can control the heating of the aerosol product 200 by adjusting the power applied to the induction coil 132. For example, the aerosol generator 100 can control the amplitude and frequency of the alternating current applied to the induction coil 132.

[0067] As an example, the induction coil 132 can be embodied as a solenoid. The induction coil 132 is a solenoid wound along the inner surface of the outer housing of the aerosol generator 100, and the heating element 131 and the aerosol product 200 may be located in the internal space of the solenoid. The material of the conductor constituting the solenoid is copper (Cu). However, it is not limited to this, and the material of the conductor constituting the solenoid may be an alloy containing one or at least one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni).

[0068] The control unit 120 can control the power supplied to the induction coil 132. The control unit 120 can control the first battery 110 so that the power supplied to the induction coil 132 is adjusted. For example, the control unit 120 can control the power supplied to the induction coil 132 so that the heating element 131 maintains a target temperature.

[0069] According to the embodiment, the first battery 110 may include an aqueous electrolyte. An aqueous electrolyte means an electrolyte that contains water as a solvent. The first battery 110 means an electrochemical energy storage device that produces electricity through a chemical reaction.

[0070] The lithium-ion battery, the most representative energy storage device, generally consists of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator membrane, and an electrolyte. In a lithium-ion battery, lithium ions move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode during the discharge process, and from the positive electrode to the negative electrode during the charging process. The separator membrane is placed between the positive and negative electrodes and serves to block contact between the positive and negative electrodes while allowing lithium ions to pass through.

[0071] The electrolyte is located between the positive and negative electrodes and plays a role in transporting lithium ions to the positive electrode. The electrolyte contains solvents, salts, and additives, and generally, the electrolyte in lithium-ion secondary batteries contains organic solvents. Organic solvent electrolytes are flammable and pose a fire hazard due to oxygen gases generated during the charging and discharging process.

[0072] On the other hand, batteries containing water-based electrolytes offer high stability and fast charge / discharge speeds. Because batteries containing water-based electrolytes use water as the electrolyte solvent, even if a short circuit occurs after a long battery cycle, there is no risk of fire, and stable operation is guaranteed.

[0073] The aerosol generator 100 according to this embodiment has a first battery 110 containing an aqueous electrolyte, which allows for faster charging and can provide an improved service life even with frequent charging and discharging. Furthermore, it can improve the stability of the aerosol generator 100, which is easily exposed to the risk of external impact.

[0074] Aqueous electrolytes include Mg 2+ Ca 2+ Zn 2+ , and Al 3+ It may contain one or more polyvalent metal ions selected from the group consisting of [list of ions]. Polyvalent metal ions have the advantage that multiple charges participate in the electrochemical reaction.

[0075] For example, the first battery 110 is an aqueous zinc-ion battery in which the aqueous electrolyte contains zinc. Based on the multi-electron exchange and high density of zinc metal, aqueous zinc-ion batteries can have a wide operating voltage and high energy density. For example, in an aqueous zinc-ion battery, the aqueous electrolyte may contain, but is not limited to, one or more metal salts selected from the group consisting of ZnSO4, Zn(CF3SO3)2, Zn(NO3)2, Zn(ClO4)2, ZnCl2, Zn(CH3COO)2, Zn(TFSI)2, Zn(BF4)2·xH2O, and Zn(N(CF3SO2)2)2(Zn(TFSI)2). Batteries containing an aqueous electrolyte undergo a side reaction called water splitting, which causes a gradual decrease in energy density. The aforementioned metal salts prevent the water splitting reaction of the aqueous electrolyte, enabling the first battery 110 to provide stable electrochemical performance.

[0076] The concentration of metal salts in aqueous electrolytes is approximately 1 M or higher. Batteries containing aqueous electrolytes have a chronic problem of dendrite formation on the electrode surface. The dendrites formed on the electrodes not only detach from the electrodes and lose their function as electrode active material, but can also cause short circuits in the battery. When aqueous electrolytes contain relatively high concentrations of metal salts of approximately 1 M or higher, it can have the effect of suppressing dendrite formation. The concentrations of metal salts in aqueous electrolytes are approximately 3 M or higher, approximately 5 M or higher, approximately 10 M or higher, approximately 20 M or higher, approximately 30 M or higher, or approximately 50 M or higher. In addition, the concentrations of metal salts in aqueous electrolytes are approximately 200 M or lower, approximately 100 M or lower, approximately 50 M or lower, approximately 30 M or lower, approximately 20 M or lower, approximately 10 M or lower, approximately 5 M or lower, or approximately 3 M or lower.

[0077] For example, aqueous electrolytes may contain LiTFSI of approximately 20 M or more. In this case, the reduction of water at the negative electrode can be inhibited, suppressing hydrogen generation and inducing a stable insertion / desorption reaction of zinc ions. As another example, aqueous electrolytes may contain ZnCl2 of approximately 30 M or more. In this case, the aqueous electrolyte can increase the operating voltage range by suppressing the formation of electrochemically inactive byproducts.

[0078] In addition, the aqueous electrolyte may contain a plurality of metal salts. For example, the aqueous electrolyte may contain Zn(TFSI)2 and LiTFSI. The aqueous electrolyte may contain a mixture of an aqueous solution of Zn(TFSI)2 of about 1 M or more and an aqueous solution of LiTFSI of about 20 M or more. In this case, the undesired hydrogen generation reaction can be suppressed, and it can have a high Coulombic efficiency of 90% or more.

[0079] The aqueous electrolyte may contain an additive. For example, the aqueous electrolyte contains, but is not limited to, one or more additives selected from the group consisting of Zinc triflate, Na2SO4, PAM (polyacrylamide), Et2O (diethyl ether), and DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide). The additive can improve the cycle characteristics of the first battery 110 and have a high energy density.

[0080] For example, the aqueous electrolyte contains Na2SO4 as an additive, and the concentration of Na2SO4 in the aqueous electrolyte is about 0.1 g / L to about 5 g / L. As another example, the aqueous electrolyte contains Et2O as an additive, and the concentration of Et2O in the aqueous electrolyte is about 1 vol% to about 5 vol%. The additive has the effect of being absorbed on the surface of the electrode or forming a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) to prevent the corrosion of zinc. Thereby, the first battery 110 can have a high charge-discharge rate and cycle characteristics while maintaining 95% or more in terms of the initial capacity ratio after about 1000 cycles.

[0081] The first battery 110 may include a positive electrode containing one or more transition metals selected from manganese and vanadium as a positive electrode active material. For example, the positive electrode of the first battery 110 contains MnO2, or contains V2O5 and / or V6O 13 as a positive electrode active material, but is not limited thereto.

[0082] In addition, the first battery 110 may include a negative electrode containing zinc as a negative electrode active material. For example, the negative electrode of the first battery 110 contains zinc metal, but is not limited thereto.

[0083] As another example, the first battery 110 is a redox flow battery.

[0084] Figure 5 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the first battery 110. Referring to Figure 5, the aqueous electrolyte 1100 of the first battery 110 may include a positive electrode electrolyte 1101 and a negative electrode electrolyte 1102. The first battery 110 may include a positive electrode 1121, a negative electrode 1122, a separation membrane 1130 placed between the positive electrode 1121 and the negative electrode 1122, a positive electrode electrolyte tank 1111 containing the positive electrode electrolyte 1101, and a negative electrode electrolyte tank 1112 containing the negative electrode electrolyte 1102. The positive electrode electrolyte 1101 can circulate from the positive electrode electrolyte tank 1111 through the positive electrode 1121 to the positive electrode electrolyte tank 1111, and the negative electrode electrolyte 1102 can circulate from the negative electrode electrolyte tank 1112 through the negative electrode 1122 to the negative electrode electrolyte tank 1112.

[0085] The positive electrode electrolyte 1101 and negative electrode electrolyte 1102 supplied to the positive electrode 1121 and negative electrode 1122 can produce energy by utilizing the oxidation-reduction reaction of the active substance contained in each electrolyte that occurs between the electrodes. The separation membrane 1130 placed between the positive electrode 1121 and the negative electrode 1122 prevents contact between the positive electrode 1121 and the negative electrode 1122, but allows ions of the active substance present in the positive electrode electrolyte 1101 or the negative electrode electrolyte 1102 to move through the separation membrane 1130.

[0086] The positive electrode electrolyte 1101 may contain one or more elements selected from the group consisting of bromine, iron, nickel, and manganese. The negative electrode electrolyte 1102 may contain zinc. For example, the positive electrode electrolyte 1101 of the first battery 110 may contain bromine, and the negative electrode electrolyte 1102 may contain zinc.

[0087] Furthermore, the negative electrode 1122 may contain a carbon-linked material. When a carbon-linked material is applied to the negative electrode 1122, dendritic formation on the electrode surface can be prevented, resulting in improved lifespan characteristics. The negative electrode 1122 includes, but is not limited to, one or more carbon-linked materials selected from, for example, graphene, activated carbon, carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, and fullerenes.

[0088] The first battery 110 may include a positive electrode pump 1141 that circulates the positive electrode electrolyte 1101 from the positive electrode electrolyte tank 1111 through the positive electrode 1121 back to the positive electrode electrolyte tank 1111. The first battery 110 may also include a negative electrode pump 1142 that circulates the negative electrode electrolyte 1102 from the negative electrode electrolyte tank 1112 through the negative electrode 1122 back to the negative electrode electrolyte tank 1112. The positive electrode electrolyte tank 1111 and the negative electrode electrolyte tank 1112 each include an electrolyte inlet and an electrolyte outlet connected to the positive electrode electrolyte tank 1111 and the negative electrode electrolyte tank 1112, respectively, and the positive electrode electrolyte 1101 and the negative electrode electrolyte 1102 can be circulated by driving the positive electrode pump 1141 and the negative electrode pump 1142.

[0089] An aerosol generator 100 according to one embodiment may include a holder and a cradle. The holder may include a heater 130 and a first battery 110. The cradle includes an internal space for housing the holder and may include a second battery that supplies power to the first battery 110.

[0090] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the holder of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0091] Referring to Figure 6, holder 1 includes a first battery 110, a first control unit 12, and a heater 130. Holder 1 also includes an internal space formed by the case 11. Aerosol products can be inserted into the internal space of holder 1.

[0092] The holder 1 shown in Figure 6 only shows components relevant to this embodiment. Therefore, a person with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment can understand that the holder 1 also includes other general-purpose components in addition to those shown in Figure 6.

[0093] When an aerosol product is inserted into holder 1, holder 1 heats heater 130. The aerosol-generating substance within the aerosol product is heated by the heated heater 130, causing an aerosol to be generated. The generated aerosol is transmitted to the user through the filter of the aerosol product. However, holder 1 can heat heater 130 even when an aerosol product is not inserted into holder 1.

[0094] Case 11 can be separated from holder 1. For example, case 11 can be separated from holder 1 by a user rotating it clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0095] Furthermore, the diameter of the hole formed at the end of the case 11 is made smaller than the diameter of the space formed by the case 11 and the heater 130, and in this case, it can serve as a guide for the aerosol product to be inserted into the holder 1.

[0096] The first battery 110 supplies the power used to operate the holder 1. For example, the first battery 110 can supply power to heat the heater 130 and supply the power necessary for the operation of the first control unit 12. The first battery 110 can also supply the power necessary for the operation of the display, sensors, motors, etc., provided in the holder 1.

[0097] The heater 130 is heated by power supplied from the first battery 110. When the aerosol product is inserted into the holder 1, the heated heater 130 can raise the temperature of the aerosol product. The same provisions described above apply to the first battery 110 and the heater 130 as in Figures 1 to 4.

[0098] The first control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the holder 1. Specifically, the first control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the first battery 110 and the heater 130, but also other components included in the holder 1. The first control unit 12 can also check the state of each component of the holder 1 and determine whether the holder 1 is in an operational state.

[0099] The first control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. It will be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0100] For example, the first control unit 12 can control the operation of the heater 130. The first control unit 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 130 and the duration of power supply so that the heater 130 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature. The first control unit 12 can also check the status of the first battery 110 (for example, the remaining charge of the first battery 110) and generate a notification signal if necessary.

[0101] Furthermore, the first control unit 12 can check the presence or absence of the user's puff and the intensity of the puff, and can count the number of puffs. The first control unit 12 can also continuously check the operating time of the holder 1. In addition, the first control unit 12 can check whether the holder 1 is connected to the cradle 2, which will be described later, and can control the operation of the holder 1 by connecting or separating the cradle 2 and the holder 1.

[0102] On the other hand, holder 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the first battery 110, the first control unit 12, and the heater 130.

[0103] For example, holder 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information or a motor for outputting tactile information. As an example, if holder 1 includes a display, the first control unit 12 can transmit to the user through the display information such as the status of holder 1 (e.g., whether the holder is usable or not), information about heater 130 (e.g., preheating start, preheating progress, preheating completion, etc.), information related to first battery 110 (e.g., remaining capacity of first battery 110, usability, etc.), information related to resetting holder 1 (e.g., reset time, reset progress, reset completion, etc.), information related to cleaning holder 1 (e.g., cleaning time, cleaning required, cleaning progress, cleaning completion, etc.), information related to charging holder 1 (e.g., charging required, charging progress, charging completion, etc.), information related to puffing (e.g., number of puffs, puff completion warning, etc.), or safety-related information (e.g., elapsed usage time, etc.). As another example, if the holder 1 includes a motor, the first control unit 12 can transmit the aforementioned information to the user by generating a vibration signal using the motor.

[0104] Furthermore, holder 1 may include at least one input device (e.g., a button) and / or terminals connected to cradle 2, which allow the user to control the functions of holder 1. For example, the user can perform a variety of functions using the input device of holder 1. By adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device (e.g., once, twice, etc.) or the duration for which the input device is pressed (e.g., 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, etc.), the user can perform a desired function from among the multiple functions of holder 1. When the user activates the input device, holder 1 can perform functions such as preheating the heater 130, adjusting the temperature of the heater 130, cleaning the space into which aerosol products are inserted, checking whether holder 1 is operational, displaying the remaining charge (available power) of the first battery 110, and resetting holder 1. However, the functions of holder 1 are not limited to the examples described above.

[0105] Furthermore, holder 1 may include a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, and / or an aerosol product insertion detection sensor. For example, the puff detection sensor may be embodied by a general pressure sensor, and the aerosol product insertion detection sensor may be embodied by a general capacitive sensor or a resistance sensor. Also, holder 1 may be manufactured with a structure that allows outside air to flow in / out even when an aerosol product is inserted.

[0106] Figures 7 and 8 are diagrams showing an example of a holder from various angles.

[0107] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of holder 1 viewed from a first direction. As shown in Figure 7, holder 1 is manufactured in a cylindrical shape, but is not limited to this. The case 11 of holder 1 can be separated by user action, and an aerosol product can be inserted into the end of case 11. Holder 1 may also include a first button 13 for user control of holder 1 and a first display 14 for outputting an image.

[0108] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of holder 1 viewed from a second direction. Holder 1 may include a first terminal 15 that is coupled to cradle 2. By coupling the first terminal 15 of holder 1 with the second terminal 26 of cradle 2, the first battery 110 of holder 1 can be charged by power from the second battery 21 of cradle 2. Alternatively, holder 1 may be powered by power from the second battery 21 of cradle 2 through the first terminal 15 and the second terminal 26, enabling communication (sending and receiving signals) between holder 1 and cradle 2. For example, the first terminal 15 consists of four micropins, but is not limited to this.

[0109] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the cradle of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0110] Referring to Figure 9, the cradle 2 includes a second battery 21 and a second control unit 22. The cradle 2 also includes an internal space 23 into which the holder 1 is inserted. For example, the internal space 23 may be formed on one side of the cradle 2. Therefore, the holder 1 can be inserted into and secured in the cradle 2 even if the cradle 2 does not include a separate lid.

[0111] The cradle 2 shown in Figure 9 only shows components relevant to this embodiment. Therefore, a person with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment will understand that the cradle 2 also includes other general-purpose components in addition to those shown in Figure 9.

[0112] The second battery 21 supplies power used for the operation of the cradle 2. The second battery 21 can also supply power to charge the first battery 110 of the holder 1. For example, when the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 and the first terminal 15 of the holder 1 is connected to the second terminal 260 of the cradle 2, the second battery 21 of the cradle 2 can supply power to the first battery 110 of the holder 1.

[0113] Furthermore, when holder 1 and cradle 2 are connected, the second battery 21 can supply power used for the operation of holder 1. For example, if the first terminal 15 of holder 1 and the second terminal 260 of cradle 2 are connected, holder 1 can operate using power from the second battery 21 of cradle 2, regardless of whether the first battery 110 of holder 1 is discharged or not.

[0114] The second battery 21 is a lithium-ion battery. For example, the second battery 21 is one or more selected from lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) batteries, lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NCM) batteries, and lithium nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA) batteries, but is not limited to the examples mentioned above.

[0115] The first battery 110 of holder 1 requires excellent cycle performance and stability, considering frequent charging and discharging and the risk of external shocks. However, since the first battery 110 is charged by cradle 2 for the remainder of the time, excluding the relatively short period during which the user uses holder 1, high energy density is not necessarily required.

[0116] On the other hand, the second battery 21 of cradle 2 has fewer charge-discharge cycles and a lower risk of external shock compared to the first battery 110, while requiring a high energy density to repeatedly charge the first battery 110. Therefore, the aforementioned problems can be solved by using a battery containing an aqueous electrolyte with excellent cycle performance and stability for the first battery 110 of holder 1, and a lithium-ion battery with high energy density for the second battery 21 of cradle 2.

[0117] The second control unit 22 controls the overall operation of the cradle 2. The second control unit 22 can control the operation of all components of the cradle 2. In addition, the second control unit 22 can determine whether the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are connected or disconnected, and can control the operation of the cradle 2 by connecting or disconnecting the cradle 2 and the holder 1.

[0118] For example, when the holder 1 and cradle 2 are coupled together, the second control unit 22 can charge the first battery 110 or heat the heater 130 by supplying power from the second battery 21 to the holder 1. Therefore, even when the remaining charge of the first battery 110 is low, the user can continue smoking by coupling the holder 1 and cradle 2.

[0119] The second control unit 22 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable 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.

[0120] On the other hand, the cradle 2 may include general-purpose components in addition to the second battery 21 and the second control unit 22. For example, the cradle 2 may include a display capable of outputting visual information. For example, if the cradle 2 includes a display, the second control unit 22 can transmit to the user information related to the second battery 21 (e.g., remaining capacity of the second battery 21, availability, etc.), information related to the reset of the cradle 2 (e.g., reset time, reset in progress, reset completed, etc.), information related to the cleaning of the holder 1 (e.g., cleaning time, cleaning required, cleaning in progress, cleaning completed, etc.), and information related to the charging of the cradle 2 (e.g., charging required, charging in progress, charging completed, etc.) by generating signals that can be displayed on the display.

[0121] Furthermore, the cradle 2 may include at least one input device (e.g., a button) that allows the user to control the functions of the cradle 2, a second terminal 26 that connects to the holder 1, and / or an interface (e.g., a USB port) for charging the second battery 21.

[0122] For example, a user can perform a variety of functions using the input device of Cradle 2. By adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device or the duration of the press, the user can perform a desired function from among the multiple functions of Cradle 2. When the user activates the input device, Cradle 2 can perform functions such as preheating the heater 130 of Holder 1, adjusting the temperature of the heater 130 of Holder 1, cleaning the space in Holder 1 into which aerosol products are inserted, checking whether Cradle 2 is operational, displaying the remaining charge (available power) of the second battery 21 of Cradle 2, and resetting Cradle 2. However, the functions of Cradle 2 are not limited to the examples described above.

[0123] Figures 10 and 11 are diagrams showing an example of a cradle from various angles.

[0124] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the cradle 2 viewed from a first direction. One side of the cradle 2 has an internal space 23 into which the holder 1 can be inserted. Furthermore, the holder 1 can be inserted into and secured in the cradle 2 even if the cradle 2 does not include a separate fixing means such as a lid. The cradle 2 also includes a second button 24 for the user to control the cradle 2 and a second display 25 on which an image is output.

[0125] Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the cradle 2 viewed from a second direction. The cradle 2 may include a second terminal 26 that is coupled to the inserted holder 1. By coupling the second terminal 26 with the first terminal 15 of the holder 1, the first battery 110 of the holder 1 can be charged by power from the second battery 21 of the cradle 2. In addition, the holder 1 may be operated by power from the second battery 21 of the cradle 2 through the first terminal 15 and the second terminal 26, and signals can be transmitted and received between the holder 1 and the cradle 2. For example, the second terminal 26 consists of four micropins, but is not limited to this.

[0126] As mentioned above, holder 1 can be inserted into the internal space 23 of cradle 2. Furthermore, holder 1 may be fully inserted into cradle 2, or it may be tilted while inserted into cradle 2.

[0127] Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example where the holder is inserted into the cradle.

[0128] Referring to Figure 12, an example is shown in which holder 1 is inserted into cradle 2. Since the internal space 23 into which holder 1 is inserted is located on one side of cradle 2, the inserted holder 1 does not need to be exposed to the outside by the other side of cradle 2. Therefore, cradle 2 does not need to include other components (e.g., a lid) to prevent holder 1 from being exposed to the outside.

[0129] The cradle 2 includes at least one fastening member to increase the bonding strength with the holder 1. The holder 1 also includes at least one fastening member. Here, the fastening member is a magnet, but is not limited to that.

[0130] Because the holder 1 and cradle 2 include fastening members, even if the holder 1 is inserted into one side of the cradle 2, the holder 1 and cradle 2 can be more strongly bonded together. Therefore, even without a separate component (e.g., a lid) on the cradle 2, the inserted holder 1 will not easily separate from the cradle 2.

[0131] Furthermore, if the second control unit 22 determines that the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2 by terminals 15, 26 and / or fastening members, it can charge the first battery 110 of the holder 1 using the power of the second battery 21.

[0132] Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of the holder being inserted into the cradle.

[0133] Figure 13 shows an example in which the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2. When the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2, the internal space 23 of the cradle 2 may be manufactured to ensure sufficient space to minimize user contact with the holder 1. Once the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2, the second control unit 22 supplies power from the second battery 21 to the holder 1 so that the first battery 110 of the holder 1 is charged.

[0134] Examples of aerosol products will be described below with reference to Figures 14 to 16.

[0135] Figures 14 and 15 are diagrams showing examples of aerosol products.

[0136] Referring to Figure 14, the aerosol product 200 comprises a tobacco rod 210 and a filter rod 220.

[0137] Figure 14 shows the filter rod 220 as a single segment, but it is not limited to this. In other words, the filter rod 220 may consist of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 220 may have a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering out predetermined components contained in the aerosol. Alternatively, the filter rod 220 may further have at least one additional segment performing other functions.

[0138] The aerosol product 200 is packaged by at least one trumpet 240. The trumpet 240 has at least one hole through which outside air enters or internal gases exit. As an example, the aerosol product 200 is packaged by one trumpet 240. As another example, the aerosol product 200 may be packaged in layers by two or more trumpets 240. For example, the tobacco rod 210 may be packaged by a first trumpet 241, and the filter rod 220 may be packaged by trumpets 242, 243, and 244. The entire aerosol product 200 may then be repackaged by a single trumpet 245. If the filter rod 220 consists of multiple segments, each segment may be packaged by trumpets 242, 243, and 244.

[0139] The tobacco rod 210 contains an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance includes, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 210 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Furthermore, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod 210 by spraying it.

[0140] The tobacco rod 210 can be manufactured in various forms. For example, the tobacco rod 210 can be manufactured in sheet form or strand form. Alternatively, the tobacco rod 210 may be made from shredded tobacco obtained by finely cutting tobacco sheets. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 210 may be surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to this. As an example, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 can uniformly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 210, improving the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and thereby improving the tobacco flavor. The heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 can also function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 210 may further include a susceptor in addition to the heat conductive material surrounding its exterior.

[0141] The filter rod 220 may be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, there are no restrictions on the shape of the filter rod 220. For example, the filter rod 220 may be a cylindrical rod, or a tubular rod containing a hollow inside. The filter rod 220 may also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 220 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments may be made in a different shape.

[0142] The filter rod 220 may be manufactured to generate flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 220, or a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid may be inserted inside the filter rod 220.

[0143] Furthermore, the filter rod 220 includes at least one capsule 230, where the capsule 230 generates flavor or aerosol. For example, the capsule 230 has a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is enclosed in a film. The capsule 230 may, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0144] If the filter rod 220 includes a segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment is made of a polymer or a biodegradable polymer. For example, the cooling segment may be made solely of pure polylactic acid, but is not limited to this. Alternatively, the cooling segment may be made of a cellulose acetate filter with multiple pores. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the examples described above, and is open to any material that can perform the function of cooling the aerosol.

[0145] Referring to Figure 15, the aerosol product 300 further comprises a front plug 330. The front plug 330 is located on the tobacco rod 310 on one side opposite the filter rod 320. The front plug 330 prevents the tobacco rod 310 from detaching to the outside and prevents liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 310 into the aerosol generator during smoking.

[0146] The filter rod 320 comprises a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 corresponds to the first segment of the filter rod 220 in Figure 14, and the second segment 322 corresponds to the second segment of the filter rod 220 in Figure 14.

[0147] The diameter and overall length of the aerosol product 300 correspond to the diameter and overall length of the aerosol product 200 in Figure 14. For example, the length of the front plug 330 is approximately 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 310 is approximately 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 is approximately 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 is approximately 14 mm, but are not limited to these.

[0148] The aerosol product 300 is packaged by at least one trumpet 350. The trumpet 350 has at least one hole through which outside air enters or internal gases exit. For example, the front plug 330 is packaged by a first trumpet 351, the tobacco rod 310 is packaged by a second trumpet 352, the first segment 321 is packaged by a third trumpet 353, and the second segment 322 is packaged by a fourth trumpet 354. The entire aerosol product 300 may then be repackaged by a fifth trumpet 355.

[0149] Furthermore, at least one perforation 360 may be formed in the fifth trumpet 355. For example, the perforation 360 is formed in the region surrounding the tobacco rod 310, but is not limited to this. The perforation 360 serves to transfer the heat generated by the heater 130 shown in Figures 2 and 3 into the interior of the tobacco rod 310.

[0150] Furthermore, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 340, where the capsule 340 generates flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 340 has a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is enclosed in a film. The capsule 340 may be spherical or cylindrical, but is not limited to these.

[0151] Figure 16 is a diagram showing another example of an aerosol product.

[0152] Referring to Figure 16, the aerosol product 400 may include a first aerosol generating rod 410, a second aerosol generating rod 420, a cooling rod 430, and a filter rod 440. The aerosol product 400 may also be packaged in at least one trumpet 450.

[0153] The first aerosol generating rod 410, the second aerosol generating rod 420, the cooling rod 430, and the filter rod 440 can be sequentially aligned along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 400. Here, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 400 is the direction in which the length of the aerosol product 400 is extended. For example, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 400 is the direction from the first aerosol generating rod 410 toward the filter rod 440.

[0154] The aerosols generated from the first aerosol generating rod 410 and the second aerosol generating rod 420 form an airflow as they sequentially pass through the first aerosol generating rod 410, the second aerosol generating rod 420, the cooling rod 430, and the filter rod 440, thereby allowing the smoker to inhale the aerosols from the filter rod 440.

[0155] The first aerosol generating rod 410 can be heated to generate an aerosol. The first aerosol generating rod 410 may contain an aerosol generating substance. The first aerosol generating rod 410 may also contain other additives such as a wetting agent and / or an organic acid, and may contain a fragrance liquid such as menthol. For example, the aerosol generating substance may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol.

[0156] The first aerosol generating rod 410 may include an aerosol generating substrate impregnated with an aerosol generating substance. The aerosol generating substrate includes a crimped sheet, and the aerosol generating substance is included in the first aerosol generating rod 410 in a state impregnated with the crimped sheet. In addition, other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants and / or organic acids, and flavoring liquids are included in the first aerosol generating rod 410 in a state absorbed with the crimped sheet.

[0157] The aerosol-generating substrate may be placed inside the first aerosol-generating rod 410 in a wound state. The wound aerosol-generating substrate is wound around an axis that extends along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 400, but is not limited to this.

[0158] A crimped sheet is a sheet made of a polymer material. For example, the polymer material may include at least one of the following: paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, or polylactic acid. For example, a crimped sheet is a paper sheet that does not produce an unpleasant odor when heated to high temperatures.

[0159] The first aerosol generating rod 410 extends to a point approximately 7 mm to 20 mm from the end of the aerosol product 400, and the second aerosol generating rod 420 may extend to a point approximately 7 mm to 20 mm from the end of the first aerosol generating rod 410. However, the extension lengths of the first aerosol generating rod 410 and the second aerosol generating rod 420 can be appropriately adjusted within a range that can be easily changed by an ordinary technician.

[0160] The second aerosol generating rod 420 can be heated to produce a nicotine-containing aerosol. For example, the second aerosol generating rod 420 may contain tobacco material. The tobacco material may be in the form of, but is not limited to, tobacco strands, tobacco particles, tobacco sheets, tobacco beads, tobacco granules, tobacco powder, or tobacco extract.

[0161] For example, the second aerosol-generating rod 420 may contain multiple tobacco books, and these tobacco books may contain flat-leaf shredded tobacco. Flat-leaf shredded tobacco can be produced by finely cutting flat-leaf sheets. Flat-leaf shredded tobacco can be produced by the following process: Tobacco raw materials are crushed to produce a slurry mixed with aerosol-generating substances (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.), flavoring liquid, binders (e.g., guar gum, xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellulose, etc.), water, etc. Natural pulp or cellulose may be added to the slurry, and one or more binders may be mixed in. The slurry can be cast to form sheets, which can then be dried to produce flat-leaf sheets. Flat-leaf shredded tobacco can be produced by cutting or shredding the produced flat-leaf sheets. Tobacco raw materials are tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, and / or tobacco powder generated during tobacco processing. The flat-leaf sheets may also contain other additives such as wood cellulose fibers.

[0162] Furthermore, the second aerosol generating rod 420 may contain shredded tobacco produced by processing and then cutting various types of tobacco leaves. In addition, the second aerosol generating rod 420 may contain a mixture of flat-leaf shredded tobacco and shredded tobacco.

[0163] As another example, the second aerosol generating rod 420 may contain multiple tobacco granules. The tobacco granules are particles having a diameter of approximately 100 μm to approximately 2,000 μm. The tobacco granules may be produced by extruding a mixture of crushed tobacco leaves, a pH adjuster, and a solvent.

[0164] Multiple tobacco granules may be arranged between the filter material. The filter material may include, for example, a bundle of cellulose acetate fiber strands. The multiple tobacco granules may be arranged in a manner uniformly dispersed between the multiple cellulose fibers. As another example, the filter material may include a crimped paper sheet. The crimped paper sheet may be placed inside the second aerosol generating rod 420 in a wound state. The crimped paper sheet is wound around an axis that extends along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 400. Multiple tobacco granules may be dispersed inside the wound paper sheet.

[0165] Furthermore, the second aerosol generating rod 420 may include an aerosol generating substrate impregnated with a liquid aerosol generating composition. The aerosol generating substrate includes a crimped sheet, and the liquid aerosol generating composition is included in the second aerosol generating rod 420 in a state impregnated with the crimped sheet. The above-described provisions can be similarly applied to the aerosol generating substrate included in the first aerosol generating rod 410 with respect to the aerosol generating substrate included in the second aerosol generating rod 420.

[0166] The liquid aerosol-generating composition may contain nicotine. Nicotine may include free-base nicotine and nicotine salt. Free-base nicotine refers to neutral nicotine that does not have protons attached. For example, if a strong base such as ammonia is added to a positively charged nicotine salt, the strong base is converted into a cation, and the nicotine salt becomes neutral free-base nicotine.

[0167] Furthermore, the liquid aerosol generating composition may contain an aerosol generating substance. The same provisions described above may be applied to the aerosol generating substrate contained in the first aerosol generating rod 410.

[0168] The liquid aerosol generating composition may be impregnated at a rate of approximately 0.05 g to approximately 1.0 g per gram of aerosol generating substrate. For example, the liquid aerosol generating composition may be impregnated at a rate of approximately 0.1 g to approximately 0.8 g per gram of aerosol generating substrate.

[0169] The cooling rod 430 can cool the aerosols generated from the first aerosol generating rod 410 and the second aerosol generating rod 420. The cooling rod 430 may be made of a biodegradable polymer material and may have a cooling function. For example, the cooling rod 430 may be made of polylactic acid (PLA) fiber, but is not limited to this.

[0170] Alternatively, the cooling rod 430 may be made of a cellulose acetate filter. However, the cooling rod 430 is not limited to the examples given above, and any material that performs the function of cooling an aerosol may be included without limitation. For example, the cooling rod 430 may be a hollow tube filter or a paper tube made of paper.

[0171] At least one hole 431 may be formed on the outer surface of the cooling rod 430. The at least one hole 431 is formed along the circumferential direction of the cooling rod 430 and can generate one or more heats. The at least one hole 431 allows outside air to flow into the interior of the cooling rod 430. The outside air that flows into the interior of the cooling rod 430 can be mixed with the high-temperature aerosols generated from the first aerosol generating rod 410 and the second aerosol generating rod 420 to cool the aerosols.

[0172] The filter rod 440 can filter out certain components contained in the aerosol passing through it. The filter rod 440 may contain a filter material. For example, the filter rod 440 is a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod 440 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow.

[0173] There are no restrictions on the shape of the filter rod 440. For example, the filter rod 440 can be a cylindrical (type) rod, or a tubular (type) rod containing a hollow interior. Alternatively, the filter rod 440 can be a recessed (type) rod containing a hollow end that is open. If the filter rod 440 consists of multiple segments, at least one of the segments may be made in a different shape.

[0174] The filter rod 440 may be manufactured to generate flavor. For example, the filter rod 440 may contain a flavoring liquid, and a separate fiber containing the flavoring liquid may be inserted inside the filter rod 440.

[0175] Furthermore, the filter rod 440 includes at least one capsule, which can generate flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule has a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is covered with a film. The capsule may be spherical or cylindrical, but is not limited to these shapes.

[0176] The aerosol product 400 may include a trumpet 450 that surrounds at least a portion of the first aerosol generating rod 410 or filter rod 440. Alternatively, the aerosol product 400 may include a trumpet 450 that surrounds the entire first aerosol generating rod 410 or filter rod 440. The trumpet 450 is located on the outermost periphery of the aerosol product 400, and although the trumpet 450 is a single trumpet, it is a combination of multiple trumpets.

[0177] The aerosol product 400 may be packaged in a superimposed manner using two or more trumpets. For example, the first aerosol generating rod 410 may be packaged with a first trumpet 451, the second aerosol generating rod 420 with a second trumpet 452, the cooling rod 430 with a third trumpet 453, and the filter rod 440 with a fourth trumpet 454. The entire aerosol product 400 may then be repackaged with a fifth trumpet 455.

[0178] The first flaps 451 can surround the first aerosol generating rod 410, and the second flaps 452 can surround the second aerosol generating rod 420. The first flaps 451 and the second flaps 452 are made of paper and metal foil such as aluminum foil bonded together. For example, the first flaps 451 and the second flaps 452 are laminated sheets in which paper and metal foil are laminated. The first flaps 451 and the second flaps 452 are also laminated sheets in which paper is placed on one side of the metal foil, or laminated sheets in which paper is placed on both sides of the metal foil.

[0179] The paper of the first flap 451 may contain an oil-resistant substance. For example, the paper of the first flap 451 may contain polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or silicone. The surface of the paper of the first flap 451 may be coated with polyvinyl alcohol or silicone.

[0180] The third wrapper 453 can surround the cooling rod 430. The third wrapper 453 may include a wrapping paper. The wrapping paper of the third wrapper 453 may be porous or non-porous. At least one perforation 256 may be formed in the third wrapper 453. For example, the third wrapper 453 may wrap a cooling rod 430 having at least one hole 431 formed therein, and the at least one perforation 256 formed in the third wrapper 453 may be formed in a position corresponding to the at least one hole 431 formed in the cooling rod 430.

[0181] The fourth wrapper 454 can surround the filter rod 440. The fourth wrapper 454 may include hard wrapping paper with greater thickness and basis weight compared to general wrapping paper. For example, the thickness of the hard wrapping paper may be approximately 70 μm to 150 μm, and the basis weight may be approximately 50 g / m². 2 or approximately 100g / m 2 Furthermore, hard wrapping paper may contain oil-resistant substances. For example, hard wrapping paper may include surface treatment with an oil-resistant substance such as polyvinyl alcohol or silicone.

[0182] The fifth trumpet 455 can enclose the first aerosol generating rod 410, which is packaged by the first trumpet 451; the second aerosol generating rod 420, which is packaged by the second trumpet 452; the cooling rod 430, which is packaged by the third trumpet 453; and the filter rod 440, which is packaged by the fourth trumpet 454. The fifth trumpet 455 can prevent contamination of the aerosol product 400's exterior by aerosols generated from the aerosol product 400. A liquid substance may be generated from inside the aerosol product 400 by a user's puff. For example, a liquid substance (e.g., water) may be generated when the aerosol generated from the aerosol product 400 is cooled by the outside air. By packaging the outside of the aerosol product 400 with the fifth trumpet 455, leakage of the generated liquid substance to the outside of the aerosol product 400 can be prevented.

[0183] Figure 17 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0184] The aerosol generator 1700 includes a control unit 1710, a sensing unit 1720, an output unit 1730, a battery 1740, a heater 1750, a user input unit 1760, a memory 1770, and a communication unit 1780. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1700 is not limited to that shown in Figure 17. That is, a person with ordinary skill in the art according to this embodiment will understand that some of the components shown in Figure 17 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1700.

[0185] The sensing unit 1720 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 1700 or the state of the surroundings of the aerosol generator 1700, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 1710. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1710 can control the aerosol generator 1700 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 1750, restricting smoking, determining whether or not an aerosol product (e.g., an aerosol product, cartridge, etc.) has been inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0186] The sensing unit 1720 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the temperature sensor 1722, the insertion sensing sensor 1724, and the puff sensor 1726.

[0187] The temperature sensor 1722 can sense the temperature at which the heater 1750 (or the aerosol-generating material) is heated. The aerosol generator 1700 may include a separate temperature sensor to sense the temperature of the heater 1750, or the heater 1750 itself may act as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1722 may be positioned around the battery 1740 to monitor its temperature.

[0188] The insertion sensing sensor 1724 can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 1724 includes 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 due to the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products.

[0189] The puff sensor 1726 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 1726 can detect a user's puff based on any one of the following: temperature changes, flow rate changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0190] In addition to the aforementioned temperature sensor 1722, insertion sensing sensor 1724, and puff sensor 1726, the sensing unit 1720 may further 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 sensor (illuminance sensor). The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an average engineer from its name, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0191] The output unit 1730 can output and provide to the user information about the status of the aerosol generator 1700. The output unit 1730 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the display unit 1732, the haptic unit 1734, and the acoustic output unit 1736. When the display unit 1732 and the touchpad form a layered structure and constitute a touchscreen, the display unit 1732 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0192] The display unit 1732 can visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generator 1700. For example, the information about the aerosol generator 1700 can include various types of information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 1740 of the aerosol generator 1700, the preheating status of the heater 1750, the insertion / removal status of aerosol products, or conditions under which the use of the aerosol generator 1700 is restricted (e.g., detection of abnormal items), and the display unit 1732 can output this information to the outside. The display unit 1732 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or an LED light-emitting element.

[0193] The haptic unit 1734 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli, providing the user with tactile information about the aerosol generator 1700. For example, the haptic unit 1734 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0194] The acoustic output unit 1736 can provide the user with auditory information about the aerosol generator 1700. For example, the acoustic output unit 1736 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0195] The battery 1740 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator 1700. The battery 1740 can supply power to heat the heater 1750. Furthermore, the battery 1740 can supply power necessary for the operation of other components within the aerosol generator 1700 (e.g., the sensing unit 1720, the output unit 1730, the user input unit 1760, the memory 1770, and the communication unit 1780). The battery 1740 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1740 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to that.

[0196] The heater 1750 is powered by the battery 1740 and can heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Figure 17, the aerosol generator 1700 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the battery 1740 and supplies it to the heater 1750. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 1700 generates aerosols by induction heating, the aerosol generator 1700 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 1740 into AC power supply.

[0197] The control unit 1710, sensing unit 1720, output unit 1730, user input unit 1760, memory 1770, and communication unit 1780 can function by being powered by the battery 1740. Although not shown in Figure 17, 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 1740 and supply it to each component.

[0198] In one embodiment, the heater 1750 may be formed from any suitable electrical resistant material. For example, suitable electrical resistant materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys, including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. The heater 1750 may also be embodied by, but are not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which conductive tracks are arranged, or a ceramic heating element.

[0199] In other embodiments, the heater 1750 is also an induction heating heater. For example, the heater 1750 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0200] The user input unit 1760 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 1760 may include, 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. Also, although not shown in Figure 17, the aerosol generator 1700 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via a connection interface such as a USB interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 1740.

[0201] Memory 1770 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1700, and can store data processed by the control unit 1710 and data being processed. Memory 1770 includes at least one type of recording 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 1770 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1700, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

[0202] The communication unit 1780 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1780 includes a short-range communication unit 1782 and a wireless communication unit 1784.

[0203] The short-range wireless communication unit 1782 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA: infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0204] The wireless communication unit 1784 includes, 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 1784 can also verify and authenticate the aerosol generator 1700 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0205] The control unit 1710 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1700. In one embodiment, the control unit 1710 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. It will be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0206] The control unit 1710 can control the temperature of the heater 1750 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 1740 to the heater 1750. For example, the control unit 1710 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 1740 and the heater 1750. As another example, the direct heating circuit can also control the power supply to the heater 1750 by a control command from the control unit 1710.

[0207] The control unit 1710 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 1720 and control subsequent processing. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1720, the control unit 1710 can control the power supplied to the heater 1750 so that the heater 1750 starts or stops operating. As another example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1720, the control unit 1710 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 1750 and the power supply time so that the heater 1750 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0208] The control unit 1710 can control the output unit 1730 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1720. For example, if the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 1726 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 1710 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 1700 will soon shut down through at least one of the display unit 1732, the haptic unit 1734, and the acoustic output unit 1736.

[0209] One embodiment also embodies a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules executed by a computer. Computer-readable media are any available media accessed by a computer, and include both volatile and non-volatile media, and isolated and non-isolated media. Computer-readable media also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, isolated and non-isolated media, embodied by any method or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data such as modulated data signals, or other transmission mechanisms, and include any information transmission medium.

[0210] The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and any person with ordinary skill in the art will understand that a variety of modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention must be determined by the claims, and all differences that are equivalent to those described in the claims should be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A heater that generates aerosols by heating the aerosol product, Includes a first battery that supplies power to the heater, The first battery is an aerosol generating device containing an aqueous electrolyte.

2. A holder including the heater and the first battery, A substrate aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: a cradle including an internal space for housing the holder and a second battery for charging the first battery by supplying power to the first battery;

3. The aerosol generating apparatus for a substrate according to claim 2, wherein the second battery is a lithium-ion battery.

4. The aqueous electrolyte is Mg ２＋ Ca ２＋ , Zn ２＋ , and Al ３＋ An aerosol generating apparatus for a substrate according to claim 1, comprising one or more polyvalent metal ions selected from the group consisting of the above.

5. The aqueous electrolyte is ZnSO ４ , Zn(CF ３ SO ３ ), Zn(NO ２ ), Zn(ClO ３ ), Zn(ClO ２ ), Zn(ClO ４ ), ZnCl ２ , Zn(CH ２ COO), Zn(TFSI ３ ), Zn(BF ２ ), Zn(BF ２ ), Zn(BF ４ ), Zn(BF ２ ).xH ２ O, and Zn(N(CF ３ SO ２ ), Zn(N(CF ２ ), Zn(N(CF ２ )(Zn(TFSI ２ )) selected from the group consisting of one or more metal salts, the aerosol generating device for a substrate according to claim 1.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus for a substrate according to claim 1, wherein the aqueous electrolyte contains a metal salt, and the concentration of the metal salt in the aqueous electrolyte is 1 M or more.

7. The aqueous electrolyte is zinc triflate, Na ２ SO ４ , PAM (polyacrylamide), Et ２ An aerosol generating apparatus for a substrate according to claim 1, comprising one or more additives selected from the group consisting of O (diethyl ether) and DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide).

8. The first battery comprises a positive electrode containing one or more transition metals selected from manganese and vanadium as a positive electrode active material, and a negative electrode containing zinc as a negative electrode active material, wherein the substrate aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The aqueous electrolyte comprises a positive electrode electrolyte and a negative electrode electrolyte. The first battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator membrane disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The positive electrode electrolyte is circulated from the positive electrode electrolyte tank containing the positive electrode electrolyte, through the positive electrode, back to the positive electrode electrolyte tank. The aerosol generating apparatus for a substrate according to claim 1, wherein the negative electrode electrolyte is circulated from a negative electrode electrolyte tank containing the negative electrode electrolyte back to the negative electrode electrolyte tank via the negative electrode.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus for a substrate according to claim 9, wherein the positive electrode electrolyte contains bromine and the negative electrode electrolyte contains zinc.

11. The first battery includes a positive electrode pump that circulates the positive electrode electrolyte from the positive electrode electrolyte tank to the positive electrode electrolyte tank via the positive electrode, and The aerosol generating apparatus for a substrate according to claim 9, further comprising a negative electrode pump for circulating the negative electrode electrolyte from the negative electrode electrolyte tank to the negative electrode electrolyte tank via the negative electrode.

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