Aerosol Generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating device according to various embodiments includes an aerosol-forming substrate storage section that includes an aerosol-forming substrate, and a light source that irradiates light toward the aerosol-forming substrate storage section, and the light irradiated by the light source can generate heat by surface plasmon resonance phenomenon to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosol-forming substrate storage section.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Hereinafter, the embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative products that overcome the shortcomings of traditional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for devices that generate aerosols by electrically heating cigarette sticks (e.g., cigarette-type electronic cigarettes). As a result, active research has been conducted on electrically heated aerosol generating devices and cigarette sticks (or aerosol generating articles) applied thereto. For example, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0132823 discloses a non-combustion type flavor inhaler, a flavor smoking source unit, and a smoke unit. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol using Surface Plasmon Resonance phenomenon.

[0004] An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device having improved battery efficiency by reducing the power consumed in an aerosol generating device that operates using surface plasmon resonance phenomenon compared to the power consumed in an aerosol generating device that operates by resistive heating. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An aerosol generating device according to various embodiments includes an aerosol-forming substrate-containing unit configured to contain an aerosol-forming substrate and generate heat by surface plasmon resonance, and a light source that irradiates light toward the aerosol-forming substrate-containing unit. The light irradiated by the light source generates heat by surface plasmon resonance and can heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosol-forming substrate-containing unit.

[0006] In an embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate-accommodating unit may include a plate including a plurality of resases, and the aerosol-forming substrate may be accommodated in the plurality of resases.

[0007] In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate containing portion may include anodized aluminum oxide (AAO).

[0008] In an embodiment, metal nanoparticles may be coated on a surface of the aerosol-forming substrate-accommodating part.

[0009] In one embodiment, the metal nanoparticles may include at least one of gold, silver, palladium, platinum, and copper.

[0010] In an embodiment, the metal nanoparticles may be applied to the aerosol-forming substrate receiving unit in a predetermined pattern.

[0011] In one embodiment, the pattern may include coated regions where the metal nanoparticles are applied and uncoated regions where the metal nanoparticles are not applied, and the coated regions may have widths that narrow from the center to the periphery and may be connected via junctions where the width is narrowest.

[0012] In one embodiment, the metal nanoparticles may be applied to a thickness of 10 nm or less.

[0013] In an embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate container may further include a reflector disposed to surround a space between the aerosol-forming substrate container and the light source.

[0014] In one embodiment, the light source may include at least one of a light emitting diode (LED), a laser, a fluorescent lamp, a halogen lamp, and an incandescent lamp.

[0015] In one embodiment, the plates may be used interchangeably.

[0016] In one embodiment, the plate is disposed adjacent to a mouthpiece portion of the aerosol generating device, and the light source is disposed apart from the mouthpiece portion with respect to the plate so as to irradiate light toward the plate.

[0017] In one embodiment, the plate is positioned away from the mouthpiece portion of the aerosol generating device, and the light source is provided between the mouthpiece portion and the plate to irradiate light toward the plate, so that the aerosol generated at the plate can reach the mouthpiece portion.

[0018] In one embodiment, the light source includes one or more apertures through which aerosol generated at the plate can reach the mouthpiece portion.

[0019] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a rotating plate and one or more plates arranged on the rotating plate, the one or more plates may be arranged around a central axis of the rotating plate.

[0020] In one embodiment, the light source is capable of irradiating light onto at least one of the plates disposed on the rotating plate.

[0021] In one embodiment, the device further includes a housing including a first end surface, a second end surface opposite the first end surface, and an inner surface connecting the first end surface and the second end surface, wherein the light source is disposed on the inner surface of the housing and irradiates light toward the inside of the housing, and the plate is disposed facing the light source. Effect of the Invention

[0022] The aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating system according to an embodiment can generate an aerosol using surface plasmon resonance phenomena.

[0023] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system can provide an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system having improved battery efficiency by reducing the power consumed by an aerosol generating device that operates using surface plasmon resonance phenomenon compared to the power consumed by an aerosol generating device that operates by resistive heating.

[0024] The effects of the aerosol generating device and aerosol generating system according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention with a cigarette inserted therein. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention with a cigarette inserted therein. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention with a cigarette inserted therein. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a cigarette according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5]FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a cigarette according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 7A] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol forming substrate container according to one embodiment. [Figure 7C] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a pattern in which metal nanoparticles are applied to an aerosol formation substrate receiving portion according to an embodiment. [Figure 7D] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a pattern in which metal nanoparticles are applied to an aerosol formation substrate receiving portion according to an embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a shape of a light source according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 illustrates a rotating plate according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to a further embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The terms used in the embodiments are selected from currently widely used general terms as much as possible while taking into consideration the functions in the present invention, but this may vary depending on the intentions of the skilled artisan or precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, the meanings of such terms will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply the names of the terms.

[0027] Throughout the specification, when any part "includes" any component, this does not exclude other components, but means that the other components are further included, unless otherwise specified to the contrary. In addition, the terms "unit", "module", etc. described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be embodied in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0028] In the following embodiments, "upstream" or "upstream direction" refers to a direction away from the mouth of a user (smoker), and "downstream" or "downstream direction" refers to a direction approaching the mouth of a user. The terms upstream and downstream are used to describe the relative positions of elements constituting an aerosol-generating article. For example, in the aerosol-generating device 70 illustrated in FIG. 7A, the light source 74 is located upstream or in the upstream direction of the aerosol-forming substrate housing 73, and the aerosol-forming substrate housing 73 is located downstream or in the downstream direction of the light source 74.

[0029] In the following embodiments, "puff" refers to a user inhaling, where inhalation refers to drawing air through the user's mouth or nose into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs.

[0030] In the following embodiments, "Surface Plasmon Resonance" refers to the oscillation of free electrons in a metal nanoparticle and the resulting polarization of charges resonating on the surface of the metal nanoparticle. The polarization of charges due to the resonance of the free electrons is stimulated by light incident on the metal nanoparticle from a light source, and energy from the oscillating free electrons is dissipated in the form of thermal energy through various mechanisms. Through the above process, when the metal nanoparticles are irradiated with a light source, the metal nanoparticles generate heat through surface plasmon resonance.

[0031] In the following embodiments, the term "metal nanoparticles" refers to metal particles having a maximum diameter of 1 nm to 1000 nm. When excited by light emitted from a light source, the metal nanoparticles can generate heat by surface plasmon resonance phenomenon. The metal nanoparticles according to one embodiment may be referred to as plasmonic nanoparticles.

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0033] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0034] 1 to 3 are diagrams showing an example of an aerosol generating device in which a cigarette is inserted.

[0035] 1, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heating unit 13. 2 and 3, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes a vaporizer 14. A cigarette 2 may be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0036] Components related to this embodiment are illustrated in the aerosol generating device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3. Therefore, it will be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field related to this embodiment that the aerosol generating device 1 may further include different general-purpose components in addition to the components shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0037] In addition, although the aerosol generating device 1 includes a heating unit 13 in FIGS. 2 and 3, the heating unit 13 may be omitted as necessary.

[0038] In Fig. 1, the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heating unit 13 are illustrated as being arranged in a row. In addition, in Fig. 2, the battery 11, the control unit 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heating unit 13 are illustrated as being arranged in a row. In addition, in Fig. 3, the vaporizer 14 and the heating unit 13 are illustrated as being arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to that shown in Figs. 1 to 3. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heating unit 13, and the vaporizer 14 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0039] When the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generation device 1, the aerosol generation device 1 can activate the heating element 13 and / or the vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heating element 13 and / or the vaporizer 14 passes through the cigarette 2 and is transmitted to the user.

[0040] If necessary, the aerosol generation device 1 can heat the heating element 13 even when no cigarette 2 is inserted in the aerosol generation device 1 .

[0041] The battery 11 supplies power used for operating the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the battery 11 supplies power so that the heating unit 13 or the vaporizer 14 can heat, and supplies power necessary for the control unit 12 to operate. The battery 11 may also supply power necessary for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like installed in the aerosol generation device 1.

[0042] The control unit 12 generally controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, the heating unit 13, and the vaporizer 14, but also other components included in the aerosol generating device 1. The control unit 12 may also check the state of each component of the aerosol generating device 1 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state.

[0043] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be realized as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be realized as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may also be realized in another form of hardware.

[0044] The heating element 13 is heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, the heating element 13 may be disposed outside the cigarette when the cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generation device 1. The heated heating element 13 can thus increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material within the cigarette.

[0045] The heating unit 13 may be an electric resistance heater. For example, the heating unit 13 includes an electric conductive track, and the heating unit 13 is heated by passing an electric current through the electric conductive track. However, the heating unit 13 is not limited to the above example, and may be any unit capable of heating to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 1, or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0046] Meanwhile, as a different example, the heating unit 13 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heating unit 13 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette in an induction heating manner, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heater.

[0047] For example, the heating portion 13 may include a tube-type heat transfer element, a plate-type heat transfer element, a needle-type heat transfer element, or a rod-type heat transfer element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette 2 depending on the shape of the heat transfer element.

[0048] Furthermore, a plurality of heating units 13 may be arranged in the aerosol generating device 1. Here, the plurality of heating units 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, or may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Furthermore, some of the plurality of heating units 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Furthermore, the shape of the heating unit 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figs. 1 to 3, and may be manufactured into various shapes.

[0049] The vaporizer 14 heats the liquid phase composition to generate an aerosol, which can be transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 travels along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 1, which can be configured to allow the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 to be transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2.

[0050] For example, the vaporizer 14 includes, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heat transfer element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heat transfer element may be included in the aerosol generating device 1 as independent modules.

[0051] The liquid storage contains a liquid-phase composition. For example, the liquid-phase composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco aroma component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage may be manufactured so as to be detachable / attachable to the vaporizer 14, or may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14.

[0052] For example, the liquid phase composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavor, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The flavoring agent may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavoring ingredients, and the like. The flavoring agent includes ingredients that can provide various flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid phase composition may also include an aerosol forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0053] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid phase composition of the liquid containment to the heat transfer element. For example, the liquid transfer means can be a wick such as, but not limited to, cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, and porous ceramic.

[0054] The heat transfer element is an element for heating the liquid phase composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heat transfer element may be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc. The heat transfer element may also be made of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heat transfer element is heated by a current supply, and can transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heat transfer element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0055] For example, the vaporizer 14 may be referred to as, but is not limited to, a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0056] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heating unit 13, and the 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. The aerosol generating device 1 may also include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, or a cigarette insertion detection sensor). The aerosol generating device 1 may also 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.

[0057] 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device 1 may form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1. Alternatively, the heating unit 13 may be heated in a state where the cradle and the aerosol generating device 1 are coupled together.

[0058] The cigarette 2 is similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the cigarette 2 is divided into a first portion including an aerosol-generating material and a second portion including a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 2 may also include an aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0059] The entire first part is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, and the second part is exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part, or the entire first part and a part of the second part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1. A user can inhale the aerosol while holding the second part in their mouth. Here, the aerosol is generated by outside air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

[0060] As one example, outside air may be introduced 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 may be adjusted by the user. Thus, the amount of smoke, smoking sensation, etc. may be adjusted by the user. As another example, outside air may be introduced into the cigarette 2 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the cigarette 2.

[0061] In the following, with reference to Figures 4 and 5, an example of a cigarette 2 will be described.

[0062] 4 and 5 are diagrams showing examples of cigarettes.

[0063] With reference to Figure 4, the cigarette 2 comprises a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first portion described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3 comprises the tobacco rod 21, and the second portion comprises the filter rod 22.

[0064] 4, the filter rod 22 is illustrated as a single segment, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. In addition, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment for performing another function, if necessary.

[0065] The diameter of the cigarette 2 may be within the range of about 5 mm to about 9 mm, and the length may be about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0066] The cigarette 2 is wrapped in at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole formed therein through which outside air can flow in and internal gas can flow out. As an example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped in one wrapper 24. As a different example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped in two or more wrappers 24 in a redundant manner. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped in a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 may be wrapped in wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The entire cigarette 2 may then be rewrapped in a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, each of the segments may be wrapped in a wrapper 242, 243, and 244.

[0067] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of a general filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be a porous wrapping paper or a non-porous wrapping paper. The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum-aluminum laminated wrapping material.

[0068] The third wrapper 243 may be made of a hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 is 88 g / m 2 ~96g / m 2 and preferably 90 g / m 2 ~94g / m 2 The thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be within the range of 120 um to 130 um, and preferably 125 um.

[0069] The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of a grease-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the fourth wrapper 244 has a basis weight of 88 g / m 2 ~96g / m 2 and preferably 90 g / m 2 ~94g / m 2The thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within the range of 120 um to 130 um, and preferably 125 um.

[0070] The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) refers to a paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 is 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 and preferably within 60 g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 64 um to 70 um, and preferably 67 um.

[0071] A predetermined material may be added to the fifth wrapper 245. Here, examples of the predetermined material include, but are not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance, which is less susceptible to change with temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, other materials than silicon may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 as long as they have the above-mentioned properties.

[0072] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the cigarette 2 from burning. For example, if the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heating unit 13, the cigarette 2 may burn. Specifically, if the temperature of the tobacco rod 21 rises above the ignition point of any one of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 21, the cigarette 2 will burn. Even in such a case, the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-combustible substance, and therefore prevents the cigarette 2 from burning.

[0073] Furthermore, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the holder from being contaminated by substances produced in the cigarette 2. A liquid substance is produced in the cigarette 2 by the user's puff. For example, aerosol produced in the cigarette 2 is cooled by outside air, producing a liquid substance (e.g., moisture, etc.). The fifth wrapper 245 wraps the cigarette 2, thereby preventing the liquid substance produced in the cigarette 2 from leaking out of the cigarette 2.

[0074] The tobacco rod 21 includes an aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material may include, 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 21 may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. A flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, may also be added to the tobacco rod 21 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0075] The tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in a sheet or a strand. The tobacco rod 21 may also be manufactured from shredded tobacco, which is a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces. The tobacco rod 21 may also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 to improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod 21, thereby improving the taste of the tobacco. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 is heated by an induction heater and functions as a susceptor. Although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the outside.

[0076] The filter rod 22 may be an acetyl cellulose filter. Meanwhile, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod, or a tube-type rod including a hollow portion inside. The filter rod 22 may also be a resease-type rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured to have a different shape.

[0077] The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be an acetyl cellulose filter. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure having a hollow inside. When the heating unit 13 is inserted into the first segment, the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 may be prevented from shifting backward, and a cooling effect of the aerosol may also be generated. The diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0078] The length of the first segment may be within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment is 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0079] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the plasticizer during the manufacture of the first segment. The first segment may also be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube made of the same material or a release material into the interior (e.g., hollow) of the first segment.

[0080] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heating portion 13 heating the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled at an appropriate temperature.

[0081] The length or diameter of the second segment may be determined in various ways depending on the shape of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the second segment may be appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment is about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0082] The second segment may be produced by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, the fragrance liquid may be applied to the fibers made of the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be produced by weaving together separate fibers to which the fragrance liquid has been applied and fibers made of the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed by a wound polymer sheet.

[0083] For example, the polymer may be made of 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.

[0084] The second segment may be formed from woven polymer fibers or wound polymer sheets, such that the second segment includes one or more longitudinally extending channels, where channel refers to a passageway through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) may pass.

[0085] For example, the second segment of wound polymer sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, such as between about 10 μm and about 250 μm, and the total surface area of ​​the second segment may be about 300 mm 2 / mm and about 1000mm 2 / mm. Also, the aerosol cooling element may have a specific surface area of ​​between about 10 mm 2 / mg and about 100mm 2 / mg of material.

[0086] Meanwhile, the second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavoring ingredient, which may be, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread may be loaded with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0087] The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be an acetyl cellulose filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately selected within a range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0088] In the process of manufacturing the third segment, the third segment may be manufactured so that a flavor is generated by spraying a flavoring liquid onto the third segment. Alternatively, separate fibers coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the third segment. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 21 is cooled by passing through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user through the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the effect of enhancing the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user is achieved.

[0089] The filter rod 22 may also 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 flavoring agent is enveloped in a coating. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0090] 5, the cigarette 3 further includes a shear plug 33. The shear plug 33 is disposed on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The shear plug 33 prevents the tobacco rod 31 from escaping to the outside, and prevents the aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generation device (e.g., the aerosol generation device 1 in FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0091] Filter rod 32 includes a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, first segment 321 corresponds to the first segment of filter rod 22 shown in FIG. 4, and second segment 322 corresponds to the third segment of filter rod 22 shown in FIG.

[0092] The diameter and overall length of the cigarette 3 correspond to the diameter and overall length of the cigarette 2 shown in Figure 4. For example, but not limited to, the length of the shear plug 33 may be about 7mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 about 15mm, the length of the first segment 321 about 12mm, and the length of the second segment 322 about 14mm.

[0093] The cigarette 3 is wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole formed therein through which outside air can flow in and internal gas can flow out. For example, the shear plug 33 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped by a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped by a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper 354. Then, the entire cigarette 3 may be rewrapped by a fifth wrapper 355.

[0094] Also, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, but not limited to, the perforation 36 may be formed in the region wrapping the tobacco rod 31. The perforation 36 serves to transfer heat generated by the heating unit 13 shown in Figures 2 and 3 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

[0095] The second segment 322 may also include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform a function of generating a flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring is enveloped in a coating. The capsule 34 has a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0096] The first wrapper 351 may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil bonded to a general filter wrapping paper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 45 um to 55 um, and preferably 50.3 um. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 6 um to 7 um, and preferably 6.3 um. The basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 50 g / m 2 ~55g / m 2 and preferably 53 g / m 2 may be also possible.

[0097] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 are made of a common filter wrapping paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be a porous wrapping paper or a non-porous wrapping paper.

[0098] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be within the range of 70 um to 80 um, and preferably 78 um. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 20 g / m2 to 25 g / m2. 2 and preferably 23.5 g / m 2 may be also possible.

[0099] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be within the range of 60 um to 70 um, and preferably 68 um. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 and preferably 21 g / m2.

[0100] The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, the PLA laminated paper means a triple layer of 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 um to 120 um, and preferably 110 um. In addition, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 is 80 g / m 2 ~100g / m 2 and preferably 88 g / m 2 may be also possible.

[0101] The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) refers to a paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 is 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 and preferably within 60 g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 64 um to 70 um, and preferably 67 um.

[0102] A predetermined substance may be added to the fifth wrapper 355. Here, examples of the predetermined substance include, but are not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance with no oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any substance having the above-mentioned properties other than silicon may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without any restrictions.

[0103] The shear plug 33 may be made of acetyl cellulose. As an example, the shear plug 33 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to the acetyl cellulose tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the acetyl cellulose tow may be within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and preferably within the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of the shear plug 33 may be 5.0. The cross section of the filaments constituting the shear plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug 33 may be within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, and preferably within the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the shear plug 33 may be 28,000.

[0104] Also, if desired, the shear plug 33 may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel may be manufactured in a variety of ways.

[0105] The tobacco rod 31 corresponds to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to Figure 4. Therefore, in the following, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted.

[0106] The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure having a hollow interior. The first segment 321 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the mono-denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono-denier and total denier of the shear plug 33.

[0107] The second segment 322 may be made of acetyl cellulose. The mono-denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and preferably within the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the mono-denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. The cross section of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, and preferably 25,000.

[0108] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 900 according to another embodiment.

[0109] The aerosol generating device 900 includes a control unit 910, a detection 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 Fig. 6. That is, a person having ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment will understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 6 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 900.

[0110] The detector 920 detects the state of the aerosol generating device 900 or the state around the aerosol generating device 900, and transmits the detected information to the controller 910. Based on the detected information, the controller 910 can control the aerosol generating device 900 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 950, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol product (e.g., a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.) is inserted, displaying notifications, etc.

[0111] The detection unit 920 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 922, an insertion detection sensor 924, and a puff sensor 926, but is not limited to these.

[0112] The temperature sensor 922 detects the temperature to which the heater 950 (or the aerosol generating material) heats. The aerosol generating device 900 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater 950, or the heater 950 itself may function as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 922 may be disposed in the vicinity of the battery 940 so as to monitor the temperature of the battery 940.

[0113] The insertion detection sensor 924 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 924 can include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product article.

[0114] The puff sensor 926 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, for example, the puff sensor 926 may detect a user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0115] The detection unit 920 may further include at least one of an ON / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor, in addition to the above-mentioned sensors 922 to 926. The function of the angle sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0116] The output unit 930 outputs and provides information regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 900 to a user. The output unit 930 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 932, a haptic unit 934, and an audio output unit 936. When the display unit 932 and the touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 932 may be used as an input device in addition to the output device.

[0117] The display unit 932 may visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 900 to a user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 900 may mean various information such as a charging / discharging state of the battery 940 of the aerosol generating device 900, a preheating state of the heater 950, an insertion / removal state of an aerosol product, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 900 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display unit 932 may output the 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. Also, the display unit 932 may be an LED light emitting element.

[0118] The haptic unit 934 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 900. For example, the haptic unit 934 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0119] The acoustic output unit 936 can audibly provide the user with information relating to the aerosol generating device 900. For example, the acoustic output unit 936 can convert an electric signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0120] The battery 940 supplies power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 900. The battery 940 may supply power to the heater 950 so that it can heat. The battery 940 also supplies power necessary for the operation of different components (e.g., the detection unit 920, the output unit 930, the user input unit 960, the memory 970, and the communication unit 980) provided in the aerosol generating device 900. The battery 940 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 940 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0121] The heater 950 heats the aerosol-generating material by receiving power from the battery 940. Although not shown in Fig. 6, the aerosol-generating device 900 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 940 and supplies the converted power to the heater 950. In addition, when the aerosol-generating device 900 generates an aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 900 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 940 into an AC power.

[0122] The control unit 910, the detection unit 920, the output unit 930, the user input unit 960, the memory 970, and the communication unit 980 can function by receiving power from a battery 940. Although not shown in Fig. 6, a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, may be further included to convert the power of the battery 940 and supply it to each component.

[0123] In one embodiment, the heater 950 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Additionally, the heater 950 may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metallic hot wire, a metallic hot plate having an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0124] In another embodiment, the heater 950 may be an inductively heated heater. For example, the heater 950 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol generating material.

[0125] In one embodiment, the heater 950 may include multiple heaters. For example, the heater 950 may include a first heater for heating the cigarettes and a second heater for heating the liquid phase.

[0126] The user input unit 960 receives information input by a user and outputs information to a 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 capacitance type, pressure type resistive film type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral type tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device 900 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may be connected to another external device through the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 940.

[0127] The memory 970 may store data processed by the control unit 910 and data to be processed as hardware for storing various data processed in the aerosol generating device 900. The memory 970 may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 970 may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 900, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on the smoking pattern of the user.

[0128] The communication unit 980 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 980 includes a short-range communication unit 982 and a wireless communication unit 984.

[0129] The short-range wireless communication unit 982 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an 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.

[0130] The wireless communication unit 984 includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 984 can identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 900 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

[0131] The control unit 910 controls 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 realized by an array of multiple logic gates, or may be realized by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored. It will be understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that the processor may be realized by other forms of hardware.

[0132] 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 switching of a switching element between the battery 940 and the heater 950. As a different example, a heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the heater 950 in response to a control command from the control unit 910.

[0133] The control unit 910 analyzes the result detected by the detection unit 920 and controls the process to be executed thereafter. For example, the control unit 910 may control the power supplied to the heater 950 so as to start or end the operation of the heater 950 based on the result detected by the detection unit 920. For another example, the control unit 910 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 950 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater 950 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the result detected by the detection unit 920.

[0134] The control unit 910 can control the output unit 930 based on the result detected by the detection 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 via at least one of the display unit 932, the haptic unit 934, and the audio output unit 936 that the aerosol generating device 900 will soon be shut down.

[0135] In one embodiment, the control unit 910 may control the time and / or amount of power supplied to the heater 950 depending on the state of the aerosol product detected by the detection unit 920. For example, when the aerosol product is in a quisp state, the control unit 910 may control the time of power supply to the induction coil to increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol product is in a general state.

[0136] An embodiment may also be realized in the form of a recording medium including computer executable instructions such as a program module executed by a computer. A computer readable recording medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer, including both volatile and non-volatile media, and both separate and non-separate media. In addition, a computer readable recording medium may include both computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage medium may include both volatile and non-volatile, separate and non-separate media embodied in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. A communication medium typically includes computer readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal such as a program module, or other transmission mechanism, and includes any information delivery medium.

[0137] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device 70 according to one embodiment.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 7A, an aerosol generation device 70 according to one embodiment includes a battery 71, a control unit 72, an aerosol-forming substrate housing unit 73, a light source 74, a reflector 75, and a mouthpiece unit 76.

[0139] In one embodiment, a battery 71 transmits power to a controller 72 and a light source 74 .

[0140] In one embodiment, the control unit 72 controls the power supplied from the battery 71 to the light source 74. According to one embodiment, the control unit 72 can supply power from the battery 71 to the light source 74 to irradiate the aerosol-forming substrate containing unit 73.

[0141] In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate-accommodating section 73 is disposed downstream of the aerosol generating device 70 adjacent to the mouthpiece section 76 and can accommodate a substrate for forming an aerosol. Examples of the aerosol-forming substrate include, but are not limited to, glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. In the art, the aerosol-forming substrate may be used interchangeably with terms such as moisturizer, humectant, and the like.

[0142] In one embodiment, the light source 74 may be disposed upstream of the aerosol generating device 70, farther away from the aerosol-forming substrate containing unit 73 with respect to the mouthpiece unit 76. The light source 74 according to one embodiment may be disposed so as to irradiate the aerosol-forming substrate containing unit 73.

[0143] In one embodiment, the light source 74 includes a plurality of light sources 74 arranged to irradiate light toward the aerosol-forming substrate containing portion 73. In one embodiment, the light source 74 may be, but is not necessarily limited to, a light-emitting diode (LED), a laser, a fluorescent lamp, a halogen lamp, an incandescent bulb, and generally includes any object or tool that emits light.

[0144] In one embodiment, the reflector 75 may be provided in a space between the aerosol-forming substrate-accommodating unit 73 and the light source 74. The reflector 75 according to one embodiment enables the light irradiated from the light source 74 to reach the aerosol-forming substrate-accommodating unit 73 without leaking to the outside.

[0145] In one embodiment, heat is generated by surface plasmon resonance caused by light irradiated from the light source 74 onto the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate holding section 73, thereby heating the aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosol-forming substrate holding section 73.

[0146] FIG. 7B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the aerosol-forming substrate-accommodating portion 73 according to one embodiment.

[0147] 7B, the aerosol-forming substrate-accommodating portion 73 according to an embodiment may include a plate including a plurality of recesses 732. The recesses 732 according to an embodiment may be formed at a certain depth and / or different depths of the plate to accommodate the aerosol-forming substrate. In an embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate is generally applied to the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate-accommodating portion 73, and the aerosol-forming substrate is accommodated in the plurality of recesses 732 formed on the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate-accommodating portion 73, so that a larger amount of the aerosol-forming substrate can be accommodated.

[0148] In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate receiving unit 73 may include a plate made of anodized aluminum oxide (AAO). The plate made of anodized aluminum according to one embodiment may include a plurality of reses 732. Anodized aluminum (AAO) is an aluminum substrate in which an aluminum oxide film is chemically coated on the surface of the aluminum to prevent oxidation of the aluminum. The aluminum surface has a shape in which nanometer-sized holes are regularly arranged on the surface by anodizing. In one embodiment, the plate made of anodized aluminum may have the nanometer-sized holes replacing the plurality of reses 732. That is, the aerosol-forming substrate may be received in the nanometer-sized holes of the plate made of anodized aluminum.

[0149] In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate accommodating portion 73, preferably a plate including a plurality of resases 732, more preferably a plate made of anodized aluminum, may be used in a replacement manner. In one embodiment, the amount of aerosol-forming substrate accommodated in a single aerosol-forming substrate accommodating portion 73 is limited. Therefore, when the aerosol-forming substrate accommodating portion 73 in the aerosol generating device 70 is formed to be detachable and / or attachable, a user can use the aerosol generating device 70 semi-permanently by periodically replacing only the aerosol-forming substrate accommodating portion 73, preferably the plate.

[0150] Still referring to FIG. 7B, the aerosol-forming substrate receiving portion 73 according to one embodiment, preferably a plate including a plurality of recesses 732, may be coated or coated with metal nanoparticles MNP on its surface.

[0151] The metal nanoparticles MNP according to an embodiment may include at least one of gold, silver, platinum, copper, palladium, aluminum, chromium, titanium, and rhodium. The plurality of metal nanoparticles MNP may include at least one metal in elemental form. The plurality of metal nanoparticles MNP may include at least one metal in a metal compound. Preferably, the metal nanoparticles MNP may be gold or platinum. The less reactive the metal, the more favorable the properties of the metal nanoparticle MNP.

[0152] In one embodiment, the plurality of metallic nanoparticles MNP may comprise a single type of metal, while in another embodiment, the plurality of metallic nanoparticles MNP may comprise a mixture of different metals.

[0153] 7B, the metal nanoparticles MNP may be applied or coated on the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate receiving section 73 with a certain thickness T. In one embodiment, the thickness T at which the metal nanoparticles MNP are applied or coated on the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate receiving section 73 may be preferably 10 nm or less. It has been experimentally demonstrated that the thinner the thickness T of the metal nanoparticles MNP is applied on the surface, the more the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon occurs, and the preferred thickness T of the applied or coated metal nanoparticles MNP may be 10 nm or less.

[0154] 7C and 7D are diagrams showing a pattern in which metal nanoparticles MNP are applied to the aerosol-forming substrate accommodation unit 73 according to one embodiment.

[0155] In one embodiment, collective vibration of electrons may occur within the metal nanoparticles MNP depending on the wavelength of the irradiated light. Here, the vibration period may vary depending on the shape, form, surrounding environment, and particle spacing of the metal nanoparticles MNP. In order to maximize the efficiency of heat generated by the vibration of the metal nanoparticles MNP, the metal nanoparticles MNP may be applied to the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate receiving unit 73 in a certain pattern.

[0156] 7C and 7D, a region 720a coated with metal nanoparticles MNP and a region 720b uncoated with metal nanoparticles MNP can be seen on the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate accommodation unit 73. As shown in Fig. 7C and 7D, the region 720b uncoated with metal nanoparticles MNP may be a region in which circular, rhombic, or various polygonal pores are regularly arranged in the horizontal and vertical directions, and the region 720a coated with metal nanoparticles MNP may be the remaining region excluding the uncoated region 720b.

[0157] In one embodiment, the pattern of the metal nanoparticles MNP may be formed by a coated region (corresponding to 710a in FIG. 7C and 720a in FIG. 7D) where the metal nanoparticles MNP are coated and an uncoated region (corresponding to 710b in FIG. 7C and 720b in FIG. 7D) where the metal nanoparticles MNP are not coated. In one embodiment, the coated region narrows from the center of the region to the periphery, and is connected at the narrowest part through a junction C. In one embodiment, for example, the coated region 720a of the metal nanoparticles MNP and the uncoated region 720b may form a prismatic pattern. When light is irradiated to the metal nanoparticles MNP coated in the prismatic pattern, electrons may accumulate at the edge of the coated region 720a of the prismatic pattern, generating strong vibrations. A part of the strong vibration energy of the electrons is converted into thermal energy, causing heat generation. The coated areas 720a and uncoated areas 720b of the metal nanoparticles MNP shown in Figures 7C and 7D are merely exemplary embodiments, and the metal nanoparticles MNP can be coated to form various patterns on the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate receiving portion 73.

[0158] Various embodiments of an aerosol generating device (e.g., aerosol generating device 70 of FIG. 7A) including a battery (e.g., battery 71 of FIG. 7A), a controller (e.g., controller 72 of FIG. 7A), an aerosol-forming substrate container (e.g., aerosol-forming substrate container 73 of FIG. 7A), and a light source (e.g., light source 74 of FIG. 7A) will be described in detail below.

[0159] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device 80 according to another embodiment.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 8A, an aerosol generation device 80 according to another embodiment includes a battery 81, a control unit 82, an aerosol-forming substrate housing unit 83, a light source 84, a reflector 85, and a mouthpiece unit 86.

[0161] The structures and roles of the aerosol generating device 80 according to the other embodiment and the components 81 to 86 included in the aerosol generating device 80 are identical and / or similar to the structures and roles of the aerosol generating device 70 according to the above-described embodiment and the components 71 to 76 included in the aerosol generating device 70. Hereinafter, only the differences between the aerosol generating device 80 according to the other embodiment and the aerosol generating device 70 according to the first embodiment will be described, and other matters can be considered to be identical and / or similar to the aerosol generating device 70 according to the first embodiment.

[0162] Continuing to refer to FIG. 8A, the aerosol-forming substrate accommodating part 83 according to an embodiment, preferably a plate including a plurality of recesses (e.g., recess 732 in FIG. 7B), more preferably a plate made of anodized aluminum, may be disposed upstream away from the mouthpiece part 86 of the aerosol generating device 80, and the light source 84 may be disposed downstream of the aerosol generating device 80 adjacent to the mouthpiece part 86. The light source 84 according to an embodiment may be disposed to irradiate the aerosol-forming substrate accommodating part 83. Depending on the arrangement of the aerosol-forming substrate accommodating part 83 and the light source 84 according to an embodiment, the shape of the light source 84 may be appropriately realized to prevent the aerosol generated in the aerosol-forming substrate accommodating part 83 from being blocked by the light source 84 and not being transferred to the mouthpiece part 86. For example, the aerosol generating device 80 according to an embodiment may include a path that allows the aerosol generated in the aerosol-forming substrate accommodating part 83, preferably a plate including a plurality of recesses (e.g., recess 732 in FIG. 7B), to reach the mouthpiece part 86.

[0163] FIG. 8B is a diagram showing the shape of a light source 84 according to an embodiment.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 8B, the light source 84 according to an embodiment may be plate-shaped, preferably circular. The light source 84 according to another embodiment may be shaped to bulge toward the mouthpiece 86. The light source 84 having a convex shape toward the mouthpiece 86 can efficiently transmit the aerosol generated in the aerosol-forming substrate accommodating unit 83 to the mouthpiece 86. The light source 84 according to an embodiment may include an opening (H) penetrating one surface of the plate and the other surface opposite to the one surface. When the aerosol generating device 80 includes the plate-shaped light source 84 including the opening (H), the aerosol generated in the aerosol-forming substrate accommodating unit 83 arranged upstream of the aerosol generating device 80 can reach the mouthpiece 86 through the opening of the light source 84. Figure 8B is merely an example of one of various shapes of light source 84 that includes a path through which the aerosol generated in aerosol-forming substrate storage section 83 in one embodiment reaches mouthpiece section 86, and it will be understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment that some of the configurations shown in Figure 8B may be omitted or modified, or new configurations may be added.

[0165] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a rotating plate 93 according to one embodiment.

[0166] 9, the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment (for example, the aerosol generating device 70 in FIG. 7A and / or the aerosol generating device 80 in FIG. 8A) includes a rotating plate 93. The rotating plate 93 according to an embodiment may include one or more aerosol-forming substrate accommodating sections (for example, the aerosol-forming substrate accommodating section 73 in FIG. 7A), preferably a plate including a plurality of resises (for example, the resise 732 in FIG. 7B). The plates 93a to 93d including a plurality of aerosol-forming substrate accommodating sections (for example, the aerosol-forming substrate accommodating section 73 in FIG. 7A), preferably a plurality of resises (for example, the resise 732 in FIG. 7B), are regularly arranged on at least one surface of the rotating plate 93. The rotating plate 93 according to an embodiment rotates with respect to the central axis of the rotating plate 93. The light source according to an embodiment (for example, the light source 74 in FIG. 7A and / or the light source 84 in FIG. 8A) may irradiate light to at least one of the plurality of plates 93a to 93d arranged on the rotating plate 93. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 70 of FIG. 7A and / or the aerosol generating device 80 of FIG. 8A) recognizes the number of puffs by the user, and when the aerosol-forming substrate included in one of the plates 93a-93d is depleted, the rotating plate 93 is rotated by a certain angle so that a fixed light source (e.g., the light source 74 of FIG. 7A and / or the light source 84 of FIG. 8A) can irradiate light to the other plates 93a-93d. According to the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 70 of FIG. 7A and / or the aerosol generating device 80 of FIG. 8A), the frequency of rotation of the rotating plate 93 is increased compared to the aerosol generating device including the single plates 93a-93d, thereby improving the usability for the user.

[0167] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device 100 according to a further embodiment.

[0168] 10, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment includes a battery 101, a control unit 102, an aerosol-forming substrate storage unit 103, a light source 104, a mouthpiece unit 106, and a housing 107. The housing 107 includes a first end surface 107a aligned with the mouthpiece unit 106, a second end surface 107b opposite to the first end surface 107a, and an inner surface 107c connecting the first end surface 107a and the second end surface 107b.

[0169] The structures and roles of the aerosol generating device 100 according to the further embodiment and the components 101 to 106 included in the aerosol generating device 100 are identical and / or similar to the structures and roles of the aerosol generating device 70 according to the above-described embodiment and the components 71 to 76 included in the aerosol generating device 70. Hereinafter, only the differences between the aerosol generating device 100 according to the further embodiment and the aerosol generating device 70 according to the embodiment will be described, and other matters can be considered to be identical and / or similar to the aerosol generating device 70 according to the embodiment.

[0170] 10, the light source 104 according to an embodiment may be disposed so as to surround at least a part of the inner surface 107c of the housing 107. The light source 104 according to an embodiment may irradiate light toward the inside of the housing 107. The aerosol-forming substrate accommodating part 103 according to an embodiment, preferably a plate including a plurality of recesses (e.g., the recess 732 in FIG. 7B), more preferably a plate made of anodized aluminum, may be disposed so as to face the light source 104, and preferably, the surface of the plate on which the plurality of recesses (e.g., the recess 732 in FIG. 7B) are disposed may be disposed so as to face the light source 104. According to the arrangement of the aerosol-forming substrate accommodating part 103 and the light source 104 according to an embodiment, the aerosol is generated in the aerosol-forming substrate accommodating part 103 located at the center of the aerosol generating device 100 and transferred directly to the mouthpiece part 106, so that the user of the aerosol generating device 100 can inhale an aerosol having an improved smoking taste.

[0171] In one embodiment, when an aerosol generating device 70, 80 and / or 100 including a light source 73, 83 and / or 103 utilizing surface plasmon resonance and an aerosol forming substrate receiving portion 74, 84 and / or 104 is used, the power consumed can be reduced compared to the conventional aerosol generating device 1 using a resistance heating method.

[0172] In one embodiment, the light sources 73, 83 and / or 103 and aerosol-forming substrate housings 74, 84 and / or 104 arranged to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance can provide more uniform heating of the aerosol-forming substrate when compared to resistive and inductive heating systems. For example, the free electrons of the metal nanoparticles MNPs can be excited to the same extent regardless of the angle of incidence of the incident light.

[0173] In one embodiment, the light source 73, 83 and / or 103 and the aerosol-forming substrate receiving portion 74, 84 and / or 104 arranged to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance can provide more localized heating when compared to resistive and inductive heating systems. Advantageously, the localized heating can facilitate heating of individual portions of the aerosol-forming substrate or heating multiple discrete aerosol-forming substrates. Advantageously, the localized heating can increase the efficiency of the aerosol generating device 70, 80 and / or 100 by increasing or maximizing the frequency of transfer of heat generated by the heating portion 13 to the aerosol-forming substrate. In one embodiment, the localized heating can reduce or eliminate undesired heating of other components of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0174] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and a person having ordinary skill in the art may apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described techniques may be performed in a different order than described, and / or the components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. may be combined or combined in a different form than described, or may be replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents to achieve appropriate results.

[0175] Accordingly, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents of the claims are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate accommodating unit configured to include an aerosol-forming substrate and generate heat by surface plasmon resonance; A light source that irradiates light toward the aerosol-forming substrate housing; Including, The aerosol-forming substrate housing contains anodized aluminum oxide (AAO), An aerosol generating device, wherein the light irradiated by the light source induces the surface plasmon resonance.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the aerosol-forming substrate-accommodating section includes a plate including a plurality of resesses, the plate having the aerosol-forming substrate accommodated within the plurality of resesses.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein metal nanoparticles are applied to a surface of the aerosol-forming substrate-accommodating portion.

4. 4. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein the metal nanoparticles include at least one of gold, silver, palladium, platinum, and copper.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3 , wherein the metal nanoparticles are applied to the aerosol-forming substrate receiving portion in a predetermined pattern.

6. An aerosol generating device, comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate accommodating unit configured to include an aerosol-forming substrate and generate heat by surface plasmon resonance; A light source that irradiates light toward the aerosol-forming substrate housing; Including, the light emitted by the light source induces the surface plasmon resonance; Metal nanoparticles are applied to the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate housing, The metal nanoparticles are applied to the aerosol-forming substrate receiving portion in a predetermined pattern, The pattern is A coating area on which the metal nanoparticles are coated; An uncoated region where the metal nanoparticles are not coated; Including, The aerosol generating device, wherein the coating regions narrow in width from the center to the periphery, and are connected via a joint portion where the width is narrowest.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the metal nanoparticles are applied to a thickness of 10 nm or less.

8. An aerosol generating device, comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate accommodating unit configured to include an aerosol-forming substrate and generate heat by surface plasmon resonance; A light source that irradiates light toward the aerosol-forming substrate housing; A reflector disposed to surround a space between the aerosol-forming substrate container and the light source; Including, An aerosol generating device, wherein the light irradiated by the light source induces the surface plasmon resonance.

9. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises at least one of a light emitting diode (LED), a laser, a fluorescent lamp, a halogen lamp, and an incandescent lamp.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 , wherein the plates are interchangeable.

11. An aerosol generating device, comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate accommodating unit configured to include an aerosol-forming substrate and generate heat by surface plasmon resonance; A light source that irradiates light toward the aerosol-forming substrate housing; Including, The aerosol-forming substrate accommodating unit includes a plate including a plurality of resases, the aerosol-forming substrate being accommodated in the plurality of resases, The plate is provided between a mouthpiece portion of the aerosol generating device and the light source, An aerosol generating device, wherein the light irradiated by the light source induces the surface plasmon resonance.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 , wherein the light source is provided between a mouthpiece portion of the aerosol generating device and the plate.

13. An aerosol generating device, comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate accommodating unit configured to include an aerosol-forming substrate and generate heat by surface plasmon resonance; A light source that irradiates light toward the aerosol-forming substrate housing; Including, The aerosol-forming substrate accommodating unit includes a plate including a plurality of resases, the aerosol-forming substrate being accommodated in the plurality of resases, The light source is provided between a mouthpiece portion of the aerosol generating device and the plate, the light emitted by the light source induces the surface plasmon resonance; An aerosol generating device, wherein the light source includes one or more openings, and the aerosol generated at the plate reaches the mouthpiece portion through the openings.

14. An aerosol generating device, comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate accommodating unit configured to include an aerosol-forming substrate and generate heat by surface plasmon resonance; A light source that irradiates light toward the aerosol-forming substrate housing; A rotating plate; one or more plates disposed on the rotating plate; Including, The one or more plates are arranged around a central axis of the rotating plate; An aerosol generating device, wherein the light irradiated by the light source induces the surface plasmon resonance.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 14 , wherein the light source irradiates light onto at least one of the plurality of plates arranged on the rotating plate.

16. An aerosol generating device, comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate accommodating unit configured to include an aerosol-forming substrate and generate heat by surface plasmon resonance; A light source that irradiates light toward the aerosol-forming substrate housing; a housing including a first end surface, a second end surface opposite the first end surface, and an inner surface connecting the first end surface and the second end surface; Including, The aerosol-forming substrate accommodating unit includes a plate including a plurality of resases, the aerosol-forming substrate being accommodated in the plurality of resases, The light source is disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the inner surface of the housing and emits light toward the inside of the housing; The plate is disposed so as to face the light source, An aerosol generating device, wherein the light irradiated by the light source induces the surface plasmon resonance.

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