Heating element and aerosol generating device including the same

Abstract

The heating element may include a reflective layer configured to reflect light towards the substrate and / or the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heating element and an aerosol generating device including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Techniques have been developed to generate heat to heat a target. As one example, heat can be generated by supplying electrical energy to an electrically resistive element. As another example, heat can be generated by electromagnetic coupling between a coil and a susceptor. The background art described above was possessed or acquired during the derivation of this disclosure, and is not necessarily publicly known prior to the effective filing date of this disclosure. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] One aspect of the present disclosure can provide a heating element that generates heat using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and an aerosol generating device including the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The heating element may include a substrate including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure located on the first surface, and a first reflective layer located on the first surface and the SPR structure and including a passing region that passes light on the first surface and / or the SPR structure and a reflective region that reflects light at the SPR structure.

[0005] The reflective area may extend along the first surface and at least partially surround the substrate.

[0006] The reflective area may be formed as a substantially continuous surface.

[0007] The reflective area may be spaced apart from the substrate and / or the SPR structure.

[0008] The passage area may include an opening.

[0009] The second surface may define a hollow portion.

[0010] The heating element may further include a second reflective layer located on the second surface.

[0011] The second reflective layer may be in at least partial contact with the second surface.

[0012] The heating element may further include an absorptive layer located on the second reflective layer.

[0013] The absorbing layer may have an emissivity of about 1.

[0014] The SPR structure can include a first metal prism that at least partially defines a void region on the first surface.

[0015] The SPR structure may further include the first metal prism and a second metal prism forming a void region on the first surface, and the first metal prism and the second metal prism may be spaced apart from each other along a circumferential direction of the void region.

[0016] The first metallic prism may define an entire periphery of the void area.

[0017] The SPR structure may be configured to resonate with light having a wavelength in the range between about 380 nm and about 780 nm.

[0018] The aerosol generating device may include a light source and a heating element configured to receive light from an electrical light source, the heating element may include a substrate including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure located on the first surface, and a first reflective layer located on the first surface and the SPR structure and including a passing region that passes light on the first surface and / or the SPR structure and a reflective region that reflects light at the SPR structure.

[0019] The heating element may include a substrate including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure located on the first surface, and a reflective layer including a third surface opposite the second surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, the reflective layer including a diffuse reflection characteristic formed on the third surface opposite the second surface.

[0020] The substrate may further include a diffuse reflection feature formed on the second surface opposite the third surface.

[0021] The diffuse reflection characteristic of the substrate and the diffuse reflection characteristic of the reflective layer may have substantially the same shape.

[0022] The diffusely reflective properties of the substrate and the diffusely reflective properties of the reflective layer may be in at least partial contact with each other.

[0023] The diffuse reflection characteristic may be formed across the third surface opposite the second surface.

[0024] The reflective layer may be made of a metal material.

[0025] The distance between the third surface and the fourth surface may be greater than 0 nm and less than or equal to about 15 nm.

[0026] The heating element may further include an absorbent layer including a fifth surface opposing the fourth surface and a sixth surface opposite the fifth surface.

[0027] The absorbing layer may have an emissivity of about 1.

[0028] The SPR structure can include a first metal prism that forms a void region on the first surface.

[0029] The SPR structure may further include the first metal prism and a second metal prism forming a void region on the first surface, and the first metal prism and the second metal prism may be spaced apart from each other along a circumferential direction of the void region.

[0030] The first metallic prism may define an entire periphery of the void area.

[0031] The void regions may have a diameter in the range of about 300 nm to about 600 nm.

[0032] The aerosol generating device may include a light source and a heating element configured to receive light from an electrical light source, the heating element including a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure located on the first surface, and a reflective layer including a third surface opposite the second surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, the reflective layer including a diffuse reflection characteristic formed on the third surface opposite the second surface. Effect of the Invention

[0033] According to an embodiment, heat may be generated uniformly from the heating element by excitation of free electrons at substantially the same degree. According to an embodiment, when the heating element is applied to heat a target, the target may be locally heated or at least a portion of a plurality of targets may be heated. According to an embodiment, the heating area of ​​the heating element may be increased. The effects of the heating element and the aerosol generating device including the same according to an embodiment are not limited to those described above, and other effects not described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0034] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of example specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment in which an aerosol generating article is inserted. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment in which an aerosol generating article is inserted. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment in which an aerosol generating article is inserted. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heating element according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the heating element in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a portion of the heating element of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the heating element taken along line 10-10 of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a portion of a heating element according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a heating element according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a heating element according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a heating element according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a heating element according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a close-up view of the interface between a substrate and a reflective layer according to an embodiment. [Figure 17]1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method of forming a reflective layer on a substrate according to an embodiment. [Figure 18] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method of forming a reflective layer on a substrate according to an embodiment. [Figure 19] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method of forming a reflective layer on a substrate according to an embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] The terms used in the embodiments are selected as widely used terms as possible while taking into consideration the functions of the present invention, but this may vary depending on the intentions of the skilled artisan, 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 the 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.

[0037] 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 realized by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0038] 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.

[0039] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0040] 1 to 3 are diagrams showing examples of an aerosol-generating device in which an aerosol-generating article is inserted.

[0041] 1, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes a vaporizer 14. An aerosol-generating article 2 (e.g., a cigarette) may be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0042] Components related to this embodiment are shown 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.

[0043] Also, although the aerosol generating device 1 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 as including a heater 13, the heater 13 may be omitted if desired.

[0044] In Fig. 1, the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater 13 are shown as being arranged in a line. In Fig. 2, the battery 11, the control unit 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are shown as being arranged in a line. In Fig. 3, the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are shown 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 heater 13, and the vaporizer 14 can be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0045] When the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1, the aerosol-generating device 1 can activate the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 passes through the aerosol-generating article 2 and is transmitted to the user.

[0046] If necessary, the aerosol-generating device 1 may heat the heater 13 even when the aerosol-generating article 2 is not inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 .

[0047] The battery 11 supplies power used for operating the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the battery 11 may supply power so that the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14 can heat, or may supply power necessary for the control unit 12 to operate. The battery 11 may also supply power necessary for the display, sensor, motor, and the like installed in the aerosol generation device 1 to operate.

[0048] 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 heater 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.

[0049] 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 in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may also be realized in other forms of hardware.

[0050] The heater 13 may be heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, the heater 13 may be disposed outside the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1. The heated heater 13 can thus increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material within the aerosol-generating article.

[0051] The heater 13 may be an electric resistive heater. For example, the heater 13 may include a conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated by passing a current through the conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and may be any heater 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 a user.

[0052] Meanwhile, as another example, the heater 13 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 13 may include a conductive coil for inductively heating the aerosol-generating article, and the aerosol-generating article may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heater.

[0053] For example, the heater 13 may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the aerosol-generating article 2 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0054] Furthermore, a plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged in the aerosol-generating device 1. Here, the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol-generating article 2, or may be arranged outside the aerosol-generating article 2. Furthermore, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol-generating article 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the aerosol-generating article 2. Furthermore, the shape of the heaters 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figs. 1 to 3, and may be manufactured into various shapes.

[0055] The vaporizer 14 can heat the liquid-phase composition to generate an aerosol, which can be transmitted to a user through the aerosol-generating article 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can travel along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 1, which can be configured such that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can be transmitted to a user through the aerosol-generating article 2.

[0056] For example, the vaporizer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit (e.g., a reservoir), a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generation device 1 as independent modules.

[0057] The liquid storage unit may store 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 unit may be manufactured so as to be detachable / attachable to the vaporizer 14, or may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14.

[0058] 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 may include ingredients that can provide a user with various flavors or tastes. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, a mixture of 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.

[0059] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid phase composition of the liquid containment to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means can be a wick such as, but not limited to, cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc.

[0060] The heating element is an element for heating the liquid phase composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc. The heating 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 heating element is heated by a current supply, and can transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0061] For example, the vaporizer 14 may be referred to as, but is not limited to, a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0062] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 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 (e.g., a puff sensor, a temperature sensor, an insertion detection sensor for an aerosol-generating article, etc.). 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 the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted.

[0063] 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device 1 can also configure a system together with another cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generating device 1 are coupled together.

[0064] The aerosol-generating article 2 may be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the aerosol-generating article 2 may be divided into a first portion including an aerosol-generating substance and a second portion including a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the aerosol-generating article 2 may also include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0065] The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, or the entire first part and a part of the second part may be inserted. 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 is delivered to the user's mouth by passing through the second part.

[0066] As an example, outside air may flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol-generating device 1 and / or the size of the air passage 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 flow into the inside of the aerosol-generating article 2 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the aerosol-generating article 2.

[0067] An example of the aerosol-generating article 2 will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0068] 4 and 5 are diagrams showing examples of aerosol-generating articles.

[0069] 4, the aerosol-generating article 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the first portion 21 includes the tobacco rod 21, and the second portion 22 includes the filter rod 22.

[0070] 4, the filter rod 22 is shown 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 that performs another function, if necessary.

[0071] The aerosol-generating article 2 may have a diameter within the range of 5 mm to 9 mm and a length of about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may have a length of about 12 mm, the first segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of about 10 mm, the second segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of about 14 mm, and the third segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0072] The aerosol-generating article 2 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole through which outside air can flow in and internal gas can flow out. As an example, the aerosol-generating article 2 may be wrapped in one wrapper 24. As another example, the aerosol-generating article 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. Then, the entire aerosol-generating article 2 may be rewrapped in a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped in a wrapper 242, 243, and 244.

[0073] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of a common 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 a paper and / or an aluminum laminated paper wrapping material having oil resistance.

[0074] The third wrapper 243 may be made of 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 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0075] The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of a grease-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be 88 g / m 2 ~96g / m 2 and preferably 90 g / m 2 ~94g / m 2 The thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0076] 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 the range of 60 g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0077] A predetermined material may be added to the fifth wrapper 245. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any material having the above-mentioned properties other than silicon may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without any restrictions.

[0078] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the aerosol-generating article 2 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 13, the aerosol-generating article 2 may burn. Specifically, when the temperature of any one of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 21 rises above the ignition point, the aerosol-generating article 2 may burn. Even in such a case, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the aerosol-generating article 2 from burning because it contains a non-flammable substance.

[0079] Furthermore, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the aerosol generating device (e.g., a holder) from being contaminated by the substance generated in the aerosol-generating article 2. A liquid substance can be generated in the aerosol-generating article 2 by the user's puff. For example, the liquid substance (e.g., moisture) can be generated by the aerosol generated in the aerosol-generating article 2 being cooled by outside air. By wrapping the aerosol-generating article 2 with the fifth wrapper 245, it is possible to prevent the liquid substance generated in the aerosol-generating article 2 from leaking out of the aerosol-generating article 2.

[0080] The tobacco rod 21 includes an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance 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 contain 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.

[0081] 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 obtained by cutting a tobacco sheet 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. As an 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, thereby improving the taste of the tobacco. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may also function as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heater. 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.

[0082] The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical type rod, or a tube type rod including a hollow inside. The filter rod 22 may also be a recess 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.

[0083] The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure having a hollow inside. When the heater 13 is inserted through the first segment, it may prevent the inner material of the tobacco rod 21 from shifting backward, and may also have a cooling effect on the aerosol. 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.

[0084] The length of the first segment may be within a range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0085] 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.

[0086] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 13 heating the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol that has been cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0087] The length or diameter of the second segment may vary depending on the form of the aerosol-generating article 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 may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0088] The second segment may be produced by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, the scented 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 scented liquid is applied and fibers made of the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed by a wound polymer sheet.

[0089] 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.

[0090] With the second segment formed by woven polymer fibers or wound polymer sheets, the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels, where channel refers to a passageway through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) may pass.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately selected within the 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.

[0094] 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 via 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 can be achieved.

[0095] The filter rod 22 may also include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform a function of generating flavor, and may also perform 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.

[0096] 5, the aerosol-generating article 3 may further include a shear plug 33. The shear plug 33 may be disposed on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The shear plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside, and can prevent aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generating device (FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0097] Filter rod 32 can include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322, where first segment 321 can correspond to the first segment of filter rod 22 of FIG.

[0098] The diameter and overall length of the aerosol-generating article 3 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the aerosol-generating article 2 of Figure 4. For example, but not limited to, the length of the shear plug 33 may be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 about 14 mm.

[0099] The aerosol-generating article 3 may be 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. The entire aerosol-generating article 3 may then be rewrapped by a fifth wrapper 355.

[0100] 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 a region surrounding the tobacco rod 31. The perforation 36 may play a role in transferring heat generated by the heater 13 shown in Figures 2 and 3 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

[0101] The second segment 322 may also include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform a function of generating a flavor, and may also perform 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 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0102] The first wrapper 351 may be a typical filter paper combined with a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably 6.3 μm. 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.

[0103] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be 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.

[0104] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be, but is not limited to, 35000 CU. The thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and preferably 78 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 20 g / m2. 2 ~25g / m 2 and preferably 23.5 g / m 2 may be also possible.

[0105] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be, but is not limited to, 24000 CU. The thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be within the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 68 μm. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 and preferably 21 g / m 2 may be also possible.

[0106] The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, the PLA laminated paper refers to 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 μm to 120 μm, and preferably 110 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 80 g / m 2 ~100g / m 2 and preferably 88 g / m 2 may be also possible.

[0107] 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 the range of 60 g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0108] A predetermined material may be added to the fifth wrapper 355. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any material having the above-mentioned properties other than silicon may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without any restrictions.

[0109] The shear plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the shear plug 33 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to the cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate 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.

[0110] Optionally, the shear plug 33 may also include at least one channel, the cross-sectional shape of which may be manufactured in a variety of ways.

[0111] The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to Figure 4. Therefore, detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0112] 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 of cellulose acetate tow with a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin). 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.

[0113] The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. 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.

[0114] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 400 according to one embodiment.

[0115] The aerosol generating device 400 may include a control unit 410, a detection unit 420, an output unit 430, a battery 440, a heater 450, a user input unit 460, a memory 470, and a communication unit 480. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 400 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 400.

[0116] The detection unit 420 may detect the state of the aerosol generating device 400 or the state around the aerosol generating device 400, and transmit the detected information to the control unit 410. Based on the detected information, the control unit 410 may control the aerosol generating device 400 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 450, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.) is inserted, displaying notifications, etc.

[0117] The detection portion 420 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 422, an insertion detection sensor 424, and a puff sensor 426, but is not limited to these.

[0118] The temperature sensor 422 may detect the temperature to which the heater 450 (or the aerosol generating material) heats. The aerosol generating device 400 may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater 450, or the heater 450 itself may function as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 422 may be disposed in the vicinity of the battery 440 so as to monitor the temperature of the battery 440.

[0119] The insertion detection sensor 424 may detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 424 may 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 may detect a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article.

[0120] The puff sensor 426 may detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel. For example, the puff sensor 426 may detect a user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0121] The detection unit 420 may further include at least one of a temperature / 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 (422 to 426). A person skilled in the art can intuitively infer the function of the angle sensor from its name, so a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0122] The output unit 430 may output and provide to a user information regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 400. The output unit 430 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 432, a haptic unit 434, and an audio output unit 436. When the display unit 432 and the touch pad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 432 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0123] The display unit 432 may visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 400 to a user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 400 may mean various information such as a charge / discharge state of the battery 440 of the aerosol generating device 400, a preheat state of the heater 450, an insertion / removal state of an aerosol generating article, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 400 is limited (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), and the display unit 432 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 432 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. The display unit 432 may also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0124] The haptic unit 434 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and provide a user with tactile information regarding the aerosol generating device 400. For example, the haptic unit 434 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0125] The acoustic output unit 436 may audibly provide the user with information regarding the aerosol generating device 400. For example, the acoustic output unit 436 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0126] The battery 440 may supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 400. The battery 440 may supply power to the heater 450 so that it can heat. The battery 440 may also supply power necessary for the operation of different components (e.g., the detection unit 420, the output unit 430, the user input unit 460, the memory 470, and the communication unit 480) provided in the aerosol generating device 400. The battery 440 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 440 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0127] The heater 450 may heat the aerosol-generating material by receiving power from the battery 440. Although not shown in Fig. 6, the aerosol-generating device 400 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 440 and supplies the converted power to the heater 450. When the aerosol-generating device 400 generates an aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 400 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 440 into an AC power.

[0128] The control unit 410, the detection unit 420, the output unit 430, the user input unit 460, the memory 470, and the communication unit 480 can function by receiving power from the battery 440. Although not shown in Fig. 6, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 440 and supplies it to each component.

[0129] In one embodiment, the heater 450 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 450 may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate having a conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0130] In one embodiment, heater 450 may be an inductively heated heater. For example, heater 450 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol generating material.

[0131] In one embodiment, heater 450 may include multiple heaters. For example, heater 450 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol-generating article and a second heater for heating the liquid phase.

[0132] The user input unit 460 may receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 460 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 400 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may be connected to other external devices via the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 440.

[0133] The memory 470 may store data processed by the control unit 410 and data to be processed as hardware for storing various data processed in the aerosol generating device 400. The memory 470 may include at least one type of storage medium 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. The memory 470 may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 400, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on the smoking pattern of the user.

[0134] The communication unit 480 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 480 may include a short-range communication unit 482 and a wireless communication unit 484.

[0135] The short-range wireless communication unit 482 may include, 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.

[0136] The wireless communication unit 484 may include, 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 484 may also use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 400 within the communication network.

[0137] The control unit 410 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 400. In one embodiment, the control unit 410 may include 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 in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored. In addition, a person having ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs can understand that the processor may be realized in another form of hardware.

[0138] The control unit 410 may control the temperature of the heater 450 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 440 to the heater 450. For example, the control unit 410 may control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 440 and the heater 450. As another example, a heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the heater 450 according to a control command from the control unit 410.

[0139] The control unit 410 may analyze the result detected by the detection unit 420 and control the process to be executed thereafter. For example, the control unit 410 may control the power supplied to the heater 450 so that the operation of the heater 450 starts or ends based on the result detected by the detection unit 420. In another example, the control unit 410 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 450 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater 450 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the result detected by the detection unit 420.

[0140] The control unit 410 may control the output unit 430 based on the result detected by the detection unit 420. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 426 reaches a preset number, the control unit 410 may notify the user via at least one of the display unit 432, the haptic unit 434, and the audio output unit 436 that the aerosol generating device 400 will soon be shut down.

[0141] In one embodiment, the control unit 410 may control the time and / or amount of power supplied to the heater 450 depending on the state of the aerosol-generating article detected by the detection unit 420. For example, when the aerosol-generating article is in an overly humid state, the control unit 410 may control the time of power supply to the induction coil to increase the pre-heating time compared to when the aerosol-generating article is in a normal state.

[0142] An embodiment may also be realized in the form of a recording medium including instructions executable by a computer, such as a program module executed by the computer. A computer-readable medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer, including both volatile and non-volatile media, and both separate and non-separate media. Also, a computer-readable medium may include both computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage medium includes both volatile and non-volatile, separate and non-separate media implemented 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.

[0143] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a heating element according to one embodiment, and Figure 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the heating element of Figure 7. Figure 9 is a plan view of a portion of the heating element of Figure 8, and Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the heating element taken along line 10-10 of Figure 9.

[0144] 7-10, the heating element 550 according to an embodiment may be configured to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance. "Surface plasmon resonance" refers to collective oscillations of electrons of metal particles propagating along the interface with a medium. For example, collective oscillations of electrons of metal particles may be generated by light propagating from outside the heating element 550. Excitation of electrons of metal particles generates thermal energy, which can be transferred into an environment to which the heating element 550 is applied. In an embodiment, the heating element 550 may be configured to heat another object (e.g., an aerosol-generating article) by transferring the generated heat to said object.

[0145] The heating element 550 may include a substrate 551 having a first surface 551A (eg, a surface oriented in the +Z direction) and a second surface 551B (eg, a surface oriented in the -Z direction) opposite the first surface 551A.

[0146] In one embodiment, the substrate 551 may have a plate shape. The first surface 551A and / or the second surface 551B may be formed as a substantially flat surface. According to an embodiment, the substrate 551 may have any shape suitable for generating heat. For example, the substrate 551 may be realized as a substantially cylindrical shape with the first surface 551A as an outer surface and the second surface 551B as an inner surface.

[0147] In one embodiment, the substrate 551 may be formed of a variety of materials. For example, the substrate 551 may be formed of glass, silicon (Si), silicon oxide (SiO2), sapphire, polystyrene, polymethylmethacrylate, and / or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the substrate 551 may be formed of any one or combination of glass, silicon (Si), silicon oxide (SiO2), and sapphire. In some embodiments, the substrate 551 may include a material having a relatively low heat transfer coefficient. This may allow heat to be transferred to only a portion of the area on the substrate 551.

[0148] In one embodiment, the substrate 551 may be electrically conductive. In one embodiment, the substrate 551 may be electrically insulating.

[0149] In one embodiment, the substrate 551 may be formed of any material having a thermal conductivity suitable for use in the environment in which the heating element 550 is disposed. For example, the substrate 551 may have a thermal conductivity of about 0.6 W / mK or less, about 1 W / mK to about 2 W / mK, about 2 W / mK to about 5 W / mK, about 5 W / mK to about 10 W / mK, about 10 W / mK to about 100 W / mK, or about 100 W / mK to about 200 W / mK at a pressure of 1 bar and a temperature of 25° C. In some embodiments, the substrate 551 may have a thermal conductivity of about 0.6 W / mK or less, about 1.3 W / mK, about 148 W / mK, or about 46.06 W / mK at a pressure of 1 bar and a temperature of 25° C.

[0150] Heating element 550 may include a plurality of metal prisms 554 located on a first surface 551A of a substrate 551. The plurality of metal prisms 554 may include a plurality of metal particles deposited on the substrate 551 via any suitable deposition process (e.g., physical vapor deposition).

[0151] In one embodiment, the metal particles forming the metal prisms 554 may have nanoscale dimensions. For example, the metal particles may have an average maximum diameter of about 1 μm or less. In some embodiments, the metal particles may have an average maximum diameter of about 700 nm or less, about 600 nm or less, about 500 nm or less, about 400 nm or less, about 300 nm or less, about 200 nm or less, about 150 nm or less, or about 100 nm or less.

[0152] In one embodiment, the plurality of metallic particles may be formed of any material suitable for generating heat, for example, the plurality of metallic particles may include at least one or a combination of gold, silver, copper, palladium, platinum, aluminum, titanium, nickel, chromium, iron, cobalt, manganese, rhodium, and ruthenium.

[0153] In one embodiment, the plurality of metal particles may be formed of any material suitable for interacting with light in a particular wavelength band (e.g., a visible light wavelength band, i.e., about 380 nm to about 780 nm) to generate heat. For example, the plurality of metal particles may include at least one of gold, silver, copper, palladium, and platinum, or a combination thereof.

[0154] In some embodiments, the plurality of metal particles may be formed of a metal material having an average maximum absorbance. Here, the average maximum absorbance may be defined as an absorbance having a substantial peak associated with a particular wavelength band. The particular wavelength band corresponding to the absorbance may be understood as a wavelength band in which the plurality of metal particles resonate. For example, the plurality of metal particles may be formed of a metal material having an average maximum absorbance in a wavelength band between about 430 nm and about 450 nm, between about 480 nm and about 500 nm, between about 490 nm and about 510 nm, between about 500 nm and about 520 nm, between about 550 nm and about 570 nm, between about 600 nm and about 620 nm, between about 620 nm and about 640 nm, between about 630 nm and about 650 nm, between about 640 nm and about 660 nm, between about 680 nm and about 700 nm, or between about 700 nm and about 750 nm. The average maximum absorbance of the plurality of metal particles may vary depending on the type of substrate 551, the size of metal prisms 554 formed by the plurality of metal particles, and / or the shape of metal prisms 554, in addition to the metal material.

[0155] In one embodiment, the plurality of metal prisms 554 may define a void region VA surrounded by the plurality of metal prisms 554 on the first surface 551A of the substrate 551. For example, the void region VA may have a substantially circular or elliptical shape, and the plurality of metal prisms 554 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the void region VA.

[0156] In one embodiment, the void areas VA may have an average maximum diameter of about 10 nm or more, about 50 nm or more, about 90 nm or more, about 100 nm or more, about 150 nm or more, about 200 nm or more, about 300 nm or more, about 350 nm or more, about 450 nm or more, or about 500 nm or more. In some embodiments, the void areas VA may have an average maximum diameter of about 450 nm or more. In some embodiments, the void areas VA may have an average maximum diameter of about 350 nm or more. In some embodiments, the void areas VA may have an average maximum diameter of about 300 nm or more.

[0157] In one embodiment, the void areas VA can have an average maximum diameter of about 1,000 nm or less, about 900 nm or less, about 800 nm or less, about 700 nm or less, about 600 nm or less, or about 550 nm or less. In some embodiments, the void areas VA can have an average maximum diameter of about 600 nm or less.

[0158] In one embodiment, the multiple metal prisms 554 may each include a first base surface 554A (e.g., a lower base surface) facing the first surface 551A of the substrate 551, a second base surface 554B (e.g., an upper base surface) opposite the first base surface 554A, and multiple side surfaces 554C1, 554C2, 554C3 between the first base surface 554A and the second base surface 554B.

[0159] In one embodiment, the first base surface 554A and the second base surface 554B can be substantially parallel to one another.

[0160] In one embodiment, the first base surface 554A and / or the second base surface 554B can be substantially flat.

[0161] In one embodiment, the distance between the first base surface 554A and the second base surface 554B (e.g., the thickness of the metal prism 554) may be about 10 nm or less. If the metal prism 554 has a thickness greater than 10 nm, the heat generation reaction of the metal particles forming the metal prism 554 may be reduced, resulting in a reduction in the thermal efficiency of the heating element 550.

[0162] In one embodiment, the multiple side surfaces 554C1, 554C2, 554C3 may be oriented in different directions from each other. For example, the first side surface 554C1 may be oriented in a first direction (e.g., a first radial direction), the second side surface 554C2 may be connected to the first side surface 554C1 and oriented in a second direction (e.g., a second radial direction), and the third side surface 554C3 may be connected to each of the first side surface 554C1 and the second side surface 554C3 and oriented in a third direction (e.g., a third radial direction).

[0163] In one embodiment, at least one of the side surfaces 554C1, 554C2, and 554C3 may be formed with a substantially curved surface. In some embodiments, the side surfaces 554C1, 554C2, and 554C3 may be formed with curved surfaces having substantially the same curvature. In one embodiment, the curvature of any one of the side surfaces 554C1, 554C2, and 554C3 may be different from the curvature of the other side surface.

[0164] In one embodiment, the multiple side surfaces 554C1, 554C2, and 554C3 may be formed with a curved surface that is concave toward the center of the metal prism 554. In one embodiment, at least one side surface of the multiple side surfaces 554C1, 554C2, and 554C3 may be formed with a curved surface that is convex from the center of the metal prism 554.

[0165] In one embodiment, the plurality of metal prisms 554 may include two sides. For example, the metal prisms 554 may have a substantially semicircular or near semicircular shape.

[0166] In one embodiment, the multiple metal prisms 554 may be disposed physically separate from one another on the first surface 551A of the substrate 551. For example, the multiple metal prisms 554 may be spaced apart from one another at predetermined intervals along the periphery (e.g., circumference) of the void area VA.

[0167] In one embodiment, the plurality of metal prisms 554 may be substantially equally spaced apart from one another. In one embodiment, the spacing between adjacent pairs of metal prisms 554 in the plurality of metal prisms 554 may be different from the spacing between other adjacent pairs of metal prisms 554.

[0168] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a portion of a heating element according to one embodiment.

[0169] 11, a heating element 650 according to an embodiment may include a substrate 651 and a metal prism 654 located on the substrate 651. The metal prism 654 may be a substantially single structure and define a plurality of void regions VA. For example, the metal prism 654 may substantially define the entire periphery of the plurality of void regions VA. The metal prism 654 may include a first prism region 6541 at one position on the periphery (e.g., circumference) of the void region VA, a second prism region 6542 at another position on the periphery (e.g., circumference) of the void region VA, and a third prism region 6543 between the first prism region 6541 and the second prism region 6542. The first prism region 6541, the second prism region 6542, and the third prism region 6543 may be seamlessly connected together.

[0170] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a heating element according to an embodiment.

[0171] 12, a heating element 750 according to one embodiment may include a substrate 751 (e.g., substrate 551, 651) including a first surface 751A and a second surface 751B, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure 754 (e.g., metal prism 554, 654) located on the first surface 751A, and a reflective layer 755 located on the second surface 751B. The heating element 750 may be configured to receive light L onto the substrate 751 and / or the SPR structure 754.

[0172] In one embodiment, the SPR structure 754 may be realized as at least one metal prism including a plurality of metal particles (e.g., metal prism 554, 654). In one embodiment, the SPR structure 754 may include a plurality of metal particles coated on the first surface 751A of the substrate 751. In one embodiment, the SPR structure 754 may include at least one metal film formed of a metal material.

[0173] The light source emitting light L may be separated from the heating element 750 by a predetermined distance. For example, the distance between the light source and the heating element 750 may be determined to be about 40 cm or less, about 35 cm or less, about 30 cm or less, about 25 cm or less, about 20 cm or less, about 15 cm or less, about 10 cm or less, or about 5 cm or less. The distance between the light source and the heating element 750 may be about 5 cm or more, about 10 cm or more, about 15 cm or more, about 20 cm or more, or about 25 cm or more.

[0174] Light L may be incident on a spot LS of the substrate 751 and / or the SPR structure 754. For example, the spot LS may have a size of about 2 mm or less, about 1.5 mm or less, about 1 mm or less, or about 0.5 mm or less. The spot LS may have a size of about 0.2 mm or more, about 0.4 mm or more, about 0.6 mm or more, or about 0.8 mm or more.

[0175] The reflective layer 755 may be configured to reflect the light L transmitted through the substrate 751 at the substrate 751 and / or the SPR structure 754. The reflective layer 755 may reflect the light L transmitted through the substrate 751, so that the reflected light may be utilized at the substrate 751 and the SPR structure 754. As a result, the light utilization efficiency of the heating element 750 may be improved, and the heat generation efficiency may be improved accordingly.

[0176] In one embodiment, the reflective layer 755 may be formed over the entire second surface 751B of the substrate 751. In one embodiment, the reflective layer 755 may be formed locally on the second surface 751B of the substrate 751. For example, the reflective layer 755 may be realized in a single reflective area or in multiple reflective areas on a portion of the second surface 751B of the substrate 751.

[0177] The reflective layer 755 may be formed of any material suitable for reflecting the light L. In one embodiment, the reflective layer 755 may be formed of a metallic material. For example, the reflective layer 755 may be formed of at least one or a combination of gold, silver, copper, and any other metallic material suitable for reflection.

[0178] The reflective layer 755 may have any thickness suitable for reflecting the light L. The thickness of the reflective layer 755 may be predetermined to a value suitable for substantially total reflection of the light L. For example, the thickness of the reflective layer 755 may be about 15 nm or less, about 12 nm or less, about 10 nm or less, about 8 nm or less, or about 5 nm or less. As a preferred example, the reflective layer 755 may have a thickness of about 10 nm. The thickness of the reflective layer 755 may be determined based on the refractive index of the substrate 751, the thickness of the substrate 751, the refractive index of the reflective layer 755, and / or any other parameter.

[0179] In one embodiment, the reflective layer 755 may be in direct contact with the second surface 751B of the substrate 751. Alternatively, the reflective layer 755 may be spaced apart from the second surface 751B of the substrate 751 with an intermediary (e.g., air) located between the second surface 751B and the reflective layer 755.

[0180] In one embodiment, the heating element 750 may include an absorbing layer 756 located on the reflective layer 755. The absorbing layer 756 may be configured to absorb a portion of the transmitted light that is not reflected by the reflective layer 755 and that is transmitted through the reflective layer 755. The absorbing layer 756 may improve the light utilization efficiency of the heating element 750.

[0181] In one embodiment, the absorbing layer 756 may be applied at least partially by coating onto the reflective layer 755 .

[0182] In one embodiment, the absorbing layer 756 may have a substantially high emissivity. In some embodiments, the absorbing layer 756 may have an emissivity substantially close to 1. The absorbing layer 756 may be realized with a structure and / or material that resembles a substantially black body. For example, the absorbing layer 756 may be realized as a structure having at least one hole through which light may enter and be substantially permanently reflected therein. In one embodiment, the absorbing layer 756 may be realized with a gray body or a white body.

[0183] In one embodiment, the heating element 750 may include a thermal imaging device 760 configured to generate a thermal image. For example, the thermal imaging device 760 may generate an image including a thermal distribution of the heating element 750. In one embodiment, the thermal imaging device 760 may be included in a component external to the heating element 750 (e.g., the aerosol generating device 1200 of FIG. 20).

[0184] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a heating element according to an embodiment.

[0185] Referring to FIG. 13, a heating element 850 according to one embodiment may include a substrate 851 having a first surface 851A and a second surface 851B, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure 854 located on the first surface 851A, a first reflective layer 855A located on the first surface 851A and the SPR structure 854, a second reflective layer 855B (e.g., reflective layer 755 in FIG. 12) located on the second surface 851B, and an absorbing layer 856 (e.g., absorbing layer 756) located on the second reflective layer 855B.

[0186] In one embodiment, the SPR structure 854 may be realized as at least one metal prism including a plurality of metal particles (e.g., metal prism 554, 654). In one embodiment, the SPR structure 854 may include a plurality of metal particles coated on the first surface 851A. In one embodiment, the SPR structure 854 may include at least one metal film formed of a metal material.

[0187] The first reflective layer 855A can diffuse the light L locally concentrated toward the substrate 851 and / or the SPR structure 854 throughout the substrate 851 and / or the SPR structure 854. When the light L is diffused throughout the substrate 851 and / or the SPR structure 854, the area of ​​heat generation caused by surface plasmon resonance can be increased.

[0188] The first reflective layer 855A may include a reflective area A1 configured to reflect light L coming from the substrate 851 and / or the SPR structure 854. The incident light L received on the reflective area A1 may include light L reflecting from the substrate 851, light L reflecting from the SPR structure 854, or light L transmitting through the substrate 851 after being reflected by the second reflective layer 855B.

[0189] In one embodiment, the reflective area A1 may extend or expand along the first surface 851A of the substrate 851. In some embodiments, the reflective area A1 may have a substantially continuous surface. Alternatively, the reflective area A1 may include a plurality of discrete surfaces.

[0190] In one embodiment, the reflective area A1 may be spaced a predetermined distance from the first surface 851A of the substrate 851 and / or the SPR structure 854. Alternatively, the reflective area A1 may be at least partially in contact with the first surface 851A and / or the SPR structure 854.

[0191] In one embodiment, the reflective area A1 may be formed of any material suitable for reflecting the light L. For example, the reflective area A1 may be formed of gold, silver, copper, aluminum, and other metallic materials suitable for reflection. In some embodiments, the reflective area A1 may be formed of a material suitable for total reflection of the light L.

[0192] In one embodiment, the first reflective layer 855A may include at least one passing region A2 configured to allow the light L to pass through the first reflective layer 855A to reach the first surface 851A of the substrate 851 and / or the SPR structure 854. The passing region A2 may be formed at any suitable position within the reflective region A1.

[0193] In one embodiment, the passing region A2 may include an opening. The opening may have a size suitable for reducing the amount of light that cannot pass through the opening. The opening may have a substantially curvilinear shape, for example, a circular or elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape, such as a square shape. In one embodiment, the passing region A2 may be formed of a material suitable for passing the light L. For example, the reflective region A1 may be formed of a substantially opaque material, while the passing region A2 may be formed of a substantially transparent or translucent material.

[0194] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a heating element according to an embodiment.

[0195] Referring to FIG. 14, a heating element 950 according to one embodiment may include a substrate 951 having a first surface 951A and a second surface 951B, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure 954 located on the first surface 951A, a first reflective layer 955A located on the first surface 951A and the SPR structure 954 and including a reflective area A1 configured to reflect light L and a passing area A2 configured to pass light L, a second reflective layer 955B located on the second surface 951B, and an absorbing layer 956 located on the second reflective layer 955B.

[0196] The heating element 950 may have a substantially cylindrical structure. For example, the substrate 951 may be arranged such that the first surface 951A is oriented toward the exterior of the heating element 950 and the second surface 951B is oriented toward the interior of the heating element 950 to define a hollow region S.

[0197] The SPR structure 954 and / or the reflective area A1 of the first reflective layer 955A may extend or extend in a peripheral direction of the substrate 951, at least partially surrounding the first surface 951A of the substrate 951.

[0198] The second reflective layer 955B and / or the absorptive layer 956 may be at least partially surrounded by the second surface 951B of the substrate 951. The second reflective layer 955B and / or the absorptive layer 956 may define a hollow region S.

[0199] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a heating element according to one embodiment, and FIG. 16 is a close-up view of the interface between the substrate and the reflective layer according to one embodiment.

[0200] 15 and 16, the heating element 1050 may include a substrate 1051 having a first surface 1051A and a second surface 1051B, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure 1054 located on the first surface 1051A, a reflective layer 1055 having a third surface 1055A facing the second surface 1051B and a fourth surface 1055B opposite the third surface 1055A, and an absorbing layer 1056 having a fifth surface 1056A facing the fourth surface 1055B and a sixth surface 1056B opposite the fifth surface 1056A.

[0201] In one embodiment, the SPR structure 1054 may be realized as at least one metal prism including a plurality of metal particles (e.g., metal prism 554, 654). In one embodiment, the SPR structure 1054 may include a plurality of metal particles coated on the first surface 1051A. In one embodiment, the SPR structure 1054 may include at least one metal film formed of a metal material.

[0202] In one embodiment, the substrate 1051 may include a first diffusely reflective feature 1051C formed on the second surface 1051B opposite the third surface 1055A, and the reflective layer 1055 may include a second diffusely reflective feature 1055C formed on the third surface 1055A opposite the second surface 1051B. The second diffusely reflective feature 1055C may be configured to reflect light passing through the substrate 1051 toward the reflective layer 1055 in various directions back into the substrate 1051 and toward the first surface 1051A of the substrate 1051.

[0203] The second diffuse reflection characteristic 1055C causes diffuse reflection (i.e., light is reflected in various directions), which may increase the area of ​​light transmitted onto the first surface 1051A of the substrate 1051. As the area of ​​light transmitted onto the first surface 1051A of the substrate 1051 increases, the amount of light available to the SPR structure 1054 may increase. As a result, the heat generating area of ​​the heating element 1050 may increase.

[0204] In one embodiment, the first diffuse property 1051C and the second diffuse property 1055C may be substantially aligned with each other. By "substantially aligned," it may be understood that both properties 1051C, 1055C may have substantially the same shape. In some embodiments, the first diffuse property 1051C and the second diffuse property 1055C may be partially in contact with each other.

[0205] In one embodiment, the first diffuse reflection characteristic 1051C may be realized as a rough structure formed by roughening the second surface 1051B of the substrate 1051. The first diffuse reflection characteristic 1051C may be formed with a predetermined roughness, for example, by etching (e.g., laser etching) the second surface 1051B. For example, the surface roughness (Ra) of the second surface 1051B on which the first diffuse reflection characteristic 1051C is formed may be about 0.1 μm or more.

[0206] In one embodiment, the first diffuse reflection characteristic 1051C may be formed over substantially the entire area of ​​the second surface 1051B, and the second diffuse reflection characteristic 1055C may be formed over substantially the entire area of ​​the third surface 1055A. In one embodiment, the first diffuse reflection characteristic 1051C may be formed on a portion of the second surface 1051B, and the second diffuse reflection characteristic 1055C may be formed on a portion of the third surface 1055A corresponding to said portion.

[0207] In one embodiment, the substrate 1051 may not include the first diffuse reflection characteristic 1051C. The second surface 1051B of the substrate 1051 and the third surface 1055A of the reflective layer 1055 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The second diffuse reflection characteristic 1055C formed on the third surface 1055A of the reflective layer 1055 may reflect light in various directions into the substrate 1051 and toward the first surface 1051A of the substrate 1051 through an intermediate between the second surface 1051B and the third surface 1055A. In this embodiment, the second diffuse reflection characteristic 1055C may be realized as a rough structure formed by roughening the third surface 1055A of the reflective layer 1055 (e.g., by etching using a laser). For example, the surface roughness (Ra) of the second diffuse reflection characteristic 1055C may be about 0.1 μm or more.

[0208] 17 to 19 are diagrams illustrating a method of forming a reflective layer on a substrate according to one embodiment.

[0209] 17, a method may include an act of providing a substrate 1151 including a first side 1151A and a second side 1151B opposite the first side 1151A. For example, the substrate 1151 may be formed of glass, silica, and / or any suitable material.

[0210] Referring to FIG. 18, the method may include an operation of roughening the second surface 1151B of the substrate 1151. The second surface 1151B may be realized so as not to be substantially flat. For example, the second surface 1151B may be realized as a rough surface by etching (e.g., laser etching). The substrate 1151 may include a diffuse reflection feature 1151C formed on the second surface 1151B. The second surface 1151B including the diffuse reflection feature 1151C may have a surface roughness (Ra) suitable for reducing specular reflection of light and reducing interference with specular reflection. For example, the surface roughness (Ra) may be about 0.1 μm or more.

[0211] 19, the method may include an operation of depositing a plurality of metal particles on the second surface 1151B of the substrate 1151. After the plurality of metal particles are deposited on the second surface 1151B, a reflective layer 1155 may be formed including a third surface 1155A facing the second surface 1151B and a fourth surface 1155B opposite the third surface 1155A. Because the plurality of metal particles are deposited on the second surface 1151B, the third surface 1155A facing the second surface 1151B may also include diffuse reflection characteristics realized as a substantially rough surface.

[0212] FIG. 20 is a diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0213] 20, an aerosol generating device 1200 (e.g., aerosol generating device 1,400) may include at least one heating element 1250 (e.g., heater 13,450 and / or heating element 55,0,650,750,850,950) configured to heat an aerosol generating article (e.g., aerosol generating article 2,3), and at least one light source 1255 configured to emit light toward the at least one heating element 1250. Meanwhile, in FIG. 20, the aerosol generating device 1200 is shown to include a controller 1212 (e.g., controller 12,410) configured to control the heating element 1250 and / or the light source 1255, and a battery 1240 (e.g., battery 11,440) configured to supply electrical energy to the controller 1212, but other components may be included or omitted.

[0214] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1200 may include a single heating element 1250. The heating element 1250 may at least partially surround a cavity in which an aerosol generating article may be placed. The heating element 1250 may have a structure in which the substrate 55, 1, 651, 751, 951, 1051, 1151 is at least partially curved, for example.

[0215] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1200 may include multiple heating elements 1250. The multiple heating elements 1250 may be located in different portions based on the cavity in which the aerosol generating article may be placed. The metal materials of the metal prisms included in the multiple heating elements 1250 may be the same or different.

[0216] In one embodiment, the light source 1255 may be configured to transmit the optical signal at a predetermined angle towards the heating element 1250. For example, the light source 1255 may transmit the optical signal at an angle where total internal reflection may occur at a surface of the heating element 1250 (e.g., the surface of the substrate 55,1, 651, 751, 851, 951, 1051, 1151 and / or the surfaces 654B, 654C1, 654C2, 654C3 of the metal prisms 55,4, 654, 754, 854, 954). In one embodiment, the light source 1255 may transmit the optical signal at any angle towards the heating element 1250.

[0217] In one embodiment, light source 1255 may be configured to transmit light in the ultraviolet, visible, and / or infrared bands. In some embodiments, light source 1255 may be configured to transmit light in the visible band (e.g., from about 380 nm to about 780 nm).

[0218] In some embodiments, light source 1255 may be configured to transmit light in a band corresponding to the material of the metal particles in the metal prisms (e.g., metal prisms 55, 4, 654, 754, 854, 954) included in heating element 1250. For example, light source 1255 may transmit light in a wavelength band corresponding to an average maximum absorbance depending on the material of the metal particles. In an embodiment in which the metal prisms are formed of gold, light source 1255 may transmit light having a wavelength of approximately 638 nm.

[0219] In one embodiment, the light source 1255 may transmit light at any suitable power. For example, the light source 1255 may transmit light at a power of about 1,000 mW.

[0220] In one embodiment, the light source 1255 may include a light emitting diode and / or a laser. The light emitting diode and / or laser may be of a type and / or size suitable for inclusion in the aerosol generating device 1200. By way of example, the laser may include a solid state laser and / or a semiconductor laser.

[0221] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1200 may include multiple light sources 1255. The multiple light sources 1255 may be implemented with the same type of light source. In one embodiment, at least some of the multiple light sources 1255 may be implemented with different types of light sources.

[0222] In one embodiment, at least one light source 1255 of the plurality of light sources 1255 may be configured to illuminate a portion of the heating element 1250 .

[0223] In one embodiment, the portion of the heating element 1250 illuminated by any one of the multiple light sources 1255 may be different from the portion of the heating element 1250 illuminated by any other light source 1255. For example, the multiple light sources 1255 may illuminate different portions of a single heating element 1250 or may each illuminate multiple heating elements 1250.

[0224] In one embodiment, the multiple light sources 1255 can be configured to illuminate substantially simultaneously. In one embodiment, the illumination time of any one of the multiple light sources 1255 can be different from the illumination time of any other one of the multiple light sources 1255.

[0225] In one embodiment, the multiple light sources 1255 may illuminate the heating element 1250 for substantially the same amount of time. In one embodiment, the illumination time of any one of the multiple light sources 1255 may be different from the illumination time of any other light source 1255.

[0226] In one embodiment, the multiple light sources 1255 may transmit light in substantially the same wavelength band. In one embodiment, the band of light emitted by any one of the multiple light sources 1255 may be different from the band of light emitted by any other one of the multiple light sources 1255.

[0227] In one embodiment, the multiple light sources 1255 may irradiate the heating element 1250 with substantially the same irradiance. In one embodiment, the irradiance of any one of the multiple light sources 1255 may be different from the irradiance of any other one of the multiple light sources 1255.

[0228] The embodiments of this document are illustrative and not restrictive. Various changes in the details of the present disclosure are possible, including within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Any of the embodiments described herein may be used in combination with any other embodiment described herein.

Claims

1. a substrate including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure located on the first surface; a first reflective layer located on the first surface and the SPR structure, the first reflective layer including a light passing region for passing light and a light reflecting region for reflecting light at the SPR structure; a second reflective layer including a third surface facing the second surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface; Including, The second reflective layer includes a diffuse reflection characteristic formed on at least a portion of the third surface facing the passage area.

2. The heating element of claim 1 , wherein the reflective area extends along the first surface and at least partially surrounds the substrate.

3. The heating element according to claim 1 , wherein the reflective area is formed as a substantially continuous surface.

4. The heating element of claim 1 , wherein the reflective area is spaced from the SPR structure.

5. The heating element of claim 1 , wherein the passage area includes an opening.

6. The heating element of claim 1 , wherein the second surface defines a hollow portion.

7. The heating element of claim 1 , wherein the substrate further comprises a diffuse reflection feature formed on the second surface opposite the third surface.

8. The heating element of claim 7 , wherein the diffuse reflection characteristic of the substrate and the diffuse reflection characteristic of the second reflective layer have substantially the same shape.

9. The heating element of claim 7 , wherein the diffuse reflective property of the substrate and the diffuse reflective property of the second reflective layer are in at least partial contact with each other.

10. The heating element according to claim 7 , wherein the diffuse reflection characteristic of the substrate is formed as a rough surface having a predetermined roughness from the second surface.

11. The heating element according to claim 1 , wherein the diffuse reflection characteristic of the second reflective layer is formed on the entire area of ​​the third surface.

12. The heating element of claim 1 further comprising an absorptive layer located on the second reflective layer.

13. 13. The heating element of claim 12, wherein the absorbing layer has an emissivity of about 1.

14. A light source; 13. The heating element of claim 1 configured to receive light from an electrical light source; An aerosol generating device comprising:

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