An aerosol generating device including a susceptor assembly

Abstract

To provide an aerosol generating apparatus that may heat aerosol generating articles to an appropriate temperature by induction heating to efficiently heat the aerosol generating articles, while properly blocking the generated heat from being released to the outside.SOLUTION: An aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a susceptor assembly arranged to surround an aerosol generating article, and comprising a first layer including a magnetic material and a second layer including a first non-magnetic metal material; an induction coil configured to form a variable magnetic field in the susceptor assembly; a battery configured to supply power to the induction coil; and a processor configured to control the power supplied to the induction coil from the battery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device including a susceptor assembly.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of common aerosol generating articles. For example, there is an increasing demand for a method of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substance in an aerosol generating article, rather than a method of generating an aerosol by burning the aerosol generating article. As a result, research on heated aerosol generating devices has been actively carried out.

[0003] Generally, an aerosol generating device uses an electric resistance heating device to heat an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol generating substance. However, recently, products have appeared that use a susceptor and an induction coil to heat an aerosol generating substance by induction heating.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an aerosol generating device, when the susceptor and the heat insulating material are separately placed, the heating temperature is limited by the melting point of the heat insulating material, so it is difficult to heat the susceptor to a sufficiently high temperature.

[0005] Accordingly, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device that can heat an aerosol generating article to an appropriate temperature by induction heating, appropriately block the generated heat from being released to the outside, and efficiently heat the aerosol generating article.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] As a technical means for achieving the above technical problems, the aerosol generating device includes a susceptor assembly including a first layer containing a magnetic material and a second layer containing a first non-magnetic metal material, the susceptor assembly being arranged to surround the aerosol generating article; an induction coil for forming a variable magnetic field in the susceptor assembly; a battery for supplying power to the induction coil; and a processor for controlling the power supplied from the battery to the induction coil.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] The aerosol generating device according to the present invention may include a susceptor assembly including a first layer containing a magnetic material and a second layer containing a non-magnetic metal material. The first layer containing the magnetic material of the susceptor assembly is heated to a relatively high temperature, and the second layer containing the non-magnetic metal material can prevent the external release of heat. Thereby, the first layer containing the magnetic material can heat the aerosol generating article. The second layer containing the non-magnetic metal material can prevent the release of the heat for heating the aerosol generating article to the outside of the susceptor assembly, so that the aerosol generating article can be efficiently heated.

[0008] Also, in one susceptor assembly, during heating of the aerosol generating article, the release of the heat for heating the aerosol generating article to the outside of the susceptor assembly is prevented. Therefore, the overall volume of the aerosol generating device is reduced, and the aerosol generating device can be miniaturized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a susceptor assembly disposed to surround the aerosol generating article and including a first layer containing a magnetic material and a second layer containing a first non-magnetic metal material; an induction coil that forms a variable magnetic field in the susceptor assembly; a battery that supplies power to the induction coil; and a processor that controls the power supplied from the battery to the induction coil.

[0011] Also, the susceptor assembly can have an overall thickness within 0.1 mm to 0.25 mm.

[0012] Also, the first layer can have a thickness within a range of 40% to 70% of the overall thickness of the susceptor assembly, and the second layer can have a thickness within a range of 30% to 60% of the overall thickness of the susceptor assembly.

[0013] Also, the magnetic material is also of the STS (Stainless Steel) 400 series.

[0014] Also, the first non-magnetic metal material may include at least one of the STS 300 series, titanium (Ti), bismuth (Bi), and alloys thereof.

[0015] Also, the magnetic material may contain chromium (Cr) and carbon (C).

[0016] Also, when the susceptor assembly is heated by the induction coil, the first layer can be heated to 150°C or higher.

[0017] Also, when the susceptor assembly is heated by the induction coil, the second layer can be heated to 60°C or lower.

[0018] Also, the second layer can have a thermal conductivity within the range of 5 W / m·K to 20 W / m·K.

[0019] Also, the susceptor assembly may further include a third layer containing a second non-magnetic metal material.

[0020] Also, the first layer forms the accommodation space for accommodating the aerosol generating article, the second layer is disposed so as to surround the first layer, and the third layer can be disposed so as to surround the second layer.

[0021] Also, the first layer has a thickness within the range of 40% to 70% of the total thickness of the susceptor assembly, the second layer has a thickness within the range of 20% to 30% of the total thickness of the susceptor assembly, and the third layer can have a thickness within the range of 10% to 30% of the total thickness of the susceptor assembly.

[0022] Also, the first layer may include the STS 400 series, the second layer may include titanium, and the third layer may include the STS 300 series.

[0023] Also, the second layer can have a thermal conductivity within the range of 5 W / m·K to 10 W / m·K, and the third layer can have a thermal conductivity within the range of 10 W / m·K to 20 W / m·K.

[0024] Also, it may further include a heat insulating material surrounding the susceptor assembly.

[0025] The terms used in the embodiments are, as much as possible, general terms that are currently widely used while taking into account the functions in the present invention. However, this may also vary depending on the intentions or precedents of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, the meaning thereof will be described in detail in the description part of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention must be defined based not on just the names of the terms, but on the meaning the terms have and the overall content of the present invention.

[0026] Throughout the specification, when a certain part states that a certain component "includes", unless there is a specifically contrary statement, it does not exclude other components and means that other components may further be included.

[0027] As used in this specification, when an expression such as "at least any one of" is in front of the arranged components, it modifies not each of the arranged components but the entire components. For example, the expression "at least any one of a, b, and c" must be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0028] When a component or layer is referred to as being "on", "connected to", or "coupled to" another component or layer, it must be interpreted as being directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other component or layer, or as having other intermediate components or intermediate layers present. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly on", "directly connected to", or "directly coupled to" a different component or layer, no intermediate components or intermediate layers are present. The same number as a whole indicates the same component.

[0029] Also, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" or "second" used in this specification can be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms can be used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0030] Also, throughout the specification, "susceptor" means an object that can be heated by the penetration of a variable magnetic field.

[0031] Also, throughout the specification, "susceptor assembly" means an assembly including a susceptor. For example, the susceptor assembly may include a first layer that performs the role of a susceptor and a second layer that performs the role of preventing the heat generated from the susceptor from being released outside the susceptor. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described aspects.

[0032] "Aerosol generating article" can refer to an article designed for a person to inhale tobacco. The aerosol generating article may include an aerosol generating substance that is heated without combustion to generate an aerosol. For example, when one or more aerosol generating articles are mounted on an aerosol generating device and heated by the aerosol generating device, an aerosol can be generated. The shape, size, material, and structure of the aerosol generating article vary depending on the embodiment. Examples of the aerosol generating article may include, but are not limited to, a tobacco-shaped substrate and a cartridge. Hereinafter, "tobacco" (i.e., when used alone without modifiers such as "general", "traditional", or "combustion type") means an aerosol generating article having a shape and size similar to a traditional combustion type cigarette.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement them. However, the present disclosure can be embodied in various mutually different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an example in which an aerosol generating article 15 is inserted into an aerosol generating device 100.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generation system may include an aerosol generation device 100 and an aerosol generation article 15. The aerosol generation device 100 includes an accommodation space into which the aerosol generation article 15 is inserted, and can heat the aerosol generation article 15 inserted into the accommodation space to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generation article 15 may contain an aerosol generating substance. On the other hand, in FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, the aerosol generation device 100 is illustrated as being used together with the aerosol generation article 15, but this is merely an example. The aerosol generation device 100 can be used with any suitable aerosol generation article such as a cigarette even if it is not the aerosol generation article 15, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. Also, different types of aerosol generation articles (for example, cigarettes and cartridges) can be used simultaneously.

[0037] The aerosol generation device 100 may include a battery 110, a processor 120, a susceptor assembly 130, and an induction coil C. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 100 is not limited to what is shown in FIG. 1. Those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment will understand that depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 100, some of the hardware configurations shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new configurations may be further added.

[0038] The battery 110 supplies power used for the operation of the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the battery 110 can supply power so that the induction coil C generates a variable magnetic field. Also, the battery 110 can supply power required for the operation of other hardware configurations provided in the aerosol generation device 100, such as various sensors (not shown), a user interface (not shown), a memory (not shown), and the processor 120. The battery 110 is a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 110 is also a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0039] Processor 120 is hardware that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, processor 120 controls the operation of not only battery 110, susceptor assembly 130, and induction coil C, but also other components included in aerosol generating device 10. Further, processor 120 can check the state of each component of aerosol generating device 100 and determine whether aerosol generating device 100 is in an operable state.

[0040] Processor 120 can be embodied as an array of a large number of logic gates. For example, processor 120 can also be embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. Also, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs will be able to understand that processor 120 can also be embodied as other forms of hardware.

[0041] Susceptor assembly 130 may include a substance to be heated when a variable magnetic field is applied. For example, susceptor assembly 130 may include metal or carbon. Susceptor assembly 130 may include at least one of ferrite, ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). Also, susceptor assembly 130 may include at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, metal film, ceramics such as zirconia, transition metals such as nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co), and metalloids such as boron (B) and phosphorus (P). However, it is not limited thereto.

[0042] In one example, the susceptor assembly 130 can also be tubular or cylindrical and can be arranged to surround the accommodation space into which the aerosol generating article 15 is inserted. If the aerosol generating article 15 is inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 100, the susceptor assembly 130 can be arranged to surround the aerosol generating article 15. Therefore, the temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the aerosol generating article 15 can be increased by the heat transmitted from the external susceptor assembly 130. Also, a plurality of susceptor assemblies 130 can be arranged in the aerosol generating device 100. The shape of the susceptor assembly 130 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 1 and can also be fabricated in various shapes. The susceptor assembly 130 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 2.

[0043] The induction coil C can generate a variable magnetic field when power is supplied from the battery 110. The variable magnetic field generated by the induction coil C is applied to the susceptor assembly 130, whereby the susceptor assembly 130 can be heated. The power supplied to the induction coil C is adjusted under the control of the processor 120, and the temperature at which the susceptor assembly 130 is heated can be appropriately maintained.

[0044] On the other hand, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a general-purpose configuration in addition to the battery 110, the processor 120, the susceptor assembly 130, and the induction coil C. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may further include a cigarette insertion detection sensor (not shown) and other sensors (for example, a temperature detection sensor, a puff detection sensor, etc.) in addition to the cigarette insertion detection sensor, a user interface, and a memory.

[0045] For example, the cigarette insertion detection sensor can detect whether the aerosol generating article 15 is inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating article 15 contains a metallic substance such as aluminum, and the cigarette insertion detection sensor is also an inductive sensor that senses the magnetic field change generated when the aerosol generating article 15 is inserted into the accommodation space. However, it is not necessarily limited thereto. The cigarette insertion detection sensor may also be an optical sensor, a temperature sensor, a resistance sensor, etc.

[0046] When a variable magnetic field is generated by the induction coil C, the susceptor assembly 130 can be heated. Accordingly, the aerosol generating article 15 disposed inside the susceptor assembly 130 can be heated to generate an aerosol.

[0047] The user interface can provide information related to the state of the aerosol generating device 100 to the user. The user interface may include a display that outputs visual information, a lamp, a motor that outputs tactile information, a speaker that outputs sound information, and an input / output (I / O) interfacing means (e.g., a button or a touch screen) that receives information input from the user or outputs information to the user. Further, the user interface may include various interfacing means such as a terminal for performing data communication or being supplied with charging power, and a communication interfacing module for performing wireless communication (e.g., WI-FI, WI-FI Direct, Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near-Field Communication), etc.) with an external device.

[0048] However, only some of the various user interface examples illustrated above may be selectively implemented in the aerosol generating device 100. Also, at least some of the various user interface examples illustrated above may be combined and implemented in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a touch screen display that can receive user input while outputting visual information on the front surface. The touch screen display may include a fingerprint sensor, and user authentication may be performed by the fingerprint sensor.

[0049] The memory is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 100, and the memory can store the data processed by the processor 120 and the data to be processed. The memory is also implemented by various types such as RAM (random access memory) such as DRAM (dynamic random access memory) and SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), and EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory). Data related to the operating time, maximum puff count, current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and the smoking pattern of the user of the aerosol generating device 100 may be stored in the memory.

[0050] The aerosol generating article 15 has, for example, the structure of a general combustible cigarette. In that case, the cigarette may include a shredded tobacco portion, a filter portion, and the like. A general combustible cigarette may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0051] As an example different from a general combustion-type cigarette, the cigarette 200 shown in FIG. 2 can be divided into a first part 210, a second part 220, a third part 230, and a fourth part 240. Here, at least one of the first part 210 and the second part 220 is an aerosol generation part, which may contain at least one of an aerosol generating substance and a tobacco substance.

[0052] The aerosol generating substance may include, for example, 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. Further, the aerosol generation part may contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, wetting agents, and / or organic acids. Also, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant can be added by being sprayed into the aerosol generation part. The aerosol generation part does not contain a tobacco substance and may include, for example, a wrinkled sheet moistened with a humectant such as glycerin.

[0053] The tobacco substance can be made of, for example, a tobacco sheet or a tobacco strand. Also, the tobacco substance can be made of cut tobacco in which the tobacco sheet is finely cut. For example, the tobacco substance may include a wrinkled tobacco sheet, a curled wrinkled tobacco sheet, or a rolled tobacco sheet.

[0054] In one example, the first part 210 may include, for example, a wrinkled sheet moistened with an aerosol generating substance such as glycerin. Also, the second part 220 may include a tobacco substance containing an aerosol generating substance and nicotine. However, it is not limited thereto. The second part 220 does not contain an aerosol generating substance and contains only a tobacco substance containing nicotine. When the second part 220 is heated, an aerosol in which nicotine is vaporized can be generated.

[0055] In other examples, only one of the first part 210 and the second part 220 may contain at least one of the aerosol generating substance and the tobacco substance, and the other one may be arranged to serve as a front plug or a spacer (support element).

[0056] In an embodiment where the first part 210 contains an aerosol generating substance and the second part 220 contains a tobacco substance, when the cigarette 200 is fully inserted into the aerosol generating device, at least a part of each of the first part 210 and the second part 220 is located inside the aerosol generating device, and at least a part of the third part 230 may be exposed outside the aerosol generating device. The user can inhale the aerosol with the fourth part 240 in the mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated from the first part 210, and the generated aerosol can pass through the second part 220 and the third part 230 along the air flowing into the cigarette 200 and be transmitted to the user's mouth. Since the second part 220 contains a tobacco substance, nicotine generated from the second part 220 may be contained in the aerosol.

[0057] As an example, external air can flow into the aerosol generating device through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device and / or the size of the air passage can be adjusted by the user. Thereby, the atomization amount, the smoking feeling, etc. can be adjusted by the user. As another example, external air can flow into the cigarette 200 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 200.

[0058] Also, at least one of the first part 210 and the second part 220 is surrounded by a heat-conducting substance. For example, the heat-conducting substance may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. In one example, the heat-conducting substance surrounding at least one of the first part 210 and the second part 220 evenly disperses the heat transmitted to at least one of the first part 210 and the second part 220, improves the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, and thereby can improve the tobacco flavor.

[0059] The third part 230 can be manufactured from a polymer material or a biodegradable polymer material and can have a cooling function. For example, the third part 230 can be made of only pure polylactic acid, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the third part 230 can be made of a cellulose acetate filter having a plurality of pores formed therein. However, the third part 230 is not limited to the above-described examples and can be applicable without limitation as long as it can perform the cooling function of the aerosol. For example, the third part 230 can also be a tube filter or a paper tube containing a hollow.

[0060] The fourth part 240 is also a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, there is no limitation on the shape of the fourth part 240. For example, the fourth part 240 can also be a columnar rod or a tubular rod containing a hollow inside. Also, the fourth part 240 can be a recessed rod. If the fourth part 240 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments is also made in a different shape.

[0061] The fourth part 240 can be made to generate a fragrance. As an example, a perfume liquid can be sprayed onto the fourth part 240, and a separate fiber coated with the perfume liquid can be inserted into the fourth part 240.

[0062] The cigarette 200 is also packaged by a wrapper 250. At least one hole through which external air flows in or internal gas flows out can be formed in the wrapper 250. In FIG. 3, the wrapper 250 is illustrated as a single wrapper, but the wrapper 250 can also be a combination of a plurality of wrappers.

[0063] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of a susceptor assembly according to an embodiment.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 3, the susceptor assembly 300 may include a first layer 310 and a second layer 320. Since the susceptor assembly 300 and the induction coil C in FIG. 3 respectively correspond to the susceptor assembly 130 and the induction coil C in FIG. 1, duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0065] The susceptor assembly 300 may include an accommodation space V into which an aerosol generating article is inserted. The susceptor assembly 300 may be in the form of, but is not limited to, a clad metal, ply metals, etc. The susceptor assembly 300 may include a first layer 310 containing a magnetic material and a second layer 320 containing a first non-magnetic metal material.

[0066] The susceptor assembly 300 is also cylindrical as a whole. However, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing, and the present invention may include any susceptor assemblies in various forms arranged to surround the accommodation space V.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 3, the second layer 320 may be disposed outside the first layer 310. When an aerosol generating article (not shown) is disposed inside the susceptor assembly 300, the first layer 310 is in direct contact with the aerosol generating article, and the second layer 320 may surround the first layer 310.

[0068] In one embodiment, the magnetic material may include the STS (Stainless Steel) 400 series. The STS 400 series includes STS 405, STS 410L, STS 430, STS 434, STS 444, etc. For example, the first layer 310 may include STS 434.

[0069] Also, the magnetic material may include chromium (Cr) and carbon (C). For example, the first layer 310 may include carbon of about 0.12% or less and chromium of about 16% - 18% in comparison with all the components of the first layer 310, but is not limited thereto.

[0070] In one embodiment, the first non-magnetic metal material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the STS 300 series, titanium (Ti), bismuth (Bi), and their alloys. The STS 300 series may include at least one of chromium (Cr), carbon (C), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), and silicon (Si). The STS 300 series includes STS 304, STS 316, STS 316L, etc. For example, the second layer 320 may include STS 316L.

[0071] In one embodiment, the susceptor assembly 300 has a thickness of about 0.1 mm to 0.25 mm. For example, the total thickness including the first layer 310 and the second layer 320 of the susceptor assembly 300 is also about 0.15 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0072] Also, the first layer 310 has a thickness within the range of 40% to 70% of the total thickness of the susceptor assembly 300, and the second layer 320 has a thickness within the range of 30% to 60% of the total thickness of the susceptor assembly 300. For example, when the total thickness of the susceptor assembly 300 is 0.2 mm, the thickness of the first layer 310 is 0.14 mm, and the thickness of the second layer 320 is also 0.06 mm, but is not limited thereto. By having the first layer 310 and the second layer 320 with thicknesses within the above-described ranges, the heating efficiency of the susceptor assembly 300 increases and the heat insulation effect increases.

[0073] When power is supplied to the induction coil C, a magnetic field can be generated inside the induction coil C. When an alternating current is applied to the induction coil C from a battery, the magnetic field formed inside the induction coil C periodically has different directions. When the susceptor assembly 300 is exposed to the magnetic field, the first layer 310 containing the magnetic material can generate heat. The aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodation space V can be heated by the generated heat. When the susceptor assembly 300 is exposed to the magnetic field, the second layer 320 containing the first non-magnetic metal material has no magnetism, so almost no heat is generated.

[0074] In one embodiment, when the susceptor assembly 300 is heated by the induction coil C, the first layer 310 can be heated to about 150 °C or higher. For example, when the first layer 310 is heated to about 250 °C, the aerosol generating article can be heated to about 245 °C by the first layer 310.

[0075] Also, when the susceptor assembly 300 is heated by the induction coil C, the second layer 320 can be heated to about 60 °C or lower. For example, the second layer 320 can be heated to about 30 °C.

[0076] In one embodiment, the second layer 320 can have a thermal conductivity in the range of 5 W / m·K to 20 W / m·K. Since the second layer 320 has a low thermal conductivity, when the first layer 310 is heated, heat from the first layer 310 can be prevented from being released outside the susceptor assembly 300.

[0077] On the other hand, although the second layer 320 in FIG. 3 is shown as a single layer, it may include a plurality of layers. Each of the plurality of layers of the second layer 320 includes a first non-magnetic metal material, and the first non-magnetic metal materials included in the respective layers of the second layer 320 may be the same as or different from each other. For example, the second layer 320 may include, but is not limited to, an STS 304 layer, an STS 316 layer, and a titanium layer.

[0078] Although the induction coil C and the susceptor assembly 300 shown in FIG. 3 are shown as being in close contact, they may be separated depending on the embodiment.

[0079] In one embodiment, the first layer 310 faces the accommodation space V, and the second layer 320 is also positioned to face the outer surface of the first layer 310. The first layer 310 of the susceptor assembly 300 contains a magnetic material, and heat can be generated by the magnetic field generated from the induction coil C. Since the first layer 310 faces the accommodation space V into which the aerosol generating article is inserted, the heat generated in the first layer 310 can heat the aerosol generating article. The second layer 320 contains a non-magnetic metal material and has a low thermal conductivity, so almost no heat is generated by the magnetic field generated from the induction coil C. Since the second layer 320 surrounds the first layer 310, it is possible to prevent the heat generated from the susceptor assembly 300 from being released to the outside of the susceptor assembly 300.

[0080] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of a susceptor assembly 400 according to another embodiment.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 4, the susceptor assembly 400 may further include a third layer 430. Since the susceptor assembly 400, the first layer 410, and the second layer 420 in FIG. 4 respectively correspond to the susceptor assembly 300, the first layer 310, and the second layer 320 in FIG. 3, duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0082] The third layer 430 may contain a second non-magnetic metal material. The second non-magnetic metal material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of STS 300 series, titanium (Ti), bismuth (Bi), and their alloys. The STS 300 series may include at least one of chromium (Cr), carbon (C), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), and silicon (Si). Examples of the STS 300 series may include STS 304, STS 316, STS 316L, etc. For example, the third layer 430 may include STS 316L.

[0083] The third layer 430 and the second layer 420 may contain different substances from each other or may contain the same substance. Also, the contents of the substances contained in the third layer 430 and the second layer 420 may be different from each other. For example, the second layer 420 and the third layer 430 may contain a titanium alloy. Also, the second layer 420 may contain a STS 300 series, and the third layer 430 may contain bismuth. In another example, the percentage of chromium contained in the second layer 420 is about 17%, and the percentage of chromium contained in the third layer 430 is about 19%.

[0084] The susceptor assembly 400 can have an overall thickness of about 0.1 mm to 0.25 mm. For example, the overall thickness of the susceptor assembly 400 including the first layer 410, the second layer 420, and the third layer 430 is about 0.25 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0085] In one embodiment, the first layer 410 can have a thickness within the range of 40% to 70% of the overall thickness of the susceptor assembly 400. The second layer 420 can have a thickness within the range of 20% to 30% of the overall thickness of the susceptor assembly 400. The third layer 430 can have a thickness within the range of 10% to 30% of the overall thickness of the susceptor assembly 400. For example, when the overall thickness of the susceptor assembly 400 is 0.25 mm, the thickness of the first layer 410 is 0.15 mm, the thickness of the second layer 420 is 0.05 mm, and the thickness of the third layer 430 is 0.05 mm, but is not limited thereto. By having the first layer 410, the second layer 420, and the third layer 430 have thicknesses within the above-described ranges, the heating efficiency of the susceptor assembly 400 can be increased and the heat insulation effect can be increased.

[0086] In one embodiment, the first layer 410 may contain a STS 400 series, the second layer 420 may contain titanium, and the third layer 430 may contain a STS 300 series. For example, the first layer 410 of the susceptor assembly 400 may contain STS 434, the second layer 420 may contain Ti-6AL-4V, and the third layer 430 may contain STS 316L.

[0087] In one embodiment, the first layer 410 of the susceptor assembly 400 faces the accommodation space V into which the aerosol generating article is inserted, the second layer 420 is disposed so as to surround the first layer 410, and the third layer 430 may be disposed so as to surround the second layer 420. The first layer 410 may contain a magnetic material, the second layer 420 may contain a first non-magnetic metal material, and the third layer 430 may contain a second non-magnetic metal material.

[0088] The second layer 420 may have a thermal conductivity in the range of 5 W / m·K to 10 W / m·K, and the third layer 430 may have a thermal conductivity in the range of 10 W / m·K to 20 W / m·K. Since the second layer 420 and the third layer 430 have low thermal conductivities, the heat generated from the first layer 410 can be reduced from being released to the outside of the susceptor assembly 400.

[0089] On the other hand, in FIG. 4, the lengths of the first layer 410, the second layer 420, and the third layer 430 of the susceptor assembly 400 are illustrated to gradually become shorter in the arrangement order, but this is for facilitating the understanding of the structure of the susceptor assembly 400, and each of the first layer 410, the second layer 420, and the third layer 430 may have any appropriate length.

[0090] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example in which the aerosol generating article 15 is inserted into the susceptor assembly 500 according to FIG. 4.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 5, the susceptor assembly 500 may include a first layer 510, a second layer 520, and a third layer 530. The first layer 510 may be disposed to face the aerosol generating article 15. The aerosol generating article 15 in FIG. 5 corresponds to the aerosol generating article 15 in FIG. 1, and the susceptor assembly 500, the first layer 510, the second layer 520, and the third layer 530 in FIG. 5 respectively correspond to the susceptor assembly 400, the first layer 410, the second layer 420, and the third layer 430 in FIG. 4, so redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0092] FIG. 6 is a drawing for showing the configuration of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device 600 may further include a heat insulating material 620. Since the aerosol generating article 15 and the susceptor assembly 610 in FIG. 6 respectively correspond to the aerosol generating article 15 and the susceptor assembly 500 in FIG. 5, duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0094] The heat insulating material 620 may be composed of a heat insulating material to prevent external heat loss of the heat generated from the susceptor assembly 610. The heat insulating material 620 may include at least one of aerogel, vacuum insulation, silicon foam, rubber material, filler, nylon, fleece, non-woven material, woven material, polystyrene, polyester, polyester filament, cardboard material, polypropylene, a mixture of polyester and polypropylene, and cellulose acetate.

[0095] An air layer may be included between the susceptor assembly 610 and the heat insulating material 620. The air layer means a gap located between the susceptor assembly 610 and the heat insulating material 620 and may be omitted if necessary.

[0096] In one embodiment, the heat insulating material 620 is also an aerogel. The aerogel is obtained by replacing a liquid with a gas without inducing shrinkage in a gel structure, and the aerogel may be composed of various substances such as silica, aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), tin (Sn), etc.

[0097] In one embodiment, the heat insulating material 620 has a thermal conductivity of about 0.25 W / m·K or less, and desirably can have a thermal conductivity of 0.004 W / m·K to 0.25 W / m·K.

[0098] The heat insulating material 620 may be arranged to surround the induction coil and may be arranged between the induction coil and the susceptor assembly 610, but is not limited thereto.

[0099] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 600 may further include a support member 630. The support member 630 means a bracket that can fix at least one of the susceptor assembly 610 and the heat insulating material 620. The susceptor assembly 610 and the heat insulating material 620 can be mounted and fixed in the groove of the support member 630 so as not to move.

[0100] The support member 630 is made of a heat-resistant material, and the heat-resistant material may include a material that can withstand heat of about 250 °C or higher. That is, the melting point (Tm) of the heat-resistant material is also about 250 °C.

[0101] On the other hand, the heat-resistant material is also a heat-resistant synthetic resin. In that case, at least one of the melting point and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the heat-resistant material is also about 250 °C.

[0102] For example, as an example, the heat-resistant material includes at least one of polypropylene, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate, polyimide, sulfone-based resin, fluorine-based resin, and aramid. The sulfone-based resin includes resins such as polyethylene sulfone and polyphenylene sulfide, and the fluorine-based resin may include polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon (registered trademark)). However, it is not necessarily limited thereto. As an example, the heat-resistant material is also any suitable material that can withstand heat of about 300 °C or higher.

[0103] Figure 7 is an exploded view of the aerosol generating device of Figure 6.

[0104] Referring to Figure 7, the aerosol generating device may include a susceptor assembly 710, a heat insulating material 720, and a support member 730. Since the aerosol generating article 15, the susceptor assembly 710, the heat insulating material 720, and the support member 730 in Figure 7 respectively correspond to the aerosol generating article 15, the susceptor assembly 610, the heat insulating material 620, and the support member 630 in Figure 6, duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0105] In one embodiment, the susceptor assembly 710 is arranged to surround the aerosol generating article 15, and the heat insulating material 720 can be arranged to surround the susceptor assembly 710. That is, they can be arranged in the order of the aerosol generating article 15, the susceptor assembly 710, and the heat insulating material 720.

[0106] Thereby, the heat generated from the susceptor assembly 710 is not released to the outside of the susceptor assembly 710 by at least one of the second layer and the third layer of the susceptor assembly 710, and the heat generated from the susceptor assembly 710 is not lost to the outside by the heat insulating material 720, and the heat insulation effect can be increased.

[0107] The description related to the above-described embodiment is merely exemplary, and those having ordinary knowledge in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention is determined only by the claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the content described in the claims must be construed as being included in the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims

1. In the aerosol generating device, a susceptor assembly disposed around the aerosol product article, the susceptor assembly including a first layer including a magnetic material, a second layer including a first non-magnetic metallic material, and a third layer including a second non-magnetic metallic material; an induction coil for generating a variable magnetic field in the susceptor assembly; a battery for powering the induction coil; a processor for controlling power supplied from the battery to the induction coil; the first layer defines a receiving space for receiving the aerosol product; the second layer is disposed so as to surround the first layer, the third layer is disposed so as to surround the second layer, the second layer has a thermal conductivity in the range of 5 W / m K to 10 W / m K; The third layer has a thermal conductivity within a range of 10 W / m·K to 20 W / m·K.

2. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the susceptor assembly has an overall thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.25 mm.

3. the first layer having a thickness within a range of 40% to 70% of a total thickness of the susceptor assembly; 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the second layer has a thickness within a range of 30% to 60% of a total thickness of the susceptor assembly.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the magnetic material is a stainless steel (STS) 400 series material.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the first non-magnetic metallic material includes at least one of STS 300 series, titanium (Ti), bismuth (Bi), and alloys thereof.

6. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic material comprises chromium (Cr) and carbon (C).

7. 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein when the susceptor assembly is heated by the induction coil, the first layer is heated to 150° C. or higher.

8. 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein when the susceptor assembly is heated by the induction coil, the second layer is heated to 60° C. or less.

9. the first layer having a thickness within a range of 40% to 70% of a total thickness of the susceptor assembly; the second layer has a thickness within a range of 20% to 30% of a total thickness of the susceptor assembly; 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the third layer has a thickness within a range of 10% to 30% of a total thickness of the susceptor assembly.

10. the first layer comprises an STS 400 series; the second layer comprises titanium; The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the third layer comprises an STS 300 series.

11. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , further comprising a thermal insulator surrounding the susceptor assembly.

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