Heat insulating material for aerosol generating devices, its manufacturing method, and aerosol generating devices including the heat insulating material for aerosol generating devices

Abstract

The insulating material for an aerosol generating device includes a plurality of hollow beads and a binder that binds the plurality of hollow beads. The hollow beads include one or more ceramics selected from the group consisting of silica, alumina, glass bubbles, and perlite. The hollow beads have a diameter of 10 μm to 500 μm. The binder includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polyimide (PI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyamideimide (PAI), polyphenylsulfide (PPS), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), polyetherimide (PEI), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an insulating material for an aerosol-generating device, a method for producing the same, and an aerosol-generating device including the insulating material for an aerosol-generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for methods to generate aerosols by heating an aerosol-generating material, rather than by burning a cigarette. As a result, research into heated aerosol generators has been actively conducted.

[0003] Some heated aerosol generators are provided with a heat insulating material as a means of blocking the heat generated by the heater of the aerosol generator from transferring to the outside and improving energy efficiency. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional aerosol generators use insulating materials such as cerakwool and aerogel. However, these insulating materials have a problem in that they gradually increase their thermal conductivity as they absorb sidestream smoke that has been converted into droplets inside the aerosol generator, eventually losing their insulating function.

[0005] Therefore, the problem to be solved by this embodiment is to provide an insulating material for an aerosol generator, and a manufacturing method thereof, which has excellent insulating effect and can prevent the problem of the insulating performance being reduced by absorbing sidestream smoke that has been converted into droplets within the aerosol generator.

[0006] The problems to be solved through this embodiment are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An insulating material for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a plurality of hollow beads and a binder that binds the plurality of hollow beads together.

[0008] A method for manufacturing an insulating material for an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment includes the steps of mixing a plurality of hollow beads and a binder to produce a mixture, molding the mixture to produce a molded product, and drying the molded product to produce an insulating material for an aerosol generating device.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a storage space into which an aerosol product is inserted, a heater that heats the aerosol product stored in the storage space, and an insulating material arranged outside the heater to prevent heat generated by the heater from transferring outside the storage space, and the insulating material includes a plurality of hollow beads and a binder that bonds the plurality of hollow beads.

[0010] The means for solving the problem are not limited to the above, and the entire specification includes any matter that can be inferred by a person of ordinary skill in the art. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The insulating material for an aerosol generating device according to this embodiment, and the aerosol generating device including the same, have excellent insulating effects and can prevent the problem of sidestream smoke that has been converted into droplets inside the aerosol generating device being absorbed by the insulating material, thereby enabling the excellent insulating performance to be maintained continuously.

[0012] According to the method for manufacturing a heat insulating material for an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, since a high-temperature firing process is not performed, the manufacturing process can be simplified and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0013] The effects of this embodiment are not limited to those described above, but also include any effects that can be inferred from the configuration described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a heat insulating material for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a heat insulating material for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device including an insulating material for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which an aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5A] 1 is a diagram illustrating an image of a heat insulating material for an aerosol generating device manufactured according to an embodiment. [Figure 5B] 1 is a diagram illustrating an image of a heat insulating material for an aerosol generating device manufactured according to an embodiment. [Figure 5C] 1 is a diagram illustrating an image of a heat insulating material for an aerosol generating device manufactured according to an embodiment. [Figure 5D] 1 is an image of the outer surface of a thermal insulating material for an aerosol generating device manufactured according to an embodiment, observed through a microscope. [Figure 6] 1 is a graph showing the results of measuring temperature change over time to measure the insulating performance of an insulating material for an aerosol generation device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of an example of an aerosol product. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of another example of an aerosol product. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of yet another example of an aerosol product. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] An insulating material for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a plurality of hollow beads and a binder that binds the plurality of hollow beads together.

[0016] The hollow beads also contain one or more ceramics selected from the group consisting of silica, alumina, glass bubbles, and perlite.

[0017] The hollow beads also have a diameter of 10 μm to 500 μm.

[0018] The binder also includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polyimide (PI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyamideimide (PAI), polyphenylsulfide (PPS), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), polyetherimide (PEI), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

[0019] The binder is contained in an amount of 20 to 50% by volume based on the total volume of the insulating material for the aerosol generating device.

[0020] A method for manufacturing an insulating material for an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment includes the steps of mixing a plurality of hollow beads and a binder to produce a mixture, molding the mixture to produce a molded product, and drying the molded product to produce an insulating material for an aerosol generating device.

[0021] The hollow beads also contain one or more ceramics selected from the group consisting of silica, alumina, glass bubbles, and perlite.

[0022] The hollow beads also have a diameter of 10 μm to 500 μm.

[0023] The binder also includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polyimide (PI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyamideimide (PAI), polyphenylsulfide (PPS), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), polyetherimide (PEI), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

[0024] The mixture also includes the plurality of hollow beads and the binder in a weight ratio of 0.5 to 5:1.

[0025] The drying may be carried out at a temperature of from 10°C to 500°C.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a storage space into which an aerosol product is inserted, a heater that heats the aerosol product stored in the storage space, and an insulating material arranged outside the heater to prevent heat generated by the heater from transferring outside the storage space, and the insulating material includes a plurality of hollow beads and a binder that bonds the plurality of hollow beads.

[0027] The insulating material may be disposed between the heater and an outer housing of the aerosol generating device, and the heater and the insulating material may be disposed spaced apart from each other.

[0028] The terms used in this embodiment are currently widely used and common terms that have been selected as much as possible while taking into consideration the functions of the present disclosure. However, they may vary depending on the intentions of engineers in the field, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure must be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present disclosure, rather than simply by the names of the terms.

[0029] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain element, it does not mean excluding other elements, but also means including other elements, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "module" and "unit" used in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and may be realized by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0030] As used herein, when phrases such as "at least one of," when preceding an array of elements, modify the entire array and not each individual element in the array. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" is to be interpreted as including a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0031] Additionally, as used herein, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first" or "second," may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0032] Throughout the specification, an "aerosol generating device" is also a device that generates an aerosol by utilizing an aerosol-generating substance to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs.

[0033] Throughout the specification, the term "aerosol product" refers to an article used for smoking. For example, the aerosol product may be a general combustion cigarette that is used by being lit and burned, or a heated cigarette that is used by being heated by an aerosol generating device. As another example, the aerosol product may be an article that is used by being heated by a liquid contained in a cartridge.

[0034] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0035] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates an example of a heat insulating material 10 for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1 , the insulating material 10 for an aerosol generator includes a plurality of hollow beads 11 and a binder 12 that binds the hollow beads 11 together. However, the insulating material 10 for an aerosol generator is not limited thereto, and other elements may be included in addition to the elements illustrated in FIG. 1 . FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the insulating material 10 for an aerosol generator in a sheet form, but this is merely an example, and the insulating material 10 for an aerosol generator may have an appropriate shape depending on the location where the insulating material 10 is to be disposed, the purpose of the insulating material 10, the type and shape of the heater of the aerosol generator, etc. For example, the insulating material 10 for an aerosol generator may have a shape such as a fitted type, a cylindrical type, a tubular type, or a sheet type, but is not limited thereto.

[0038] The hollow bead 11 may include a hollow 11a therein. The hollow 11a of the hollow bead 11 may include air therein, but is not limited to this, and a vacuum may be formed in the hollow 11a of the hollow bead 11. By including empty space inside the plurality of hollow beads 11, the insulating material 10 for an aerosol-generating device has lower thermal conductivity than when beads without hollow spaces are included. Furthermore, by having empty space inside the plurality of hollow beads 11, the insulating material 10 can have a lower mass than when beads without hollow spaces are included.

[0039] The hollow beads 11 included in the insulating material 10 for an aerosol generating device may be arranged in a regular sphere packing pattern, but are not limited thereto. For example, the hollow beads 11 included in the insulating material 10 for an aerosol generating device may be aggregated in an irregular pattern.

[0040] The hollow beads 11 may contain ceramics with low thermal conductivity. For example, the hollow beads 11 may contain one or more ceramics selected from the group consisting of silica, alumina, glass bubble, and perlite. However, the hollow beads 11 are not limited to these, and may be made of other materials with low thermal conductivity.

[0041] The diameter of the hollow bead 11 is also about 10 μm to about 500 μm. Desirably, the diameter of the hollow bead 11 is about 50 μm to about 450 μm, about 100 μm to about 450 μm, or about 150 μm to about 400 μm. The diameter of the hollow bead 11 is preferably about 10 μm or more. This is because the larger the diameter of the hollow bead 11, the larger the diameter of the internal hollow 11a, improving the insulating performance of the insulating material 10 for an aerosol-generating device. The diameter of the hollow bead 11 is also preferably about 500 μm or less. This is because the larger the size of the hollow bead 11, the greater the curvature of the surface, making it difficult to form an insulating material 10 with a uniform thickness, and the durability of the insulating material 10 may be reduced.

[0042] In order for the insulating material 10 for an aerosol generating device to have uniform insulating performance across its entire area, the diameter distribution of the hollow beads 11 may have a tolerance of about 30% or less relative to the average diameter. Desirably, the diameter distribution of the hollow beads 11 may have a tolerance of about 25%, about 23%, or about 21% or less. More desirably, the diameter distribution of the hollow beads 11 may have a tolerance of about 20%, about 18%, about 16%, about 14%, about 12%, or about 10% or less. Even more desirably, the diameter distribution of the hollow beads 11 may have a tolerance of about 8%, about 6%, or about 5% or less.

[0043] The binder 12 is disposed between the hollow beads 11 and can bond the hollow beads 11. The binder 12 is disposed between the hollow beads 11 and can fill the spaces that the hollow beads 11 cannot fill, thereby blocking the transfer of heat. The binder 12 also blocks moisture from coming into contact with the surfaces of the hollow beads 11, thereby preventing a performance degradation problem of the insulating material 10 for an aerosol generating device.

[0044] The binder 12 may be made of a material having adhesive strength and heat resistance. For example, the binder 12 may include one or more polymer materials selected from the group consisting of polyimide (PI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyamideimide (PAI), polyphenylsulfide (PPS), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), polyetherimide (PEI), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). However, the binder 12 is not limited to these materials, and any material may be used as long as it has heat resistance at a certain temperature or above (e.g., 300°C or above) and sufficient adhesive strength to bond multiple hollow beads 11.

[0045] The binder 12 may be contained in an amount of about 20 to about 50 volume % based on the total volume of the insulating material 10 for an aerosol generator. If the binder 12 is contained in an amount of less than about 20 volume % based on the volume of the insulating material 10 for an aerosol generator, the bonding strength between the hollow beads 11 may be reduced, resulting in insufficient durability of the insulating material 10 for an aerosol generator. If the binder 12 is contained in an amount of more than about 50 volume %, the binder 12 may fill the pores between the hollow beads 11, thereby reducing the insulating performance of the insulating material 10 for an aerosol generator. To achieve appropriate durability and insulating performance of the insulating material 10 for an aerosol generator, the binder 12 is preferably contained in an amount of about 25 to about 30 volume %.

[0046] Mainstream smoke generated by an aerosol product is inhaled through the user's mouth. Sidestream smoke is generated at the upstream end of the aerosol product. This sidestream smoke cannot be inhaled by the user and may be condensed into droplets within the aerosol generator. The condensed sidestream smoke may be absorbed by the insulating material provided within the aerosol generator, potentially reducing the insulating performance of the insulating material. In one embodiment, the insulating material 10 for an aerosol generator includes a binder 12 disposed between a plurality of hollow beads 11, which prevents the condensed sidestream smoke from being absorbed, thereby maintaining the performance of the insulating material 10. Furthermore, the insulating material 10 of the aerosol generator effectively concentrates the heat of the heater on the aerosol product, improving the taste of the generated aerosol and reducing the heater preheating time and power consumption.

[0047] A waterproof film may be provided on the outer surface of the insulating material 10 for an aerosol generating device. For example, the waterproof film may include a glass film, a polyimide coating film, a water-repellent coating film, or a combination thereof. However, the waterproof film is not limited to these, and may also include other types of coating films that have waterproof (or moisture-proof) properties.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a thermal insulating material for an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment.

[0049] 2, a method for manufacturing an insulating material for an aerosol generator according to one embodiment includes a step (S10) of mixing a plurality of hollow beads and a binder to prepare a mixture, a step (S20) of molding the mixture to prepare a molded product, and a step of drying the molded product to prepare an insulating material for an aerosol generator. However, the method is not limited thereto, and other steps may be included in the method for manufacturing an insulating material for an aerosol generator in addition to the steps illustrated in FIG.

[0050] In step S10, a mixture may be prepared by mixing a plurality of hollow beads and a binder, but is not limited thereto, and additives other than the plurality of hollow beads and the binder may be selectively mixed into the mixture.

[0051] The hollow beads and binder may be mixed in a weight ratio of about 0.5 to about 5:1. Preferably, the weight ratio of the hollow beads and binder in the mixture is about 0.7 to about 3:1, or even about 0.8 to about 2:1. If the hollow beads are mixed in a weight ratio of less than about 0.5:1, the binder may fill the voids between the hollow beads, reducing the insulating performance of the aerosol generator insulation. If the hollow beads are mixed in a weight ratio of more than about 5:1, the bonding strength between the hollow beads may be reduced, resulting in insufficient durability of the aerosol generator insulation. To achieve adequate durability and insulating performance of the resulting aerosol generator insulation, the hollow beads and binder may be mixed in a weight ratio of about 1 to about 1.5:1.

[0052] In step S20, the mixture may be shaped to produce a molded product. The molded product may have the same shape as the insulating material for the aerosol generator to be finally manufactured. For example, the shape of the molded product may be, but is not limited to, a fitted type, a cylindrical type, a tubular type, or a sheet type. An appropriate shape may be selected depending on the position where the insulating material is to be disposed, the type and shape of the heater of the aerosol generator, etc.

[0053] The mixture may be molded by various methods known in the art, such as compression molding, injection molding, extrusion molding, thermoforming, hot melt molding, lamination molding, roll molding, etc.

[0054] In step S30, the molded product is dried to produce a thermal insulating material for an aerosol generating device. In step S30, the molded product, particularly the binder contained in the molded product, can be dried. The temperature at which the drying is performed can be appropriately changed depending on the type of binder contained in the molded product. For example, the drying can be performed at a temperature of about 10 to about 500°C. The drying can also be performed at a temperature of about 50 to about 400°C, about 70 to about 300°C, or about 90 to about 200°C.

[0055] Unlike conventional methods for manufacturing insulating materials for aerosol generators, the method for manufacturing insulating materials for aerosol generators according to one embodiment does not require a high-temperature (approximately 600 to approximately 1,200°C) firing process, and manufacturing can be completed simply by drying the binder contained in the molded product, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0056] Step S30, in which the molded product is dried, may include multiple steps with different drying temperatures and times. By including multiple steps in step S30, the manufactured insulating material for an aerosol generating device can be completely dried, improving the durability of the insulating material. For example, step S30 may include drying the molded product at a temperature of about 10 to about 120°C for about 1 minute to about 1 hour, drying at a temperature of about 120°C to about 200°C for about 1 minute to about 1 hour, and drying at a temperature of about 200°C to about 500°C for about 10 seconds to 30 minutes. As another example, step S30 may include drying the molded product at a temperature of about 50°C to about 100°C for about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes, drying at a temperature of about 140°C to about 180°C for about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes, and drying at a temperature of about 250°C to about 350°C for about 30 seconds to about 3 minutes.

[0057] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates an example of an aerosol-generating device 100 including an insulating material 10 for an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment.

[0058] 3, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a battery 110, a control unit 120, a heater 130, and a thermal insulator 10 for the aerosol generating device. However, the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited thereto, and other elements may be included in addition to the elements shown in FIG. 3. The locations of the battery 110, the control unit 120, and the heater 130 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0059] The battery 110 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the battery 110 can supply power so that an alternating current can be applied to the heater 130, and can supply power necessary for the operation of the control unit 120. The battery 110 can also supply power necessary for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generation device 100.

[0060] The control unit 120 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 100. Specifically, the control unit 120 controls the operation of not only the battery 110 and the heater 130 but also other components included in the aerosol generation device 100. The control unit 120 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generation device 100 and determine whether the aerosol generation device 100 is in an operable state.

[0061] The control unit 120 also includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the control unit 120 may also be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0062] The heater 130 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 110. For example, if the aerosol product 200 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, the heater 130 can be located outside the aerosol product 200. Thus, the heated heater 130 can increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material within the aerosol product 200.

[0063] The heater 130 may be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater 130 may include a conductive track, and the heater 130 may be heated by passing a current through the conductive track. However, the heater 130 is not limited to the above example, and may be any heater capable of being heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 100 or may be set by a user.

[0064] For example, the heater 130 may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and depending on the shape of the heating element, the inside or outside of the aerosol production article 200 may be heated.

[0065] A plurality of heaters 130 may also be arranged in the aerosol generating device 100. In this case, the plurality of heaters 130 may be arranged to be inserted inside the aerosol product 200 or arranged outside the aerosol product 200. Some of the plurality of heaters 130 may be arranged to be inserted inside the aerosol product 200, and the rest may be arranged outside the aerosol product 200. The shape of the heater 130 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 3, and various shapes may be used.

[0066] As another example, the heater 130 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 130 may include a conductive coil for heating the aerosol product 200 by induction heating, and the aerosol product 200 may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heater. The induction heating method may refer to a method of applying an alternating magnetic field that periodically changes direction to a magnetic material that generates heat due to an external magnetic field, thereby causing the magnetic material to generate heat.

[0067] When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic body, energy loss occurs in the magnetic body due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss, and the lost energy can be released from the magnetic body as thermal energy. The greater the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field applied to the magnetic body, the more thermal energy can be released from the magnetic body. The aerosol generating device 100 can apply an alternating magnetic field to the magnetic body to release thermal energy from the magnetic body and transfer the thermal energy released from the magnetic body to the aerosol product 200.

[0068] The magnetic material that generates heat in response to an external magnetic field is also called a susceptor. The susceptor may be provided in the aerosol generating device 100 in the form of a slice, a thin piece, a strip, or the like. For example, at least a portion of the heater 130 disposed inside the aerosol generating device 100 may be formed from a susceptor material.

[0069] At least a portion of the susceptor material may be made of a ferromagnetic substance. For example, the susceptor material may include a metal or carbon. The susceptor material may include at least one of ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). The susceptor material may also include at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, a nickel alloy, a metal film, a ceramic such as zirconia, a transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), or a metalloid such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

[0070] The aerosol generation device 100 can accommodate an aerosol product 200. An accommodation space 102 for accommodating the aerosol product 200 can be formed in the aerosol generation device 100. A heater 130 can be disposed in the space for accommodating the aerosol product 200. For example, the heater 130 can have a cylindrical accommodation space 102 therein for accommodating the aerosol product 200. Therefore, when the aerosol product 200 is accommodated in the aerosol generation device 100, the aerosol product 200 can be accommodated in the accommodation space 102 of the heater 130.

[0071] The heater 130 may surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol product article 200 contained in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the heater 130 may surround the tobacco medium contained in the aerosol product article 200. This may allow for more efficient transfer of heat from the heater 130 to the tobacco medium.

[0072] The heater 130 can heat the aerosol product 200 housed in the aerosol generation device 100. As described above, the heater 130 can heat the aerosol product 200 by induction heating. The heater 130 also includes a susceptor material that generates heat when subjected to an external magnetic field, and the aerosol generation device 100 can apply an alternating magnetic field to the heater 130.

[0073] Although not shown in FIG. 3 , a coil may be provided in the aerosol generating device 100. The coil can apply an alternating magnetic field to the heater 130. When power is supplied to the coil from the aerosol generating device 100, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil. When an alternating current is applied to the coil, the direction of the magnetic field formed inside the coil can be continuously changed. When the heater 130 is located inside the coil and exposed to an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically, the heater 130 can generate heat, and the aerosol product 200 accommodated in the accommodation space 102 of the heater 130 can be heated.

[0074] The coil may be wound along the outer surface of the heater 130. The coil may also be wound along the inner surface of the external housing 101 of the aerosol generating device 100. The heater 130 may be located in an internal space formed by the wound coil. When power is supplied to the coil, an alternating magnetic field generated by the coil may be applied to the heater 130.

[0075] The coil may extend in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 100. The coil may extend to an appropriate length along the longitudinal direction. For example, the coil may extend to a length corresponding to the length of the heater 130, or may extend to a length longer than the length of the heater 130.

[0076] The coil may be disposed in a position suitable for applying an alternating magnetic field to the heater 130. For example, the coil may be disposed in a position corresponding to the heater 130. Such a size and arrangement of the coil may improve the efficiency with which the alternating magnetic field of the coil is applied to the heater 130.

[0077] When the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field generated by the coil is changed, the degree to which the heater 130 heats the aerosol product 200 can also be changed. Because the amplitude or frequency of the magnetic field generated by the coil can be changed by the power applied to the coil, the aerosol generation device 100 can control the heating of the aerosol product 200 by adjusting the power applied to the coil. For example, the aerosol generation device 100 can control the amplitude and frequency of the alternating current applied to the coil.

[0078] As one example, the coil may be embodied as a solenoid. The coil may be a solenoid wound along the inner surface of the external housing 101 of the aerosol generating device 100, and the heater 130 and the product 200 may be located in the internal space of the solenoid. The material of the conductor constituting the solenoid may be copper (Cu). However, without being limited thereto, the material of the conductor constituting the solenoid may also be any one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni), or an alloy containing at least one of them.

[0079] Although not shown in Fig. 3, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes a vaporizer. The vaporizer can heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can pass through the aerosol product 200 and be delivered to a user. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer can travel along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 100, and the airflow passage can be configured to allow the aerosol generated by the vaporizer to pass through the aerosol product 200 and be delivered to a user.

[0080] For example, the vaporizer may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element, and the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generation device 100 as separate modules.

[0081] The liquid storage unit can store a liquid composition, such as a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit can be configured to be detachable from or attached to the vaporizer, or can be configured as an integral part of the vaporizer.

[0082] For example, the liquid composition may contain water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring, or vitamin mixture. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. The flavoring may include components that can provide the user with a variety of 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 composition may also include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0083] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition in the liquid reservoir to the heating element, and can be, for example, but not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0084] The heating element is an element for heating the liquid 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, or the like. The heating element may also be formed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element is heated by supplying an electric current and transfers heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0085] For example, but not limited to, a vaporizer may also be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0086] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which an aerosol product 200 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100 according to the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0087] 4, the heat insulating material 10 is disposed on the outside of the heater 130 and can prevent heat generated by the heater 130 from transferring to the outside of the accommodation space 102. The heat insulating material 10 is disposed between the outer housing 101 and the heater 130 and can prevent heat loss from the aerosol generating device 100. Although FIG. 4 illustrates an example in which the tubular heat insulating material 10 is disposed on the outside of the tubular heater 130, the present invention is not limited thereto. The heat insulating material 10 can be applied without limitation as long as it has a form that can prevent heat generated by the heater 130 from transferring to the outside of the accommodation space 102.

[0088] The heat insulating material 10 allows the heat generated by the heater 130 to be concentrated on the aerosol product 200, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heater 130 and improving the smoking experience of the aerosol product 200. In addition, the heat insulating material 10 can shorten the preheating time of the aerosol generation device 100 and reduce power consumption.

[0089] The heat insulating material 10 is disposed between the heater 130 and the outer housing 101 of the aerosol generation device 100, and the heater 130 and the heat insulating material 10 may be disposed spaced apart from each other. An air layer is formed in the space formed by the space between the heater 130 and the heat insulating material 10, thereby improving the ability to block the transfer of heat generated by the heater 130. In particular, when the heater 130 has a cylindrical shape surrounding the outer surface of the aerosol product 200, a large area of ​​the heater 130 is disposed adjacent to the outer housing 101 of the aerosol generation device 100, and the heat generated by the heater 130 is easily transferred to the outside of the aerosol generation device 100, causing the user to feel hot or causing undesirable effects on other components. By separating the heater 130 and the heat insulating material 10 from each other, the heat generated by the heater 130 is not directly transferred to the heat insulating material 10, thereby further improving the heat insulating performance.

[0090] Example 1-1. Production of heat insulating material for aerosol generating device (thickness 0.8 mm, inner diameter 8.5 mm) Glass bubbles and a polyimide binder were mixed in a weight ratio of 1.2:1 to produce a mixture. The mixture was molded into a tube with a wall thickness of 0.8 mm and an inner diameter of 8.5 mm to produce a molded product. The molded product was primarily dried at 80°C for 10 minutes, secondary dried at 160°C for 10 minutes, and tertiary dried at 300°C for 1 minute to produce a thermal insulating material for an aerosol generator.

[0091] 5A to 5C are drawings showing images of the insulating material for an aerosol generator manufactured according to Example 1-1. FIG. 5A is an image relating to the overall appearance of the insulating material for an aerosol generator manufactured according to Example 1-1, FIG. 5B is an image of the insulating material for an aerosol generator viewed from the longitudinal direction, and FIG. 5C is an image of the insulating material for an aerosol generator viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. FIG. 5D is an image of the outer surface of the insulating material for an aerosol generator manufactured according to Example 1-1, observed through a microscope.

[0092] 5A to 5D, it can be seen that the insulating material for an aerosol generating device maintains its tubular shape by binding a binder between a plurality of hollow beads.

[0093] Example 1-2. Production of heat insulating material for aerosol generator (thickness 0.8 mm, inner diameter 9.0 mm) A heat insulating material for an aerosol generating device was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1-1, except that a molded product with an inner diameter of 9.0 mm was manufactured.

[0094] Example 2-1. Production of heat insulating material for aerosol generator (thickness 1.0 mm, inner diameter 8.1 mm) An insulating material for an aerosol generating device was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1-1, except that a molded product having a wall thickness of 1.0 mm and an inner diameter of 8.1 mm was manufactured.

[0095] Example 2-2. Production of heat insulating material for aerosol generating device (thickness 1.0 mm, inner diameter 8.5 mm) An insulating material for an aerosol generating device was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1-1, except that a molded product having a wall thickness of 1.0 mm and an inner diameter of 8.5 mm was manufactured.

[0096] Example 2-3. Production of heat insulating material for aerosol generating device (thickness 1.0 mm, inner diameter 9.0 mm) An insulating material for an aerosol generating device was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1-1, except that a molded product having a wall thickness of 1.0 mm and an inner diameter of 9.0 mm was manufactured.

[0097] Experimental Example 1: Measurement of the thermal insulation effect of insulating materials for aerosol generators An electrically resistive tubular film heater (0.700±0.035Ω) was provided on the inner surface of the tubular insulating material for an aerosol-generating device manufactured in Examples 1-1 to 2-3, and a SUS pipe was provided on the inner surface of the film heater to manufacture a module for measuring the insulating effect. A voltage of 2.5 V was applied to the tubular film heater, and heating was performed so that the average saturation temperature reached 290°C, and the temperature change of the SUS pipe was measured over time.

[0098] Fig. 6 is a graph showing the results of measuring temperature changes over time in Experimental Example 1. The graph in Fig. 6 shows temperature changes depending on the type of insulating material for an aerosol-generating device used in the module for measuring the insulating effect. The comparative example refers to a module in which no insulating material for an aerosol-generating device is used.

[0099] 6, it was confirmed that the average saturation temperature of the present embodiment was increased by about 30°C compared to the comparative example. In addition, the average saturation temperature of Examples 1-1 and 1-2 having a wall thickness of 0.8 mm was measured to be about 322°C, while the average saturation temperature of Examples 2-1 to 2-3 having a wall thickness of 1.0 mm was measured to be about 335°C.

[0100] Therefore, it was confirmed that the embodiment including the insulating material had a higher average saturation temperature and a superior insulating effect compared to the comparative example not including the insulating material. It was also confirmed that the insulating performance was improved by increasing the thickness of the insulating material.

[0101] In the following, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, examples of aerosol production products that can be used in the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0102] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of an example of an aerosol product 200. Referring to FIG. 7, the aerosol product 200 includes a tobacco rod 210 and a filter rod 220. While the filter rod 220 is illustrated as a single segment in FIG. 7, this is not intended to be limiting. In other words, the filter rod 220 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 220 may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters specific components contained in the aerosol. If necessary, the filter rod 220 may also include at least one additional segment that performs another function.

[0103] The aerosol product 200 may be wrapped using at least one wrapper 240. The wrapper 240 may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air can enter or internal gas can escape. As an example, the aerosol product 200 may be wrapped using a single wrapper 240. As another example, the aerosol product 200 may be wrapped using two or more wrappers 240 in a stacked manner. For example, the tobacco rod 210 may be wrapped using a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 220 may be wrapped using wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The entire aerosol product 200 may then be wrapped using a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 220 is composed of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped using a wrapper 242, 243, or 244.

[0104] The tobacco rod 210 includes an aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol-forming material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. The tobacco rod 210 may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. A flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, may also be added to the tobacco rod 210 by spraying it onto the tobacco rod 210.

[0105] The tobacco rod 210 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 210 can be manufactured from a sheet or a strand. The tobacco rod 210 can also be manufactured from shredded tobacco, which is a tobacco sheet that has been finely shredded. The tobacco rod 210 can also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to this. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 can evenly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 210 and improve the thermal conductivity of the tobacco rod 210, thereby improving the tobacco taste. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 can also function as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 210 can also include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the exterior.

[0106] The filter rod 220 is also a cellulose acetate filter. The shape of the filter rod 220 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 220 may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod with a hollow interior. The filter rod 220 may also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 220 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0107] The filter rod 220 may be fabricated to release a flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 220, or a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 220.

[0108] The filter rod 220 also includes at least one capsule 230. The capsule 230 can generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 230 can be a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a coating. The capsule 230 can have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0109] If the filter rod 220 includes a segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment can be made of a polymeric or biodegradable polymeric material. For example, the cooling segment can be made of pure polylactic acid (PLA), but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling segment can be made of a cellulose acetate filter with multiple holes. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the above examples and can be any material as long as it can perform the function of cooling the aerosol.

[0110] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of another example of an aerosol production product 200. 8, the aerosol production product 200 further includes a front end plug 250. The front end plug 250 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 210 opposite the filter rod 220. The front end plug 250 may prevent the tobacco rod 210 from being detached to the outside and may also prevent aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 210 from flowing into the aerosol generating device during smoking.

[0111] Filter rod 220 also includes a first segment 221 and a second segment 222. Here, first segment 221 may correspond to the first segment of filter rod 220 in FIG. 7, and second segment 222 may correspond to the second segment of filter rod 220 in FIG. 7.

[0112] The diameter and overall length of the aerosol product article 200 can correspond to the diameter and overall length of the aerosol product article 200 of Figure 7. For example, but not limited to, the length of the front end plug 250 can be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 210 can be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 221 can be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 222 can be about 14 mm.

[0113] The aerosol product 200 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 240. The wrapper 240 may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. For example, the front end plug 250 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 241, the tobacco rod 210 may be wrapped by a second wrapper 242, the first segment 221 may be wrapped by a third wrapper 243, and the second segment 222 may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper 244. The entire aerosol product 200 may then be wrapped by a fifth wrapper 245.

[0114] In addition, at least one perforation 246 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 245. For example, but not limited to, the perforation 246 may be formed in the area surrounding the tobacco rod 210. The perforation 246 may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater to the interior of the tobacco rod 210.

[0115] The second segment 222 also includes at least one capsule 230. The capsule 230 can generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 230 can have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a coating. The capsule 230 can have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0116] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of yet another example of an aerosol production article 200. 9, aerosol production article 200 includes first portion 260, second portion 270, third portion 280, and fourth portion 290. Specifically, first portion 260, second portion 270, third portion 280, and fourth portion 290 include an aerosol-generating element, a tobacco element, a cooling element, and a filter element, respectively. For example, first portion 260 includes an aerosol-generating material, second portion 270 includes a tobacco material and a humectant, third portion 280 can cool airflow passing through first portion 260 and second portion 270, and fourth portion 290 includes a filter material.

[0117] 9, the first portion 260, the second portion 270, the third portion 280, and the fourth portion 290 may be aligned in order based on the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 200. Here, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 200 is also the direction in which the length of the aerosol product 200 extends. For example, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 200 is also the direction from the first portion 260 to the fourth portion 290. As a result, aerosol generated in at least one of the first portion 260 and the second portion 270 can pass through the first portion 260, the second portion 270, the third portion 280, and the fourth portion 290 in order to form an airflow, thereby allowing a smoker to inhale the aerosol from the fourth portion 290.

[0118] The first portion 260 may also contain an aerosol-generating component, such as a flavorant, a humectant, and / or other additives, such as an organic acid, or a flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a moisturizer, including at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol.

[0119] First portion 260 may include a crimped sheet, and the aerosol-generating elements may be impregnated in the crimped sheet and included in first portion 260. Other additives and flavoring liquids, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids, may also be absorbed into the crimped sheet and included in first portion 260.

[0120] The crimped sheet may be a sheet made of a polymeric material, for example, a polymeric material including at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, and polylactic acid (PLA). For example, the crimped sheet may be a paper sheet that does not produce an unpleasant odor even when heated to a high temperature, but is not limited thereto.

[0121] The first portion 260 may extend from about 7 to about 20 mm from the end of the aerosol product 200, and the second portion 270 may extend from about 7 to about 20 mm from the end of the first portion 260. However, these numerical ranges are not necessarily limited, and the extension lengths of the first portion 260 and the second portion 270 may be appropriately adjusted within a range that can be easily changed by a skilled artisan.

[0122] The second portion 270 may also include tobacco elements. The tobacco elements may be tobacco materials in a particular form. For example, the tobacco elements may be in the form of cut tobacco, tobacco particles, tobacco sheets, tobacco beads, tobacco granules, tobacco powder, or tobacco extract. The tobacco materials may also include, for example, one or more of tobacco leaves, tobacco veins, expanded tobacco, cut tobacco, flat tobacco, and reconstituted tobacco.

[0123] The third portion 280 can cool the airflow passing through the first portion 260 and the second portion 270. The third portion 280 can be made of a polymeric or biodegradable polymeric material and have a cooling function. For example, the third portion 280 can be made of, but is not limited to, polylactic acid (PLA) fiber. Alternatively, the third portion 280 can be made of a cellulose acetate filter with multiple holes. However, the third portion 280 is not limited to the above examples, and any material that performs the function of cooling the aerosol can be used without limitation. For example, the third portion 280 can be a hollow tube filter or a paper tube filter.

[0124] The fourth portion 290 may include a filter material. For example, the fourth portion 290 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The shape of the fourth portion 290 is not limited. For example, the fourth portion 290 may be a cylindrical rod, a tubular rod with a hollow interior, or a recessed rod. If the fourth portion 290 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be formed into a different shape.

[0125] The fourth portion 290 may be configured to produce a flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the fourth portion 290, and a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid may be inserted into the fourth portion 290.

[0126] The aerosol product 200 also includes a wrapper 240 that encases at least a portion of the first portion 260 to the fourth portion 290. The aerosol product 200 also includes a wrapper 240 that encases all of the first portion 260 to the fourth portion 290. The wrapper 240 is located at the outermost portion of the aerosol product 200, and the wrapper 240 may be a single wrapper or a combination of multiple wrappers.

[0127] By way of example, the first portion 260 of the aerosol product 200 may include a crinkled, wrinkled sheet containing an aerosol-generating material, the second portion 270 may include flat cut tobacco as the tobacco material and glycerin as the humectant, the third portion 280 may include a paper tube, and the fourth portion 290 may include cellulose acetate fibers, but is not necessarily limited to these examples.

[0128] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be embodied in various modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics described above. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered from an illustrative rather than a restrictive perspective. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope of the claims should be construed as being within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Insulating material for aerosol generating equipment, a plurality of hollow beads; a binder that binds the plurality of hollow beads together; The error range of the diameter distribution of the plurality of hollow beads is within 30% of the average diameter, The insulating material for an aerosol generating device, wherein a waterproof film is disposed on the outer surface of the insulating material for an aerosol generating device.

2. 2. The insulating material for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the hollow beads contain one or more ceramics selected from the group consisting of silica, alumina, glass bubbles, and perlite.

3. 2. The insulating material for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the hollow beads have a diameter of 10 μm to 500 μm.

4. 2. The insulating material for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the binder contains one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polyimide (PI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyamideimide (PAI), polyphenylsulfide (PPS), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), polyetherimide (PEI), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

5. The insulating material for an aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the binder is contained in an amount of 20 to 50% by volume based on the total volume of the insulating material for an aerosol-generating device.

6. A method for manufacturing a heat insulating material for an aerosol generating device, comprising: mixing a plurality of hollow beads and a binder to produce a mixture; forming the mixture to produce a molded article; and drying the molded product to produce an insulating material for an aerosol generating device. The error range of the diameter distribution of the plurality of hollow beads is within 30% of the average diameter, A method for manufacturing an insulating material for an aerosol generating device, wherein a waterproof film is disposed on the outer surface of the insulating material for an aerosol generating device.

7. 7. The method for manufacturing a thermal insulating material for an aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the hollow beads contain one or more ceramics selected from the group consisting of silica, alumina, glass bubbles, and perlite.

8. The method for manufacturing a heat insulating material for an aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the hollow bead has a diameter of 10 μm to 500 μm.

9. 7. The method for manufacturing a thermal insulating material for an aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the binder contains one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polyimide (PI), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyamide imide (PAI), polyphenyl sulfide (PPS), polyphenyl sulfone (PPSU), polysulfone (PSU), polyether sulfone (PES), polyether imide (PEI), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

10. 7. The method for manufacturing an insulating material for an aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the mixture contains the hollow beads and the binder in a weight ratio of 0.5 to 5:

1.

11. The method for manufacturing an insulating material for an aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein the drying is performed at a temperature of 10°C to 500°C.

12. In the aerosol generating device, a receiving space into which the aerosol-producing article is inserted; a heater for heating the aerosol product contained in the containing space; a heat insulating material disposed outside the heater and blocking heat generated by the heater from transferring to the outside of the accommodation space, the thermal insulation material includes a plurality of hollow beads and a binder that binds the plurality of hollow beads together; The error range of the diameter distribution of the plurality of hollow beads is within 30% of the average diameter, The aerosol generating device, wherein a waterproof membrane is disposed on the outer surface of the insulating material.

13. the thermal insulator is disposed between the heater and an outer housing of the aerosol generation device; The aerosol generating device according to claim 12 , wherein the heater and the insulating material are arranged spaced apart from each other.

Images