Cartridge and aerosol generating apparatus containing the same

Abstract

The cartridge includes a housing including a transparent window for transmitting external light into the interior of the cartridge, a storage tank in which the aerosol-generating material is stored, a dome-shaped heat-generating structure including nanoparticles that generate heat through surface plasmon resonance when exposed to external light, and a wick that includes a first storage portion arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the heat-generating structure and supplies the aerosol-generating material to the heat-generating structure, and the aerosol-generating material transmitted from the storage tank to the heat-generating structure via the wick is heated by the heat generated from the heat-generating structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge capable of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substance using surface plasmon resonance technology, and an aerosol generating device including the same.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, instead of a method of generating an aerosol by burning a cigarette, there is an increasing demand for a system that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette or an aerosol generating substance using an aerosol generating device.

[0003] As a result, various types of heaters for aerosol generating devices have been proposed. Recently, there has been a proposal for an aerosol generating device that can heat an aerosol generating substance by utilizing surface plasmon resonance technology.

[0004] Surface plasmon resonance technology is a technology for heating a metal through the vibration of nano-sized metal particles. Specifically, free electrons in a nano-sized metal vibrate collectively by an external stimulus (for example, light incidence), and the free electrons polarized by such vibration can heat the metal.

[0005] In the case of an aerosol generating device using surface plasmon resonance, an aerosol can be generated with lower power compared to an aerosol generating device using a heater, and the interest in aerosol generating devices using surface plasmon resonance is gradually increasing.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Aerosol generation devices using surface plasmon resonance can generate aerosols by heating a solid-phase aerosol-generating material inserted into the device via nano-sized metal particles, or by heating a liquid-phase aerosol-generating material transferred from a storage tank to the metal particles via a core.

[0007] In the case of liquid-phase aerosol-generating substances, the amount of aerosol (or "atomization rate") increases in proportion to the amount of aerosol-generating substance transferred to the metal particles. Therefore, there is a growing need for methods that can effectively transfer aerosol-generating substances to metal particles in order to improve the user's smoking experience.

[0008] The present invention aims to increase the amount of aerosol generated by improving the efficiency of supplying the aerosol-generating substance to the metal particles, by providing a cartridge having a structure that can increase the contact area and / or time between the aerosol-generating substance and metal particles, and an aerosol generating apparatus including the same.

[0009] The problems to be solved through embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and any problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A cartridge according to one embodiment includes a housing with a transmissive window for transmitting external light into the interior of the cartridge; a storage tank disposed inside the housing for storing an aerosol-generating substance; a dome-shaped heating structure containing nanoparticles that generate heat by surface plasmon resonance when exposed to external light; and a core that includes a first housing portion disposed to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the heating structure and supplies the aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage tank to the heating structure, wherein the aerosol-generating substance transmitted from the storage tank to the heating structure via the core is heated by the heat generated from the heating structure.

[0011] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a main body including a light source and a cartridge detachably coupled to the main body, the cartridge including a housing including a transmissive window for transmitting external light into the inside of the cartridge, a storage tank disposed inside the housing for storing aerosol generating material, a dome-shaped heating structure including nanoparticles that generate heat by surface plasmon resonance when exposed to external light, and a core including a first housing portion disposed to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the heating structure, for supplying the aerosol generating material stored in the storage tank to the heating structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] Cartridges and aerosol generating devices according to various embodiments of the present invention can effectively transfer aerosol-generating substances to a heat-generating structure.

[0013] Furthermore, the cartridges and aerosol generating devices according to various embodiments of the present invention can increase the amount of aerosol generated by improving the heating efficiency of the aerosol generating material.

[0014] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and any effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the movement process of aerosol-generating material within the cartridge of the aerosol generator shown in the diagram. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the movement process of aerosol-generating material within the cartridge of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the process of generating aerosols using the cartridge of the aerosol generator shown in the diagram. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the process of generating aerosols using the cartridge of the aerosol generator shown in the diagram. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] In the embodiments, the terminology used has been selected to be as widely used and general as possible, taking into account the functions of the present invention. However, this may change depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In certain cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected some terms, in which case their meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terminology used in the present invention must not be merely names of terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention.

[0017] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a component, this means, unless otherwise stated, that it may include other components, not exclude them. Furthermore, terms such as "~part" and "~module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be embodied in hardware or software, or in a combination of hardware and software.

[0018] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least any one of" is in front of the arranged components, it modifies the entire set of components rather than each of the arranged components. For example, the expression "at least any one of a, b, and c" must be construed to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0019] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge having an aerosol generating substance.

[0020] The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge having an aerosol generating substance and a body that supports the cartridge. The cartridge is detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed with the body, incorporated, or fixed so as not to be detached by the user. The cartridge is attached to the body with the aerosol generating substance accommodated therein. However, without being limited thereto, the aerosol generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0021] The cartridge has an aerosol generating substance in any one of various states such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol generating substance includes a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0022] The cartridge can perform a function of converting the phase of the aerosol generating substance inside the cartridge into a gas phase by being operated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the body, etc., to generate an aerosol. The aerosol means a gas in a state where vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating substance and air are mixed.

[0023] In another embodiment, the aerosol generator heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which is then delivered to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition moves along an airflow passage in the aerosol generator, which is configured so that the aerosol is delivered to the user through a cigarette.

[0024] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus may be an apparatus that generates aerosols by heating the aerosol product via surface plasmon resonance technology.

[0025] The aerosol generator includes a light source that emits light when power is supplied, and a heat-generating structure containing nano-sized metal particles that generate heat in response to external stimuli (e.g., light). Free electrons within the metal particles can generate heat by collectively vibrating and becoming polarized in response to external stimuli. The aerosol generator uses the heat generated from the heat-generating structure to heat the aerosol product or the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the core, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generator further comprises a cradle.

[0027] The aerosol generator forms a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle charges the aerosol generator's battery. Alternatively, the heater may be heated while the cradle and aerosol generator are coupled together.

[0028] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present invention can be implemented in a form that can be embodied in the aerosol generating apparatus of the various embodiments described above, or in various different forms, but is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0031] Referring to Figure 1, an aerosol generating device 1000 according to one embodiment includes a cartridge 100 and a main body 200 that is detachably coupled to the cartridge 100.

[0032] The cartridge 100 includes a housing 110 that forms the overall appearance of the cartridge 100, and the components of the cartridge 100 for generating aerosols are arranged in the internal space of the housing 110.

[0033] For example, the internal space of the housing 110 may include a storage tank for storing aerosol-generating material, a heat-generating structure that generates heat in response to external stimuli (e.g., light), and a core for transferring the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank to the heat-generating structure, but the components of the cartridge 100 are not limited to these.

[0034] Although the drawings show an embodiment in which the housing 110 is rectangular, the shape of the housing 110 is not limited to the shown embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, the housing 110 may be formed in the shape of a polygonal column (for example, a triangular column or a pentagonal column) or a cylinder.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 100 further includes a mouthpiece 110m. For example, the mouthpiece 110m is positioned at one end of the housing 110 (e.g., one end in the +z direction) and can facilitate fluid communication between the internal space of the housing 110 and the outside of the cartridge 100. However, the position of the mouthpiece 110m is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and in some embodiments, the mouthpiece 110m may be positioned in a region of the side surface of the housing 110 (e.g., one surface facing the +y direction).

[0036] The aerosol generated inside the housing 110 of the cartridge 100 is discharged to the outside of the cartridge 100 through the mouthpiece 110m, and the user smokes by bringing their mouth into contact with the mouthpiece 110m and inhaling the aerosol discharged to the outside of the cartridge 100.

[0037] The main body 200 includes a main body housing 210 which is detachably coupled to the housing 110 of the cartridge 100, and the internal space of the main body housing 210 contains the components of the main body 200 for the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1000.

[0038] For example, the internal space of the main housing 210 may contain a light source for emitting light to the heat-generating structure, a battery for supplying power, and a processor, but the components of the main body 200 that are placed in the internal space of the main housing 210 are not limited to these.

[0039] In one embodiment, the main body 200 further includes a recess (not shown) for accommodating a portion of the cartridge 100. For example, the cartridge 100 is coupled to the main body 200 in such a manner that a portion of it (e.g., a portion facing the -z direction) is detachably accommodated in the recess. In another embodiment, the main body 200 further includes a fixing member (not shown) that is detachably coupled to the housing 110 of the cartridge 100, and the cartridge 100 and the main body 200 are coupled or separated by the user's operation of the fixing member.

[0040] The components of the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 for generating aerosols will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 2 to 5.

[0041] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 1000 of Figure 1, cut along the yz plane, according to one embodiment.

[0042] Referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generator 1000 according to one embodiment includes a cartridge 100 and a main body 200 that is detachably coupled to the cartridge 100. The components of the aerosol generator 1000 according to one embodiment are substantially identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1000 in Figure 1, and the following overlapping explanations will be omitted.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 100 includes a housing 110 (for example, the housing 110 in Figure 1), a storage tank 120, a wick 130, and a heating structure 140.

[0044] The housing 110 can form the overall appearance of the cartridge 100, and inside the housing 110 there is an internal space (or "mounting space") where the components of the cartridge 100 are arranged.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the housing 110 includes a mouthpiece 110m and a transmission window 110w.

[0046] The mouthpiece 110m is positioned in one area of ​​the housing 110 and can connect or fluidize the internal space of the housing 110 with the outside of the cartridge 100, so that the aerosol generated inside the housing 110 is discharged to the outside of the cartridge 100 through the mouthpiece 110m.

[0047] The transmissive window 110w is positioned in one area of ​​the housing 110 facing the main body 200 when the cartridge 100 and the main body 200 are coupled, and external light from the cartridge 100 is transmitted to the inside of the cartridge 100 through the transmissive window 110w. For example, light emitted from the light source 220 of the main body 200 is transmitted to the inside of the cartridge 100 through the transmissive window 110w.

[0048] Although the drawings only show an embodiment in which one transparent window 110w is arranged in the housing 110, the number of transparent windows 110w is not limited to this. Depending on the embodiment, multiple transparent windows 110w may be arranged in one area of ​​the housing 110 facing the main body 200.

[0049] The storage tank 120 is located inside the housing 110, and the aerosol-generating material is stored inside the storage tank 120. The aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 120 moves towards the core 130 by gravity, passing through a hole 120h formed in a region of the storage tank 120 opposite the core 130. A detailed explanation of this will be given later.

[0050] In this case, the aerosol-generating substance includes either a tobacco-containing substance containing volatile tobacco flavor components or a liquid composition containing non-tobacco substances.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the liquid composition includes one of the following components, or a mixture thereof: water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring agent, and vitamin mixture. The fragrance includes, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. The flavoring agent includes components that provide the user with a variety of flavors or aromas. The vitamin mixture may also be, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E. The liquid composition also includes an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0052] For example, the liquid composition comprises a glycerin and propylene glycol solution in any weight ratio to which a nicotine salt has been added. The liquid composition may also contain two or more nicotine salts. The nicotine salt is formed by adding a suitable acid, including an organic or inorganic acid, to nicotine. The nicotine is naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine, and has a concentration of any suitable weight relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0053] The acid used to form the nicotine salt is appropriately selected considering the rate of nicotine absorption into the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generator 10, the flavor or aroma, solubility, etc. For example, the acid used to form the nicotine salt may be a single acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid, or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group.

[0054] The core 130 is positioned such that one region is adjacent to the storage tank 120 and the other region surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the heat-generating structure 140, and its role is to transfer the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 120 to the heat-generating structure 140.

[0055] For example, the core 130 is positioned such that one region faces the hole 120h of the storage tank 120, and absorbs aerosol-generating material that moves from the storage tank 120 toward the core 130 due to gravity. The aerosol-generating material absorbed by the core 130 moves along the core 130 toward the heat-generating structure 140, and in this manner, the core 130 can transfer the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 120 to the heat-generating structure 140.

[0056] In one example, the core 130 is a cotton core that absorbs aerosol-generating substances, but the type of core 130 is not limited to this. In another example, the core 130 may be a ceramic core.

[0057] The heating structure 140 is placed inside the housing 110 and receives external light transmitted into the housing 110 through the transmissive window 110w, generating heat to heat the aerosol-generating material transmitted from the core 130.

[0058] For example, by arranging the core 130 such that at least one region surrounds at least one region of the outer surface of the heat-generating structure 140, the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the core 130 is heated by the heat generated from the heat-generating structure 140 to produce an aerosol, but this is not limited to this.

[0059] The heat-generating structure 140 contains nano-sized metal particles (or "metal nanoparticles") that generate heat through surface plasmon resonance (SPR) upon receiving light, thereby enabling the heating of aerosol-generating materials using surface plasmon resonance.

[0060] In this invention, "surface plasmon resonance phenomenon" refers to the phenomenon in which, when light is incident on the surface of a conductive metal nanoparticle, the free electrons on the metal surface vibrate collectively due to resonance with the electromagnetic field of a specific energy possessed by the light. Furthermore, "metal nanoparticles" refers to metal particles having a diameter on the nanoscale.

[0061] The free electrons on the surface of the metal nanoparticles of the heat-generating structure 140 are collectively vibrated and polarized by light flowing into the housing 110 through the transmission window 110w due to the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon. As a result, the metal nanoparticles of the heat-generating structure 140 generate heat, which can heat the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the core 130.

[0062] For example, the heating structure 140 is formed in a dome shape, and the core 130 is arranged such that at least one region surrounds the outer surface of the dome-shaped heating structure 140. In this case, the heating structure 140 can heat the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the core 130 surrounding the outer surface of the heating structure 140 by light flowing into the inside of the housing 110.

[0063] As the aerosol-generating material is heated by the heat-generating structure 140, an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material. The generated aerosol moves toward the mouthpiece 110m along the airflow passage 150 that fluidly communicates the internal space of the housing 110 with the mouthpiece 110m, and is discharged to the outside of the cartridge 100 through the mouthpiece 110m.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the main unit 200 includes a main unit housing 210 (for example, the main unit housing 210 in Figure 1), a light source 220, a battery 230, and a processor 240.

[0065] The main housing 210 can form the overall appearance of the main body 200, and an internal space is formed inside the main housing 210 where the components of the main body 200 are arranged.

[0066] The light source 220 is located in the internal space of the main housing 210 and emits light L via power supplied from the battery 230. For example, the light source 220 includes a laser that emits light having a specified wavelength as power is supplied, but the type of light source 220 is not limited to this.

[0067] According to one embodiment, when the cartridge 100 and the main body 200 are coupled, the light source 220 is positioned to face the transmissive window 110w of the cartridge 100 and emit light L toward the transmissive window 110w, but the position of the light source 220 is not limited to this.

[0068] Light L emitted from the light source 220 passes through the transmission window 110w and reaches the heat-generating structure 140, where the heat-generating structure 140 generates heat due to the light L emitted from the light source 220, thereby heating the aerosol-generating substance.

[0069] The battery 230 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generator 1000. For example, the battery 230 powers the light source 220 so that light L is emitted. In another example, the battery 230 supplies the power required to operate the processor 240.

[0070] In this case, battery 230 is either a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, battery 230 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but the type of battery 230 is not limited to this.

[0071] The processor 240 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1000. According to one embodiment, the processor 240 is electrically or operationally coupled to the light source 220 and controls the operation of the light source 220. For example, the processor 240 can cause the light source 220 to emit light L by supplying power to the light source 220 via the battery 230. In another example, the processor 240 may control the time over which light L is emitted from the light source 220 by controlling the time over which power is supplied to the light source 220 via the battery 230.

[0072] The processor 240 can control the time it takes for the heat-generating structure 140 to generate heat or for the aerosol-generating material to be heated through the aforementioned operations, but the control operations of the processor 240 are not limited to these.

[0073] Depending on the embodiment, the processor 240 may include multiple processors 240. The processor 240 may also be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates. The processor 240 may also be embodied as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. Furthermore, the processor 240 may be embodied in other forms of hardware.

[0074] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the movement process of the aerosol-generating substance within the cartridge of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 2. In Figure 3, the solid arrows indicate the direction of movement of the aerosol-generating substance.

[0075] Referring to Figure 3, a cartridge 100 (or "aerosol generating device cartridge") according to one embodiment includes a housing 110, a storage tank 120, a wick 130, and a heating structure 140. The components of the cartridge 100 according to one embodiment are substantially identical or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in Figure 2, and overlapping explanations will be omitted below.

[0076] The storage tank 120 is positioned in the internal space of the housing 110 in the direction of the upper end of the core 130 (for example, in the z direction in Figure 1), and the liquid phase aerosol-generating material is stored inside the storage tank 120.

[0077] A hole 120h is formed in one region of the storage tank 120 facing the core 130, and the aerosol-generating material stored inside the storage tank 120 is discharged to the outside of the storage tank 120 through the hole 120h. For example, the hole 120h is formed in one region of the lower end surface of the storage tank 120 facing the core 130, and the aerosol-generating material stored inside the storage tank 120 moves towards the core 130 by gravity through the hole 120h.

[0078] The core 130 absorbs the aerosol-generating material supplied from the storage tank 120, and then transmits the absorbed aerosol-generating material toward the heat-generating structure 140, thereby supplying the aerosol-generating material to the heat-generating structure 140.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the core 130 extends overall along the width direction of the housing 110 (for example, the y-axis direction in Figure 1), but includes a housing portion 130a for accommodating at least one region of the outer circumferential surface of the heat-generating structure 140. For example, the housing portion 130a of the core 130 may be formed in a dome shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the heat-generating structure 140, so as to accommodate the outer circumferential surface of the heat-generating structure 140 at its upper end (for example, a portion facing the +z direction in Figure 1), but is not limited thereto.

[0080] A portion of the core 130 (for example, one end) is positioned towards the lower end of the hole 120h in the storage tank 120, and the other portion of the core 130 (for example, the other end) is positioned towards the lower end of the airflow passage 150, which is formed in the opposite direction to the storage tank 120. At this time, the housing portion 130a of the core 130 is located between the one end and the other end of the core 130 and is positioned to house the dome-shaped heat-generating structure 140.

[0081] The aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 120 is discharged to the outside of the storage tank 120 through the hole 120h, and the discharged aerosol-generating material is absorbed by one end of the core 130 located towards the lower end of the storage tank 120. The aerosol-generating material absorbed by one end of the core 130 moves along the core 130 toward the other end of the core 130 and is transmitted to the heat-generating structure 140.

[0082] By positioning the core 130 to surround the outer surface of the dome-shaped heating structure 140 via the housing portion 130a, the contact area between the aerosol-generating substance absorbed by the core 130 and the heating structure 140 is increased, and as a result, the aerosol-generating substance absorbed by the core 130 is effectively supplied to the heating structure 140.

[0083] In other words, the cartridge 100 according to one embodiment can stably and efficiently supply aerosol-generating material to the heating structure 140 via a core 130 which includes a dome-shaped heating structure 140 and a housing portion 130a surrounding the outer surface of the dome-shaped heating structure 140. As a result, the cartridge 100 according to one embodiment can increase the amount of aerosol generated and improve the user's smoking experience.

[0084] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the movement process of aerosol-generating material within the cartridge of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment. In Figure 4, the solid arrows indicate the direction of movement of the aerosol-generating material.

[0085] Referring to Figure 4, the cartridge 100 according to another embodiment includes a housing 110, a storage tank 120, a wick 130, and a heating structure 140. The cartridge 100 according to another embodiment is a cartridge in which at least one recess 130r is added to the cartridge 100 shown in Figure 3, and the following overlapping explanation will be omitted.

[0086] In another embodiment, the core 130 includes a housing portion 130a (for example, the housing portion 130a in Figure 3) for housing a dome-shaped heating structure 140, and at least one recess 130r disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the housing portion 130a.

[0087] At least one recess 130r is positioned along the outer circumferential surface of the dome-shaped housing portion 130a, and a portion of the aerosol-generating material moving along the core 130 collects in at least one recess 130r.

[0088] For example, at least one recess 130r is formed in a shape that is recessed in the direction toward the heat-generating structure 140 from the outer circumferential surface of the housing portion 130a. The recess 130r includes a "U" shape so that a large amount of aerosol-generating material accumulates within the recess 130r, but the shape of the recess 130r is not limited to this.

[0089] As a portion of the aerosol-generating material moving from one end of the core 130 toward the other end of the core 130 accumulates in at least one recess 130r, the contact time between the heat-generating structure 140 and the aerosol-generating material is extended, and as a result, the aerosol-generating material is supplied more effectively to the heat-generating structure 140.

[0090] In other words, the cartridge 100 according to the other embodiment can increase the amount of aerosol generated by extending the contact area and contact time between the aerosol generating material and the heat generating structure 140 via a core 130 which includes a housing portion 130a and at least one recess 130r, thereby increasing the efficiency of supplying the aerosol generating material to the heat generating structure 140.

[0091] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the process of generating aerosols in the cartridge of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 2. In Figure 5, solid arrows indicate the direction in which heat generated in the heat-generating structure 140 is transferred, and dotted arrows indicate the direction in which the aerosols move.

[0092] Referring to Figure 5, a cartridge 100 according to one embodiment includes a housing 110, a storage tank 120, a wick 130, and a heating structure 140. The components of the cartridge 100 according to one embodiment are substantially identical or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 2 to 4, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted below. That is, although not shown in the drawings, the wick 130 may further include at least one recess (for example, at least one recess 130r in Figure 4).

[0093] The heating structure 140 is positioned in the internal space of the housing 110 such that one region faces the transmissive window 110w, and generates heat by receiving light L that flows into the interior of the housing 110 through the transmissive window 110w, thereby heating the aerosol-generating material.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the heat-generating structure 140 includes a substrate 141 and a plurality of metal nanoparticles 142 disposed on the substrate 141.

[0095] The substrate 141 is formed in a dome shape, and a plurality of metal nanoparticles 142 are arranged on the outer surface of the dome-shaped substrate 141, so that the heating structure 140 has an overall dome shape.

[0096] Multiple metal nanoparticles 142 receive light L emitted from a light source (e.g., light source 220 in Figure 2) of the main body (e.g., main body 200 in Figure 2), and generate heat through a surface plasmon resonance phenomenon.

[0097] The free electrons of the metal nanoparticles 142 collectively vibrate due to surface plasmon resonance when they receive light L flowing into the housing 110 through the transmission window 110w. This collective vibration of the free electrons in the metal nanoparticles 142 causes the metal nanoparticles 142 to become polarized and generate heat, which is then transferred to the core 130 surrounding the outer surface of the heat-generating structure 140.

[0098] According to one embodiment, a plurality of metal nanoparticles 142 can generate heat by vibrating in response to light of the same wavelength, but are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the plurality of metal nanoparticles 142 may include a plurality of types of metal nanoparticles that vibrate in response to light of different wavelengths. For example, the metal nanoparticles 142 may include first metal nanoparticles that vibrate and generate heat in response to light having a first wavelength, and second metal nanoparticles that vibrate and generate heat in response to light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength.

[0099] The aerosol-generating material discharged from the storage tank 120 and absorbed by the wick 130 is heated by the heat transferred from the metal nanoparticles 142 of the heat-generating structure 140, resulting in the generation of vapor from the aerosol-generating material. For example, by positioning the wick 130 in contact with the outer surface of the heat-generating structure 140, heat generated from the metal nanoparticles 142 of the heat-generating structure 140 is transferred to the wick 130, and the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the wick 130 is heated by the transferred heat.

[0100] The vapor generated from the aerosol-generating substance is mixed with air that flows into the housing 110 through the airflow passage 150 or a separate air inlet (not shown), and as a result, an aerosol is generated in the internal space of the housing 110.

[0101] In this invention, "aerosol" refers to fine particles formed by a mixture of vapor and air generated from an aerosol-generating substance.

[0102] The aerosol generated inside the housing 110 travels along the airflow passage 150, which is positioned opposite to the storage tank 120 with respect to the wick 130, towards the mouthpiece 110m, and is then discharged to the outside of the cartridge 100 through the mouthpiece 110m. At this time, the user can smoke by bringing their mouth to contact the mouthpiece 110m and inhaling the aerosol discharged to the outside of the cartridge 100.

[0103] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator 1000 of Figure 1, cut along the yz plane, according to another embodiment.

[0104] Referring to Figure 6, the aerosol generating device 1000 according to another embodiment includes a cartridge 100 and a main body 200 that is detachably coupled to the cartridge 100. The aerosol generating device 1000 according to another embodiment may be the aerosol generating device 1000 of Figure 2 in which the position of the light source 220 is changed and only the reflective member 221 is added, and the following overlapping explanation will be omitted.

[0105] In another embodiment, the main unit 200 includes a main unit housing 210 (for example, the main unit housing 210 in Figure 2), a light source 220, at least one reflective member 221, a battery 230 (for example, the battery 230 in Figure 2), and a processor 240 (for example, the processor 240 in Figure 2).

[0106] The light source 220 is positioned in the internal space of the main housing 210 and, powered by the battery 230, can emit light L toward at least one reflective member 221. For example, when the cartridge 100 and the main body 200 are coupled, the light source 220 is positioned in a region of the main housing 110 that does not overlap with the transmissive window 110w and emits light toward at least one reflective member 221.

[0107] In this invention, the expression "the light source 220 is arranged so as not to overlap with the transmissive window 110w" means that the light source 220 and the transmissive window 110w are not arranged on the same line extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 1000 (for example, the z-axis direction in Figure 1).

[0108] At least one reflective member 221 is positioned in the internal space of the main housing 110 to change the path of light L emitted from the light source 220. For example, at least one reflective member 221 changes the path of light L emitted from the light source 220 toward the transmissive window 110w of the cartridge 100.

[0109] According to one embodiment, at least one reflective member 221 may include a mirror for reflecting incident light, but is not limited thereto, and the reflective member 221 may include other configurations that can change the path of the incident light. Also, although only embodiments in which one reflective member 221 is arranged are shown in the drawings, the number of reflective members 221 is not limited to the shown embodiments.

[0110] In other embodiments of the aerosol generating device 1000, light can be incident on the transmissive window 110w even if the light source 220 is not positioned to face the transmissive window 110w via at least one reflective member 221. As a result, in other embodiments of the aerosol generating device 1000, the degree of freedom in the arrangement or mounting structure of the components of the main body 200 inside the main body housing 210 is improved.

[0111] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator according to yet another embodiment. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator 1000 of Figure 1, cut along the yz plane, according to yet another embodiment.

[0112] Referring to Figure 7, another embodiment of the aerosol generating device 1000 includes a cartridge 100 and a main body 200 that is detachably coupled to the cartridge 100. Yet another embodiment of the aerosol generating device 1000 may be a device to which a thermally conductive member 160 is added to the aerosol generating device 1000 of Figure 2, and the following redundant explanation will be omitted.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 100 includes a housing 110 (for example, the housing 110 in Figure 2), a storage tank 120 (for example, the storage tank 120 in Figure 2), a core 130 (for example, the core 130 in Figures 2 to 4), a heat-generating structure 140 (for example, the heat-generating structure 140 in Figure 2), and a heat-conducting member 160.

[0114] The housing 110 forms the overall appearance of the cartridge 100 and includes a mouthpiece 110m that fluidly communicates the internal space of the housing 110 with the outside of the cartridge 100, and a transmissive window 110w for allowing external light to flow into the internal space of the housing 110. For example, when the cartridge 100 is coupled to the main body 200, the light L emitted from the light source 220 of the main body 200 flows into the internal space of the housing 110 through the transmissive window 110w.

[0115] The storage tank 120 is located in the internal space of the housing 110, and liquid-phase aerosol-generating material is stored inside the storage tank 120. A hole 120h is formed in one region of the storage tank 120 toward the core 130, and the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 120 moves toward the core 130 after passing through the hole 120h due to gravity.

[0116] The core 130 absorbs the aerosol-generating material supplied from the storage tank 120, and then transmits the absorbed aerosol-generating material toward the heat-generating structure 140, thereby supplying the aerosol-generating material to the heat-generating structure 140.

[0117] For example, the core 130 has one end (e.g., one end) positioned at the lower end of the hole 120h in the storage tank 120, and absorbs aerosol-generating material discharged to the outside of the storage tank 120 through the hole 120h. The aerosol-generating material absorbed by one end of the core 130 moves along the core 130 toward the other end of the core 130.

[0118] The heat-generating structure 140 is positioned inside the housing 110 and generates heat by receiving external light transmitted into the housing 110 through the transmissive window 110w. For example, the heat-generating structure 140 is positioned such that at least one area faces the transmissive window 110w of the housing 110 and receives light L emitted from the light source 220 of the main body 200.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the heat-generating structure 140 can generate heat by surface plasmon resonance by including metal nanoparticles (for example, metal nanoparticles 142 in Figure 5) that generate heat by surface plasmon resonance when they receive light.

[0120] The thermal conductive member 160 is positioned between the core 130 and the heat-generating structure 140 in the internal space of the housing 110, and can transfer the heat generated in the heat-generating structure 140 to the core 130. For example, the thermal conductive member 160 may include a metal with high thermal conductivity (e.g., aluminum or copper) to transfer the heat generated in the heat-generating structure 140 to the core 130, but the type of thermal conductive member 160 is not limited to this.

[0121] The thermal conductive member 160 is arranged such that at least a portion of its area surrounds the outer surface of the heat-generating structure 140, and the core 130 is formed in a shape corresponding to the thermal conductive member 160 and is arranged to surround the outer surface of the thermal conductive member 160 that surrounds the heat-generating structure 140.

[0122] In other words, the heat-generating structure 140, the heat-conducting member 160, and the core 130 are stacked in sequence, and with the aforementioned arrangement, the heat generated in the heat-generating structure 140 by the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon is transferred to the core 130 via the heat-conducting member 160.

[0123] The aerosol-generating substance absorbed by the core 130 is heated by the heat transmitted through the heat-conducting member 160, generating an aerosol. The generated aerosol then moves along the airflow passage 150 toward the mouthpiece 110m and is discharged to the outside of the cartridge 100.

[0124] Although not shown in the drawings, the core 130 may further include at least one recess (for example, the recess 130r in Figure 4) formed on the outer surface of the core 130 in order to extend the contact time between the thermal conductive member 160 and the aerosol generating material.

[0125] The process by which heat generated from the heat-generating structure 140 is transferred to the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the core 130 via the thermally conductive member 160 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 8.

[0126] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the process of generating aerosols using the cartridge of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 7.

[0127] Referring to Figure 8, the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment includes a housing 110, a storage tank 120, a core 130, a heat-generating structure 140, and a heat-conducting member 160. The components of the cartridge 100 according to one embodiment are substantially identical or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in Figure 7, and the following overlapping explanations will be omitted.

[0128] The core 130 absorbs aerosol-generating material discharged to the outside of the storage tank 120 through the hole 120h. For example, a portion of the core 130 (e.g., one end) is positioned at the lower end of the hole 120h of the storage tank 120 so that it can absorb aerosol-generating material discharged from the storage tank 120, and the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the portion of the core 130 moves along the core 130 toward the other portion of the core 130 (e.g., the other end).

[0129] The heat-generating structure 140 is positioned in the internal space of the housing 110 such that one region faces the transmissive window 110w, and can generate heat by receiving light L that flows into the interior of the housing 110 through the transmissive window 110w.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the heat-generating structure 140 includes a dome-shaped substrate (for example, the substrate 141 in Figure 5) and a plurality of metal nanoparticles (for example, the metal nanoparticles 142 in Figure 5) arranged on the outer surface of the dome-shaped substrate. The plurality of metal nanoparticles receive light L emitted from a light source (for example, the light source 220 in Figure 2) of the main body (for example, the main body 200 in Figure 2) and generate heat through a surface plasmon resonance phenomenon.

[0131] The thermal conductive member 160 is positioned between the core 130 and the heat-generating structure 140, and transfers the heat generated in the heat-generating structure 140 to the core 130. For example, the thermal conductive member 160 is positioned such that its first surface (for example, the surface facing the +z direction in Figure 1) is in contact with the core 130, and its second surface (for example, the surface facing the z direction in Figure 1), which is in the opposite direction to the first surface, is in contact with the heat-generating structure 140. In this way, the thermal conductive member 160 transfers the heat generated in the heat-generating structure 140 to the core 130.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the core 130 includes a first housing portion 130a, and the heat-conducting member 160 includes a second housing portion 160a.

[0133] The second housing portion 160a of the thermal conductive member 160 is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the dome-shaped heat-generating structure 140 (for example, dome-shaped) and is arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the heat-generating structure 140.

[0134] Furthermore, the first housing portion 130a of the core 130 is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the second housing portion 160a (for example, a dome shape), and is arranged to surround the outer circumferential surface of the second housing portion 160a that houses the outer circumferential surface of the heating structure 140.

[0135] Due to the aforementioned arrangement, the heat generated from the heat-generating structure 140 by the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon is transferred to the second housing portion 160a of the thermal conductive member 160 that is in contact with the heat-generating structure 140. The heat transferred to the second housing portion 160a is then transferred to the entire region of the thermal conductive member 160, and the heat transferred to the entire region of the thermal conductive member 160 is then transferred to the core 130 that is in contact with the thermal conductive member 160.

[0136] The aerosol-generating substance absorbed by the wick 130 is heated by the heat transmitted from the heat-conducting member 160, generating vapor from the aerosol-generating substance. The vapor generated from the aerosol-generating substance is mixed with air that flows into the housing 110 through the airflow passage 150 or another air inlet (not shown) to generate an aerosol. The generated aerosol moves along the airflow passage 150 toward the mouthpiece 110m and is then discharged to the outside of the cartridge 100 through the mouthpiece 110m. At this time, the user can smoke by bringing their mouth to contact the mouthpiece 110m and inhaling the aerosol discharged to the outside of the cartridge 100.

[0137] In one embodiment, the cartridge 100 allows heat generated in the heating structure 140 to be transferred to the entire area of ​​the wick 130 via the heat-conducting member 160, thereby expanding the area in which the aerosol-generating material is heated. As a result, the cartridge 100 can generate even more aerosol with the same power, improving the user's smoking experience.

[0138] Figure 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 900 according to yet another embodiment.

[0139] The aerosol generator 900 includes a control unit 910, a sensing unit 920, an output unit 930, a battery 940, a heater 950, a user input unit 960, a memory 970, and a communication unit 980. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 900 is not limited to that shown in Figure 9. That is, a person skilled in the art will understand that depending on the design of the aerosol generator 900, some of the components shown in Figure 9 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0140] The sensing unit 920 senses the state of the aerosol generator 900 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 900 and transmits the sensed information to the control unit 910. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 910 controls the aerosol generator 900 so that various functions can be performed, such as controlling the operation of the heater 950, restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert aerosol products (e.g., cigarettes, cartridges, etc.), and displaying notifications.

[0141] The sensing unit 920 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the temperature sensor 922, insertion sensing sensor 924, and puff sensor 926.

[0142] The temperature sensor 922 senses the temperature at which the heater 950 (or the aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 900 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 950, or the heater 950 itself may act as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 922 may be positioned around the battery 940 to monitor the temperature of the battery 940.

[0143] The insertion sensing sensor 924 detects the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 924 includes at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and detects a change in signal caused by the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products.

[0144] The puff sensor 926 detects user puffs based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 926 detects user puffs based on any one of the following: temperature changes, flow rate changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0145] In addition to the sensors 922 to 926 described above, the sensing unit 920 further includes at least one of the following: a temperature / humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an average engineer from its name, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0146] The output unit 930 outputs information about the status of the aerosol generator 900 and provides it to the user. The output unit 930 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the display unit 932, the haptic unit 934, and the acoustic output unit 936. When the display unit 932 and the touchpad are arranged in a layered structure to form a touchscreen, the display unit 932 is used not only as an output device but also as an input device.

[0147] The display unit 932 visually provides the user with information about the aerosol generator 900. For example, the information about the aerosol generator 900 can include various types of information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 940 of the aerosol generator 900, the preheating status of the heater 950, the insertion / removal status of aerosol products, or conditions under which the use of the aerosol generator 900 is restricted (e.g., detection of abnormal items), and the display unit 932 outputs this information to the outside. The display unit 932 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or an LED light-emitting element.

[0148] The haptic unit 934 converts electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generator 900. For example, the haptic unit 934 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0149] The acoustic output unit 936 provides the user with auditory information about the aerosol generator 900. For example, the acoustic output unit 936 converts electrical signals into acoustic signals and outputs them externally.

[0150] Battery 940 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generator 900. Battery 940 also supplies power to heat the heater 950. In addition, battery 940 supplies power necessary for the operation of other components within the aerosol generator 900 (e.g., sensing unit 920, output unit 930, user input unit 960, memory 970, and communication unit 980). Battery 940 is either a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, battery 940 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to this.

[0151] The heater 950 is powered by the battery 940 to heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Figure 9, the aerosol generator 900 further includes a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the battery 940 and supplies it to the heater 950. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 900 generates aerosols using an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 900 further includes a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 940 into AC power supply.

[0152] The control unit 910, sensing unit 920, output unit 930, user input unit 960, memory 970, and communication unit 980 are powered by the battery 940 and perform their functions. Although not shown in Figure 9, the system further includes power conversion circuits, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that convert the power from the battery 940 and supply it to each component.

[0153] In one embodiment, the heater 950 is formed of any suitable electrical-resistant material. For example, suitable electrical-resistant materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys, including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. The heater 950 may also be embodied in, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which an electrically conductive track is arranged, or a ceramic heating element.

[0154] In other embodiments, the heater 950 is an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 950 includes a susceptor that heats the aerosol-generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0155] In yet another embodiment, the heater 950 is a heater that utilizes the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon. For example, when the heater 950 receives light, it generates heat through the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon and heats the aerosol-generating material.

[0156] The user input unit 960 receives information input from the user or outputs information to the user. For example, the user input unit 960 may include, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (contact-type capacitive type, pressure-type resistive type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Although not shown in Figure 9, the aerosol generator 900 is further equipped with a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and connects with other external devices via the USB interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 940.

[0157] Memory 970 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 900, and stores data processed by the control unit 910 and data being processed. Memory 970 includes at least one type of recording medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 970 stores data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 900, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0158] The communication unit 980 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 980 includes a short-range communication unit 982 and a wireless communication unit 984.

[0159] The short-range communication unit 982 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth® communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication unit, a short-range wireless communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and the like.

[0160] The wireless communication unit 984 includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit. The wireless communication unit 984 may also verify and authenticate the aerosol generator 900 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0161] The control unit 910 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 900. In one embodiment, the control unit 910 comprises at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. Those skilled in the art will understand that it may also be embodied as other forms of hardware.

[0162] The control unit 910 controls the temperature of the heater 950 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 940 to the heater 950. For example, the control unit 910 controls the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 940 and the heater 950. In another example, a direct heating circuit may control the power supply to the heater 950 by a control command from the control unit 910.

[0163] The control unit 910 analyzes the results sensed by the sensing unit 920 and controls subsequent processing. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 920, the control unit 910 controls the power supplied to the heater 950 so that the heater 950 starts or stops operating. As another example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 920, the control unit 910 controls the amount of power supplied to the heater 950 and the duration of power supply so that the heater 950 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0164] The control unit 910 controls the output unit 930 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 920. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 926 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 910 notifies the user that the aerosol generator 900 will soon be finished, through at least one of the display unit 932, the haptic unit 934, and the acoustic output unit 936.

[0165] One embodiment also embodies a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer-readable media are any available medium accessible by a computer, and include both volatile and non-volatile media, and isolated and non-isolated media. Computer-readable media also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, isolated and non-isolated media, embodied in any method or technique for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data such as modulated data signals or other data, and include any information transmission medium.

[0166] The above-mentioned descriptions of embodiments are illustrative only, and those skilled in the art will understand that a wider variety of modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention must be defined by the attached claims, and all differences that are equivalent to those described in the claims must be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. In cartridges, A housing including a transmissive window for transmitting external light into the interior of the cartridge, A storage tank is located inside the housing and stores aerosol-generating material, A dome-shaped heat-generating structure containing nanoparticles that generate heat through surface plasmon resonance in response to the reception of external light, It includes a dome-shaped first housing portion that corresponds to the outer circumferential surface of the heating structure and is arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the heating structure, and a core that supplies the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank to the heating structure, A cartridge in which an aerosol-generating substance, transmitted from the storage tank to the heat-generating structure via the core, is heated by the heat generated from the heat-generating structure.

2. The housing further includes an airflow passage arranged to fluidly connect the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing, The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol-generating substance is heated by the heat generated from the heat-generating structure to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol is discharged to the outside of the cartridge through the airflow passage.

3. The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the storage tank and the airflow passage are arranged in opposite directions relative to the core.

4. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein at least one region of the heat-generating structure is arranged to face the transmissive window.

5. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the core is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the first housing portion and includes at least one recess for collecting at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substance absorbed by the core.

6. The cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a thermally conductive member disposed between the core and the heating structure such that it transfers heat generated by the heating structure to the core, and one surface of the member is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the heating structure, and the other surface, opposite to the first surface, is in contact with the core.

7. The heat-conducting member includes a second housing portion that is arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the heat-generating structure. The cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the first housing portion of the core is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the second housing portion and is arranged to surround the outer circumferential surface of the second housing portion.

8. In an aerosol generating device, The main body including the light source, Includes a cartridge that is detachably attached to the main body, The aforementioned cartridge is A housing including a transmissive window for transmitting light emitted from the light source into the inside of the cartridge, A storage tank is located inside the housing and stores aerosol-generating material, A dome-shaped heat-generating structure containing nanoparticles that generate heat through surface plasmon resonance in response to light reception, A core is included that supplies aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank to the heating structure, and which includes a dome-shaped housing portion that corresponds to the outer circumferential surface of the heating structure and is arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the heating structure, An aerosol generating device in which an aerosol generating substance transmitted from the storage tank to the heat-generating structure via the core is heated by the heat generated from the heat-generating structure.

9. The cartridge further includes an airflow passage arranged to fluidly connect the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the aerosol generating material is heated by the heat generated from the heat generating structure to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol is discharged to the outside of the cartridge through the airflow passage.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein at least one region of the heat-generating structure is positioned opposite the transmissive window so as to receive light emitted from the light source through the transmissive window.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the light source is positioned opposite the transmissive window when the cartridge and the main body are coupled together.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the main body further includes at least one reflective member for changing the path of light emitted from the light source toward the transmissive window.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the core is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the housing portion and includes at least one recess for collecting at least a portion of the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the core.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a thermally conductive member disposed between the core and the heating structure such that, in response to light emitted from the light source, it transfers heat generated in the heating structure to the core, and one surface of the member is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the heating structure, and the other surface, opposite to the first surface, is in contact with the core.

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