Photo-heated aerosol generator

Abstract

In a first embodiment, the present invention is an aerosol generating device comprising at least two light sources for emitting light onto an aerosol generating substrate contained in an aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, wherein the at least two light sources comprise a first light source configured to emit light having a wavelength within a first range; and a second light source configured to emit light having a wavelength within a second range, wherein the first range and the second range are different from each other, and the at least two light sources are configured to emit light onto at least one identical part of an aerosol generating substrate contained in the aerosol generating device.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, in particular to an aerosol generating device comprising one or more light sources for photoheating an aerosol generating substrate. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional aerosol generating devices commonly found on the market use a thermal heating method. The heating system generates heat and brings the generated heat into contact with an aerosol generating substrate, transferring it to the substrate either directly through conduction or by heating the air flowing into the aerosol generating device and using convection.

[0003] As an alternative, non-contact heating methods such as photoheating can be used. In photoheating, only the parts of the aerosol-generating substrate that absorb the generated light are heated. Therefore, since photoheating can selectively target localized areas of the aerosol-generating substrate, aerosols can be generated more quickly.

[0004] However, because not only the types of aerosol generating substrates but also their components differ, their optical absorption characteristics also differ. Current photoheating methods and means do not take these diverse optical absorption characteristics into account. The problem to be solved

[0005] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus and method using a photoheating method that can provide an aerosol with a desired composition and amount. means of solving the problem

[0006] Some or all of the aforementioned problems of the prior art are solved by the present invention as defined by the features of the independent claim. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are defined by the features of the dependent claims.

[0007] In a first embodiment, the present invention is an aerosol generating device comprising at least two light sources for emitting light onto an aerosol generating substrate contained in an aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, wherein the at least two light sources comprise a first light source configured to emit light having a wavelength within a first range; and a second light source configured to emit light having a wavelength within a second range, wherein the first range and the second range are different from each other, and the at least two light sources are configured to emit light onto at least one identical part of an aerosol generating substrate contained in the aerosol generating device.

[0008] The first embodiment of the present invention provides several advantages. A light heating method using light emitted and absorbed on the same part of an aerosol generating substrate provides an aerosol generating device with low maintenance, which can rapidly generate aerosols with high efficiency in a part of the aerosol generating substrate. Since light can be easily focused and directed, the aerosol generating substrate can be further targeted and localized to heat efficiently, and accordingly, only the part of the aerosol generating substrate where light is irradiated can be heated without heat energy loss.

[0009] In addition, the aerosol generating substrate contains various components, and since the various components have different light absorption spectra, they exhibit different reactions when irradiated by a light source or heated. By using at least two light sources that emit light onto the same part of the aerosol generating substrate at wavelengths within different first and second ranges, the various components of the aerosol generating substrate can be effectively heated.

[0010] In particular, the fact that the first range and the second range are different means that, preferably, the first range is not completely included in the second range, and vice versa. It also means that, preferably, there is no substantial overlap between the first range and the second range.

[0011] According to the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the first light source is configured to emit light having a wavelength within a first range of 380 nm to 500 nm, preferably 430 nm to 470 nm, more preferably 440 nm to 460 nm, and most preferably about 450 nm.

[0012] According to the third embodiment, in the first or second embodiment, the second light source is configured to emit light having a wavelength within a second range of 520 nm to 590 nm, preferably 540 nm to 570 nm, most preferably about 555 nm, or a wavelength within a third range of 590 nm to 635 nm, preferably 590 nm to 600 nm, most preferably about 595 nm.

[0013] The applicant has discovered that a number of materials, including tobacco materials, have improved optical absorption characteristics at wavelengths within the first range, preferably compared to other wavelengths within the second or third range. Accordingly, by providing at least two light sources (the first light source emits light within the first range and the second light source emits light within the second or third range), the photoheating of the aerosol-generating material can be controlled more efficiently, effectively, and flexibly.

[0014] According to the fourth embodiment, in any one of the prior embodiments, at least one of the two light sources, preferably all of them, is one or more coherent light sources, preferably one or more laser diodes.

[0015] The fourth embodiment is advantageous in that, for example, a coherent light source such as a laser generally has a small beam divergence angle, so a specific part of the substrate can be accurately targeted without a focusing optical element.

[0016] According to the fifth embodiment, in any one of the prior embodiments, at least one of the two light sources, preferably all of them, is one or more non-coherent light sources, preferably one or more LEDs.

[0017] The fifth embodiment is advantageous in that a non-coherent light source, such as an LED, is smaller and requires less power.

[0018] According to the sixth embodiment, in the fifth embodiment, at least one coherent light source is selected from one or more of a vertical cavity surface emission laser (VCSEL), a photonic crystal surface emission laser (PCSEL), a phase cavity surface emission laser (TCSEL), and a surface mount device (SMD).

[0019] The sixth embodiment is advantageous in that the light source can be miniaturized by using a surface-emitting laser, and the testing and mounting procedures can be simplified during the manufacturing process of the aerosol generating device.

[0020] According to the seventh embodiment, in any one of the prior embodiments, at least two of the at least two light sources, preferably all of them, are disposed at equal distances from at least one identical part of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0021] The seventh embodiment is advantageous in that it improves control over the irradiation and heating of an aerosol-generating substrate. The distance of a light source to an aerosol-generating substrate affects various aspects of the light incident on the aerosol-generating substrate. Parameters such as beam size / diameter, coherence, and intensity depend on the distance between the light source and the substrate. Control is improved by minimizing parameter deviations between light sources by placing light sources at equal distances.

[0022] According to the eighth embodiment, in any one of the prior embodiments, at least two, preferably at least three, light sources are arranged to emit light onto at least one identical part of an aerosol generating substrate from different directions.

[0023] According to the ninth embodiment, in any one of the prior embodiments, at least two, preferably at least three, light sources are arranged along a curved line, preferably an arc-shaped line, more preferably a circular line.

[0024] The eighth and ninth embodiments are advantageous in that they facilitate the placement of at least two light sources within an aerosol generating device. This allows at least two light sources to be placed in accordance with the spatial constraints of the internal space of the aerosol generating device.

[0025] According to the tenth embodiment, in any one of the prior embodiments, the aerosol generating device further comprises a vaporization space in which at least one identical part of the aerosol generating material can be accommodated.

[0026] The tenth embodiment is advantageous in that it improves overall control over the process of heating an aerosol generating substrate. The vaporization space corresponds to a sealed space (or volume) in which part or all of the aerosol generating substrate is placed and heated to generate an aerosol for consumption by a user. According to this embodiment, the vaporization space includes a volume, in which the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate is received and also guided toward an air passage and discharged from a vapor outlet of the device.

[0027] When a light heating method is used, the arrangement of the vaporization space with respect to the light source is affected by the manufacturing tolerance of the aerosol-generating article as well as the tolerance of the connection and relative position between the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device. Advantageously, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the arrangement of at least two light sources and the arrangement of the aerosol-generating material within the vaporization space can be predetermined and set, thereby reducing any negative effects caused by manufacturing tolerances. This improves control over the entire portion of the heated material.

[0028] According to the 11th embodiment, in the 10th embodiment, at least two light sources are disposed within the vaporization space, preferably on at least one inner surface of the vaporization space.

[0029] The eleventh embodiment is advantageous in that it simplifies the aerosol generating device. By placing at least two light sources on the inner surface of the vaporization space, light can be directly emitted onto the aerosol generating substrate without additional optical elements, unlike when at least two light sources are placed inside the cavity or outside the vaporization space.

[0030] According to the 12th embodiment, in any one of the prior embodiments, at least two light sources are arranged so that light emitted by at least two light sources is incident at the same angle on the surface of at least one identical part of an aerosol generating substrate.

[0031] The 12th embodiment is advantageous in that it improves control over the irradiation and heating of an aerosol-generating substrate. In an aerosol-generating substrate, the parameters of the beam intensity on the portion irradiated by light emitted by at least two light sources vary depending on the angle of incidence. For example, a light source having a circular beam profile irradiates a circular area on the surface when the light emitted from the source is incident on the surface at an angle of incidence of 0° with respect to the surface normal. When the angle of incidence changes to a larger angle, the shape of the irradiated area changes from circular to elliptical. At the same time, as the size of the irradiated area increases, the heating effect on the irradiated portion of the substrate is determined differently. By providing light with the same angle of incidence emitted by at least two light sources, control over the photoheating process can be improved. In fact, when at least two light sources are arranged to emit light at similar angles of incidence, each light source forms an irradiation area containing similar sizes, and accordingly, compared to a configuration where light from at least two light sources has different angles of incidence, the target area of ​​the aerosol generating substrate can be irradiated by at least two light sources in a more effective and controlled manner.

[0032] According to the 13th embodiment, in any one of the prior embodiments, at least two light sources are arranged so that light from at least two light sources is equiangularly incident on a part of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0033] The 13th embodiment is advantageous in that it enhances the irradiation and heating of an aerosol-generating substrate by at least two light sources due to the effects described above, for example, in the context of the 12th embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] According to the 14th embodiment, in any one of the prior embodiments, at least two light sources further include a third light source configured to emit light at a wavelength within a third range different from the first range and the second range.

[0035] The 14th embodiment is advantageous in that it enhances the heating of the aerosol generating substrate. As described above, by emitting light onto the same part of the aerosol generating substrate with three different wavelengths of light, the absorption of all three wavelengths by the aerosol generating substrate and the subsequent heating of various compounds of the aerosol generating substrate can be optimized. Through this, various components of the aerosol generating substrate can be effectively heated.

[0036] A 15th aspect of the present invention is an aerosol generating system comprising any one of the prior aspects and an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the aerosol generating article is accommodated in an aerosol generating device.

[0037] The advantage of the 15th mode corresponds to the advantage of any one of the preceding modes.

[0038] A 16th aspect of the present invention is a method for generating an aerosol, the method comprising the step of generating an aerosol using an aerosol generating system of a 15th aspect. The method comprises the step of emitting light onto an aerosol generating substrate contained in an aerosol generating device from at least two light sources of an aerosol generating device having different wavelengths to generate an aerosol, wherein the at least two light sources include a first light source configured to emit light having a wavelength within a first range and a second light source configured to emit light having a wavelength within a second range, wherein the first range and the second range are different from each other, and the at least two light sources emit light onto at least one identical part of an aerosol generating substrate contained in an aerosol generating device.

[0039] According to the 17th embodiment, in the 16th embodiment, the first light source is configured to emit light having a wavelength within a first range of 380 nm to 500 nm, preferably 430 nm to 470 nm, more preferably 440 nm to 460 nm, most preferably about 450 nm.

[0040] According to the 18th embodiment, in any one of the prior embodiments, the second light source is configured to emit light having a wavelength within a second range of 520 nm to 590 nm, preferably 540 nm to 570 nm, most preferably about 555 nm, or a wavelength within a third range of 590 nm to 635 nm, preferably 590 nm to 600 nm, most preferably about 595 nm.

[0041] According to the 19th embodiment, in the 18th embodiment, at least one of the two light sources, preferably all of them, is one or more coherent light sources, preferably one or more laser diodes.

[0042] According to the 20th embodiment, in any one of the prior embodiments, at least one of the two light sources, preferably all of them, is one or more non-coherent light sources, preferably one or more LEDs.

[0043] According to the 21st embodiment, in the 20th embodiment, at least one coherent light source is selected from one or more of a vertical cavity surface emission laser (VCSEL), a photonic crystal surface emission laser (PCSEL), a phase cavity surface emission laser (TCSEL), and a surface mount device (SMD).

[0044] According to the 22nd embodiment, in any one of the prior embodiments, at least two of the at least two light sources, preferably all of them, are disposed at equal distances from at least one identical part of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0045] According to the 23rd embodiment, in any one of the prior embodiments, at least two, preferably at least three, light sources are arranged to emit light from different directions onto at least one identical part of an aerosol generating substrate.

[0046] According to the 24th embodiment, in any one of the prior embodiments, at least two, preferably at least three, light sources are arranged along a curved line, preferably an arc-shaped line, more preferably a circular line.

[0047] According to the 25th embodiment, in any one of the prior embodiments, the method further comprises the step of accommodating at least one identical part within the vaporization space of an aerosol generating device.

[0048] According to the 26th embodiment, in the 25th embodiment, at least two light sources are disposed within the vaporization space, preferably on at least one inner surface of the vaporization space.

[0049] According to the 27th embodiment, in any one of the prior embodiments, at least two light sources are arranged so that light emitted by at least two light sources is incident at the same angle on the surface of at least one identical part of an aerosol generating substrate.

[0050] According to the 28th embodiment, in any one of the prior embodiments, at least two light sources are arranged so that light from at least two light sources is incident at an equal angle on at least one identical part of an aerosol generating substrate.

[0051] According to the 29th embodiment, the method further comprises the step of emitting light having a wavelength within a third range from a third light source included in at least two light sources onto at least one identical part of an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the third range is different from the first range and the second range.

[0052] The advantages of the 16th to 29th embodiments each correspond to the advantages of the 1st to 14th embodiments of the present invention.

[0053] Now, with reference to the attached drawings, a preferred embodiment will be described merely as an example. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0054] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of the electronic configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2(a) and FIGS. 2(b) respectively illustrate schematic diagrams of an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article for use with the aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 3(a) and FIGS. 3(b) respectively illustrate schematic internal cross-sectional views of an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article for use with the aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 4a and FIGS. 4b respectively illustrate schematic side views of an aerosol generating unit configured to emit light onto an aerosol generating substrate according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5A and FIGS. 5B each show schematic plan views of an aerosol generating unit configured to emit light onto an aerosol generating substrate of a preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and FIGS. 4B. FIGS. 6a, FIGS. 6b, and FIGS. 6c respectively illustrate a schematic side view, a top view, and a side view of an aerosol generating unit configured to emit light onto an aerosol generating substrate according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0055] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that terms such as “one end,” “other end,” “outer,” “upper,” “top,” “inner,” “lower,” “bottom,” “horizontal,” “coaxial,” “center,” “end,” “part,” “length,” “outer end,” etc., which indicate orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships depicted in the drawings. Terms such as “upper,” “top,” “bottom,” “lower,” etc., used in the present invention to indicate relative positions within space are used for the purpose of facilitating the description of the relationship between a unit or feature depicted in the drawings and another unit or feature. The term “relative position within space” may be intended to include various orientations of the device being used or operated differently from those depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device is inverted in the drawings, a unit described as being “bottom” or “bottom” of another unit or feature will be located “top” of the other unit or feature. Accordingly, the exemplary term “below” may include both upward and downward orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatial technical terms used herein are described accordingly. More specifically, the word “above” means that one unit, layer, or element is positioned or configured relative to the outside of the device toward other unit(s), layer(s), or element(s), and the word “below” means that one unit, layer, or element is positioned or configured relative to the inside of the device toward other units, layers, or elements.

[0056] The aerosol generating device according to the present invention is preferably a portable device. To this end, the aerosol generating device has a limited size. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the portable aerosol generating device is a handheld device that can be held and operated by a user with their hand.

[0057] The aerosol generating device (100) includes an outer housing or casing in which components of the aerosol generating device are disposed inside. The aerosol generating device according to the present invention accommodates an aerosol generating unit configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating substrate using light.

[0058] Fig. 1Figure 1 illustrates the electronic configuration of an aerosol generating device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the aerosol generating device (100), which is a portable and handheld device, further comprises a power source (150), such as a rechargeable and / or replaceable battery. The power source is configured to provide power to the electronic components of the aerosol generating device (100). In a preferred embodiment, a control unit (140) is provided to the aerosol generating device (100), and the control unit is configured to control various functions for the operation of the aerosol generating device (100). In a preferred embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the operation of an aerosol generating unit (110) that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substrate (210). The aerosol generating unit (110) is exemplarily illustrated in Figure 1 as comprising a first light source, a second light source, and a third light source. However, the number of light sources may be more or less. Each light source of the aerosol generating unit (110) may be configured to emit light with pre-programmed or predetermined operating parameters, but the control unit (140) is preferably configured to control the operating parameters of the aerosol generating unit (110) including at least two light sources. The operating parameters of some or all of the at least two light sources that can be controlled by the control unit (140) include one or more of the beam-on time when light is emitted, the beam-off time when light is not emitted, the amplitude / light beam intensity of the emitted light, the phase of the emitted light, the beam profile of the emitted light, and the wavelength of the emitted light. It should be noted that the aforementioned operating parameters of some or all of the at least two light sources may be controlled independently of each other or two or more of them may be controlled simultaneously.

[0059] (a) of Fig. 2 and (b) of Fig. 2As illustrated in the figure, the aerosol generating device may have a generally longitudinal shape in the longitudinal direction (y) and a substantially circular or elongated cross-section in the transverse direction (x). However, the aerosol generating device (100) may also have other shapes or other cross-sections. The longitudinal direction (y) is parallel to the direction of suction, that is, the direction in which the aerosol generating device (100) is inserted into or brought to the user's mouth to suck in the generated aerosol, and the transverse direction (x) is perpendicular to the direction of suction.

[0060] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating substrate is a solid substrate, such as, for example, a tobacco substrate. The tobacco substrate comprises tobacco, which may be in the form of crushed or milled tobacco leaves. Additionally, the tobacco substrate may comprise gellan gum and, additionally or alternatively, a CMC binder. Both the gellan gum and the CMC binder may serve as binders, thickeners, and / or stabilizers.

[0061] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating substrate is a liquid substrate, for example, an e-liquid or a t-liquid. The e-liquid generally comprises vegetable glycerin (VG), propylene glycol (PG), nicotine, and a flavoring agent. The t-liquid generally comprises vegetable glycerin (VG), propylene glycol (PG), and tobacco material (e.g., crushed tobacco).

[0062] A liquid aerosol generating material is stored in a reservoir. An aerosol generating device (100) unit is provided with an extraction means configured to extract the aerosol generating material. In one embodiment, the extraction means includes an element, such as a wicking element, configured to come into contact with the liquid aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir and to draw the liquid aerosol generating material (210) from the reservoir. The reservoir may be provided as part of the aerosol generating device (100), and an opening is provided so that the liquid aerosol generating material can be filled into the reservoir.

[0063] Solid aerosol generating substrates may be provided in various shapes and sizes. As illustrated in FIG. 2(a), the aerosol generating article may be an aerosol generating substrate (210) which is a tobacco substrate having a circular or elliptical base shape in the transverse direction (x) and also having an elongated shape in the longitudinal direction (x), and the shape of the aerosol generating substrate (210) mimics the shape of a traditional tobacco. Alternatively, as shown in the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2(b), the solid aerosol generating substrate (210) may be disc-shaped, or alternatively, hemispherical, spherical, or ellipsoidal. In most cases, the aerosol generating article (200) may substantially correspond to the aerosol generating substrate (210).

[0064] (a) of Fig. 3 and (b) of Fig. 3 As illustrated in the figure, for using a solid aerosol generating substrate, it is preferable that the aerosol generating device (100) be provided with a receiving means for receiving the solid aerosol generating substrate. The receiving means may be a cavity or chamber (105) into which the solid aerosol generating substrate (210) can be partially or completely inserted. The size and shape of the cavity or chamber (105) may be configured according to the size and shape of the solid aerosol generating substrate (210). For example, if the solid aerosol generating substrate (210) has a shape that mimics a conventional cigarette, the cavity or chamber (105) is preferably tubular in shape. The cavity or chamber (105) is also preferably a vaporization chamber. The vaporization chamber surrounds a vaporization space in which an aerosol is generated upon heating.

[0065] Alternatively, in the case of a liquid aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating article (200), such as a cartridge including an external housing or casing in which a reservoir is provided internally, may be provided in a reservoir for storing the liquid aerosol generating material. When in use, the aerosol generating article may be detachably connected to an aerosol generating device. When the aerosol generating article (200) is attached to the aerosol generating device (100), the aerosol generating unit (110) is configured to extract the liquid aerosol generating material (210) from the reservoir of the aerosol generating article (200) and to heat the extracted aerosol generating material (210).

[0066] Alternatively, the solid aerosol generating substrate (210) may be provided as part of an aerosol generating article (200) in the form of a cartridge. The cartridge comprises an outer housing or casing in which the solid aerosol generating substrate (210) is provided inside. The cartridge, and additionally or alternatively, the aerosol generating device (100), is configured such that when the cartridge is received in the aerosol generating device (100), the aerosol generating unit (110) of the aerosol generating device (100) can heat the solid aerosol generating substrate (210) provided as part of the cartridge.

[0067] According to the present invention, the aerosol generating unit (110) is configured to emit light onto the aerosol generating substrate (210) in order to generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating substrate (210). The configuration and arrangement of the aerosol generating unit (110) within the aerosol generating device (100) vary depending not only on the type of aerosol generating article (200) but also on the manner in which the aerosol generating article (200) including the aerosol generating substrate (210) is received. Additionally, the configuration and arrangement of the aerosol generating unit (110) may vary depending on the manner in which the aerosol generating substrate (210) is heated.

[0068] As illustrated in FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3(b), an aerosol generating article (200), which may have any shape described in the context of FIG. 2(a) and FIG. 2(b), is partially or completely accommodated within a cavity or chamber (105) of an aerosol generating device (100). To heat the aerosol generating substrate (210), it is preferable that an aerosol generating unit (110) be placed on the inner surface of the cavity or chamber (105) as a vaporization space, so that the aerosol generating unit (110) can generate an aerosol within the cavity or chamber (105) by emitting light directly onto the aerosol generating substrate (210). To this end, the aerosol generating unit (110) may be positioned inside a groove or cut provided on the inner surface of the cavity or chamber (105) to minimize or eliminate the protrusion of the aerosol generating unit (110) from the inner surface of the cavity of the chamber (105). Alternatively, as a configuration to further simplify manufacturing, the aerosol generating unit (110) may be provided on the inner surface of the cavity or chamber (105). Additionally, the aerosol generating unit (110) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the aerosol generating substrate (210) in the transverse direction (x), as shown in FIG. 3 (a), or alternatively, the aerosol generating unit (110) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the aerosol generating substrate (210) in the longitudinal direction (y), as shown in FIG. 3 (b). Additionally, regardless of the position and orientation of at least two light sources of the aerosol generating unit (110) relative to the aerosol generating substrate (210), in both cases, at least one of the two light sources may be positioned on the inner surface of the chamber (105) or recessed into the inner surface of the chamber (105). In particular, the aerosol generating unit (110) may be configured as described below in the context of FIGS. 4a through 6c.

[0069] When the aerosol generating material (210) is included in an aerosol generating article (200) in the form of a cartridge, when the aerosol generating article (200) is attached to an aerosol generating device (100) during use, it is preferable that the aerosol generating unit (110) be positioned at or near the interface between the aerosol generating device (100) and the aerosol generating article (200). Additionally or alternatively, when the aerosol generating article (200) is attached to an aerosol generating device (100) during use, it is preferable that the aerosol generating material (210) included in the aerosol generating article (200) be positioned at or near the interface between the aerosol generating device (100) and the aerosol generating article. When an aerosol generating article (200) is attached to an aerosol generating device (100), an aerosol generating substrate (210) included in the aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating unit (110) are arranged so that light emitted from the aerosol generating unit (110) is incident on the aerosol generating substrate (210).

[0070] Given that all light sources have a specific spectral bandwidth, it should be noted that the term "wavelength of light emitted by the light source according to the present invention" refers to the peak wavelength, that is, the wavelength at which the optical spectrum of the light emitted by the light source has its maximum value.

[0071] It should be noted that when referring to "blue" light or light within the "blue range," this corresponds to light within the visible light spectrum, which is 380 nm to 500 nm, preferably 430 nm to 470 nm, more preferably 440 nm to 460 nm, and most preferably about 450 nm.

[0072] It should be noted that when referring to "green" light or light within the "green range," this corresponds to light within the visible light spectrum at 520 nm to 590 nm, preferably 540 nm to 570 nm, most preferably about 555 nm.

[0073] It should be noted that when referring to "orange" light or light within the "orange range," this corresponds to light within the visible light spectrum of 590 nm to 635 nm, preferably 590 nm to 600 nm, most preferably about 595 nm.

[0074] According to a possible embodiment, the fact that the wavelength of light emitted by one light source is different from the wavelength of light emitted by another light source means that the peak wavelength of one light source is different from the peak wavelength of the other light source. According to a possible embodiment, there may be no substantially any overlap in the light spectra of the two light sources, or there may be a small or negligible overlap at the ends of the light spectra. According to a possible embodiment, the peak wavelength of one light source is not within the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the spectrum of the other light source, and the peak wavelength of the other light source is not within the FWHM of one light source.

[0075] Fig. 4a This illustrates a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. An aerosol generating unit (110) comprises at least two light sources. The at least two light sources include a first light source (111) and a second light source (112) configured to emit light in the blue range. The second light source (112) is configured to emit light in the green or, alternatively, orange range. Additionally, the at least two light sources Fig. 4b It may include an additional third light source (113) as illustrated in the figure. The third light source (113) is configured to emit light outside the blue range, and the third light source (113) is configured to emit light in the green range or alternatively in the orange range. Preferably, when three light sources are provided, the first light source (111) is configured to emit light in the blue range, the second light source (112) is configured to emit light in the green range, and the third light source (113) is configured to emit light in the orange range.

[0076] The applicant has found that while several conventional aerosol-generating substrates (particularly tobacco substrates) (210) have increased absorption in the blue range, less of the components of the aerosol-generating substrate have an optical absorption spectrum with maximum values ​​in the green and orange ranges.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, at least two light sources are configured to irradiate the emitted light onto the same part of the aerosol generating substrate (210). In the context of the present invention, when the main emission directions of at least two light sources intersect within the same part, or preferably intersect on the surface of the same part of the aerosol generating substrate (210) to which light from at least two light sources is incident, the at least two light sources are configured to emit light onto the same part of the aerosol generating substrate (210). In the context of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4a and 4b, this means that the first light source (111) and the second light source (112) as illustrated in FIG. 4a, or the first light source (111), the second light source (112), and the third light source (113) as illustrated in FIG. 4b are oriented such that the main emission direction of the first light source (111) and the second light source (112), or the main emission direction of the first light source (111), the second light source (112), and the third light source (113) (illustrated by solid lines) intersect as described above. However, such arrangement of light sources is not limited to two or three light sources and is generally applicable to multiple light sources, such as four or more light sources.

[0078] The type of light source may be selected according to the requirements of the aerosol generating device (100) in relation to heating performance, energy consumption, spatial constraints within the aerosol generating device (100), the size and shape of the aerosol generating substrate (210), and other factors known to those skilled in the art.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, at least one or all of the two light sources are coherent light sources, such as lasers. In particular, since the laser has low beam divergence and a narrow beam width, the heating of the aerosol generating substrate (210) can be focused and limited to a precise and well-defined portion of the aerosol generating substrate (210). This improves control over the heating process, allowing the aerosol generating substrate (210) to be targeted and selectively heated. The laser may be a surface-emitting laser, such as a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), a photonic crystal surface-emitting laser (PCSEL), and a phase cavity surface-emitting laser (TCSEL). Compared to other types of lasers, such as edge-emitting lasers, surface-emitting lasers are easier to manufacture and install in the aerosol generating device (100). Additionally, surface-emitting lasers require less power, making them particularly advantageous for portable or handheld aerosol generating devices where power supply is limited and inconsistent.

[0080] However, the type of light source is not limited to coherent light sources. Alternatively, at least one or all of the two light sources may be non-coherent light sources, such as LEDs, filament bulbs, or plasma / flame emitters. In particular, LEDs are energy-efficient and require less power to operate compared to coherent light sources, such as lasers. As mentioned above, the reduction in power consumption is particularly advantageous for portable or handheld devices.

[0081] As illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b, at least two light sources may be placed within an aerosol generating device (100) such that the distance between at least two light sources is equal to that of at least one identical part of an aerosol generating substrate (210) configured to emit light. Although FIG. 4a illustrates the aerosol generating substrate (210) in a rectangular shape, the shape of the aerosol generating substrate (210) is not limited thereto and may have a circular, spherical, elliptical, or cigarette-like shape as described above in the context of FIG. 2(a) and FIG. 2(b).

[0082] If the aerosol generating substrate (210) is a disc-shaped substrate having a flat surface on the opposing side of the disc shape, as shown in FIG. 2(b) and FIG. 3(b), at least two light sources may be positioned at equal distances from a portion of one of the two flat surfaces. If the aerosol generating substrate (210) is a cylindrical shape mimicking a cigarette, as shown in FIG. 2(a), at least two light sources may be positioned at equal distances from the base of the aerosol generating substrate (210) inserted into the cavity or chamber (105) of the aerosol generating device (100). Alternatively, at least two light sources may be positioned at equal distances from a curved portion of the lateral surface of the cylindrical shape of the cigarette. When an aerosol generating material (210) is included in an aerosol generating article (200) in the form of a cartridge, at least two light sources are disposed within the aerosol generating device (100) such that light is emitted from at least two light sources when the aerosol generating article (200) is attached to the aerosol generating device (100), and at least two light sources are disposed at equal distances from at least one identical part of the aerosol generating material (210).

[0083] Since all light sources have non-zero beam divergence, the distance of the light source to the aerosol generating substrate (210) affects the parameters of beam size, coherence, and intensity of the light incident on the aerosol generating substrate (210). If individual light sources of at least two light sources are placed at different distances from the same part of the aerosol generating substrate (210), the difference in the aforementioned parameters must be taken into account when setting the operating parameters of the individual light sources. For example, due to beam divergence, if first and second lasers of the same type are placed at different distances, the beam size incident on the aerosol generating substrate (210) from the first laser, which is located at a greater distance from the aerosol generating substrate (210), is larger than the beam size of the second laser, which is located at a shorter distance from the aerosol generating substrate (210). Accordingly, even if the first and second lasers are positioned to emit light onto the same part of the aerosol generating substrate (210), the area and / or volume of the aerosol generating substrate (210) irradiated by the first laser is larger than the area and / or volume of the aerosol generating substrate (210) irradiated by the second laser, which leads to uneven heating of the aerosol generating substrate (210) by the first laser and the second laser. Therefore, if at least two light sources are of the same type (e.g., the same type of laser), it is desirable to position at least two light sources at the same distance from the aerosol generating substrate (210), as this minimizes deviations from the aforementioned parameters and improves control over the heating process.

[0084] According to a possible embodiment, it should also be noted that the light source of the aerosol generating unit may be provided with a collimation component that enables adjustment of the beam size. This arrangement may be advantageous when the distances from each light source to the irradiation area are different, as this can compensate for the divergence of light in which the beam size increases as the distance from the light source increases.

[0085] Additionally or alternatively, Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b As illustrated in the figure, when looking at the outer surface portion of the aerosol generating substrate (210) configured to emit light from at least two light sources, in the plan view, at least the light sources may be positioned so as to emit light into a part of the aerosol generating substrate (210) from different directions, that is, the emission directions of at least two light sources are not parallel to each other. This makes it easy to position at least two light sources within the spatial constraints of the aerosol generating device (100), and at least two light sources may be positioned very close to the aerosol generating substrate (210), and at least two light sources may emit light directly onto the same part of the aerosol generating substrate (210). This is particularly advantageous for portable or handheld devices. Additionally or alternatively, at least two light sources may be positioned in the plan view on a curved line, preferably an arc line, or more preferably a circular or elliptical line. Arrangement along a circular or elliptical line is particularly advantageous in an elongated aerosol generating device (100) having a circular or elliptical base shape, as described in the context of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2(a) and FIG. 2(b). Additionally or alternatively, at least two light sources are arranged so that light emitted by at least two light sources is incident on the same part of the aerosol generating substrate (210) from different directions that are spaced apart by the same angular distance from each other when viewed in a plan view. This can be achieved by arranging at least two light sources at the same angular distance from each other with respect to the point where the main emission directions of at least two light sources intersect when viewed in a plan view, with the origin.

[0086] Additionally or alternatively, at least two light sources are positioned so that the light emitted by the at least two light sources has the same angle of incidence on the surface of the same part of the aerosol generating substrate (210). Since the light source generally has non-zero beam divergence, parameters such as the magnitude and intensity of the emitted light incident on a part of the aerosol generating substrate (210) depend on the angle of incidence. As the angle of incidence of the light source (relative to the local surface normal) is larger, the surface area or volume (of the aerosol generating substrate (210) irradiated by the light emitted from the light source) becomes larger than when the angle of incidence is smaller, and thus the beam intensity on the aerosol generating substrate (210) changes. For example, light having a circular beam profile incident on the surface at a non-zero angle of incidence (relative to the local surface normal) creates an area irradiated on the surface of the aerosol generating substrate (210) that is elliptical rather than circular. By emitting light at the same angle of incidence onto the aerosol generating substrate (210), the difference between the beam intensity distributions of light from at least two light sources on the aerosol generating substrate (210) can be minimized, which is particularly advantageous in the case of light sources of the same type having the same or similar beam profiles. Accordingly, the aerosol generating substrate (210) can be heated more uniformly through at least two light sources and control throughout the heating process is improved.

[0087] FIGS. 4a, FIGS. 4b, FIGS. 5a, and FIGS. 5b illustrate an aerosol generating unit (110) having two or three light sources, but the number of light sources is limited only by spatial constraints and / or power supply limitations of the aerosol generating device (100), and the aerosol generating unit (110) may include four or more light sources. In one embodiment, Fig. 6a and Fig. 6bAs illustrated in FIG. 6a, the aerosol generating unit (110) may include six light sources. Although FIG. 6a illustrates an arrangement of six light sources based on a rectangular or disc-shaped aerosol generating substrate (210), the arrangement described below may be applied to any suitable shape of the aerosol generating substrate (210), such as, for example, a spherical, ellipsoidal, or cylindrical aerosol generating substrate. Preferably, the aerosol generating substrate may be an aerosol generating substrate as described in the context of the embodiments illustrated and illustrated in FIG. 2(a) through FIG. 5b. Additionally, the light source of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b may preferably be a light source as described above in the context of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3(a) through FIG. 5b.

[0088] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6b, a first light source and a first additional light source (111a) are provided to form a first light source pair. The first light source (111) and the first additional light source (111a) may be placed on opposite sides of the aerosol generating substrate (210). Alternatively, the first light source (111) and the first additional light source (111a) may be placed adjacent to each other. A second light source (112) and a second additional light source (112a) may be provided to form a second light source pair. Additionally, a third light source (113) and a third additional light source (113a) may be provided to form a third light source pair.

[0089] The arrangement of the second light source (112) and the second additional light source (112a), and additionally or alternatively, the arrangement of the third light source (113) and the third additional light source (113a), may be as described for the first light source (111) and the first additional light source (111a). The first light source (111), the second light source (112), and the third light source (113) may be arranged on one side of the aerosol generating substrate (210) as described above in the context of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4a through 5b. The first light source (111), the second light source (112), and the third light source (113) may be arranged at a distance from the aerosol generating substrate (210), have an angle of incidence, or have an arrangement within a plan view as described in the context of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4a through 5b.

[0090] The first light source (111), the second light source (112), and the third light source (113) may be configured to emit light in a blue range and / or a green range and / or an orange range, as described above in the context of the embodiments described above in FIG. 3 (a) through FIG. 5b. For example, the first light source (111) may be configured to emit light in a blue range, the second light source (112) may be configured to emit light in a green range, and the third light source (113) may be configured to emit light in an orange range. The first additional light source (111a), the second additional light source (112a), and the third additional light source (113a) may be configured to emit light at a wavelength substantially and corresponding to the wavelength of light emitted by the first light source (111), the second light source (112), and the third light source (113).

[0091] "Substantially corresponding" means that the peak wavelength of the first light source (111) and / or the second light source (112) and / or the third light source (113) is within the respective FWHM of the first additional light source (111a), the second additional light source (112a), and the third additional light source (113a). As illustrated in FIG. 6a, the six light sources are configured to emit light onto at least one identical portion of the aerosol generating substrate (210). As described in the context of FIG. 4a and 4b, the six light sources are configured such that the main emission directions of the six emitted lights intersect at a common point within the aerosol generating substrate (210). Alternatively, the first light source (111), the second light source (112), and the third light source (113) may be configured such that their respective main emission directions intersect on one surface of the aerosol generating substrate (210), whereas the first additional light source, the second additional light source, and the third additional light source are configured such that their respective main emission directions intersect on the other opposing surface of the aerosol generating substrate (210).

[0092] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 6b, all six light sources may be placed on the same side of the aerosol generating substrate (210). In this case, the first light source (111) may be placed adjacent to the first additional light source (11b), the second light source (112) may be placed adjacent to the second additional light source (112a), and the third light source (113) may be placed adjacent to the third additional light source (113a).

[0093] Alternatively, too 6cAs illustrated in the figure, instead of using two light sources to form the first / second / third light source pairs to emit the first / second / third light beam pairs, a single light source may be provided with an optical element such as a beam splitter (120), for example. Instead of providing the first light source (111) and the first additional light source (111a) to form the first light source pair to emit the first light beam pair, the first light source (111) may be provided with the beam splitter (120) so that the light beam emitted from the first light source (111) is split into two separate light beams. This allows the light beam pairs to be generated using only one light source. This configuration may be utilized for any of the second, and / or third, and / or any additional light source pairs.

[0094] Although the present disclosure describes specific embodiments and generally related methods, modifications and substitutions of such embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of exemplary embodiments does not define or limit the present disclosure. Other modifications, substitutions, and changes are also possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by independent and dependent claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0095] 100: Aerosol generating device 105: Joint / Chamber 110: Aerosol Generation Unit 111: First light source 111a: First additional light source 112: Second light source 112a: Second additional light source 113: Third Light Source 113a: Third additional light source 120: Beam splitter 130: Optical element 140: Control Unit 150: Power 200: Aerosol-generating items 210: Aerosol generating device

Claims

Claim 1 An aerosol generating device comprises at least two light sources for emitting light onto an aerosol generating substrate accommodated in the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, wherein the at least two light sources are A first light source configured to emit light having a wavelength within a first range; and An aerosol generating device comprising a second light source configured to emit light having a wavelength within a second range, wherein the first range and the second range are different from each other, and the at least two light sources configured to emit light onto at least one identical part of an aerosol generating substrate accommodated in the aerosol generating device. Claim 2 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first light source is configured to emit light having a wavelength within a first range of 380 nm to 500 nm, preferably 430 nm to 470 nm, more preferably 440 nm to 460 nm, and most preferably about 450 nm. Claim 3 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second light source is configured to emit light having a wavelength within a second range of 520 nm to 590 nm, preferably 540 nm to 570 nm, most preferably about 555 nm, or a wavelength within a third range of 590 nm to 635 nm, preferably 590 nm to 600 nm, most preferably about 595 nm. Claim 4 An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the at least two light sources, preferably all of them, is one or more coherent light sources, preferably one or more laser diodes. Claim 5 An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the at least two light sources, preferably all of them, is one or more non-coherent light sources, preferably one or more LEDs. Claim 6 An aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein the at least one coherent light source is selected from one or more of a vertical cavity surface emission laser (VCSEL), a photonic crystal surface emission laser (PCSEL), a phase cavity surface emission laser (TCSEL), and a surface mount device (SMD). Claim 7 An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least two of the at least two light sources, preferably all of them, are disposed at equal distances from at least one identical part of the aerosol generating substrate. Claim 8 An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least two, preferably at least three, light sources are arranged to emit light onto at least one identical part of the aerosol generating substrate from different directions. Claim 9 An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least two, preferably at least three, light sources are arranged along a curved line, preferably an arc-shaped line, more preferably a circular line. Claim 10 An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a vaporization space in which at least one identical part of the aerosol generating substrate can be accommodated. Claim 11 An aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the at least two light sources are disposed within the vaporization space, preferably on at least one inner surface of the vaporization space. Claim 12 An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the at least two light sources are arranged such that light emitted by the at least two light sources is incident at the same angle on the surface of at least one identical part of the aerosol generating substrate. Claim 13 An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least two light sources are arranged such that light from the at least two light sources is incident at an conformal angle on a part of the aerosol generating substrate. Claim 14 An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a third light source configured to emit light at a wavelength within a third range different from the first range and the second range. Claim 15 An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the aerosol generating article is accommodated in the aerosol generating device.

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