A metohd of manufacturing a cartidge, a cartridge manufactured by the manufacturing method, and an aerosol generating device comprising the cartridge

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a cartridge according to one embodiment comprises the steps of: plasma treating at least a portion of one area of ​​a storage tank; applying an adhesive to the plasma-treated area; and sealing the storage tank by attaching the cover to the area where the adhesive has been applied.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The embodiments relate to a method for manufacturing a cartridge, a cartridge manufactured by said method, and an aerosol generating device including said cartridge. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a cartridge capable of improving the sealing power of a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating cigarettes or aerosol-generating materials using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning cigarettes to produce aerosols. Accordingly, research on heated aerosol-generating devices is actively underway.

[0003] An aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating a liquid aerosol generating material may include a cartridge that holds the liquid aerosol generating material. The cartridge may be formed integrally with the main body of the aerosol generating device or may be detachably coupled. The problem to be solved

[0004] The cartridge holding the liquid aerosol generating material must possess excellent sealing capabilities to prevent leakage of the liquid aerosol generating material. Additionally, since the disposable cartridge, which is detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device, is discarded once the initially held liquid aerosol generating material is completely depleted, economic feasibility is required for the manufacturing of the cartridge.

[0005] The problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings. means of solving the problem

[0006] A method for manufacturing a cartridge according to one embodiment comprises the steps of: plasma treating at least a portion of one area of ​​a storage tank; applying an adhesive to the plasma-treated area; and sealing the storage tank by attaching the cover to the area to which the adhesive is applied.

[0007] The means for solving the problem are not limited to those described above and may include all matters that can be inferred by a person skilled in the art from the entirety of this specification. Effects of the invention

[0008] The method for manufacturing a cartridge according to the embodiment can produce a cartridge that has improved sealing properties and can generate an aerosol that is safe for a user to inhale. In addition, the method for manufacturing a cartridge according to the embodiment can improve workability and economic efficiency during manufacturing.

[0009] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to those described above and may include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration described below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0010] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a cartridge according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an example of a cartridge manufactured by a method for manufacturing a cartridge according to one embodiment. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of Figure 2 in the xz plane. Figure 4 is an exploded view of the storage tank and cover of the cartridge of Figure 2. FIGS. 5 and 6 are drawings illustrating examples in which an aerosol generating article is inserted into an aerosol generating device including a cartridge according to another embodiment. Figures 7 and 8 are drawings illustrating examples of aerosol-generating articles. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0011] The terms used in the embodiments have been selected to be as widely used and general as possible, taking into account their functions in the present disclosure; however, these may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Additionally, in specific cases, terms have been selected at the applicant's discretion, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, terms used in the present disclosure should be defined not merely by their names, but based on their meanings and the overall content of the present disclosure.

[0012] When a part of a specification is described as "comprising" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components. Furthermore, terms such as "-part" or "-module" as used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

[0013] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least one" precedes an arranged component, it modifies the entire set of components rather than each of the arranged components. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, and c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0014] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first" or "second" as used herein, may be used to describe various components, but the components shall not be limited by such terms. The terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0015] Throughout the specification, the "aerosol generating device" may be a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled directly into the user's lungs through the user's mouth.

[0016] Throughout the specification, "cigarette" means an article used for smoking. For example, a cigarette may be a combustion type cigarette used by being ignited and burned, or a heated type cigarette used by being heated by an aerosol generating device.

[0017] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a cartridge according to one embodiment.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, a method for manufacturing a cartridge according to an embodiment includes the steps of plasma treating at least a portion of one area of ​​a storage tank (S110), applying an adhesive to one area of ​​the plasma-treated storage tank (S120), and sealing the storage tank by attaching a cover to one area of ​​the storage tank to which the adhesive has been applied (S130).

[0021] A method for manufacturing a cartridge according to one embodiment can manufacture a cartridge comprising a storage tank for receiving an aerosol generating substance and a cover coupled to a region of the storage tank to seal the storage tank. The cartridge can generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating substance.

[0022] The plasma treatment step (S110) may involve exposing at least a portion of one area of ​​the storage tank to plasma to modify the surface of at least a portion of one area. Plasma refers to a state in which electrons, ions, and neutral particles are mixed, and is the fourth state of matter following solid, liquid, and gas. When the surface is modified using plasma, excellent adhesion to the cover that is subsequently attached to the storage tank can be maintained, and leakage of aerosol-generating substances can be prevented.

[0023] In addition, the time required for plasma treatment is relatively short, and since plasma treatment of multiple objects is possible in a single process, workability and economic efficiency in the manufacture of cartridges can be improved.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an example of a cartridge manufactured by a method for manufacturing a cartridge according to one embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of FIG. 2 in the xz plane. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the storage tank and cover of the cartridge of FIG. 2 disassembled.

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the cartridge (140) includes a storage tank (141) and a cover (142). A cover (142) is attached to a portion (141a) of the storage tank (141) to seal the storage tank (141).

[0026] The storage tank (141) may include a storage space (143) for accommodating an aerosol generating material. Additionally, a liquid delivery means (144) and a heating element (145) may be located inside the storage space (143). The heating element (145) can generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material absorbed by the liquid delivery means (144). Detailed components included in the cartridge (140) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 below.

[0027] The storage tank (141) may include a portion (141a) to which a cover (142) is attached. The cover (142) may be attached to the storage tank (141) in a manner that surrounds the portion (141a) of the storage tank (141). Plasma treatment may be performed on at least a portion of the portion (141a) of the storage tank (141) or on the entire portion (141a) of the storage tank (141). However, the location where the plasma treatment is performed is not limited thereto. For example, plasma treatment may be performed on at least a portion of the surface of the cover (142).

[0028] The storage tank (141) or cover (142) may be made of plastic. Plasma treatment on the surface of a polymer material, such as plastic, can change the physical and chemical properties only on the surface while maintaining the basic physical properties of the polymer material by modifying the chemical structure of the surface. Accordingly, effects such as improved surface adhesion and removal of impurities can be obtained. In addition, plastic materials with high chemical resistance have the problem of being difficult to apply adhesives to, but if the chemical structure of the surface is modified through surface plasma treatment, adhesives can be easily applied.

[0029] Meanwhile, if a thermal welding method or an adhesive method including primer pretreatment is used, there is a risk of generating substances harmful to the human body, so it may be unsuitable for application in the manufacture of a cartridge (140) that generates an aerosol inhaled by the user. However, plasma treatment may be suitable for application in the manufacture of the cartridge (140) in that there is no risk of generating substances harmful to the human body.

[0030] The storage tank (141) or cover (142) may comprise one or more plastics selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethyleneterephthalate, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyvinylidene chloride, polyetherimide, polyurethane, and polyetheretherketone. For example, the storage tank (141) or cover (142) may be manufactured by molding polypropylene, but is not limited thereto.

[0031] The cartridge (140) must have a transparent exterior so that the amount of aerosol generating material contained inside the cartridge (140) can be checked from the outside, and must have heat resistance since the contained aerosol generating material must be heated. In addition, since the cartridge (140) can be used as a disposable item that is discarded when the aerosol generating material is depleted, economic efficiency is required. Therefore, considering the transparency of the exterior and economic efficiency of the cartridge (140), an appropriate plastic can be selected and used for the storage tank (141) or cover (142).

[0032] For example, the storage tank (141) or cover (142) may be made of polypropylene. Polypropylene has excellent chemical resistance to aerosol-generating substances (e.g., propylene glycol, glycerin, etc.) and is easy to injection mold compared to other engineering plastic materials, so it may be suitable for manufacturing the storage tank (141) or cover (142).

[0033] Referring again to FIG. 1, a method for manufacturing a cartridge will be described. The plasma treatment step (S110) may involve exposing a portion of the storage tank to plasma for about 0.1 seconds to about 10 seconds. If the plasma exposure time falls outside the above time range, sufficient surface modification may not occur, or the surface may be excessively damaged, causing deformation of the shape. Additionally, the plasma treatment step (S110) may involve exposing a portion of the storage tank to plasma for about 0.5 seconds to about 5 seconds.

[0034] Additionally, the plasma treatment step (S110) may involve moving a transferred type plasma torch over a region of the reservoir at a speed of about 0.1 cm / sec to about 50 cm / sec. The plasma torch may spray plasma toward a region of the reservoir through a nozzle. Additionally, the plasma treatment step (S110) may involve moving the transferred type plasma torch over a region of the reservoir at a speed of about 10 cm / sec to about 30 cm / sec. The plasma torch may be a plasma arc torch, but is not limited thereto.

[0035] The diameter of the nozzle of the transport type plasma torch may have a ratio of about 0.5 to about 2 times the diameter of the reservoir in the cross-sectional area in the direction in which the cover is attached to the reservoir. Additionally, the plasma torch may spray plasma in the direction in which the cover is attached to one area of ​​the reservoir. The plasma treatment step (S110) may have improved workability under the conditions of the nozzle diameter of the plasma torch and the spraying direction of the plasma torch described above, and the time required for plasma treatment may be shortened.

[0036] The plasma treatment step (S110) generates plasma using a high-voltage discharge, the plasma power consumption is about 500 W to about 2000 W, and the plasma treatment operating frequency can be about 10 kHz to about 30 kHz.

[0037] The step (S120) of applying an adhesive to a region of the plasma-treated storage tank may involve applying a liquid adhesive to the surface of a region of the plasma-treated storage tank, but is not limited thereto. For example, the step (S120) of applying the adhesive may involve spraying a liquid adhesive onto the surface of a region of the plasma-treated storage tank.

[0038] The step of applying the adhesive (S120) can be performed within approximately 2 hours after the plasma treatment step (S110) is completed. The surface whose chemical structure has been deformed by plasma treatment can be restored to its original chemical structure after a certain period of time has elapsed. Therefore, applying the adhesive after an excessive amount of time has elapsed may reduce the effects, such as improved adhesion strength due to plasma treatment. Additionally, the step of applying the adhesive (S120) can be performed within approximately 1 hour after the plasma treatment step (S110) is completed.

[0039] The adhesive may include a UV (ultraviolet ray) adhesive. A UV adhesive is a liquid adhesive containing a photoreaction initiator, and when irradiated with ultraviolet light, the photoreaction initiator starts a reaction and can harden into a solid state within a relatively short period of time. Accordingly, when the adhesive includes a UV adhesive, the method for manufacturing a cartridge according to one embodiment may further include the step of irradiating ultraviolet light to a portion of the storage tank to which the adhesive is applied, after the step of applying the adhesive (S120). However, the type of adhesive is not limited thereto, and for example, the adhesive may include one or more adhesives selected from UV adhesive and instant adhesive.

[0040] In addition, the method for manufacturing a cartridge according to one embodiment may further include the step of introducing an aerosol generating material into a plasma-treated storage tank. Since the chemical structure of the aerosol generating material may be altered when the aerosol generating material is exposed to plasma, the step of introducing the aerosol generating material may be performed after the plasma treatment step (S110).

[0041] The storage tank includes a storage space for accommodating an aerosol generating material, and the step of introducing the aerosol generating material may involve introducing an aerosol generating material in a volume of approximately 70% to approximately 95% of the volume of the storage space. The surface of one area of ​​the plasma-treated storage tank may have increased surface roughness or undergo shape deformation. Consequently, liquid aerosol generating material may be absorbed into the surface of one area of ​​the storage tank or leakage may occur. If the volume of the aerosol generating material introduced into the storage space is controlled to the above range, the problem of the aerosol generating material being absorbed into the surface of one area of ​​the storage tank or leaking can be prevented. Additionally, the step of introducing the aerosol generating material may involve introducing an aerosol generating material in a volume of approximately 85% to approximately 95% of the volume of the storage space.

[0043] Example 1: Manufacture of a cartridge through plasma treatment

[0044] A cartridge having the same shape as the cartridge shown in FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 was manufactured. Polypropylene was used as the material for the reservoir and the cover.

[0045] Plasma treatment was applied to the surface of the area of ​​the reservoir where the cover is attached. Plasma treatment was performed using a transfer-type plasma torch, moving at a speed of 20 cm / sec over the surface of the reservoir for approximately 1 second. The plasma power consumption was 1000 W.

[0046] Glycerin was introduced into the storage space of a plasma-treated storage tank as an aerosol generating material for the storage space, and the volume of the introduced glycerin was 90% of the volume of the storage space.

[0047] UV adhesive was applied to the surface of the plasma-treated reservoir area, and after attaching the reservoir to the cover, the cartridge was manufactured by irradiating it with ultraviolet light for about 12 seconds.

[0049] Comparative Example 1: Manufacture of a cartridge through ultrasonic welding

[0050] Similar to Example 1 above, a cartridge having the same shape as the cartridge shown in FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 was manufactured. Polypropylene was used as the material for the reservoir and the cover.

[0051] UV adhesive was applied to the surface of the area of ​​the storage tank to which the cover is attached, and after attaching the storage tank to the cover, the joint between the storage tank and the cover was welded using ultrasound to manufacture the cartridge.

[0053] Experimental Example 1: Adhesion Strength Measurement Test

[0054] The adhesive strength of the storage tank and cover of the cartridge manufactured according to Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 was measured. The adhesive strength measurement was performed by measuring the magnitude of the tensile force required to separate the storage tank and the cover 10 times using a tensile strength tester and calculating the average value.

[0055] As a result of measurement, the cartridge of Comparative Example 1 had a tensile strength of approximately 1.2 kgf, whereas the cartridge of Example 1 had a tensile strength of approximately 19.51 kgf. Accordingly, it was confirmed that the adhesion strength of the cartridge's reservoir and cover was improved through plasma treatment.

[0057] Hereinafter, a cartridge manufactured by a manufacturing method according to one embodiment and an aerosol generating device including the cartridge are described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0058] FIGS. 5 and 6 are drawings illustrating examples in which an aerosol generating article is inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the aerosol generating device (100) includes a battery (110), a control unit (120), a heater (130), and a cartridge (140). Additionally, an aerosol generating article (200) may be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device (100).

[0060] The aerosol generating device (100) illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 includes a cartridge, but embodiments are not limited by the implementation method of such an aerosol generating device and the cartridge may be omitted in the aerosol generating device (100). When the cartridge is omitted in the aerosol generating device (100), the aerosol generating article (200) may generate an aerosol when the aerosol generating article (200) is heated by the heater (130) by including an aerosol generating material.

[0061] The aerosol generating device (100) illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 includes components related to the present embodiment. Therefore, it can be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that other general-purpose components may be included in the aerosol generating device (100) in addition to the components illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0062] Additionally, FIGS. 5 and 6 show that the aerosol generating device (100) includes a heater (130), but the heater (130) may be omitted as needed.

[0063] In FIG. 5, a battery (110), a control unit (120), a cartridge (140), and a heater (130) are shown arranged in a line. Also, in FIG. 6, a cartridge (140) and a heater (130) are shown arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (100) is not limited to that shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6. In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (100), the arrangement of the battery (110), the control unit (120), the cartridge (140), and the heater (130) may be changed.

[0064] When an aerosol generating item (200) is inserted into an aerosol generating device (100), the aerosol generating device (100) can operate a cartridge (140) to generate an aerosol from the cartridge (140). The aerosol generated by the cartridge (140) passes through the aerosol generating item (200) and is delivered to the user. A more detailed description of the cartridge (140) will be provided below.

[0065] The battery (110) supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device (100). For example, the battery (110) can supply power to heat the heater (130) or cartridge (140) and can supply power required for the control unit (120) to operate. Additionally, the battery (110) can supply power required for the display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (100) to operate.

[0066] The control unit (120) controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (100). Specifically, the control unit (120) controls the operation of the battery (110), heater (130), and cartridge (140), as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device (100). Additionally, the control unit (120) may check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device (100) to determine whether the aerosol generating device (100) is in an operational state.

[0067] The control unit (120) includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. Additionally, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0068] The heater (130) can be heated by power supplied from the battery (110). For example, when an aerosol generating article (200) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (100), the heater (130) can be located outside the aerosol generating article (200). Thus, the heated heater (130) can raise the temperature of the aerosol generating material inside the aerosol generating article (200).

[0069] The heater (130) may be an electric resistive heater. For example, the heater (130) may include an electric conductive track, and the heater (130) may be heated as current flows through the electric conductive track. However, the heater (130) is not limited to the example described above and may be any heater capable of being heated to a desired temperature without limitation. Here, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generating device (100) or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0070] Meanwhile, as another example, the heater (130) may be an induction heating heater. Specifically, the heater (130) may include an electrically conductive coil for heating an aerosol-generating article in an induction heating manner, and the aerosol-generating article may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating heater.

[0071] FIGS. 5 and 6 show that the heater (130) is positioned outside the aerosol generating article (200), but is not limited thereto. For example, the heater (130) may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the aerosol generating article (200) depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0072] Additionally, a plurality of heaters (130) may be arranged in the aerosol generating device (100). At this time, the plurality of heaters (130) may be arranged to be inserted inside the aerosol generating article (200) or placed outside the aerosol generating article (200). Additionally, some of the plurality of heaters (130) may be arranged to be inserted inside the aerosol generating article (200), and the remainder may be placed outside the aerosol generating article (200). Furthermore, the shape of the heater (130) is not limited to the shape shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, but may be manufactured in various shapes.

[0073] The cartridge (140) can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material, and the generated aerosol can pass through an aerosol generating item (200) and be delivered to the user. In other words, the aerosol generated by the cartridge (140) can travel along the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device (100), and the airflow passage can be configured so that the aerosol generated by the cartridge (140) can pass through the aerosol generating item (200) and be delivered to the user.

[0074] For example, the cartridge (140) may include, but is not limited to, a storage tank, a liquid delivery means, and a heating element. For example, the storage tank, the liquid delivery means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device (100) as independent modules.

[0075] The storage tank may store an aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. The storage tank may be manufactured to be detachable from / attachable to the cartridge (140), or may be manufactured integrally with the cartridge (140).

[0076] For example, the aerosol-generating material may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, flavorings, flavoring agents, or a vitamin mixture. Flavorings may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavoring ingredients. Flavoring agents may include ingredients capable of providing various flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the aerosol-generating material may include aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0077] The liquid delivery means can transfer the aerosol-generating material of the reservoir to the heating element. For example, the liquid delivery means may be a wick such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramics, but is not limited thereto.

[0078] A heating element is a component for heating an aerosol-generating material delivered by a liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure that is wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element may be heated by an electric current supply and may heat the liquid composition by transferring heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0079] For example, the cartridge (140) may be referred to as a cartomizer or atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

[0080] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device (100) may include additional general-purpose components in addition to the battery (110), control unit (120), heater (130), and cartridge (140). For example, the aerosol generating device (100) may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. Additionally, the aerosol generating device (100) may include at least one sensor (a puff sensor, a temperature sensor, an aerosol generating item insertion detection sensor, etc.). Additionally, the aerosol generating device (100) may be manufactured in a structure that allows external air to be introduced or internal gas to be discharged even when the aerosol generating item (200) is inserted.

[0081] Although not illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the aerosol generating device (100) may form a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery (110) of the aerosol generating device (100). Alternatively, the heater (130) may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generating device (100) are combined.

[0082] The aerosol generating article (200) may be similar to a conventional combustible cigarette. For example, the aerosol generating article (200) may be divided into a first part containing an aerosol generating substance and a second part containing a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second part of the aerosol generating article (200) may also contain an aerosol generating substance. For example, an aerosol generating substance made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

[0083] The entire first part may be inserted inside the aerosol generating device (100), and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted inside the aerosol generating device (100), or a part of both the first and second parts may be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol while holding the second part in their mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated as external air passes through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

[0084] As an example, external air may be introduced through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device (100). For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device (100) and / or the size of the air passage may be controlled by the user. Accordingly, the amount of vapor, smoking sensation, etc., may be controlled by the user. As another example, external air may be introduced into the interior of the aerosol generating article (200) through at least one hole formed on the surface of the aerosol generating article (200).

[0085] Hereinafter, examples of aerosol-generating articles (200) are described with reference to FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8.

[0086] Figures 7 and 8 are drawings illustrating examples of aerosol-generating articles.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 7, the aerosol generating article (200) includes a tobacco rod (210) and a filter rod (220). The first part described above with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 includes a tobacco rod (210), and the second part includes a filter rod (220).

[0088] In FIG. 7, the filter rod (220) is depicted as a single segment, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod (220) may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod (220) may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering a certain component contained in the aerosol. Additionally, if necessary, the filter rod (220) may further include at least one segment that performs other functions.

[0089] The aerosol generating article (200) may be packaged by at least one wrapper (240). The wrapper (240) may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air is introduced or internal gas is released. As an example, the aerosol generating article (200) may be packaged by one wrapper (240). As another example, the aerosol generating article (200) may be packaged in a stacked manner by two or more wrappers (240). For example, a tobacco rod (210) may be packaged by the first wrapper (241), and a filter rod (220) may be packaged by the wrappers (242, 243, 244). Then, the entire aerosol generating article (200) may be repackaged by a single wrapper (245). If the filter load (220) is composed of multiple segments, each segment can be wrapped by wrappers (242, 243, 244).

[0090] The tobacco rod (210) contains an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the tobacco rod (210) may contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Additionally, a flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, may be added to the tobacco rod (210) by spraying it onto the tobacco rod (210).

[0091] The tobacco rod (210) can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod (210) may be made of a sheet or a strand. Additionally, the tobacco rod (210) may be made of finely cut tobacco sheets. Furthermore, the tobacco rod (210) may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod (210) can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod (210), thereby improving the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and improving the tobacco flavor. Additionally, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod (210) can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heating heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawing, the tobacco rod (210) may include additional susceptors in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding the outside.

[0092] The filter rod (220) may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, there are no restrictions on the shape of the filter rod (220). For example, the filter rod (220) may be a cylindrical type rod or a tubular type rod containing a hollow interior. Additionally, the filter rod (220) may be a recessed type rod. If the filter rod (220) is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0093] The filter rod (220) may be manufactured to produce a flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod (220), or a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid may be inserted into the interior of the filter rod (220).

[0094] Additionally, the filter rod (220) may include at least one capsule (230). Here, the capsule (230) may generate a flavor or aerosol. For example, the capsule (230) may be a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is wrapped in a film. The capsule (230) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0095] If the filter rod (220) includes a segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment may be made of a polymer material or a biodegradable polymer material. For example, the cooling segment may be made of pure polylactic acid, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling segment may be made of a cellulose acetate filter with multiple holes. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the examples described above and may be any material that can perform the function of cooling the aerosol.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 8, the aerosol generating article (300) may further include a shear plug (330). The shear plug (330) may be located on one side opposite to the filter rod (320) in the tobacco rod (310). The shear plug (330) can prevent the tobacco rod (310) from moving outward and can prevent liquefied aerosol from the tobacco rod (310) from flowing into the aerosol generating device (100 of FIG. 5 and 6) during smoking.

[0097] The filter load (320) may include a first segment (321) and a second segment (322). Here, the first segment (321) may correspond to the first segment of the filter load (220) of FIG. 7, and the second segment (322) may correspond to the third segment of the filter load (220) of FIG. 7.

[0098] The diameter and total length of the aerosol generating article (300) may correspond to the diameter and total length of the aerosol generating article (200) of FIG. 7. For example, the length of the shear plug (330) may be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod (310) may be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment (321) may be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment (322) may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0099] The aerosol generating article (300) may be packaged by at least one wrapper (350). At least one hole may be formed in the wrapper (350) through which external air is introduced or internal gas is discharged. For example, a shear plug (330) may be packaged by the first wrapper (351), a tobacco rod (310) may be packaged by the second wrapper (352), a first segment (321) may be packaged by the third wrapper (353), and a second segment (322) may be packaged by the fourth wrapper (354).

[0100] And, the entire aerosol-generating article (300) can be repackaged by the fifth wrapper (355). Additionally, at least one perforation (360) may be formed in the fifth wrapper (355). For example, the perforation (360) may be formed in an area surrounding the tobacco rod (310), but is not limited thereto. The perforation (360) may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater (130) shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 into the interior of the tobacco rod (310).

[0101] Additionally, the second segment (322) may include at least one capsule (340). Here, the capsule (340) may generate a flavor or aerosol. For example, the capsule (340) may be a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring is wrapped in a film. The capsule (340) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0102] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (900) according to another embodiment.

[0103] The aerosol generating device (900) may include 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 generating device (900) is not limited to that shown in FIG. 9. That is, it can be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (900), some of the components shown in FIG. 9 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0104] The sensing unit (920) can detect the state of the aerosol generating device (900) or the state of the surroundings of the aerosol generating device (900) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (910). Based on the detected information, the control unit (910) can control the aerosol generating device (900) to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater (950), restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating item (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying a notification.

[0105] The sensing unit (920) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (922), an insertion detection sensor (924), and a puff sensor (926), but is not limited thereto.

[0106] The temperature sensor (922) can detect the temperature at which the heater (950) (or aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device (900) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater (950), or the heater (950) itself may serve as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor (922) may be placed around the battery (940) to monitor the temperature of the battery (940).

[0107] The insertion detection sensor (924) can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor (924) may include 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 can detect a change in signal as the aerosol-generating article is inserted and / or removed.

[0108] The puff sensor (926) can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor (926) can detect the user's puff based on any one of temperature changes, flow changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0109] In addition to the aforementioned sensors (922 to 926), the sensing unit (920) may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description may be omitted.

[0110] The output unit (930) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (900) and provide it to the user. The output unit (930) may include at least one of a display unit (932), a haptic unit (934), and a sound output unit (936), but is not limited thereto. When the display unit (932) and the touch pad form a layer structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit (932) may also be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0111] The display unit (932) can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (900) to the user. For example, information about the aerosol generating device (900) may refer to various information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery (940) of the aerosol generating device (900), the preheating status of the heater (950), the insertion / removal status of an aerosol generating item, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device (900) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display unit (932) can output the above information externally. The display unit (932) may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc. Additionally, the display unit (932) may be in the form of an LED light-emitting element.

[0112] The haptic unit (934) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device (900) to the user. For example, the haptic unit (934) may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0113] The acoustic output unit (936) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (900) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (936) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0114] The battery (940) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (900). The battery (940) can supply power to heat the heater (950). Additionally, the battery (940) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided within the aerosol generating device (900) (e.g., a sensing unit (920), an output unit (930), a user input unit (960), a memory (970), and a communication unit (980)). The battery (940) may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery (940) may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0115] The heater (950) can heat the aerosol generating material by receiving power from the battery (940). Although not shown in FIG. 9, the aerosol generating device (900) may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery (940) and supplies it to the heater (950). Additionally, if the aerosol generating device (900) generates aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device (900) may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery (940) into AC power.

[0116] The control unit (910), sensing unit (920), output unit (930), user input unit (960), memory (970), and communication unit (980) can perform their functions by receiving power from the battery (940). Although not shown in FIG. 9, a power conversion circuit, such as a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, may be further included to convert the power of the battery (940) and supply it to each component.

[0117] In one embodiment, the heater (950) may be formed from any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, a suitable electrically resistive material may be a metal or metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc., but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the heater (130) may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate with an electrically conductive track, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0118] In another embodiment, the heater (950) may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater (950) may include a susceptor that heats an aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0119] The user input unit (960) can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit (960) may include a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact capacitive method, pressure resistive method, infrared detection method, surface ultrasonic conduction method, integral tension measurement method, piezo effect method, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. Additionally, although not shown in FIG. 9, the aerosol generating device (900) may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may transmit and receive information or charge the battery (940) by connecting to another external device through the connection interface such as a USB interface.

[0120] The memory (970) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (900) and can store data processed by the control unit (910) and data to be processed. The memory (970) may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory (970) can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device (900), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0121] The communication unit (980) may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit (980) may include a short-range communication unit (982) and a wireless communication unit (984).

[0122] The short-range wireless communication unit (982) may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field 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, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0123] The wireless communication unit (984) may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit (984) may also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device (900) within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0124] The control unit (910) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (900). In one embodiment, the control unit (910) may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. It will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0125] The control unit (910) can control 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) can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery (940) and the heater (950). In another example, the heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the heater (950) according to a control command of the control unit (910).

[0126] The control unit (910) can analyze the results detected by the sensing unit (920) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (910) can control the power supplied to the heater (950) so that the operation of the heater (950) is started or terminated based on the results detected by the sensing unit (920). As another example, the control unit (910) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (950) and the time for which power is supplied so that the heater (950) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensing unit (920).

[0127] The control unit (910) can control the output unit (930) based on the result detected by the sensing unit (920). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (926) reaches a preset number, the control unit (910) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (900) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display unit (932), the haptic unit (934), and the sound output unit (936).

[0128] One embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules executed by a computer. A computer-readable medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, and both removable and inremovable media. Additionally, a computer-readable medium may include both computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage medium includes both volatile and non-volatile, removable and inremovable media implemented by any method or technique for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. A communication medium typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data of modulated data signals such as program modules, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transmission medium.

[0129] The description of the embodiments described above is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all variations within the scope equivalent to that described in the claims should be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection determined by the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0130] 140: Cartridge 141: Storage tank 141a: Work area 142: Cover 143: Storage space 144: Liquid delivery means 145: Heating element 200, 300: Cigarettes 210, 310: Tobacco Road 220, 320: Filter Load 230, 340: Capsule 240, 350: Rapper 241, 351: Number 1 Rapper 242, 352: The second rapper 243, 353: The third rapper 244, 354: The 4th Rapper 245, 355: The 5th Rapper 321: Segment 1 322: Segment 2 330: Shear plug 360: Perforation

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