Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

Disclosed is an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure comprises: a storage chamber in which an aerosol-generating material is stored; a wick communicating with the storage chamber; a heating element in contact with the wick and including nanoparticles that generate heat by surface plasmon resonance; and a light source that emits light toward the heating element, wherein the heating element may include a first part reached by the light emitted from the light source, and a second part disposed outside the first part and having a plurality of holes formed therein.

Description

Aerosol generator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

[0002] An aerosol generator is designed to extract a specific component from a medium or substance through an aerosol. The medium may contain various components. The components contained in the medium may include various flavoring substances. For example, the components contained in the medium may include nicotine, herbal ingredients, and / or coffee ingredients. Recently, extensive research has been conducted on such aerosol generators.

[0003] A device utilizing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology to heat aerosol-generating materials has been proposed. In an aerosol-generating device using SPR heating, aerosol is primarily generated at the point where the SPR heating element and the wick come into contact. However, the aerosol generated at the point of contact between the SPR heating element and the wick has difficulty moving easily through the airflow path, resulting in insufficient atomization. Furthermore, this leads to the problem that it takes a long time for the temperature of the liquid aerosol-generating material at the point of contact between the SPR heating element and the wick to rise to the vaporization temperature.

[0004] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned and other problems.

[0005] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device having an SPR heating element including a first part where light emitted from a light source reaches, and a second part disposed outside the first part and having a plurality of holes formed therein.

[0006] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device having an SPR heating element formed on the outside of the optical path and including a plurality of holes communicating with the wick and the atomizing chamber.

[0007] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device having an SPR heating element including a third part extending outwardly across a second part having a plurality of holes formed therein from a first part through which light reaches.

[0008] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device having a structure that surrounds a first part through which light reaches and extends from the first part in a direction in which a light source is arranged to seal the light path from the outside.

[0009] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device having an SPR heating element including a plurality of first parts spaced apart from each other, each of which reaches light emitted from a plurality of light sources.

[0010] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device that controls the operation of a plurality of light sources based on a target temperature or target heating rate of a heating element.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described object, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising: a storage chamber in which an aerosol product is stored; a wick communicating with the storage chamber; a heating element in contact with the wick and including nanoparticles that generate heat by surface plasmon resonance; and a light source that emits light toward the heating element, wherein the heating element comprises: a first part to which light emitted from the light source reaches; and a second part disposed outside the first part and having a plurality of holes formed therein.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an SPR heating element is provided, which includes a first part where light emitted from a light source reaches, and a second part where a plurality of holes are formed and is disposed outside the first part, so that the heating element is heated through a part where light is concentrated and reaches, thereby increasing heating efficiency.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an SPR heating element is provided that is formed on the outside of an optical path and includes a plurality of holes that communicate with a wick and an atomization chamber, so that an aerosol product can be supplied to the heating element through the plurality of holes, and the generated aerosol can easily flow into an airflow channel through the plurality of holes, thereby increasing the amount of atomization.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an SPR heating element is provided that includes a third part extending outwardly across a second part having a plurality of holes formed therein from a first part through which light reaches, so that heat transfer from a part directly heated by light to a surrounding part can be increased, and heat generation efficiency can be improved.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a structure is provided that surrounds a first part where light reaches and extends from the first part in a direction in which a light source is arranged to seal the light path from the outside, so that light can be prevented from leaking out of the device, and light can be concentrated on a heating element to increase heat generation efficiency.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an SPR heating element is provided that includes a plurality of first parts spaced apart from each other and each of which is reached by light emitted from a plurality of light sources, so that the area of ​​a part directly heated by the heating element can be increased, and heating efficiency can be improved.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation of a plurality of light sources emitting light to a heating element is controlled, so that a target temperature or a target heating rate of the heating element can be accurately controlled.

[0018] Further scope of the applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description below. However, since various modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the front.

[0022] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a storage chamber, a wick, and a heating element of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a heating element of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of a storage chamber, a wick, and a heating element of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the optical path and aerosol generation direction in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a heating element of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of a storage chamber, a wick, and a heating element of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the optical path and aerosol generation direction in an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components will be assigned the same reference numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar drawing numbers may be used for similar or related components.

[0030] The suffixes "module" and "unit" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. Meanwhile, the suffixes "module" or "unit" may include units implemented with hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A "module" or "unit" may be a component configured integrally, or a minimum unit of the component that performs one or more functions, or a part thereof. For example, a "module" or "unit" may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0031] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0033] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0034] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0035] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory (17)) readable by a machine (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., a control unit (12)) of the machine (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1)) may call at least one command among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called command. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0036] In the present disclosure, the direction of the aerosol generating device (1) can be defined based on the orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0037]

[0038] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), and / or a heater (18, 24). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that some of the components illustrated in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0040] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) can detect the state of the aerosol generating device (1) or the state around the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). For example, the sensor unit (13) may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and / or a movement detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit (13) may further include various sensors, such as a liquid remaining amount sensor for detecting the liquid remaining amount of the cartridge, and an immersion sensor for detecting immersion of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0041] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (18, 24) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater (18, 24), or the heater (18, 24) itself may function as a temperature sensor. As an example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure the impedance to the heater (18). The impedance to the heater (18) may be correlated with the temperature of the heater (18). The temperature sensor may measure the current and / or voltage applied to the heater (18) (or the induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance to the heater (18) may be calculated. The control unit (12) may estimate the temperature of the heater (18) based on the calculated impedance.

[0042] For example, the temperature sensor may include a resistance element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element, and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0043] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater (18, 24), and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0044] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the power source (11). The temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor can be attached to one surface of the power source (11) (e.g., a battery) and / or mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) can include a power protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (11) together with the power protection circuit.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be placed inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device (1) to detect the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0046] In one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect a user's puff.

[0047] For example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1), and the control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) may correspond to the pressure of an airflow path through which gas flows. The puff sensor may be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0048] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When the user puffs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, the space where the aerosol generating product is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. The control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

[0049] As another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure a temperature used to correct the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. As an example, the puff sensor may correct a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the corrected signal. As another example, the puff sensor may output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the control unit (12) may receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0050] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may also be referred to as a capacitive sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user puffs, a temperature change and / or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space of the aerosol-generating article, and thus, the permittivity within the insertion space may change. The control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0051] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0052] In one embodiment, an insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating item. The insertion detection sensor can be installed around the insertion space. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor can include any combination of the examples described above.

[0053] For example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted or removed within the insertion space, the permittivity around the conductor may change. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitive sensor.

[0054] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the at least one coil may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol-generating article) includes a conductor, a change in a magnetic field may occur around the current-carrying coil when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article (e.g., the medium portion of the aerosol-generating article) may include a susceptor (SUS). Even in this case, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor or the like within the insertion space, and the control unit (12) may also detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0055] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented with various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, etc.) for detecting the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch or the like for detecting pressure by an aerosol-generating article.

[0056] In one embodiment, a reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused. For example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, a color change may occur in a portion of a wrapper surrounding the exterior of the aerosol-generating article due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor can output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., a wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on light reflected from the wrapper. If a change in the color of a portion of the wrapper is detected, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is over-humidified. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor can include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor can include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to an insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is over-humidified based on the level of a signal corresponding to a permittivity or the like output from the capacitive sensor. For example, the control unit (12) can check a level range within which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article based on the checked level range.

[0058] In one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can detect whether an aerosol generating article is genuine and / or detect the type of aerosol generating article.

[0059] For example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an optical sensor for detecting an identification material (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., wrapper) of an aerosol-generating article. The optical sensor may irradiate light toward the identification material (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light in a specific wavelength range based on the irradiated light. The control unit (12) may detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the range of the wavelength.

[0060] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The dielectric constant within the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating product inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating product based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant within the insertion space output from the capacitive sensor.

[0061] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. When a conductor is included in the wrapper and / or the interior (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space may differ depending on the type of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect whether the inserted aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or the type of the inserted aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0062] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the authenticity of an aerosol-generating product and / or the type of aerosol-generating product. Furthermore, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0063] In one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor may detect the mounting and / or removal of a cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0064] In one embodiment, the cap detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap detection sensor can include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap can include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), or covers at least a portion of a housing of the aerosol generating device (1). The cap detection sensor can output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on or removed from the housing, and the control unit (12) can detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the motion detection sensor can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1). The motion detection sensor can be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) may further include, in addition to the aforementioned sensors, at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System, GPS), or a proximity sensor. Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the output unit (14) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit (14) can include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or an audio output unit. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1) can include a charging / discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), a preheating status of the heater (18, 24), an insertion / removal status of an aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge, a mounting and / or removal status of a cap, or a status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display can visually provide information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display can include a light emitting diode (LED) light emitting element, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display, if it includes a touch pad, can also be used as an input unit (15). The haptic unit can provide tactile information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the haptic unit can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide audible information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the power source (11) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) can include one or more batteries. The power source (11) can supply power so that the heaters (18, 24) can be heated. In addition, the power source (11) can also supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device (1), such as the control unit (12), the sensor unit (13), the output unit (14), the input unit (15), the communication unit (16), and the memory (17). The power source (11) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (11) can also be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter, referred to as a removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in the battery compartment provided within the aerosol generating device (1) or may be removed from the battery compartment. The removable battery may be charged by wire and / or wirelessly.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be powered by the power source (11) to heat the aerosol generating article and / or the medium and / or the aerosol generating material within the cartridge. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a heater (18) for heating the aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge heater (24) for heating the cartridge (i.e., the solid and / or liquid medium).

[0070] In one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the electrically resistive heater may include an electrically resistive material, such as 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. The electrically resistive heater may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0071] In one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an induction heating heater. For example, the induction heating heater may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field. A magnetic field may be generated from the induction coil by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The generated magnetic field may penetrate the heater, and an eddy current may be generated in the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on the generation of the eddy current. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be included within the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium portion). In this case, the susceptor included within the aerosol generating article may be heated by the induction coil.

[0072] The heater (18, 24) is not limited to the examples described above, and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the input unit (15) can receive information input from a user. For example, the input unit (15) can include a touch panel, a button, a key pad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the memory (17) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (12). For example, the memory (17) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. For example, the memory (17) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (16) may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device (e.g., a portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit (16) may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (infrared Data Association, IrDA) communication unit, a WFD (Wireless Fidelity Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an ANT (Adaptive Network Topology)+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (12) can include at least one processor. The control unit (12) can be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (microcontroller unit) (or microprocessor) and a memory storing a program that can be executed in such an MCU. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that the control unit (12) can be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the heater (18, 24). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on the temperature of the heater (18, 24) detected using a temperature sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on a temperature profile and / or a power profile stored in the memory (17).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater (18, 24) and the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.) that converts power to be supplied to the heater (18, 24), and a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) that converts power to be supplied to an induction coil (not shown). The DC / AC converter may be implemented as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements. For example, a power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the current and / or voltage supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling the frequency and / or duty ratio of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit (not shown). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power source (11).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method. For example, the control unit (12) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (18, 24) using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse. For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is a target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using the difference value between the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine a target power that is the target of control based on the power profile. The control unit (12) can also control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) to correspond to the preset target power over time.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can detect the user's puff by detecting the power supplied to the heater (18, 24). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using a PID method. When the user's puff is generated, a temporary temperature drop may occur in a space where an aerosol generating article is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. Accordingly, a change may occur in the power (or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) during the power control using the PID method. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on the change in the controlled power.

[0083] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can prevent the heater (18, 24) from overheating. For example, the control unit (12) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) or to stop supplying power to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control charging and discharging of the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can check the temperature of the power source (11) using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than a first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can block charging of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than a second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can stop using (e.g., discharging) the power stored in the power source (11). The control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (11) based on voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (11).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can control to supply power to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can also determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (18, 24) is equal to or higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater (18, 24) is equal to or higher than a set slope.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (18, 24) based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humidity state by using an over-humidity detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), the control unit (12) can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) to the heater (18, 24).

[0088] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating article has been reused. For example, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) if it is determined that the aerosol generating article has been used.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the cartridge is coupled and / or removed using a cartridge detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), the control unit (12) can control to stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or prevent power from being supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the heater (18, 24) (i.e., during the preheating period), the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted. If the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is available for use. For example, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the current number of puffs is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge based on data stored in the memory (17). Alternatively, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time that the heater (18, 24) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power. In this case, the control unit (12) may stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or control that power is not supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the user's puff. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether a puff has been generated and / or the intensity of the puff using a puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs and / or no puffs are detected for a preset period of time. The control unit (12) can also control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when a puff is detected.

[0093] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine and / or the type thereof. For example, the control unit (12) may detect whether the aerosol generating article is genuine and / or the type thereof using a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is counterfeit, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24). If the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine, the control unit (12) may control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heater (18, 24). As another example, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) differently depending on the type of the aerosol generating article (or cartridge). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a first aerosol generating article (or a first cartridge), and can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a second aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to visually, tactilely and / or audibly provide information that the aerosol generating device (1) is about to be terminated when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (13)) reaches a preset number. For example, the control unit (12) can also control the output unit (14) to visually, tactilely and / or audibly provide information about the temperature of the heater (18, 24).

[0095] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating article, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the heater (18, 24), detection of overvoltage application to the heater (18, 24), termination of heating of the aerosol generating article, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharging of the power source (11), termination of charging of the power source (11), etc., performed in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the history of events may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a given event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if a given event is detection of overheating of a heater (18, 24), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the heater (18, 24), the voltage applied to the heater (18, 24), the current flowing through the heater (18, 24), and the like.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the communication unit (16) to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generating device (1) when authentication data is received from an external device via a communication link. For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique number identifying the user, whether the user has completed authentication, etc.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to an external device via a communication link (e.g., remaining capacity of the power source (11), operating mode, etc.). The transmitted data can be output through a display of the external device, etc.

[0099] According to one embodiment, when a request for location search of the aerosol generating device (1) is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the control unit (12) can control the haptic unit to generate vibration or control the display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can perform a firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device via a communication link.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may transmit data on the sensed values ​​of at least one sensor unit (13) to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensed values ​​through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The control unit (12) may perform an operation of determining a user's suction pattern, an operation of generating a temperature profile, etc., using the learning model received from the server.

[0102] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may include at least one switching element and may cut off the power supply (11) in response to overcharging and / or overdischarging of the power supply (11). The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may transmit and receive information or charge the power supply (11) by connecting to another external device through the connection interface.

[0103] The aerosol generating article referred to in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium portion) and at least one filter rod. The heater (18) may be arranged to correspond to the at least one aerosol generating rod, and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may include at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating material, and an additive. For example, the aerosol generating material may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may also include various other substances. For example, the additive may include a flavoring agent and / or an organic acid, and may also include various other substances. For example, the aerosol-generating rod may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco material (e.g., an aerosol-generating material and / or nicotine), and / or may comprise a solid tobacco material (e.g., leaf tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). The tobacco material may be included in the aerosol-generating rod in various forms, such as cut tobacco, granules, powder, etc. In one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol-generating rod may include an alkaline material. Based on the alkaline material, the nicotine of the tobacco material included in the aerosol-generating rod may have an alkaline pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol-generating rod even at low temperatures. In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating rod may include two or more aerosol-generating rods, and the two or more aerosol-generating rods may each include a tobacco material and / or a non-tobacco material.Meanwhile, although not shown, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may be individually and / or integrally wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating article may also be referred to as a stick.

[0104] The cartridge referred to in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol-generating material having any one of the following states: a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage unit containing the aerosol-generating material and / or a liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol-generating material. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater (24) may be included in the cartridge in the form of a coil-shaped structure surrounding (or winding) the liquid delivery means, or in a structure contacting one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in an aerosol-generating device (1) that is separable from the cartridge.

[0105]

[0106] Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 illustrates a cross-section of a body (10) and a cartridge (20) along line AA of Fig. 2.

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a body (10) and a cartridge (20). The aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one of a power source (11), a control unit (12), and a sensor (13). At least one of the power source (11), the control unit (12), and the sensor (13) may be disposed inside the body (10). A cartridge (20), which is an aerosol generating article, may be mounted on the body (10). A user may inhale the aerosol by putting a mouthpiece (22) provided at one end of the cartridge (20) in his / her mouth.

[0108] The cartridge (20) may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any one of a liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel state, in a storage chamber (C0) therein. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavoring component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0109] The cartridge (20) can be coupled to the body (10). The cartridge (20) can be inserted into the body (10) and mounted on the body (10). The cartridge (19) can be formed integrally with the body (10). Alternatively, the cartridge (20) can be detachably coupled to the body (10).

[0110] A structure may be formed in the body (10) so that outside air can flow into the interior of the body (10) while the cartridge (20) is coupled thereto. At this time, the outside air flowing into the body (10) can pass through the cartridge (20) and flow into the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel (CN).

[0111] The cartridge (20) may include a storage chamber (C0) containing an aerosol generating substance. The storage chamber (C0) may be formed inside the cartridge housing (21). A liquid delivery means (25) impregnated with (contained by) the aerosol generating substance may be disposed inside the storage chamber (C0) or may be disposed so as to be in communication with one side of the storage chamber (C0). Here, the liquid delivery means (25) may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The liquid delivery means (25) may be referred to as a wick.

[0112] The heating element (30) (e.g., heater (24)) may be placed in the cartridge (20) or the body (10). Although the drawing shows that the heating element (30) is placed inside the cartridge (20), the present invention is not limited thereto, and the heating element (30) may be placed inside the body (10).

[0113] The heating element (30) may be disposed separably from the body (10) and / or the cartridge (20). For example, the heating element (30) may be disposed in the body (10) and separably disposed from the cartridge (20). Alternatively, the heating element (30) may be disposed in the cartridge (20) and separably coupled to the body (10).

[0114] The heating element (30) can be in contact with one side of the wick (25). For example, the heating element (30) can be placed on the lower side of the wick (25) and can be in contact with the lower surface of the wick (25). The aerosol generating material impregnated in the wick (25) can move along the wick (25) in a direction toward the heating element (30). The wick (25) can transfer the aerosol generating material stored in the storage chamber (C0) to the heating element (30).

[0115] The heating element (30) can generate heat by light arriving from the outside. The heating element (30) can include metal nanoparticles that generate heat by surface plasmon resonance. Here, the metal nanoparticles can mean metal particles having a diameter in the nanometer range. The heating element (30) can be referred to as an SPR heating element or an SPR heater. When light arrives or is incident on one side of the heating element (30) from the outside, free electrons on the metal surface included in the heating element (30) can collectively vibrate due to resonance with an electromagnetic field of a specific energy of the light. By this surface plasmon resonance phenomenon, heat is generated in the metal nanoparticles included in the heating element (30), and the heating element (30) can generate heat.

[0116] The metal particles of the heating element (30) may be formed of a material suitable for generating heat by interacting with light. For example, the metal particles may include at least one of gold, silver, copper, palladium, or platinum, or a combination thereof.

[0117] The light source (40) may be placed in the cartridge (20) or the body (10). The light source (40) may emit light (LL, see FIGS. 6 and 9) by power supplied from the power source (11). For example, the light source (40) may include a laser element that emits light having a specified wavelength. The light source (40) may emit light in a wavelength band corresponding to the average maximum absorbance according to the type of metal particles included in the heating element (30). For example, when the metal particles are gold (Au), the light source (40) may emit light having a wavelength of about 600 nm to about 650 nm. For example, when the metal particles are silver (Ag), the light source (40) may emit light having a wavelength of about 420 nm to about 470 nm.

[0118] The light source (40) can be directed toward the heating element (30). For example, light (LL) emitted from the light source (40) can travel toward the heating element (30) and reach at least a portion of the heating element (30).

[0119] An airflow channel (CN) may be provided in the cartridge (20). The airflow channel (CN) may be communicated with the atomization chamber (C1) in which the heating element (30) or the wick (25) is arranged and the outside of the cartridge (20). One end of the airflow channel (CN) may be opened to the atomization chamber (C1) and the other end may be communicated with the mouthpiece (22). For example, the airflow channel (CN) may be extended in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge (20) from one side of the storage chamber (C0) of the cartridge (20). Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, the airflow channel (CN) may be extended in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge (20) by penetrating the storage chamber (C0) of the cartridge (20).

[0120] An inlet (27) may be provided in the cartridge (20). The inlet (27) may be formed by opening one side of the cartridge housing (21). The inlet (27) may be in communication with the atomization chamber (C1). The inlet (27) may be open to one side from the atomization chamber (C1) and may be arranged to face the airflow channel (CN) with respect to the atomization chamber (C1). Outside air introduced through the inlet (27) may pass through the atomization chamber (C1) and flow into the airflow channel (CN).

[0121] As the wick (25) is heated by the heating element (30), an aerosol can be generated. The generated aerosol is mixed with the outside air introduced into the atomization chamber (C1) through the inlet (27), flows through the airflow channel (CN), and can be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the mouthpiece (22).

[0122] The power source (11) can supply power to operate the components of the aerosol generator (1). The power source (11) can be referred to as a battery. The power source (11) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (12), the sensor (13), and the light source (40).

[0123] The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator (1). The control unit (12) can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit (12) can control the operation of at least one of the power source (11), the sensor (13), and the light source (40).

[0124] The control unit (12) can analyze the results detected by the sensor (13) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the light source (40) so that the operation of the light source (40) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensor (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the amount of power supplied to the light source (40) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heating element (30) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor (13).

[0125] The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, and a cartridge detection sensor. For example, the sensor (13) may sense at least one of the temperature of the heating element (30), the temperature of the light source (40), the temperature of the power source (11), and the temperature inside and outside the body (10). For example, the sensor (13) may sense the user's puff. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether the cartridge (20) is mounted.

[0126]

[0127] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a storage chamber, a wick, and a heating element of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] Referring to Fig. 4, a wick hole (26) may be formed on one side of the storage chamber (C0). The wick (25) may be arranged on one side of the storage chamber (C0). One side of the wick (25) may be exposed to the inside of the storage chamber (C0) through the wick hole (26). For example, the wick (25) may be arranged on the lower side of the storage chamber (C0), and at least a portion of the upper surface of the wick (25) may be exposed to the inside of the storage chamber (C0) through the wick hole (26) formed on the lower side of the storage chamber (C0).

[0129] The heating element (30) can be in contact with the wick (25). The heating element (30) can be extended along the direction in which the wick (25) extends (e.g., the x-direction or the y-direction). The heating element (30) is disposed below the wick (25), and at least a portion of the upper surface of the heating element (30) can be in contact with at least a portion of the lower surface of the wick (25).

[0130] The heating element (30) may include a heating plate (31) and a light guide (32). At least a portion of the heating plate (31) may be heated by light (LL) emitted from a light source (40) and reaching the heating plate (31). The light guide (32) may extend to one side from the heating plate (31). The light guide (32) may provide an optical path along which light emitted from the light source (40) travels to the heating plate (31).

[0131]

[0132] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a heating element of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 5, the heating element (30) may include a heating plate (31) and a light guide (32).

[0134] The heating plate (31) may include a first part (311) and a second part (312). The first part (311) may be positioned at the center of the heating plate (31) or at a position adjacent thereto. The first part (311) may have a flat plate shape. For example, the first part (311) may be a polygonal, circular, or oval plate. The first part (311) may extend in a direction in which the heating plate (31) extends (e.g., in the x-direction or y-direction). The first part (311) may have a plate shape that is blocked in the thickness direction of the heating plate (31). In other words, the first part (311) may not be provided with a structure such as a hole through which light can pass.

[0135] The first part (311) can be positioned at a position where light (LL) emitted from the light source (40) reaches. For example, in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the heating plate (31) (e.g., z direction), the first part (311) can be positioned to overlap the light guide (32). One surface of the first part (311) can be positioned within the light guide (32). For example, the lower surface of the first part (311) can be positioned within a guide groove (33) formed in the light guide (32) and form at least a portion of the upper surface of the guide groove (33).

[0136] The second part (312) may be arranged on the outside of the first part (311). The second part (312) may surround the first part (311). The second part (312) may extend in the direction in which the heating plate (31) extends. The second part (312) may extend from the first part (311) to the outside of the first part (311). The second part (312) may be arranged at a position where the light (LL) emitted from the light source (40) does not reach it. For example, the second part (312) may be arranged so as not to overlap the light guide (32) in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the heating plate (31). The second part (312) may be formed integrally with the first part (311).

[0137] A plurality of holes (312h) spaced apart from each other may be formed in the second part (312). The plurality of holes (312h) may penetrate the second part (312) in the thickness direction of the heating plate (31). For example, the second part (312) may be a metal mesh in which a plurality of holes (312h) are formed.

[0138] The light guide (32) may extend from the heating plate (31) to one side of the heating plate (31). The light guide (32) may extend in the direction in which the light source (40) is arranged. The light guide (32) may have a guide groove (33) formed therein. For example, the light guide (32) may be a hollow tube extending from the heating plate (31) to the lower side of the heating plate (31). One side of the first part (311) may be arranged inside the light guide (32). The light guide (32) may surround one side of the first part (311). For example, the guide groove (33) of the light guide (32) may be opened downward, and one side of the first part (311) may be arranged upward. One side of the first part (311) arranged inside the light guide (32) may be referred to as a light arrival portion. The light guide (32) can provide a path for light to travel. For example, the guide groove (33) of the light guide (32) can provide a path for light to travel from the opening on the lower side to one surface of the first part (311) on the upper side.

[0139] The heating plate (31) may include at least one of a third part (313) and a fourth part (314). The third part (313) may be connected to at least one of the first part (311) and the second part (312). The third part (313) may extend outward from the first part (311) across the second part (312). The third part (313) may extend in the direction in which the heating plate (31) extends. A plurality of third parts (313) may be provided. For example, the third part (313) may include a plurality of plates extending radially from the first part (311). The third part (313) may have a plate shape that is blocked in the thickness direction of the heating plate (31). The third part (313) may not be provided with a structure such as a hole through which light may pass. The third part (313) can be formed integrally with the first part (311) and the second part (312).

[0140] The fourth part (314) may be connected to at least one of the second part (312) and the third part (313). The fourth part (314) may extend along the periphery of the second part (312). The fourth part (314) may form an outer edge of the heating plate (31). The fourth part (314) may have a plate shape that is blocked in the thickness direction of the heating plate (31). The fourth part (314) may not be provided with a structure such as a hole through which light can pass. The fourth part (314) may be formed integrally with the second part (312) and the third part (313).

[0141] Although not shown in the drawing, the fourth part (314) may extend along the perimeter of the second part (312) and may extend in a direction intersecting the direction in which the heating plate (31) extends. For example, the fourth part (314) may extend along the perimeter of the second part (312) and may extend by bending toward the upper side of the heating plate (31). The fourth part (314) may contact the lower edge of the wick (25) arranged on the upper side of the heating plate (31). The fourth part (314) may contact a portion of the outer surface of the wick (25) and surround a portion of the outer surface of the wick (25).

[0142] When the light (LL) emitted from the light source (40) reaches the heating plate (31), the first part (311) that the light (LL) directly reaches can generate heat. The heat generated in the first part (311) can be transferred to the second to fourth parts (312, 313, 314). The heat generated in the first part (311) can be more easily transferred to the second part (312) by the third part (313) that extends outward from the first part (311) across the second part (312). The aerosol generating material impregnated in the peripheral area of ​​the wick (25) can be heated by the fourth part (314) that comes into contact with a portion of the lower edge and / or outer surface of the wick (25).

[0143] Accordingly, heat transfer from the area directly heated by light to the surrounding area can be increased, and heat generation efficiency can be improved.

[0144]

[0145] Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of a storage chamber, a wick, and a heating element of an aerosol generator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an optical path and an aerosol generation direction in an aerosol generator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figs. 6 and 7 are enlarged cross-sections of a cartridge (20) in the BB area of ​​Fig. 3, showing a cross-section along line CC of Fig. 5.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 6 together with FIG. 3, the light source (40) may be placed opposite the wick (25) with respect to the heating element (30). The wick (25) may be positioned above the heating plate (31), and the light source (40) may be placed below the heating plate (31). The light source (40) may be placed so as to face the heating plate (31). The light source (40) may be placed toward one surface of the first part (311) of the heating plate (31).

[0147] The light source receiving portion (23) may surround the light source (40) and extend long to one side. The light source (40) may be placed within the light source receiving portion (23). The light source receiving portion (23) may extend long toward the first part (311) of the heating plate (31). For example, the light source receiving portion (23) may be a hollow tube extending from the body (10) toward the upper side of the body (10). The light source receiving portion (23) may be opened upward. The light source (40) may be placed on the lower bottom of the light source receiving portion (23) and may face the upper opening.

[0148] The light guide (32) can be combined with the light source receiving portion (23). The light guide (32) can be press-fitted into the light source receiving portion (23). The light source receiving portion (23) can seal the inside of the light guide (32) from the outside. The space formed by the combination of the light guide (32) and the light source receiving portion (23) can be sealed from the outside. The light source (40) can be placed within the space formed by the combination of the light guide (32) and the light source receiving portion (23).

[0149] Accordingly, light emitted from the light source (40) can be prevented from leaking outside the wick (25) or the aerosol generating device (1).

[0150] A reflector (34) may be provided in the light guide (32). The reflector (34) may be disposed on the inner surface of the light guide (32). The reflector (34) may cover at least a portion of the inner surface of the light guide (32). The reflector (34) may reflect light (LL) emitted from the light source (40). For example, the reflector (34) may reflect light (LL) emitted from the light source (40) to the first part (311). The reflector (34) may be formed of a material suitable for reflecting light (L). For example, the reflector (34) may be formed of a metal material. For example, the reflector (34) may include at least one of gold, silver, and copper.

[0151] Accordingly, the light emitted from the light source (40) can be concentrated on the heating element (30), thereby increasing the heating efficiency.

[0152] The atomizing chamber (C1) may be arranged opposite the wick (25) to the heating plate (31). For example, the atomizing chamber (C1) may be located on the lower side of the heating plate (31). The atomizing chamber (C1) may surround the outside of the light guide (32). The light guide (32) may be arranged inside the atomizing chamber (C1). The atomizing chamber (C1) may be extended in a direction in which the heating plate (31) extends.

[0153] The second part (312) may form at least a portion of the vaporization chamber (C1). A plurality of holes (312h) formed in the second part (312) may be connected to the storage chamber (C0) and the vaporization chamber (C1). The plurality of holes (312h) may face a wick (25) that is arranged in the storage chamber (C0) and is in contact with the heating plate (31). One surface of the wick (25) may be in contact with the first part (311) and the second part (312). One surface of the wick (25) that is in contact with the second part (312) may be exposed inside the vaporization chamber (C1) by the plurality of holes (312h).

[0154] The plurality of holes (312h) may be arranged so as not to overlap with the light guide (32) in the thickness direction of the heating plate (31) or the length direction of the light guide (32). The plurality of holes (312h) may be arranged on the outside of the light guide (32) in the length direction of the heating plate (31).

[0155]

[0156] Referring to FIG. 7 together with FIG. 3, the wick (25) can be impregnated with an aerosol generating substance. The aerosol generating substance can move downwards of the wick (25) due to gravity. The aerosol generating substance (251) can be mainly located at a portion of the wick (25) that contacts the heating plate (31) or an adjacent portion thereof. A portion of the aerosol generating substance (251) can move downwards of the wick (25) and be retained within a plurality of holes (312h) formed in the heating plate (31).

[0157] Light (LL) emitted from a light source (40) can reach or be incident on a heating plate (31). Light (LL) emitted from a light source (40) can reach or be incident on a lower surface of a first part (311) of a heating plate (31). The first part (311) can generate heat by the light (LL). The first part (311) can generate heat by a surface plasmon resonance phenomenon.

[0158] Heat generated in the first part (311) can be transferred to the second part (312). The first part (311) and the second part (312) can heat the wick (25). An aerosol generating material (251) located at a portion of the wick (25) that contacts the heating plate (31) or an adjacent portion thereof can be heated by the first part (311) and the second part (312) to generate an aerosol. An aerosol generating material (251) located inside a plurality of holes (312h) can be heated by the second part (312) to generate an aerosol.

[0159] The generated aerosol can flow into the atomization chamber (C1) through the plurality of holes (312h) of the second part (312). The aerosol can be mixed with the outside air introduced through the inlet (27) located on one side of the atomization chamber (C1). The aerosol mixed with the outside air can flow out of the device through the mouthpiece (22) through the airflow channel (CN) located on the other side of the atomization chamber (C1).

[0160] In this way, the aerosol product can be easily supplied to the heating plate (31) through the plurality of holes (312h) formed on the outside of the optical path and communicating the wick (25) and the atomization chamber (C1), and the generated aerosol can easily flow into the airflow channel (CN) through the plurality of holes (312h), so that the amount of atomization can be increased.

[0161] In addition, the part of the heating plate (31) where light (LL) reaches is sealed so that light (LL) is not emitted to the outside, and the part extending outward from the part where light (LL) reaches is exposed to the atomization chamber (C1), thereby increasing the heating efficiency of the heating element (30).

[0162] In addition, since the light path is separated from the atomization chamber (C1) in which the aerosol flows, a phenomenon in which a portion of the light (LL) traveling toward the heating plate (31) is blocked by the aerosol or aerosol generating material flowing within the atomization chamber (C1) can be prevented, and the heating efficiency of the heating element (30) can be increased.

[0163]

[0164] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a heating element of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of a storage chamber, a wick, and a heating element of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a light path and an aerosol generation direction in an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figs. 9 and 10 are enlarged cross-sections of a cartridge (20) in the BB area of ​​Fig. 3, showing a cross-section along line DD of Fig. 8. Detailed descriptions of features that overlap with those previously disclosed in Figs. 5 to 7 among the configurations of Figs. 8 to 10 will be omitted.

[0165] Referring to Fig. 8, the heating plate (31) may include a plurality of first parts (311a, 311b) that are spaced apart from each other. The plurality of first parts (311a, 311b) may be arranged on the inside of the heating plate (31). Each of the plurality of first parts (311a, 311b) may have a flat plate shape. Each of the plurality of first parts (311a, 311b) may have a plate shape that is blocked in the thickness direction of the heating plate (31).

[0166] The heating plate (31) may be provided with a plurality of light guides (32a, 32b). Each of the plurality of light guides (32a, 32b) may extend from the heating plate (31) in a direction in which the light source (40) is arranged. Each of the plurality of light guides (32a, 32b) may surround one surface of each of the plurality of first parts (311a, 311b). Each of the plurality of light guides (32a, 32b) may be formed with a guide groove (33a, 33b) that provides a path for light to travel from the opening on the lower side to one surface of the first part (311a, 311b) on the upper side.

[0167] The second part (312) may be arranged on the outside of the plurality of first parts (311a, 311b). The second part (312) may surround the plurality of first parts (311a, 311b). The second part (312) may be arranged at a location where light emitted from the light source (40) does not reach. The second part (312) may have a plurality of holes (312h) spaced apart from each other formed.

[0168] The heating plate (31) may include at least one of a third part (313) and a fourth part (314). A plurality of third parts (313) may be provided. For example, the third part (313) may include a plurality of plates extending radially from the first part (311). For example, the third part (313) may include a plate connecting a plurality of first parts (311a, 311b). The third part (313) may be formed integrally with the first part (311) and the second part (312).

[0169] The fourth part (314) may extend along the perimeter of the second part (312). The fourth part (314) may be formed integrally with the second part (312) and the third part (313).

[0170] The third part (313) and the fourth part (314) may be plate-shaped and blocked in the thickness direction of the heating plate (31). The third part (313) and the fourth part (314) may not be provided with a structure such as a hole through which light can pass.

[0171]

[0172] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 together with FIG. 3, the light source (40) may include a plurality of light sources (40a, 40b) that are arranged to face each of the plurality of first parts (311a, 311b) and emit light toward each of the plurality of first parts (311a, 311b). The plurality of light sources (40a, 40b) may be arranged to face one surface of each of the plurality of first parts (311a, 311b) of the heating plate (31).

[0173] The light source receiving portion (23a, 23b) can receive multiple light sources (40a, 40b) internally. The light source receiving portion (23a, 23b) can have multiple separate spaces in which each of the multiple light sources (40a, 40b) is received.

[0174] Each of the plurality of light guides (32a, 32b) can be coupled with a light source receiving portion (23a, 23b). The space formed by the coupling of the plurality of light guides (32a, 32b) and the light source receiving portion (23a, 23b) can be sealed from the outside. Each of the plurality of light sources (40a, 40b) can be arranged within the space formed by the coupling of the plurality of light guides (32a, 32b) and the light source receiving portion (23a, 23b). A reflector (34a, 24b) can be provided for each of the plurality of light guides (32a, 32b).

[0175] The atomizing chamber (C1) can surround the exterior of the plurality of light guides (32a, 32b). The plurality of holes (312h) can be arranged so as not to overlap the plurality of light guides (32a, 32b) in the thickness direction of the heating plate (31) or in the length direction of the light guides (32a, 32b). The plurality of holes (312h) can be arranged on the outside of the plurality of light guides (32a, 32b) in the length direction of the heating plate (31).

[0176] Light (LL1, LL2) emitted from each of the plurality of light sources (40a, 40b) can reach or be incident on the lower surface of each of the plurality of first parts (311a, 311b). The plurality of first parts (311a, 311b) can generate heat due to the light (LL1, LL2). The heat generated from the plurality of first parts (311a, 311b) can be transferred to the second part (312).

[0177] In this way, since each light (LL1, LL2) emitted from a plurality of light sources (40a, 40b) reaches a plurality of first parts (311a, 311b) arranged spaced apart from each other, the area of ​​the part directly heated by the heating element (30) can be increased, and the heating efficiency can be improved.

[0178] The control unit (12) can control the light source (40). The control unit (12) can control the on / off operation of the light source (40) and / or the power supplied to the light source (40). The control unit (12) can control the number of light sources emitting light among the plurality of light sources (40a, 40b) or the power supplied to the plurality of light sources (40a, 40b) based on the target temperature or target heating rate of the heating element (30). For example, when the target temperature of the heating element (30) is a certain temperature or higher, the control unit (12) can increase the number of light sources emitting light among the plurality of light sources (40a, 40b) or control the power source (11) to increase the power supplied to the plurality of light sources (40a, 40b). For example, when the target temperature of the heating element (30) is lower than a certain temperature, the control unit (12) can reduce the number of light sources emitting light among the plurality of light sources (40a, 40b) or control the power supply (11) to reduce the power supplied to the plurality of light sources (40a, 40b). For example, when the target temperature increase rate of the heating element (30) is higher than a certain value, the control unit (12) can increase the number of light sources emitting light among the plurality of light sources (40a, 40b) or control the power supply (11) to increase the power supplied to the plurality of light sources (40a, 40b). For example, when the target temperature increase rate of the heating element (30) is lower than a certain value, the control unit (12) can reduce the number of light sources emitting light among the plurality of light sources (40a, 40b) or control the power supply (11) to reduce the power supplied to the plurality of light sources (40a, 40b).

[0179] In this way, by controlling the operation of multiple light sources (40a, 40b) that emit light to the heating element (30), the target temperature or target heating rate of the heating element (30) can be accurately controlled.

[0180]

[0181] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an SPR heating element including a first part where light emitted from a light source reaches, and a second part where a plurality of holes are formed and is positioned outside the first part, is provided, so that the heating element is heated through a part where light is concentrated and reaches, thereby increasing heating efficiency.

[0182] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an SPR heating element is provided that is formed on the outside of an optical path and includes a plurality of holes that communicate with a wick and an atomization chamber, so that an aerosol product can be supplied to the heating element through the plurality of holes, and the generated aerosol can easily flow into an airflow channel through the plurality of holes, thereby increasing the amount of atomization.

[0183] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an SPR heating element is provided that includes a third part extending outwardly across a second part having a plurality of holes formed therein from a first part through which light reaches, so that heat transfer from a part directly heated by light to a surrounding part can be increased, and heat generation efficiency can be improved.

[0184] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a structure is provided that surrounds a first part where light reaches and extends from the first part in a direction in which a light source is arranged to seal the light path from the outside, so that light can be prevented from leaking out of the device, and light can be concentrated on a heating element to increase heat generation efficiency.

[0185] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an SPR heating element is provided that includes a plurality of first parts spaced apart from each other and each of which is reached by light emitted from a plurality of light sources, so that the area of ​​a part directly heated by the heating element can be increased, and heating efficiency can be improved.

[0186] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation of a plurality of light sources emitting light to a heating element is controlled, so that a target temperature or a target heating rate of the heating element can be accurately controlled.

[0187]

[0188] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 10, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a storage chamber (C0) in which an aerosol product is stored; a wick (25) communicating with the storage chamber (C0); a heating element (30) in contact with the wick (25) and including nanoparticles that generate heat by surface plasmon resonance; and a light source (40) that emits light toward the heating element (30); wherein the heating element (30) may include a first part (311) to which light emitted from the light source (40) reaches; and a second part (312) disposed on the outside of the first part (311) and having a plurality of holes (312h) formed therein.

[0189] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heating element (30) may include a heating plate (31) that extends in one direction and has the first part (311) and the second part (312); and a light guide (32) that extends from the heating plate (31) toward the light source (40) and has a path formed therein along which light emitted from the light source (40) travels.

[0190] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the light guide (32) may surround the surface of the first part (311) where the light reaches, and may extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the heating plate (31) from the surface where the light reaches.

[0191] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the light guide (32) may have a reflector (34) that reflects the light on the inner surface.

[0192] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the light source (40) may be placed opposite the wick (25) with respect to the heating element (30).

[0193] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the light source (40) may be accommodated therein, and a light source receiving portion (23) may be included to seal the inside of the light guide (32) by combining with the light guide (32) so as to prevent light emitted from the light source (40) from leaking outside the light guide (32).

[0194] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heating plate (31) is disposed opposite the wick (25) and includes an atomizing chamber (C1) surrounding the outside of the light guide (32), and the plurality of holes (312h) are connected to the wick (25) and the atomizing chamber (C1) and can be disposed on the outside of the light guide (32) in the longitudinal direction of the heating plate (31).

[0195] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, in the longitudinal direction of the heating plate (31), it may include an inlet (27) that is opened to one side from the atomizing chamber (C1); and an airflow channel (CN) that is arranged opposite the inlet (27) with respect to the atomizing chamber (C1).

[0196] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heating element (30) may include a third part (313) extending outwardly from the first part (311) across the second part (312).

[0197] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heating element (30) may include a plurality of third parts (313) extending radially from the first part (311).

[0198] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heating element (30) may include a fourth part (314) formed along the periphery of the second part (312) and connected to the second part (312) and the third part (313).

[0199] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heating element (30) includes a plurality of first parts (311a, 311b) spaced apart from each other, and the second part (312) can be arranged on the outside of the plurality of first parts (311a, 311b).

[0200] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the light source (40) may include a plurality of light sources arranged to face each of the plurality of first parts (311a, 311b) and emitting light toward each of the plurality of first parts (311a, 311b).

[0201] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device includes a control unit (12) that controls the light source (40), and the control unit (12) can control the number of light sources that emit light among the plurality of light sources based on a target temperature or a target heating rate of the heating element (30).

[0202]

[0203] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0204] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0205] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A storage chamber in which aerosol products are stored; A wick communicating with the above storage chamber; A heating element comprising nanoparticles that are in contact with the wick and generate heat by surface plasmon resonance; and A light source that emits light toward the above heating element; The above heating element is, A first part where light emitted from the light source reaches; and An aerosol generating device comprising a second part disposed on the outside of the first part and having a plurality of holes formed therein.

2. In paragraph 1, The above heating element is, A heating plate extending in one direction and having the first part and the second part; and An aerosol generating device including a light guide extending from the heating plate toward the light source and forming a path for light emitted from the light source to travel therein.

3. In paragraph 2, The above optical guide is, An aerosol generating device surrounding the surface where the light reaches the first part and extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the heating plate from the surface where the light reaches.

4. In paragraph 3, The above optical guide is, An aerosol generating device having a reflector on the inner surface that reflects the light.

5. In paragraph 3, The above light source is, An aerosol generating device positioned opposite the wick based on the above heating element.

6. In paragraph 2, An aerosol generating device comprising a light source receiving portion that is housed inside the light source and seals the inside of the light guide by being combined with the light guide to prevent light emitted from the light source from leaking outside the light guide.

7. In paragraph 2, It includes an atomizing chamber that is arranged opposite the wick based on the above heating plate and surrounds the outside of the light guide, The above plurality of holes are, An aerosol generating device that is connected to the wick and the atomizing chamber and is positioned outside the light guide in the longitudinal direction of the heating plate.

8. In paragraph 7, In the longitudinal direction of the above heating plate, an inlet opening to one side from the atomizing chamber; and An aerosol generating device including an airflow channel arranged opposite the inlet based on the above-mentioned atomizing chamber.

9. In paragraph 1, The above heating element is, An aerosol generating device comprising a third part extending outwardly across the second part from the first part.

10. In paragraph 9, The above heating element is, An aerosol generating device comprising a plurality of third parts extending radially from the first part.

11. In paragraph 9, The above heating element is, An aerosol generating device comprising a fourth part formed along the periphery of the second part and connected to the second part and the third part.

12. In paragraph 1, The above heating element is, Contains a plurality of first parts that are spaced apart from each other, The second part is an aerosol generating device arranged on the outside of the plurality of first parts.

13. In paragraph 12, The above light source is, An aerosol generating device comprising a plurality of light sources arranged to face each of the plurality of first parts and emitting light toward each of the plurality of first parts.

14. In paragraph 13, Including a control unit that controls the light source, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that controls the number of light sources emitting light among the plurality of light sources based on the target temperature or target heating rate of the heating element.

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