CN117956916A

CN117956916A - Aerosol generating device and method of manufacturing an outer cover for an aerosol generating device

Info

Publication number: CN117956916A
Application number: CN202380012283.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 金东星; 林宪一; 权宁范; 金龙焕
Original assignee: KT&G Corp
Current assignee: KT&G Corp
Priority date: 2022-08-30
Filing date: 2023-08-11
Publication date: 2024-04-30

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device comprising a body and an outer cover coupled to the body, wherein the outer cover comprises: a circuit layer, a base layer, a light-transmitting layer, a shielding layer, and a coating layer sequentially arranged in a direction from a rear surface of the outer cover toward a front surface of the outer cover; and one or more light emitting units disposed on the circuit layer, the base layer, the light transmitting layer, the shielding layer, and the coating layer including a material capable of transmitting light, and light emitted from the light emitting units sequentially passing through the base layer, the light transmitting layer, the shielding layer, and the coating layer.

Description

Aerosol generating device and method of manufacturing an outer cover for an aerosol generating device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device and a method of manufacturing an outer cover for an aerosol-generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol-generating device including an outer cover capable of improving the overall aesthetic appearance of the aerosol-generating device while ensuring uniformity of light emitted to the outside by reducing positional deviation between a light source and the outer cover and preventing holes for transmitting light from being seen from the outside.

Background

Recently, there has been an increase in the need for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of the conventional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for systems for generating aerosols by heating cigarettes or aerosol-generating substances using aerosol-generating devices, rather than by burning cigarettes.

As the functions of aerosol-generating devices become more and more diverse, various notification functions have been added. In particular, a plurality of light emitting units may be arranged to accurately represent the number of suctions or the remaining battery capacity. As the number of light emitting units arranged in the aerosol-generating device increases, aesthetic properties are deteriorated due to an increase in components for displaying the light emitting units or a tolerance between the components.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

The various embodiments improve the overall aesthetic appearance of the aerosol-generating device by preventing the holes for transmitting the light emitted from the light emitting unit and for causing the light to be displayed on the outer cover from being seen from the outside, while ensuring the uniformity of the light emitted to the outside.

The problems to be solved by the embodiments are not limited to the above-described problems, and the problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from the specification and drawings.

Solution to the problem

According to an aspect of the disclosure, an aerosol-generating device comprises a body and an outer cover coupled to the body, wherein the outer cover comprises: a circuit layer, a base layer, a light-transmitting layer, a shielding layer, and a coating layer sequentially arranged in a direction from a rear surface of the outer cover toward a front surface of the outer cover; and one or more light emitting units disposed on the circuit layer, the base layer, the light transmitting layer, the shielding layer, and the coating layer including a material capable of transmitting light, and light emitted from the light emitting units sequentially passing through the base layer, the light transmitting layer, the shielding layer, and the coating layer.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing an outer cover for an aerosol-generating device comprises: providing a base layer; sequentially stacking a light transmitting layer, a shielding layer, and a coating layer on a front surface of the base layer; and disposing a circuit layer on a rear surface of the base layer, on which one or more light emitting units are disposed, wherein the base layer, the light transmitting layer, the shielding layer, and the coating layer include a material capable of transmitting light, and light emitted from the light emitting units sequentially passes through the base layer, the light transmitting layer, the shielding layer, and the coating layer.

Means for solving the problem is not limited to the above description, and may include all that can be inferred by one of ordinary skill in the art from the specification.

Advantageous effects of the invention

The aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment may provide a structure that efficiently uses light sources while using a plurality of light sources and does not impair the overall aesthetic appearance of the aerosol-generating device.

Effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the present specification and drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 and 3 are illustrations showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 4 and 5 are diagrams showing examples of cigarettes.

Fig. 6A is a view showing an external appearance of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment.

Fig. 6B schematically shows the position where the circuit layer is attached to the outer cover of the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 7-12 are schematic cross-sectional views of outer covers of aerosol-generating devices according to different embodiments.

Fig. 13 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

With respect to terms in the various embodiments, general terms currently in wide use are selected in consideration of the functions of structural elements in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the meaning of these terms may vary depending on the intent, judicial cases, the advent of new technology, and the like. In addition, in certain instances, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant under certain circumstances. In this case, the meaning of the term will be described in detail at the corresponding part in the description of the present disclosure. Thus, terms used in various embodiments of the present disclosure should be defined based on meanings of the terms and descriptions provided herein.

Furthermore, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the term "comprising" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" will be understood to mean inclusion of the stated element but not the exclusion of any other element. In addition, the terms "-member", "-member" and "module" described in the application document refer to a unit for processing at least one function and operation, and may be implemented by hardware components or software components, and combinations thereof.

As used herein, when an expression such as "at least any one of" is located after an element of an arrangement, that expression modifies all of the elements rather than every element of the arrangement. For example, the expression "at least any one of a, b and c" should be interpreted as: including a, including b, including c, or including a and b, including a and c, including b and c, or including a, b and c.

Furthermore, as used herein, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used for distinguishing one element from another.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" may refer to a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol-generating substrate in order to generate an aerosol that is capable of being inhaled directly into the user's lungs through the user's mouth.

As used herein, the term "cigarette" is an article for smoking. For example, the cigarette may be a combustible type cigarette used by being lit and burned, or may be a heated type cigarette used by being heated by an aerosol-generating device.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown so that those having ordinary skill in the art may readily implement the present disclosure. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to fig. 1, the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise a battery 11, a controller 12 and a heater 13. Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further comprise a vaporiser 14. Furthermore, the cigarette 2 may be inserted into the interior space of the aerosol-generating device 1.

Fig. 1 to 3 show components of an aerosol-generating device 1 relating to the present embodiment. Accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art relating to the present embodiment will appreciate that other general-purpose components may be included in the aerosol-generating device 1 in addition to those illustrated in fig. 1-3.

In addition, fig. 2 and 3 show that the aerosol-generating device 1 comprises a heater 13. However, the heater 13 may be omitted as needed.

Fig. 1 shows: the battery 11, the controller 12 and the heater 13 are arranged in series. In addition, fig. 2 shows: the battery 11, the controller 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are arranged in series. In addition, fig. 3 shows: the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 1 is not limited to the structure shown in fig. 1 to 3. In other words, the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13 and the vaporiser 14 may be arranged in different ways depending on the design of the aerosol-generating device 1.

When the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1, the aerosol-generating device 1 may operate the vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol from the vaporizer 14. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and/or the vaporiser 14 is delivered to the user by passing through the cigarette 2.

In some cases, the aerosol-generating device 1 may operate the heater 13 even when the cigarette 2 is not inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1.

The battery 11 may supply electrical power for the operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the battery 11 may supply electric power to heat the heater 13 or the carburetor 14, and may supply electric power for operation by the controller 12. In addition, the battery 11 may supply electric power for operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like mounted in the aerosol-generating device 1.

The controller 12 may control the operation of the aerosol-generating device 1 as a whole. In detail, the controller 12 may control not only the operation of the battery 11, the heater 13 and the vaporizer 14, but also the operation of other components included in the aerosol-generating device 1. In addition, the controller 12 may check the status of each of the components of the aerosol-generating device 1 to determine if the aerosol-generating device 1 is operational.

The controller 12 may include at least one processor. A processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program capable of being executed in the microprocessor. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

The heater 13 may be heated by electric power supplied from the battery 11. For example, the heater 13 may be located outside the cigarette 2 when the cigarette is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1. Thus, the heated heater 13 may increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance in the cigarette.

The heater 13 may comprise a resistive heater. For example, the heater 13 may include conductive traces, and the heater 13 may be heated when current flows through the conductive traces. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and may include all heaters that can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol-generating device 1 or may be set by the user.

As another example, the heater 13 may include an induction heater. In detail, the heater 13 may comprise an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette 2 in an induction heating method, and the aerosol-generating article may comprise a susceptor that may be heated by the induction heater.

For example, the heater 13 may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and the heater 13 may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette 2 according to the shape of the heating element.

In addition, the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise a plurality of heaters 13. Here, the plurality of heaters 13 may be inserted into the cigarette 2, or may be disposed outside the cigarette 2. In addition, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be inserted into the cigarette 2, and other of the plurality of heaters 13 may be disposed outside of the cigarette 2. Further, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shape shown in fig. 1 to 3, and may include various shapes.

The vaporizer 14 may generate an aerosol by heating the liquid composition, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to a user through the cigarette 2. In other words, the aerosol generated via the vaporiser 14 may move along the airflow path of the aerosol-generating device 1, and the airflow path may be configured such that the aerosol generated via the vaporiser 14 is delivered to the user through the cigarette 2.

For example, vaporizer 14 may include a liquid storage portion, a liquid delivery element, and a heating element, but is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid reservoir, the liquid delivery element and the heating element may be comprised in the aerosol-generating device 1 as separate modules.

The liquid storage unit may store the liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising tobacco-containing materials having volatile tobacco flavor components, or may be a liquid comprising non-tobacco materials. The liquid storage portion may be formed to be detachable from the carburetor 14, or the liquid storage portion may be integrally formed with the carburetor 14.

For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, flavors, fragrances, or vitamin mixtures. The flavoring may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit-flavored ingredients, but is not limited thereto. The flavoring agent may include ingredients capable of providing a variety of flavors or fragrances to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin a, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the liquid composition may include aerosol-forming materials such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid delivery element may deliver the liquid composition of the liquid reservoir to the heating element. For example, the liquid transport element may be a core such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition transported by the liquid transporting element. For example, the heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited thereto. Further, the heating element may comprise a conductive wire, such as a nichrome wire, and the heating element may be positioned to wrap around the liquid delivery element. The heating element may be heated by the current supply means and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. Thus, an aerosol can be generated.

For example, the vaporizer 14 may be referred to as a cartomizer (cartomizer) or an atomizer (atomizer), but is not limited thereto.

The aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise general components in addition to the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13 and the vaporiser 14. For example, the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting tactile information. Furthermore, the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise at least one sensor (suction sensor, temperature sensor, aerosol-generating article insertion detection sensor, etc.). In addition, the aerosol-generating device 1 may be formed in a structure in which external air can be introduced or internal air can be discharged even when the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100.

Although not shown in fig. 1 to 3, the aerosol-generating device 1 and the further carrier may together form a system. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol-generating device 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 may be heated when the carrier and the aerosol-generating device 1 are coupled to each other.

The cigarette 2 may resemble a typical burning cigarette. For example, the cigarette 2 may be divided into a first portion comprising aerosol-generating substance and a second portion comprising a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 2 may also include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance made in the form of particles or capsules may be inserted in the second portion.

The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100, or a part of the second part and the entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1. The user may draw the aerosol while maintaining the second portion with the user's mouth. In this case, the aerosol is generated by passing outside air through the first portion, and the generated aerosol passes through the second portion and is delivered to the mouth of the user.

For example, the external air may flow into at least one air channel formed in the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air channel and/or the size of the air channel formed in the aerosol-generating device 1 may be adjusted by the user. Thus, the amount and quality of smoking can be adjusted by the user. As another example, outside air may flow into cigarette 2 through at least one aperture formed in the surface of cigarette 2.

An example of a cigarette 2 is described below with reference to figures 4 and 5.

Fig. 4 and 5 show examples of cigarettes.

Referring to fig. 4, cigarette 2 may include a tobacco rod 210 and a filter rod 220. The first portion described above with reference to fig. 1-3 may include a tobacco rod 210 and the second portion may include a filter rod 220.

Fig. 4 shows: the filter rod 220 comprises a single segment. However, the filter rod 220 is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 220 may include a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 220 may include a segment configured to cool the aerosol and a segment configured to filter a specific component contained in the aerosol. In addition, the filter rod 220 may also include at least one segment configured to perform other functions, as desired.

The cigarette 2 may have a diameter in the range of 5mm to 9mm and a length of about 48mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 210 may be about 12mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 220 may be about 10mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 220 may be about 14mm long, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 220 may be about 12mm, but is not limited thereto.

Cigarettes 2 may be wrapped using at least one wrapper 240. The package 240 may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or internal air may be discharged. For example, cigarettes 2 may be packaged by one package 240. As another example, cigarettes 2 may be double wrapped by two or more wrappers 240. For example, the tobacco rod 210 may be wrapped by the first wrapper 241 and the filter rod 220 may be wrapped by the wrappers 242, 243, and 244. Furthermore, the entire cigarette 2 may be repackaged from a single package. When filter rod 220 includes a plurality of segments, each segment may be packaged by packages 242, 243, and 244.

The first and second packages 241 and 242 may be made of plain filter paper. For example, the first and second packages 241 and 242 may be porous or nonporous paper. In addition, the first and second packages 241 and 242 may be made of paper oil-resistant paper and/or aluminum laminated packaging paper.

The third wrapping 243 may be made of cardboard. For example, the basis weight of the third package 243 may be included in the range of 88g/m ² to 96g/m ², and preferably, the basis weight of the third package 243 may be included in the range of 90g/m ² to 94g/m ². In addition, the thickness of the third package 243 may be included in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably, the thickness of the third package 243 may be 125 μm.

The fourth package 244 may be made of oil resistant hard paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth package 244 may be included in the range of 88g/m ² to 96g/m ², and preferably, the basis weight of the fourth package 244 may be included in the range of 90g/m ² to 94g/m ². In addition, the thickness of the fourth package 244 may be included in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably, the thickness of the fourth package 244 may be 125 μm.

The fifth package 245 may be made of a sterile paper (MFW). Here, the aseptic paper (MFW) refers to paper specially manufactured so that tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, and the like are improved as compared with plain paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth package 245 may be comprised in the range of 57g/m ² to 63g/m ², and preferably the basis weight of the fifth package 245 may be 60g/m ². In addition, the thickness of the fifth package 245 may be included in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably, the thickness of the fifth package 245 may be 67 μm.

A predetermined material may be added to the fifth package 245. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicon, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has characteristics such as heat resistance with little change in temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water resistance, or electrical insulation. However, any material having the above characteristics may be applied (or coated) to the fifth package 245 without limitation even if the predetermined material is not silicon.

The fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the cigarettes 2 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 13, there is a possibility that the cigarette 2 is burned. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any of the materials contained in tobacco rod 310, cigarette 2 may burn. Even in this case, combustion of the cigarettes 2 can be prevented because the fifth wrapper 245 comprises a non-combustible material.

In addition, the fifth package 245 may prevent the holder from being contaminated with substances generated by the cigarettes 2. By the user's suction, liquid substances may be generated in the cigarette 2. For example, when the aerosol generated by the cigarette 2 is cooled by the outside air, liquid substances (e.g., moisture, etc.) may be generated. When the fifth wrapper 245 wraps the cigarettes 2, liquid substances generated in the cigarettes 2 can be prevented from leaking out of the cigarettes 2.

The tobacco rod 210 may include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the tobacco rod 210 may include other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and/or organic acids. In addition, the tobacco rod 210 may include a flavored liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, injected into the tobacco rod 210.

The tobacco rod 210 may be manufactured in various forms. For example, the tobacco rod 210 may be formed as a sheet (sheet) or a thread (strand). In addition, the tobacco rod 210 may be formed as cut tobacco formed from tiny fragments cut from tobacco sheets. Further, the tobacco rod 210 may be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil, such as aluminum foil. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 may uniformly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 210, and thus, the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod may be increased, and the taste of the tobacco may be improved. In addition, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 may serve as a base for heating by an induction heater. Here, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 210 may include additional bases in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 210.

The filter rod 220 may include a cellulose acetate filter. The shape of the filter rod 220 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 220 may comprise a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod having a hollow interior. In addition, the filter rod 220 may include a concave rod. Where the filter rod 220 includes a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured in different shapes.

The first segment of the filter rod 220 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure including a hollow formed therein. When the heater 13 is inserted by the first section, the first section may prevent the internal material of the tobacco rod 210 from being pushed rearward, and may also produce an effect of cooling the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow portion included in the first section may be appropriately selected in the range of about 2mm to about 4.5mm, but is not limited thereto.

The length of the first section may be appropriately selected in the range of 4mm to 30mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first section may be 10mm, but is not limited thereto.

The hardness of the first stage can be adjusted by adjusting the plasticizer content when the first stage is manufactured. In addition, the first segment may be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a membrane or tube made of the same material or different materials into the interior (e.g., the hollow).

The second section of the filter rod 220 cools the aerosol generated by heating the tobacco rod 210 by the heater 13. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

The length or diameter of the second segment may be determined differently depending on the shape of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the second section may have a suitable length in the range of 7mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second section may be about 14mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second segment may be manufactured by braiding the polymer fibers. In this case, the fragrant liquid may be applied to the fibers made of the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be manufactured by braiding together individual fibers to which the scented liquid is applied and fibers made of a polymer. Alternatively, the second section may be formed from a curled polymeric sheet.

For example, the polymer may be made of a material selected from Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose Acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

Since the second section is formed from woven polymer fibers or crimped polymer sheets, the second section may include single or multiple passages extending longitudinally. Herein, a passageway refers to a passageway through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

For example, the second segment made of the curled polymeric sheet may be formed of a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, e.g., the second segment made of the curled polymeric sheet may be formed of a material having a thickness between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Further, the total surface area of the second section may be between about 300mm ²/mm and about 1000mm ²/mm. Furthermore, the aerosol-cooling element may be formed from a material having a specific surface area of between about 10mm ²/mg to about 100mm ²/mg.

Meanwhile, the second section may include a wire (thread) containing a volatile fragrance component. Here, the volatile flavor component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the wire may be loaded with sufficient menthol to provide at least 1.5mg of menthol to the second segment.

The third section of the filter rod 220 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third section may be suitably selected in the range of 4mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third section may be 12mm, but is not limited thereto.

During the manufacture of the third segment, the fragrance may be generated by spraying a fragrance liquid onto the third segment. Alternatively, individual fibers coated with a scented liquid may be inserted into the third section. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 210 is cooled as it passes through the second section of the filter rod 220 and the cooled aerosol is conveyed to the user through the third section. Thus, when the scent element is added to the third section, an effect of enhancing the durability of the scent delivered to the user may be produced.

In addition, the filter rod 220 may include at least one capsule 230. Here, the capsule 230 may generate a fragrance or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 230 may have a configuration in which a liquid containing a fragrance material is enclosed with a film. For example, the capsule 230 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to fig. 5, cigarette 3 may further include a front end plug 330. The front end plug 330 may be located on the opposite side of the tobacco rod 31 from the filter rod 32. During smoking, the front end plug 330 may prevent the tobacco rod 310 from escaping outwards and the liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 310 into the aerosol-generating device 1 (fig. 1-3).

The filter rod 320 may include a first section 321 and a second section 322. Here, the first section 321 may correspond to the first section of the filter rod 220 of fig. 4, and the second section 322 may correspond to the third section of the filter rod 220 of fig. 4.

The diameter and overall length of the cigarette 3 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the cigarette 2 of fig. 4. For example, front end plug 330 may be about 7mm in length, tobacco rod 31 may be about 15mm in length, first section 321 may be about 12mm in length, and second section 322 may be about 14mm in length, but is not limited thereto.

Cigarettes 3 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 350. The package 350 may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or internal air may be exhausted. For example, the front end plug 330 may be packaged by a first package 351, and the tobacco rod 310 may be packaged by a second package 352, and the first segment 321 may be packaged by a third package 353, and the second segment 322 may be packaged by a fourth package 354. In addition, the entire cigarette 3 may be packaged by the fifth package 355.

In addition, the fifth package 355 may have at least one aperture 36. For example, the holes 36 may be formed in a region surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but are not limited thereto. The holes 36 may be used to transfer heat formed by the heater 13 shown in fig. 2 and 3 to the interior of the tobacco rod 310.

In addition, second section 322 may include at least one capsule 340. Here, capsule 340 may generate a flavor or aerosol. For example, capsule 340 may have a configuration in which a liquid containing a flavoring material is enclosed with a film. For example, the capsule 340 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

In addition, the first wrapper 351 may be manufactured by coupling a metal foil such as aluminum foil to a general filter wrapper. For example, the total thickness of the first package 351 may be included in a range of 44 μm to 55 μm, and preferably, the total thickness of the first package 351 may be 50.3 μm. In addition, the thickness of the metal foil of the first package 351 may be included in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably, the thickness of the metal foil of the first package 351 may be 6.3 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the first package 351 may be included in the range of 50g/m ² to 55g/m ², and preferably, the basis weight of the first package 351 may be 53g/m ².

The second package 352 and the third package 353 may be made of common filter paper. For example, the second package 352 and the third package 353 may be porous paper or non-porous paper.

For example, the porosity of the second package 352 may be 35000CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the second package 352 may be included in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and preferably, the thickness of the second package 352 may be 78 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the second package 352 may be included in the range of 20g/m ² to 25g/m ², and preferably, the basis weight of the second package 352 may be 23.5g/m ².

For example, the porosity of the third package 353 may be 24000CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the third package 353 may be included in the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and preferably, the thickness of the third package 353 may be 68 μm. Further, the basis weight of the third package 353 may be included in the range of 20g/m ² to 25g/m ², and preferably, the basis weight of the third package 353 may be 21g/m ².

The fourth package 354 may be made of PLA laminate paper. Herein, PLA laminated paper refers to a three-ply paper including a paper ply, a PLA layer, and a paper ply. For example, the thickness of the fourth package 354 may be included in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably, the thickness of the fourth package 354 may be 110 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the fourth package 354 may be included in the range of 80g/m ² to 100g/m ², and preferably, the basis weight of the fourth package 354 may be 88g/m ² μm.

The fifth package 355 may be made of a sterile paper (MFW). For example, the basis weight of the fifth package 245 may be included in the range of 57g/m ² to 63g/m ², and preferably, the basis weight of the fifth package 355 may be 60g/m ². In addition, the thickness of the fifth package 245 may be included in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably, the thickness of the fifth package 245 may be 67 μm.

The front plug 330 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the front plug 330 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., glyceryl triacetate) to the cellulose acetate tow. Shan Dan denier (mono denier) of filaments comprising cellulose acetate tow may be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and preferably, mono denier of filaments comprising cellulose acetate tow may be included in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the filament of the front plug 330 may have a single denier of 5.0. In addition, the cross-section of the filaments comprising the front plug 330 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the front plug 330 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, and preferably, the total denier of the front plug 330 may be in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the front plug 330 may be 28,000.

In addition, the front plug 330 may include at least one passageway, as desired, and the cross-sectional shape of the passageway may be manufactured in various ways.

The tobacco rod 310 may correspond to the tobacco rod 210 described above with reference to fig. 4. Accordingly, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 310 is omitted herein.

The first section 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first section 321 may be a tubular structure including a hollow formed therein. The first section 321 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., glyceryl triacetate) to the cellulose acetate tow. For example, shan Dan denier and total denier of the first section 321 may be the same as Shan Dan denier and total denier of the front plug 330.

Second section 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The single denier of the filaments comprising second section 322 may be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and preferably, the single denier of the filaments comprising second section 322 may be included in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the filaments of second segment 322 may have a single denier of 9.0. Additionally, the cross-section of the filaments of second section 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, and preferably, the total denier of the second segment 322 may be 25,000.

Referring to fig. 6A, the aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment may comprise a body 110 and an outer cover 120 coupled to the body 110.

The outer cover 120 may be coupled to an area of the body 110 to protect components of the aerosol-generating device 1 arranged on the body 110. The body 110 and the outer cover 120 coupled to each other may form the overall appearance of the aerosol-generating device 1. The main body 110 and the outer cover 120 may be adhered to each other and non-detachably coupled to each other, or the main body 110 and the outer cover 120 may be detachably coupled to each other by a coupling means such as a coupling groove, but the coupling method may be implemented in different manners.

As will be described below, components of the aerosol-generating device 1 may be included in the body 110 in addition to the circuit layer 121 included in the outer cover 120. For example, there may be disposed in the main body 110: the accommodating space can be used for inserting cigarettes; a heater for heating the cigarettes; and a user interface (e.g., universal Serial Bus (USB) interface) for electrically connecting the aerosol-generating device 1 to an external device, but is not limited thereto.

Fig. 6B schematically shows the position where the circuit layer 121 is attached to the outer cover of the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 6B shows only some of the components of the outer cover 120. The outer cover 120 includes: a circuit layer 121, a base layer, a light-transmitting layer, a shielding layer, and a coating layer 125 sequentially arranged in a direction from the rear surface to the front surface of the outer cover 120; and one or more light emitting units 121a, the one or more light emitting units 121a being arranged in the circuit layer 121. However, fig. 6B omits components other than the circuit layer 121, the light emitting unit 121a, and the coating layer 125 to schematically show a position where the circuit layer 121 is attached to the outer cover 120.

Referring to fig. 6B, the front surface of the outer cover 120 may include a coating layer 125, and the coating layer 125 may represent the appearance of the outer cover 120. The coating layer 125 may represent the color of the front surface of the outer cover 120. Additionally, the coating layer 125 may also represent the texture of the outer cover 120.

In an embodiment, the coating layer 125 may further include a hard coating layer for increasing the strength of the outer cover 120 and protecting the surface of the outer cover 120. Here, the hard coating layer may include a transparent material such that the color of the coating layer 125 may be presented on the front surface of the outer cover 120.

Referring to fig. 6B, the circuit layer 121 may include one or more light emitting units 121a. The light emitted from the light emitting unit 121a may be transmitted toward the front surface of the outer cover 120. The circuit layer 121 on which one or more light emitting units 121a are disposed may be disposed on the rear surface of the outer cover 120. The circuit layer 121 may be adhered to the rear surface of the outer cover 120, and may be transferred onto the rear surface, but is not limited thereto.

Fig. 7 to 12 are schematic cross-sectional views of an outer cover of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 7 to 12 relate to various embodiments of the outer cover 120 of the aerosol-generating device 1, and repeated description of the outer cover 120 will be omitted. The various embodiments described below with reference to fig. 7 may also be applied to fig. 8 to 12.

Fig. 7 shows a cross-section of the outer cover 120 of the aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the outer cover 120 of the aerosol-generating device 1 may have a configuration in which light is emitted in the direction of the front surface of the outer cover 120. In other words, the emitted light may be displayed on the front surface of the outer cover 120 such that the user can visually recognize the light emitted toward the front surface of the outer cover 120.

In detail, the outer cover 120 may include a circuit layer 121, a base layer 122, a light transmitting layer 123, a shielding layer 124, and a coating layer 125 sequentially arranged in a direction from a rear surface to a front surface of the outer cover 120.

The circuit layer 121 may include one or more light emitting units 121a disposed on the circuit layer 121. The base layer 122, the light transmissive layer 123, the shielding layer 124, and the coating layer 125 may include a material capable of transmitting light.

Light emitted from the light emitting unit 121a disposed on the circuit layer 121 may sequentially pass through the base layer 122, the light transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, and the coating layer 125, and may be displayed on the front surface of the outer cover 120.

The outer cover 120 may include a circuit layer 121 having a light emitting unit 121a on a rear surface of the outer cover 120, and thus a distance between a position where light is emitted and a position where the emitted light is displayed may be reduced. Therefore, the unevenness of light due to the positional deviation can also be reduced.

The base layer 122 may be disposed on the circuit layer 121, the light transmissive layer 123 may be disposed on the base layer 122, the shielding layer 124 may be disposed on the light transmissive layer 123, and the coating layer 125 may be disposed on the shielding layer 124. The coating layer 125 may constitute a front surface of the outer cover 120. In other words, the base layer 122, the light transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, and the coating layer 125 may be sequentially arranged in the direction of the front surface of the circuit layer 121, which matches the direction of the front surface of the outer cover 120.

The light emitting unit 121a may include a light source. The light source may be, for example, a Light Emitting Diode (LED), but is not limited thereto, and the light source may include another light source, such as a lamp. The light emitting unit 121a may be disposed on a rear surface or a front surface of the circuit layer 121.

The light emitted from the light emitting unit 121a may be transmitted toward the front surface of the outer cover 120. In detail, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 121a may sequentially pass through the base layer 122, the light transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, and the coating layer 125.

One or more light emitting units 121a may be turned on or off to provide various types of information through the front surface of the outer cover 120. The light emitting unit 121a may also provide various types of information through a change in the intensity or color of the emitted light.

The light emitting unit 121a may display the operation state of the aerosol-generating device 1 by emitting light in one of various predetermined colors. For example, when the aerosol-generating device 1 is preheated, the color of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 121a may change with an increase in temperature, and the change in color may be displayed on the front surface of the outer cover 120 to be visually recognized by the user. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and notification may be output to the user in different manners according to embodiments. The operation of the light emitting unit 121a may be controlled by a controller (not shown).

The circuit layer 121 may be located on the outermost side of the rear surface of the outer cover 120, and thus the circuit layer 121 and the body 110 may contact each other when the body 110 and the outer cover 120 are coupled to each other. Other components, such as a protective film, may also be included in the direction of the rear surface of the circuit layer 121 that matches the direction of the rear surface of the outer cover 120.

The circuit layer 121 may be a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) or a Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB), and the light emitting unit 121a may be mounted on the circuit layer 121. However, the arrangement form, the mounting method, and the like of the light emitting unit 121a are not limited. In addition, the circuit layer 121 may include at least one electrical connector (not shown) electrically connected with the light emitting unit 121a, a controller (not shown), and the like.

As an example, the base layer 122 may be disposed on the circuit layer 121, and may be formed to be transparent or translucent to allow light to pass through. In other words, the display unit may include a material that transmits light with a certain transmittance. In detail, the translucent material may have a light transmittance of more than 0% and less than 100%.

In more detail, the material of the base layer 122 may include glass or a plastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or Polycarbonate (PC). However, the material of the base layer 122 is not limited thereto, and the base layer 122 may also include other materials.

The base layer 122 may be a base for overlapping the light transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, and the coating layer 125, and the base layer 122 may provide rigidity of the outer cover 120.

As an example, the support unit 121c may also be included between the circuit layer 121 and the base layer 122 to stabilize the arrangement structure between the circuit layer 121 and the base layer 122. The support unit 121c may be formed separately from the circuit layer 121 or the base layer 122, the support unit 121c may be integrally formed with the circuit layer 121, or the support unit 121c may be integrally formed with the base layer 122.

The support unit 121c may be disposed between the circuit layer 121 and the base layer 122 such that the light emitting unit 121a or other components (not shown) of the circuit layer 121 may not be in contact with the base layer 122. The support member 121c may be disposed on a portion of the circuit layer 121 where no component is disposed, and a space 121b may be formed between the circuit layer 121 and the base layer 122. The light emitted from the light emitting unit 121a may travel toward the base layer 122 through the space 121b. In an embodiment, a surface of the support unit 121c facing the space 121b may have a characteristic of reflecting light.

As an example, the light transmissive layer 123 may be disposed on the base layer 122. The light emitted from the light emitting unit 121a may pass through the base layer 122 and the light transmitting layer 123. The light transmissive layer 123 may include a material capable of transmitting light.

The light transmitting layer 123 may include one or more light transmitting units 123a capable of partially transmitting light and one or more light blocking units 123b capable of partially blocking light. That is, the light transmitting unit 123a may have a light transmittance higher than that of the light shielding unit 123b.

The light transmitting unit 123a may be formed at a position where the light emitted from the light emitting unit 121a is transmitted.

For example, the plurality of light emitting units 121a may be formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of light transmitting units 123a, respectively, or the plurality of light transmitting units 123a may be formed at positions corresponding to one light emitting unit 121 a. Alternatively, one light transmitting unit 123a may be formed at a position corresponding to the plurality of light emitting units 121a, and the above-described arrangements may be variously combined.

In addition, the path of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 121a may be adjusted by reflection, refraction, or the like, and one or more light transmitting units 123a may be arranged on the adjusted path of the light.

The light transmitting layer 123 may be printed and formed on the base layer 122 by a printing process such as screen printing or by another transfer process.

The light shielding unit 123b may shield the light emitted from the light emitting unit 121a, and the light shielding unit 123b may be printed by using colored ink. The ink may be black or other color ink. The color of the ink may be the same as or similar to the color of the masking layer 124 or the coating layer 125.

The light transmitting unit 123a may transmit the light emitted from the light emitting unit 121a, and the light transmitting unit 123a may be the remaining portion of the light transmitting layer 123 where the light shielding unit 123b is not formed. The light transmitting unit 123a may be formed at a position corresponding to the light emitting unit 121 a. Therefore, when the light emitting unit 121 emits light, the light transmitting unit 123a may transmit the light to expose the light to the outside.

The light transmitting unit 123a may be a remaining area except for the light shielding unit 123 b. The light transmitting unit 123a may be a hole, or the light transmitting unit 123a may be formed of a material capable of transmitting light. The light shielding unit 123b may be formed by printing a material that shields light, and the light transmitting unit 123a may be formed in a region where the material that shields light is not printed, such that the light transmitting unit 123a has the above-described hole. The material capable of transmitting light may be, for example, a polyurethane-based resin.

Each of the light transmitting units 123a may have various sizes and shapes, for example, the light transmitting unit may have a circular or polygonal shape.

The light transmitting unit 123a may transmit the light emitted from the light emitting unit 121a and expose the light to the front surface of the outer cover 120 so that the user may observe the light. In detail, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 121a may sequentially pass through the base layer 122, the light transmitting unit 123a of the light transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, and the coating layer 125 to be observed by a user.

By turning on or off the one or more light emitting units 121a, the plurality of light transmitting units 123a may display pictures, numerals, characters, etc. on the front surface of the outer cover 120.

As an example, the shielding layer 124 may be disposed on the light transmitting layer 123. When the light emitting unit 121a is turned off, the light transmitting unit 123a may be hidden by the shielding layer 124 such that the light transmitting unit 123a for light transmission cannot be seen through the front surface of the outer cover 120.

The shielding layer 124 may transmit light emitted from the light emitting unit 121a toward the front surface of the outer cover 120 when the light emitting unit 121a is turned on, and the shielding layer 124 may hide the light transmitting unit 123a such that the shielding layer 124 is not visible through the front surface of the outer cover 120 when the light emitting unit 121a is turned off. In other words, the shielding layer 124 may transmit the light emitted from the light emitting unit 121a to the outside (i.e., in a direction toward the front surface) and prevent the light incident from the outside from being transmitted to the inside (i.e., in a direction toward the rear surface).

Due to the shielding layer 124, a user may not recognize the internal structure of the light emitting unit 121a or the light transmitting unit 123a transmitting the light emitted from the light emitting unit 121a, etc., but may recognize only the light transmitted from the light emitting unit 121a to the front surface of the outer cover 120. According to this embodiment, the design can be enhanced in terms of aesthetic properties.

Masking layer 124 may be in the form of a very thin metal layer. For example, the shielding layer 124 may be formed by printing metallic ink or by coating with semi-transmissive spray. However, the shielding layer 124 is not limited thereto, and the shielding layer 124 may be implemented by other materials capable of adjusting transmittance.

As an example, the coating layer 125 may be disposed on the shielding layer 124. The coating layer 125 may form the appearance of the front surface of the outer cover 120 of the aerosol-generating device 1. The color, texture, etc. of the front surface of the outer cover 120 may be formed of the coating layer 125. The coating layer 125 may be formed, for example, by film transfer.

The coating layer 125 may include a material capable of transmitting light. The light emitted from the light emitting unit 121a may be sequentially transmitted through the base layer 122, the light transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, and the coating layer 125, and may be displayed on the front surface of the outer cover 120. The front surface of the outer cover 120 may be the front surface of the coating layer 125.

As an example, the coating layer 125 may further include a hard coating layer having high hardness to enhance surface hardness and durability of the front surface of the outer cover 120.

Fig. 8 shows a cross-section of an outer cover 120 of an aerosol-generating device 1 according to another embodiment.

The circuit layer 121, the light emitting unit 121a, the base layer 122, the light transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, the coating layer 125, and the like shown in fig. 8 are the same as those described above with reference to fig. 7, and thus descriptions of these components are omitted.

As described above, the light transmitting layer 123 may include one or more light transmitting units 123a capable of transmitting light and one or more light shielding units 123b capable of shielding light. The light transmitting unit 123a may be formed at a position where the light emitted from the light emitting unit 121a is transmitted.

Referring to fig. 8, a plurality of light transmitting units 123a may be formed at positions where light emitted from one light emitting unit 121a is transmitted.

As shown in fig. 8, assuming that the path of the light emitted from one light emitting unit 121a does not overlap with the path of the light emitted from the other light emitting unit 121a, the light emitted from one light emitting unit 121a may be arranged to pass through two light transmitting units 123a, the light emitted from the other light emitting unit 121a may be arranged to pass through three light transmitting units 123a, and the light emitted from the other light emitting unit 121a may be arranged to pass through five light transmitting units 123a.

The number, arrangement interval, size, etc. of the light transmitting units 123a may be differently set. At least one shape of pictures, characters, numerals, and symbols may be formed by appropriately setting the number, arrangement interval, size, and the like of the light transmitting units 123 a. In other words, the light transmitting unit 123a may transmit light emitted from at least one of the light emitting units 121a, and the light transmitted through the light transmitting unit 123a may reach the front surface of the outer cover 120, and thus, the user may recognize at least one of the following shapes: pictures, characters, numbers, and symbols.

Fig. 9 shows a cross-section of an outer cover 120 of an aerosol-generating device 1 according to another embodiment.

Referring to fig. 9, unlike the embodiment of fig. 7 and 8, a light diffusion layer 126 disposed between the circuit layer 121 and the base layer 122 may be included. The circuit layer 121, the light emitting unit 121a, the base layer 122, the light transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, the coating layer 125, and the like are the same as the above-described components, and thus descriptions of these components are omitted.

The light diffusion layer 126 may be disposed between the circuit layer 121 and the base layer 122, and may guide light emitted from the light emitting unit 121a to pass through the light transmitting unit 123a. The light diffusion layer 126 may include one or more light guiding units 126a and one or more light reflecting units 126b.

The light guiding unit 126a may transmit the light emitted from the light emitting unit 121a, and the light reflecting unit 126b may reflect the light emitted from the light emitting unit 121 a. The light guiding unit 126a and the light reflecting unit 126b may be included to allow light to be concentrated toward the light transmitting unit 123a of the light transmitting layer 123. Thus, relatively bright light can be displayed, even with a small amount of light; and relatively less power may be used to emit light from the light emitting unit 121 a.

The light reflecting unit 126b may be formed of a material that reflects light. In an embodiment, only a portion of the light reflecting unit 126b that is in contact with the light guiding unit 126a may include a material that reflects light. When only a portion of the light reflecting units 126b include a material that reflects light, the remaining portion of the light reflecting units 126b may be filled with a material that does not transmit light to allow light emitted from the light emitting units 121a to pass through only the light guiding units 126a.

Fig. 10 shows a cross-section of an outer cover 120 of an aerosol-generating device 1 according to another embodiment.

Referring to fig. 10, the light guiding unit 126a may have a shape gradually increasing in size from the circuit layer 121 toward the base layer 122. Such a shape may allow light to be further concentrated toward the light transmitting unit 123a of the light transmitting layer 123. When the light guiding unit 126a has a shape as shown in fig. 10, the light reflecting unit 126b may have a shape gradually decreasing in size from the circuit layer 121 toward the base layer 122. However, the embodiment is not limited to the above-described shape and may include any shape for achieving the above-described object.

Fig. 11 shows a cross-section of an outer cover 120 of an aerosol-generating device 1 according to another embodiment.

Referring to fig. 11, unlike the embodiment of fig. 7 to 10, a light emitting unit 121a may be disposed on a rear surface of the circuit layer 121. The circuit layer 121, the light emitting unit 121a, the base layer 122, the light transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, the coating layer 125, and the like are the same as the above-described components, and thus descriptions of these components are omitted.

Light emitted from the light emitting unit 121a disposed on the rear surface of the circuit layer 121 may pass through the base layer 122, the light transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, and the coating layer 125, and may be displayed on the front surface of the outer cover 120.

As shown in fig. 11, when the light emitting unit 121a is disposed on the rear surface of the circuit layer 121, the arrangement interval between the circuit layer 121 and the base layer 122 may be reduced, and thus, the positional deviation due to the tolerance may be reduced. In other words, the distance between the position where light is emitted and the position where the emitted light is displayed can be reduced, and thus the unevenness of light due to positional deviation can be reduced.

Fig. 12 shows a cross-section of an outer cover 120 of an aerosol-generating device 1 according to another embodiment.

Referring to fig. 12, similar to the embodiment of fig. 11, a light emitting unit 121a may be disposed on the rear surface of the circuit layer 121. However, unlike the embodiment of fig. 11, a light diffusion layer 126 disposed between the circuit layer 121 and the base layer 122 may be included. The circuit layer 121, the light emitting unit 121a, the base layer 122, the light transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, the coating layer 125, and the like are the same as the above-described components, and thus descriptions of these components are omitted.

The light guiding unit 126a may transmit the light emitted from the light emitting unit 121a, and the light reflecting unit 126b may reflect the light emitted from the light emitting unit 121 a. A light guiding unit 126a and a light reflecting unit 126b may be included to allow light to be concentrated toward the light transmitting unit 123a of the light transmitting layer 123. Thus, relatively bright light can be displayed, even with a small amount of light; and relatively less power may be used to emit light from the light emitting unit 121 a.

When the light guiding units 126a concentrate light in the direction of the light transmitting units 123a, the number or shape of the light guiding units 126a is not limited.

According to the above-described embodiments, the outer cover 120 for the aerosol-generating device 1 may be manufactured by: providing a base layer 122; sequentially stacking a light transmitting layer 123, a shielding layer 124, and a coating layer 125 on the front surface of the base layer 122; and disposing a circuit layer 121 on a rear surface of the base layer 122, on which circuit layer 121 one or more light emitting units 121a are disposed. As described above, the base layer 122, the light-transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, and the coating layer 125 may include a material capable of transmitting light, and the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 121a may sequentially pass through the base layer 122, the light-transmitting layer 123, the shielding layer 124, and the coating layer 125.

Further, as described above, the light transmitting layer 123 may include one or more light transmitting units 123a transmitting light and one or more light shielding units 123b shielding light. Here, the light shielding unit 123b may be formed by printing a material that shields light, and the light transmitting unit 123a may be formed in a region where the material that shields light is not printed, but the light shielding unit 123b and the light transmitting unit 123a are not limited to the above-described method.

In addition, the operation of disposing the circuit layer 121 on the rear surface of the base layer 122 may include: an operation of adhering the circuit layer 121 to the rear surface of the base layer 122 or forming the circuit layer 121 on the rear surface of the base layer 122.

In detail, the bonding may be performed by using a bonding method generally used in the art, for example, bonding may be performed by using an adhesive or a bonding tape; or bonding may be performed by a fusion method. The circuit layer 121 may be disposed on the rear surface of the base layer 122 by directly transferring the circuit layer 121 onto the rear surface of the base layer 122, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

Fig. 13 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device 1300 according to another embodiment.

The aerosol-generating device 1300 may include a controller 1310, a sensing unit 1320, an output unit 1330, a battery 1340, a heater 1350, a user input unit 1360, a memory 1370, and a communication unit 1380. However, the internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 1300 is not limited to that shown in fig. 13. That is, depending on the design of the aerosol-generating device 1300, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that some of the components shown in fig. 13 may be omitted or new components may be added.

The sensing unit 1320 may sense a state of the aerosol-generating device 1300 or a state around the aerosol-generating device 1300 and transmit the sensed information to the controller 1310. Based on the sensed information, the controller 1310 may control the aerosol-generating device 1300 to perform various functions, such as controlling operation of the heater 1350, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol-generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, displaying a notification, etc.

The sensing unit 1320 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 1322, an insertion detection sensor 1324, and a pumping sensor 1326, but is not limited thereto.

The temperature sensor 1322 may sense the temperature at which the heater 1350 (or the aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1300 may comprise a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 1350, or the heater 1350 may be used as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, temperature sensor 1322 may also be disposed around battery 1340 to monitor the temperature of battery 1340.

The insertion detection sensor 1324 may sense insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 1324 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, an inductance sensor, and an infrared sensor, and the insertion detection sensor 1324 may sense a signal change according to insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article.

The puff sensor 1326 may sense a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow channel or airflow path. For example, the puff sensor 1326 may sense a puff of a user based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

The sensing unit 1320 may include at least one of a temperature/humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a position sensor (e.g., a Global Positioning System (GPS)), a proximity sensor, and a red, green, and blue (RGB) sensor (illuminance sensor) in addition to the above-described temperature sensor 1322, insertion detection sensor 1324, and suction sensor 1326. Since the function of each of the sensors can be intuitively inferred from the names of the sensors by those of ordinary skill in the art, a detailed description of these sensors may be omitted.

The output unit 1330 may output information about the state of the aerosol-generating device 1300 and provide the information to a user. The output unit 1330 may include at least one of a display unit 1332, a haptic unit 1334, and a sound output unit 1336, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 1332 and the touch panel are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 1332 may also function as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit 1332 may visually provide information to a user about the aerosol-generating device 1300. For example, the information about the aerosol-generating device 1300 may refer to various information such as a charge/discharge state of the battery 1340 of the aerosol-generating device 1300, a warm-up state of the heater 1350, an insertion/removal state of the aerosol-generating article, or a state in which the use of the aerosol-generating device 1300 is limited (e.g., an abnormal object is sensed), etc., and the display unit 1332 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 1332 may be, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display panel, or the like. Further, the display unit 1332 may be in the form of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) light emitting device.

The haptic unit 1334 may provide information about the aerosol-generating device 1300 to a user in a haptic manner by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, the haptic unit 1334 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electro-stimulation device.

The sound output unit 1336 may audibly provide information to the user regarding the aerosol-generating device 1300. For example, the sound output unit 1336 may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

The battery 1340 may supply electrical power for operation of the aerosol-generating device 1300. The battery 1340 may supply power so that the heater 1350 may be heated. Further, the battery 1340 may supply power required for operation of other components in the aerosol-generating device 1300 (e.g., the sensing unit 1320, the output unit 1330, the user input unit 1360, the memory 1370, and the communication unit 1380). The battery 1340 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1340 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The heater 1350 may receive power from the battery 1340 to heat the aerosol-generating substance. Although not shown in fig. 13, the aerosol-generating device 1300 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a Direct Current (DC)/DC converter) that converts power of the battery 1340 and supplies the converted power to the heater 1350. In addition, when the aerosol-generating device 1300 generates an aerosol in an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 1300 may further comprise a DC/Alternating Current (AC) that converts DC power of the battery 1340 into AC power.

The controller 1310, the sensing unit 1320, the output unit 1330, the user input unit 1360, the memory 1370 and the communication unit 1380 may each receive power from the battery 1340 to perform functions. Although not shown in fig. 13, the aerosol-generating device 1300 may also include a power conversion circuit that converts power of the battery 1340 to supply power to various components, such as a Low Dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit.

In one embodiment, heater 1350 may be formed from any suitable resistive material. For example, suitable resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like. In addition, the heater 1350 may be implemented by a metal wire, a metal plate on which conductive traces are arranged, a ceramic heating element, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, the heater 1350 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 1350 may include a base that heats the aerosol-generating substance by generating heat by means of a magnetic field applied by a coil.

The user input unit 1360 may receive information input from a user or may output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 1360 may include a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (e.g., a contact capacitance method, a piezoresistive film method, an infrared sensing method, a surface ultrasonic conduction method, an integral tension measuring method, a piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a wheel switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in fig. 13, the aerosol-generating device 1300 may further include a connection interface, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, and the aerosol-generating device 1300 may be connected to other external devices through the connection interface, such as a USB interface, to transmit and receive information, or to charge the battery 1340.

The memory 1370 is a hardware component that stores various types of data processed at the aerosol-generating device 1300, and may store data processed by the controller 1310 and data to be processed. The memory 1370 may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type memory, a hard disk type memory, a multimedia card micro memory, a card type memory (e.g., a Secure Digital (SD) or extreme digital (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. The memory 1370 may store an operating time of the aerosol-generating device 1300, a maximum number of puffs, a current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data regarding a user's smoking pattern, etc.

The communication unit 1380 may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit 1380 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 1382 and a wireless communication unit 1384.

The short-range wireless communication unit 1382 may include, but is not limited to, a bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a Wireless LAN (WLAN) (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data protocol (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) communication unit, an ant+ communication unit, and the like.

The wireless communication unit 1384 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN)) communication unit, and the like. The wireless communication unit 1384 may also identify and authenticate the aerosol-generating device 1300 within the communication network by using subscription user information, such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI).

The controller 1310 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 1300. In an embodiment, the controller 1310 may include at least one processor. A processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

The controller 1310 may control the temperature of the heater 1350 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 1340 to the heater 1350. For example, the controller 1310 may control the supply of power by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 1340 and the heater 1350. In another example, the direct heating circuit may also control the supply of power to the heater 1350 according to a control command of the controller 1310.

The controller 1310 may analyze the result sensed by the sensing unit 1320 and control a subsequent process to be performed. For example, the controller 1310 may control the power supplied to the heater 1350 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 1320 to start or end the operation of the heater 1350. As another example, the controller 1310 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 1350 and the time of power supply based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 1320 such that the heater 1350 may be heated to a certain temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

The controller 1310 may control the output unit 1330 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 1320. For example, when the number of times of suction counted by the suction sensor 1326 reaches a preset number of times, the controller 1310 may inform the user that the aerosol-generating device 1300 is about to terminate through at least one of the display unit 1332, the haptic unit 1334, and the sound output unit 1336.

One embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a computer-readable recording medium including instructions executable by a computer, such as program modules, being able to be executed by the computer. Computer readable recording media can be any available media that can be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, and removable and non-removable media. Further, the computer-readable recording medium may include both a computer storage medium and a communication medium. Computer storage media includes all of the volatile, nonvolatile, removable, and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal such as a program module or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The above description of the embodiments is merely an example, and it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and equivalents of the above embodiments may be made. The scope of the disclosure should, therefore, be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the scope described in the claims will be construed as being included in the protection scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising:

a main body; and

An outer cover coupled to the body,

Wherein the outer cover comprises: a circuit layer, a base layer, a light-transmitting layer, a shielding layer, and a coating layer sequentially arranged in a direction from a rear surface of the outer cover toward a front surface of the outer cover; and one or more light emitting units disposed on the circuit layer,

Wherein the base layer, the light transmissive layer, the shielding layer, and the coating layer comprise a material capable of transmitting light, and

Wherein light emitted from the light emitting unit sequentially passes through the base layer, the light transmitting layer, the shielding layer, and the coating layer.

2. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein,

The light transmissive layer includes:

One or more light transmission units configured to transmit light; and

One or more light shielding units configured to shield light,

The light transmission unit is formed at a position where the light emitted from the light emission unit is transmitted, and

Light emitted from the light emitting unit sequentially passes through the base layer, the light transmitting unit, the shielding layer, and the coating layer.

3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, further comprising a light diffusing layer arranged between the circuit layer and the base layer, and configured to direct light emitted from the light emitting unit towards the light transmitting unit.

4. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 3, wherein the light diffusing layer comprises:

one or more light guiding units configured to transmit light emitted from the light emitting unit; and

One or more light reflecting units configured to reflect light emitted from the light emitting units.

5. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 4, wherein the light-guiding unit has a shape that gradually increases in size from the circuit layer towards the base layer.

6. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the shielding layer is configured to: when the light emitting unit is turned on, the shielding layer transmits light emitted from the light emitting unit toward the front surface of the outer cover; and when the light emitting unit is turned off, the shielding layer prevents the light emitting unit from being seen through the front surface of the outer cover.

7. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein one or more of the light-transmitting units is configured to form at least one of the following shapes from light emitted from the light-emitting unit: pictures, characters, numbers, and symbols.

8. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting unit is arranged on a rear or front surface of the circuit layer.

9. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the coating layer is configured to present the colour of the front surface of the outer cover.

10. A method of manufacturing an outer cover for an aerosol-generating device, the method comprising:

Providing a base layer;

Sequentially disposing a light transmissive layer, a shielding layer, and a coating layer on a front surface of the base layer; and

A circuit layer is arranged on the rear surface of the base layer, on which circuit layer one or more light emitting units are arranged,

Wherein the base layer, the light-transmitting layer, the shielding layer, and the coating layer include a material capable of transmitting light, and light emitted from the light-emitting unit sequentially passes through the base layer, the light-transmitting layer, the shielding layer, and the coating layer.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the light transmissive layer comprises: one or more light transmission units configured to transmit light; and one or more light shielding units configured to shield light, and the light transmitting unit is formed at a position where the light emitted from the light emitting unit is transmitted.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the light shielding unit is formed by printing a material that shields light, and the light transmitting unit is formed in a region where the material that shields light is not printed.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein disposing the circuit layer comprises: the circuit layer is bonded to the rear surface of the base layer or formed on the rear surface of the base layer.