KR20230163259A - Aerosol generating device comprising a heater and manufacturing method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

In the aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol by heating a cigarette according to various embodiments, an opening for inserting a cigarette is formed, and when the cigarette is inserted, a first surface and a first surface surrounding at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cigarette. A pipe comprising a second side opposite to the pipe, a heater provided on the second side of the pipe to heat the pipe, and an insulating layer provided between the heater and the second side of the pipe, wherein the heater is provided on the second side of the pipe. The pattern surrounds at least a portion of the area and may include heat lines printed directly on the second side and the insulating layer.

Description

Aerosol generating device including a heater and method of manufacturing the same {AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE COMPRISING A HEATER AND MANUFACTURING METHOD OF THE SAME}

The following examples relate to an aerosol generating device including a heater and a method of manufacturing the same.

Recently, demand for alternative products that overcome the disadvantages of traditional cigarettes is increasing. For example, there is increasing demand for devices that generate aerosols by electrically heating cigarette sticks (e.g., cigarette-type electronic cigarettes). Accordingly, research on electrically heated aerosol generating devices and cigarette sticks (or aerosol generating articles) applied thereto is actively underway.

The aerosol generating device and method of manufacturing the same according to various embodiments simplify the connection structure of the heater and the pipe in the pipe where the cigarette is inserted to heat the cigarette and the heater that heats the same, and provide efficiency in heat transfer of the aerosol generating device. can do.

In the aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol by heating a cigarette according to an embodiment, an opening for inserting the cigarette is formed, and when the cigarette is inserted, a first surface surrounding at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cigarette and A pipe including a second side opposite to the first side, a heater provided on the second side of the pipe to heat the pipe, and an insulating layer provided between the heater and the second side of the pipe, The heater may include a heat wire directly printed on the second surface and the insulating layer in a pattern surrounding at least a portion of the second surface of the pipe.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a connector that supplies power to the heater, and the heater may include a plurality of terminals including a first terminal and a second terminal respectively connected to the connector. there is.

In one embodiment, one end of the heating wire may be connected to the first terminal, and the other end opposite to the one end may be connected to the second terminal.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a power unit connected to the connector to supply power to the heater, wherein the connector includes a first connector terminal connected to the first terminal and a power supply to the second terminal. It may include a second connector terminal connected to the power supply, a third connector terminal connected to the power supply, and a body extending from the third connector terminal to the first connector terminal and the second connector terminal and made of an FPCB.

In one embodiment, the body of the connector may have a 'Y' shape by extending toward each of the first connector terminal, the second connector terminal, and the third connector terminal based on the center.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may include a coating layer deposited on the second surface of the pipe and the heating wire.

In one embodiment, the insulating layer may be laminated over substantially the entire area of the second side along the circumferential direction of the pipe.

In one embodiment, the insulating layer may be laminated on an area corresponding to the pattern in which the hot wire is printed, on the second side of the pipe.

In one embodiment, the pipe may include a groove formed inward on the second surface corresponding to a pattern in which the hot wire is printed.

In one embodiment, the insulating layer and the heating wire may be disposed in the groove on the second side of the pipe.

In the method of manufacturing an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present document, an operation of disposing a pipe including an opening, a first side facing the opening, and a second side opposite the first side, the pipe An operation of laminating an insulating layer on a second side, and an operation of printing a hot line on the insulating layer on a second side of the pipe, wherein the operation of printing the hot line includes: The hot wire may be directly printed on the second surface and the insulating layer in a pattern surrounding at least a portion of the area.

In one embodiment, the operation of laminating the insulating layer may be performed on substantially the entire area of the second surface along the circumferential direction of the pipe.

In one embodiment, the operation of stacking the insulating layer may include stacking the insulating layer in an area corresponding to the pattern on which the hot wire is printed, on the second surface of the pipe.

In one embodiment, before the operation of disposing the pipe, an operation of forming a groove formed inwardly corresponding to the pattern in which the hot wire is printed may be included on the second surface of the pipe.

In one embodiment, after printing the hot wire, an operation of depositing a coating layer on the second surface of the pipe and the hot wire may be included.

An aerosol generating device including a heater according to an embodiment and a method of manufacturing the same include heating the pipe by heating a heat wire directly printed on the second side of the pipe, integrating the pipe and the heat wire, and connecting or closely contacting the heater and the pipe. The structure can be simplified by omitting additional structures.

Alternatively, an aerosol generating device including a heater and a method of manufacturing the same according to an embodiment may reduce heat loss that may occur in the heat transfer process between the heater and the pipe by printing the heater's heat wire directly on the pipe and increase heat transfer efficiency. It can be raised.

The effects of the charging system for the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an aerosol-generating article (eg, a cigarette) is inserted into an aerosol-generating device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an aerosol-generating article (eg, a cigarette) is inserted into an aerosol-generating device according to various embodiments.
Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol-generating article (eg, a cigarette) according to various embodiments.
Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol-generating article (eg, a cigarette) according to various embodiments.
Figure 5 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments.
Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the combination of an aerosol-generating article (eg, a cigarette) and an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.
7A is an exploded view of a pipe and a heater according to an embodiment.
Figure 7b is an exploded view of a pipe and a heater according to one embodiment.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.
Figure 11 is a flow chart of a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

The terms used in the embodiments are general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible while considering the function in the present invention, but this may vary depending on the intention or precedent of a person working in the art, the emergence of new technology, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply the name of the term.

When it is said that a part "includes" a certain element throughout the specification, this means that, unless specifically stated to the contrary, it does not exclude other elements but may further include other elements. In addition, terms such as “??unit” and “??module” used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software. there is.

Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

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

Figures 1 and 2 are diagrams showing examples of cigarettes inserted into an aerosol generating device.

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may include a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13, and in one embodiment, a vaporizer 14 may be further included. It can be included. Additionally, a cigarette (2) may be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device (1).

In the aerosol generating device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2, components related to the present embodiment are shown. Accordingly, those skilled in the art can understand that other general-purpose components in addition to the components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be further included in the aerosol generating device 1. .

In Figure 1, the battery 11, the control unit 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are shown arranged in a row. Additionally, Figure 2 shows the vaporizer 14 and heater 13 being arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1, the arrangement of the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 13, and vaporizer 14 may be changed.

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

If necessary, the aerosol-generating device 1 can heat the heater 13 even when the cigarette 2 is not inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1.

The battery 11 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power so that the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14 can be heated, and can supply power necessary for the control unit 12 to operate. Additionally, the battery 11 can supply power necessary for the display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 1 to operate.

The control unit 12 generally controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of the battery 11, heater 13, and vaporizer 14, as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device 1. Additionally, the control unit 12 may check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 1 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state.

The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. Additionally, those skilled in the art can understand that this embodiment may be implemented with other types of hardware.

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

Heater 13 may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater 13 includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated as a current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above-described example, and may be any heater that can be heated to a desired temperature without limitation. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 1, or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

Meanwhile, as another example, the heater 13 may be an induction heating type heater. Specifically, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette by induction heating, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating type heater.

For example, the heater 13 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and depending on the shape of the heating element, heats the inside or outside of the cigarette 2. It can be heated.

Additionally, a plurality of heaters 13 may be disposed in the aerosol generating device 1. At this time, the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged to be inserted into the inside of the cigarette 2 or may be placed outside the cigarette 2. Additionally, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged to be inserted into the inside of the cigarette 2, and others may be placed outside the cigarette 2. Additionally, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shape shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and may be manufactured in various shapes.

The vaporizer 14 can generate an aerosol by heating the liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can pass through the cigarette 2 and be delivered to the user. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can move along the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 1, and the airflow passage allows the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 to pass through the cigarette and be delivered to the user. It can be configured to be possible.

For example, the vaporizer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid reservoir, a liquid delivery means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid reservoir, liquid delivery means and heating element may be included in the aerosol-generating device 1 as independent modules.

The liquid storage unit may store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances, including volatile tobacco flavor components, or may be a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. The liquid storage unit may be manufactured to be detachable from/attached to the vaporizer 14, or may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14.

For example, liquid compositions may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavors, or vitamin mixtures. Fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavor ingredients. Flavoring agents may include ingredients that can provide various flavors or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the liquid composition may contain aerosol formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

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

The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element may be heated by supplying an electric current and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, aerosols may be generated.

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

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting tactile information. Additionally, the aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one sensor (puff detection sensor, temperature detection sensor, cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). Additionally, the aerosol generating device 1 may be manufactured in a structure that allows external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even when the cigarette 2 is inserted.

Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the aerosol generating device 1 may form a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generating device 1 are combined.

The cigarette 2 may be similar to a regular combustion-type cigarette. For example, the cigarette 2 may be divided into a first part containing an aerosol-generating material and a second part containing a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second part of the cigarette 2 may also contain aerosol-generating substances. An aerosol-generating material, for example in the form of granules or capsules, may be inserted into 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 part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, or the entire first part and part of the second part may be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol while holding the second portion with his or her mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated when external air passes through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

As an example, external air may be introduced through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1 and/or the size of the air passage may be adjusted by the user. Accordingly, the amount of atomization, smoking sensation, etc. can be adjusted by the user. As another example, external air may be introduced into the cigarette 2 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 2.

Hereinafter, examples of the cigarette 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

Figures 3 and 4 are diagrams showing examples of cigarettes.

Referring to Figure 3, the cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first part, described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , includes a tobacco rod 21 and the second portion includes a filter rod 22 .

In Figure 3, the filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, filter rod 22 may include a segment that cools the aerosol and a segment that filters certain components contained within the aerosol. Additionally, if necessary, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment that performs another function.

The diameter of the cigarette 2 may be within the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length may be about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 is about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 is about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 is about 14 mm, and the length of the filter rod 22 is about 14 mm. The length of the third segment of (22) may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The cigarette 2 may be packaged by at least one wrapper 24 . At least one hole may be formed in the wrapper 24 through which external air flows in or internal gas flows out. As an example, cigarettes 2 may be packaged by one wrapper 24. As another example, the cigarette 2 may be overlappingly packaged by two or more wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be packaged by the first wrapper 241 and the filter rod 22 may be packaged by the wrappers 242, 243, and 244. And, the entire cigarette 2 can be repackaged by a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by wrappers 242, 243, and 244.

The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of general filter paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous wrappers or non-porous wrappers. Additionally, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of oil-resistant paper and/or aluminum laminate packaging.

The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be within the range of 88 g/m ² to 96 g/m ² , and preferably within the range of 90 g/m ² to 94 g/m ² there is. Additionally, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be within the range of 120 ㎛ to 130 ㎛, and preferably 125 ㎛.

The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within the range of 88 g/m ² to 96 g/m ² , and preferably within the range of 90 g/m ² to 94 g/m ² there is. Additionally, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within the range of 120 ㎛ to 130 ㎛, and preferably 125 ㎛.

The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper specially manufactured to improve tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be within the range of 57 g/m ² to 63 g/m ² , and preferably 60 g/m ² . Additionally, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be within the range of 64 ㎛ to 70 ㎛, and preferably 67 ㎛.

The fifth wrapper 245 may be internally added with a predetermined material. Here, an example of a certain material may be silicon, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicone has properties such as heat resistance with little change depending on temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any material having the above-mentioned characteristics can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the cigarette 2 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 210 is heated by the heater 13, the cigarette 2 may burn. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of the materials included in the cigarette rod 310, the cigarette 2 may combust. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper 245 includes a non-combustible material, combustion of the cigarette 2 can be prevented.

Additionally, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the holder from being contaminated by substances generated from the cigarette 2. Liquid substances may be created within the cigarette 2 by the user's puff. For example, when the aerosol generated from the cigarette 2 is cooled by external air, liquid substances (eg, moisture, etc.) may be generated. As the fifth wrapper 245 packages the cigarette 2, liquid substances generated within the cigarette 2 can be prevented from leaking out of the cigarette 2.

The tobacco load 21 contains aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. Additionally, the tobacco rod 21 may contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants and/or organic acids. Additionally, a flavoring agent such as menthol or a moisturizer can be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it on the tobacco rod 21 .

The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured as a sheet or as a strand. Additionally, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of cut tobacco with finely chopped tobacco sheets. Additionally, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. As an example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can improve the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod by evenly dispersing the heat transmitted to the tobacco rod 21, thereby improving the taste of the tobacco. . Additionally, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can function as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawing, the tobacco rod 21 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding the outside.

Filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, there are no restrictions on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod with a hollow interior. Additionally, the filter rod 22 may be a recess type rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

The first segment of filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure with a hollow interior. When the heater 13 is inserted through the first segment, the internal material of the tobacco rod 210 can be prevented from being pushed back, and the cooling effect of the aerosol can also be generated. The diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The length of the first segment may be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the plasticizer when manufacturing the first segment. Additionally, the first segment may be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube made of the same or different material into the interior (eg, hollow).

The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 13 heating the tobacco rod 21 . Therefore, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

The length or diameter of the second segment may be determined in various ways depending on the shape of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the second segment may be appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second segment may be fabricated by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, the flavoring liquid may be applied to fibers made of polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be manufactured by weaving separate fibers coated with a flavoring agent and fibers made of polymer together. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed by a crimped polymer sheet.

For example, the polymer may be selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil. It can be made from materials.

As the second segment is formed by woven polymer fibers or crimped polymer sheets, the second segment may include one or a plurality of longitudinally extending channels. Here, the channel refers to a passage through which a gas (eg, air or aerosol) passes.

For example, the second segment comprised of a crimped polymer sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, such as between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Additionally, the total surface area of the second segment can be between about 300 mm ² /mm and about 1000 mm ² /mm. Additionally, the aerosol cooling element can be formed from a material having a specific surface area between about 10 mm ² /mg and about 100 mm ² /mg.

Meanwhile, the second segment may include threads containing volatile flavor components. Here, the volatile flavor component may be, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide the second segment with more than 1.5 mg of menthol.

The third segment of filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately adopted within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

In the process of manufacturing the third segment, it may be manufactured to generate flavor by spraying a flavoring liquid on the third segment. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the third segment. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 21 is cooled as it passes through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user through the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the sustainability of the flavor delivered to the user can be improved.

Additionally, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform a flavor generating function or an aerosol generating function. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 4, the cigarette 3 may further include a front end plug 33. The shear plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 opposite the filter rod 32. The shear plug 33 can prevent the cigarette rod 31 from leaving the outside, and prevents the liquefied aerosol from the cigarette rod 31 from flowing into the aerosol generating device (FIGS. 1 and 2) during smoking. You can.

The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 3, and the second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 3. You can.

The diameter and overall length of the cigarette 3 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the cigarette 2 in FIG. 3 . For example, the length of the shear plug 33 is about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 is about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 is about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 is about 12 mm. It may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The cigarette 3 may be packaged by at least one wrapper 35 . At least one hole may be formed in the wrapper 35 through which external air flows in or internal gas flows out. For example, the shear plug 33 is packaged by the first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 is packaged by the second wrapper 352, and the first segment ( 321) may be packaged, and the second segment 322 may be packaged by the fourth wrapper 354. And, the entire cigarette 3 can be repackaged by the fifth wrapper 355.

Additionally, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in an area surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. The perforation 36 may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater 13 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

Additionally, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform a flavor generating function or an aerosol generating function. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

The first wrapper 351 may be a general filter wrapper combined with a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be within the range of 45 ㎛ to 55 ㎛, and preferably 50.3 ㎛. Additionally, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be within the range of 6 ㎛ to 7 ㎛, and preferably 6.3 ㎛. Additionally, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be within the range of 50 g/m ² to 55 g/m ² , and preferably 53 g/m ² .

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

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

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

The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA lamination. Here, PLA laminate refers to three layers of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be within the range of 100 ㎛ to 120 ㎛, and preferably 110 ㎛. Additionally, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be within the range of 80 g/m ² to 100 g/m ² , and preferably 88 g/m ² .

The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper specially manufactured to improve tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to regular paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be within the range of 57 g/m ² to 63 g/m ² , and preferably 60 g/m ² . Additionally, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be within the range of 64 ㎛ to 70 ㎛, and preferably 67 ㎛.

The fifth wrapper 355 may be internally added with a predetermined material. Here, an example of a certain material may be silicon, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicone has properties such as heat resistance with little change depending on temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any material having the above-mentioned characteristics can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

The shear plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the shear plug 33 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (eg, triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and preferably within the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filament of the shear plug 33 may be 5.0. Additionally, the cross section of the filament constituting the shear plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug 33 may be within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, and preferably within the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the shear plug 33 may be 28000.

Additionally, if necessary, the shear plug 33 may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel may be manufactured in various ways.

The cigarette rod 31 may correspond to the cigarette rod 21 described above with reference to FIG. 3 . Therefore, detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure with a hollow interior. The first segment 321 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (eg, triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the mono denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono denier and total denier of the shear plug 33.

The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filament constituting the second segment 322 may be within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and preferably within the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of second segment 322 may be 9.0. Additionally, the cross-section of the filament of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, and may preferably be 25,000.

Figure 5 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 400 according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 400 includes a control unit 410, a sensing unit 420, an output unit 430, a battery 440, a heater 450, a user input unit 460, a memory 470, and a communication unit 480. It can be included. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 400 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 5. That is, those skilled in the art can understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 400, some of the configurations shown in FIG. 5 may be omitted or new configurations may be added. there is.

The sensing unit 420 may detect the state of the aerosol generating device 400 or the state surrounding the aerosol generating device 400 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 410. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 410 performs various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 450, limiting smoking, determining whether to insert an aerosol-generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.), displaying a notification, etc. The aerosol generating device 400 can be controlled.

The sensing unit 420 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 422, an insertion detection sensor 424, and a puff sensor 426, but is not limited thereto.

The temperature sensor 422 may detect the temperature at which the heater 450 (or an aerosol-generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 400 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater 450, or the heater 450 itself may serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 422 may be disposed around the battery 440 to monitor the temperature of the battery 440.

Insertion detection sensor 424 may detect insertion and/or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 424 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, where the aerosol-generating article is inserted and/or Signal changes can be detected as it is removed.

The puff sensor 426 may detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 426 may detect the user's puff based on any one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change, and pressure change.

In addition to the sensors 422 to 426 described above, the sensing unit 4120 includes a temperature/humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), It may further include at least one of a proximity sensor and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively deduced by a person skilled in the art from its name, detailed descriptions may be omitted.

The output unit 430 may output information about the status of the aerosol generating device 400 and provide it to the user. The output unit 430 may include at least one of a display unit 432, a haptic unit 434, and an audio output unit 436, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 432 and the touch pad form a layer structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 432 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit 432 can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 400 to the user. For example, information about the aerosol generating device 400 may include the charging/discharging state of the battery 440 of the aerosol generating device 400, the preheating state of the heater 450, the insertion/removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the aerosol generating state. It may refer to various information such as a state in which the use of the device 400 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 432 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 432 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD) or an organic light emitting display panel (OLED). Additionally, the display unit 432 may be in the form of an LED light-emitting device.

The haptic unit 434 may convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimulation to provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device 400 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 434 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The sound output unit 436 can provide information about the aerosol generating device 400 audibly to the user. For example, the audio output unit 436 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

The battery 440 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 400. The battery 440 may supply power so that the heater 450 can be heated. In addition, the battery 440 is connected to other components provided in the aerosol generating device 400 (e.g., sensing unit 420, output unit 430, user input unit 460, memory 470, and communication unit 480). It can supply the power required for operation. The battery 440 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 440 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The heater 450 may receive power from the battery 440 to heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device 400 may further include a power conversion circuit (eg, DC/DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 440 and supplies it to the heater 450. Additionally, when the aerosol generating device 400 generates an aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device 400 may further include a DC/AC converter that converts direct current power of the battery 440 into alternating current power.

The control unit 410, sensing unit 420, output unit 430, user input unit 460, memory 470, and communication unit 480 may perform their functions by receiving power from the battery 440. Although not shown in FIG. 5, it may further include a power conversion circuit that converts the power of the battery 440 and supplies it to each component, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit.

In one embodiment, heater 450 may be formed from any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. It may be a metal or metal alloy containing, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the heater 130 may be implemented as a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with electrically conductive tracks, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, the heater 450 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 450 may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol-generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by the coil.

In one embodiment, the heater 450 may include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 450 may include a first heater for heating a cigarette and a second heater for heating a liquid.

The user input unit 460 may receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 460 includes a key pad, a dome switch, and a touch pad (contact capacitive type, pressure resistance type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, and integral type). Tension measurement method, piezo effect method, etc.), jog wheel, jog switch, etc., but are not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device 400 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and is connected to other external devices through a connection interface such as a USB interface. In this way, information can be transmitted and received or the battery 440 can be charged.

The memory 470 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 400, and can store data processed by the control unit 410 and data to be processed. The memory 470 is a flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM. (RAM, random access memory) SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk , and may include at least one type of storage medium among optical disks. The memory 470 may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 400, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on the user's smoking pattern.

The communication unit 480 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 480 may include a short-range communication unit 482 and a wireless communication unit 484.

The short-range wireless communication unit 482 includes a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, and an infrared (IrDA) communication unit. , infrared Data Association) communication unit, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, UWB (ultra-wideband) communication unit, Ant+ communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto.

The wireless communication unit 484 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (eg, LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 484 may identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 400 within the communication network using subscriber information (eg, International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

The control unit 410 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 400. In one embodiment, the control unit 410 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. Additionally, those skilled in the art can understand that this embodiment may be implemented with other types of hardware.

The control unit 410 can control the temperature of the heater 450 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 440 to the heater 450. For example, the control unit 410 may control power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 440 and the heater 450. In another example, the heating direct circuit may control power supply to the heater 450 according to a control command from the control unit 410.

The control unit 410 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 420 and control subsequent processes. For example, the control unit 410 may control the power supplied to the heater 450 to start or end the operation of the heater 450 based on the result detected by the sensing unit 420. For another example, based on the results detected by the sensing unit 420, the control unit 410 adjusts the power supplied to the heater 450 so that the heater 450 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature. You can control the amount and time at which power is supplied.

The control unit 410 may control the output unit 430 based on the results detected by the sensing unit 420. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 426 reaches a preset number, the control unit 410 operates at least one of the display unit 432, the haptic unit 434, and the sound output unit 436. Through this, the user can be notified that the aerosol generating device 400 will soon be shut down.

In one embodiment, the control unit 410 may control the power supply time and/or power supply amount to the heater 450 according to the state of the aerosol-generating article detected by the sensing unit 420. For example, when the aerosol-generating article is in an overly humid state, the controller 410 may control the power supply time to the induction coil to increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol-generating article is in a normal state.

One embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing instructions executable by a computer, such as program modules executed by a computer. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. Additionally, computer-readable media may include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and non-volatile, 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 includes computer readable instructions, data structures, other data such as program modules, modulated data signals, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information delivery medium.

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the combination of an aerosol-generating article (eg, a cigarette 2) and an aerosol-generating device 500 according to an embodiment.

Including FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device 500 (e.g., the aerosol generating device 1 of FIG. 1 or the aerosol generating device 400 of FIG. 5) includes a heater 510 (e.g., the heater of FIGS. 1 and 2). (13) or the heater 450 in FIG. 5), the pipe 511, the connector 550, and the power supply unit 560 may be included.

In one embodiment, the heater 510 heats the pipe 511 to heat the cigarette 2 disposed inside the opening 513 of the pipe 511 (e.g., the cigarette 2 of FIGS. 1, 2, or 3). It is possible to heat aerosol-generating articles such as )). Hereinafter, 'cigarette' is referred to as a heating object of the aerosol generating device 500 according to various embodiments of this document, but in actual implementation, it is not limited to this and may be implemented in various ways. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be a cigarette (2), or may be an article containing a liquid composition.

In one embodiment, the pipe 511 may be a three-dimensional structure including an opening 513 into which the cigarette 2 is inserted. In one embodiment, the diameter of the opening 513 of the pipe 511 may be equal to or greater than the diameter of the cigarette 2. The pipe 511 can have the cigarette 2 inserted into the opening 513 and heated by the heater 510 to heat the cigarette 2.

In one embodiment, the pipe 511 may be made of a rigid material to support the cigarette 2. Alternatively, the pipe 511 may be made of a flexible elastic material so that the cigarette 2 can be easily inserted and withdrawn. Alternatively, the pipe 511 may be made of a thermally conductive material to be heated from the heater 510 and heat the cigarette 2. For example, the pipe 511 may be a heat pipe or a metal pipe made of a metal material such as SUS (steel use stainless) or copper.

In one embodiment, the pipe 511 may include a first side 511a and a second side 511b. The first surface 511a may be a surface that surrounds at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cigarette 2 when the cigarette 2 is inserted. The second side 511b may be opposite to the first side 511a. For example, the first surface 511a may be the inner surface of the pipe 511 facing the opening 513, and the second surface 511b may be the outer surface of the pipe 511.

In one embodiment, the heater 510 may be provided on the second surface 511b of the pipe 511. For example, the heater 510 may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the second surface 511b of the pipe 511 to heat a plurality of areas of the pipe 511.

In one embodiment, the heater 510 may include a heating wire 520 and a plurality of terminals 525. However, this is a simplified expression for convenience of explanation, and when actually implemented, the heater 510 is not limited to this and may further include various elements.

In one embodiment, the heating wire 520 may be a pattern P surrounding at least a portion of the second surface 511b of the pipe 511 and may be printed on the second surface 511b. Although not shown in FIG. 6, an insulating layer (e.g., insulating layer 531 in FIG. 8) may be provided between the second surface 511b and the heating wire 520, and the heating wire 520 is formed by the insulating layer 531. and may be printed directly on the second side 511b. A coating layer 535 may be disposed on the second surface 511b of the pipe 511 and the outside of the heating wire 520. The coating layer 535 may be disposed on the second surface 511b of the pipe 511 and/or the heating wire ( 520) can be formed by applying it so that it is not exposed to the outside.

In one embodiment, the heating wire 520 may be formed on the second surface 511b of the pipe 511, or on the second surface 511b and the insulating layer 531, by patterning or printing. For example, the heat wire 520 may be formed by printing a material on the pipe 511, which is a three-dimensional structure, using a 3D printer or a 3D patterning device.

In one embodiment, the plurality of terminals 525 may include a first terminal 525a and a second terminal 525b. For example, the first terminal 525a may be a positive (+) terminal and the second terminal 525b may be a negative (-) terminal, or vice versa. In one embodiment, the plurality of terminals 525 may be attached or printed on the second side 511b of the pipe 511. Each of the plurality of terminals 525 can be connected to two parts of the heating wire 520, and the connector 550 and the heating wire 520 can be connected.

In one embodiment, the connector 550 is connected to the power supply unit 560 to supply power from the power supply unit 560 to the heater 510. The connector 550 may be a cable or a PCB, and may be a separate component from the pipe 511 and the heater 510.

For example, the pipe 511 and the heater 510 may be formed integrally or in an inseparable structure through a manufacturing process (e.g., the manufacturing method (S100) of the aerosol generating device 500 of FIG. 11), The connector 550 is formed separately from these and can be electrically connected to the entire heater 510 and the pipe 511 through the terminal 525 of the heater 510.

In one embodiment, the connector 550 may include a first connector terminal 551a, a second connector terminal 551b, a third connector terminal 555, and a body 553. In one embodiment, the first connector terminal 551a may be connected to the first terminal 525a of the heater 510, and the second connector terminal 551b may be connected to the second terminal 525b of the heater 510. You can. The third connector terminal 555 may be connected to the power supply unit 560 and may be implemented as a plurality of contact pads.

In one embodiment, the body 553 may have a structure extending from the third connector terminal 555 to the first connector terminal 551a and the second connector terminal 551b. The body 553 may be made of FPCB. Since the first terminal 525a and the second terminal 525b of the heater 510 are provided on the three-dimensional structure of the pipe 511, the body 553 of the connector 550 is implemented as an FPCB and can be appropriately connected to it. You can.

In one embodiment, the body 553 of the connector 550 extends toward each of the first connector terminal 551a, the second connector terminal 551b, and the third connector terminal 555 with respect to the center, 'It can have a shape. The connector 550 having a Y-shaped body 553 may be advantageous in securing flexibility for connection to the first terminal 525a and the second terminal 525b. Alternatively, the connector 550 having a Y-shaped body 553 can be used universally for the first terminal 525a and the second terminal 525b of various arrangement structures.

In one embodiment, when the heater 510 is implemented with a heating wire 520 and a plurality of terminals 525, one of the power supply unit 560 and the connector 550 may control the power supplied to the heater 510. there is.

For example, the power supply unit 560 may apply power to the heater 510 and control the applied power. The power supply unit 560 may be a battery (eg, battery 11 in FIGS. 1 and 2) and/or a control unit (eg, control unit 12 in FIGS. 1 and 2). Alternatively, for example, the power supply unit 560 may supply power, and the connector 550 may include a separate IC circuit to control the operation of the heater 510.

In one embodiment, when power is supplied to the heater 510 through the connector 550, current flows along the heating wire 520 and heats the pipe 511. If the heater 510 has a structure that is manufactured separately and then coupled to the pipe 511, that is, if it is not a direct printing method, the aerosol generating device 500 connects the pipe 511 and the heater 510 to each other. A separate connection member (not shown) may be required for this purpose. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the pipe 511 may be deformed depending on whether the cigarette 2 is inserted or as use is repeated, so a separate shrink tube is used so that the pipe 511 and the heater 510 are in close contact with each other. (not shown) may be required.

In one embodiment of this document, the heating wire 520 of the heater 510 is printed directly on the second surface 511b of the pipe 511, so that a separate connection member (not shown) or shrink tube (not shown) is used. ), the aerosol generating device 500 can connect the heater 510 and the pipe 511 in close contact. The aerosol generating device 500 can provide economic efficiency and manufacturing efficiency by simplifying the structure of the pipe 511 and heater 510 for heating the cigarette 2.

In one embodiment of this document, the heating wire 520 of the heater 510 is printed directly on the second surface 511b of the pipe 511, so that the pipe 511 and the heater 510 are integrated. You can. Heat generated from the heating wire 520 may be directly transferred to the pipe 511 without passing through other members (e.g., covering the heating wire 520, adhesive members, etc.) between the heating wire 520 and the pipe 511. The aerosol generating device 500 can provide thermal efficiency through an integrated structure of the heater 510 and the pipe 511.

FIG. 7A is an exploded view of the pipe 511 and the heater 510 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 7B is an exploded view of the pipe 511 and the heater 510 according to an embodiment.

For example, FIGS. 7A and 7B may illustrate the pipe 511 of FIG. 6 with the second surface 511b of the pipe 511 spread out on a virtual plane. That is, the ends of both sides (eg, +/X side) of FIGS. 7A and 7B may be continuous with each other or may be the same area.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B , the hot wire 520 may be printed in a pattern (P1, P2) that surrounds at least a portion of the area in the circumferential direction (eg, X-Y plane direction) of the pipe 511.

In one embodiment, the heating wire 520 may form a closed loop through which current flows in one direction. For example, one end of the heating wire 520 may be connected to the first terminal 525a and the other end opposite to the one end may be connected to the second terminal 525b. In the heating wire 520, current may flow from the first terminal 525a to the second terminal 525b, or from the second terminal 525b to the first terminal 525a, and as the current flows, the temperature rises. Surrounding materials, such as pipe 511, may be heated.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, the hot wire 520 may be printed on the second side 511b of the pipe 511 with the first pattern P1. The first pattern P1 may be a pattern in which the extension direction (eg, Z-axis direction) of the pipe 511 is the main printing direction.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7B, the hot wire 520 may be printed on the second surface 511b of the pipe 511 with the second pattern P2. The second pattern P2 may be a pattern with the circumferential direction (eg, X-axis direction) of the pipe 511 as the main printing direction.

In one embodiment of this document, the heating wire 520 may be printed on the pipe 511 in various patterns (P1, P2). For example, the hot wire 520 may be printed on the second surface 511b of the pipe 511 in a preset specific pattern. The heating portion of the pipe 511 and/or the cigarette 2 can be targeted according to the printed pattern shape. In various embodiments, the heating wire 520 may be designed in various ways around the extending direction, circumferential direction, or diagonal direction of the pipe 511, taking into account the shape or structure of the cigarette 2 and the aerosol generating device 500. Thus, the target heating area and the heating differential area can be set.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device 500 according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device 500 according to one embodiment may include at least a portion of an insulating layer 531 and a coating layer 535.

In one embodiment, the insulating layer 531 may be provided between the heater 510 and the pipe 511. For example, the insulating layer 531 may be deposited on the second surface 511b of the pipe 511, and the heating wire 520 of the heater 510 may be printed on the insulating layer 531. The insulating layer 531 may insulate the heater 510 and the pipe 511 from each other so that the current flowing through the heating wire 520 is not lost or short-circuited in the pipe 511.

In one embodiment, the coating layer 535 may be deposited on and the second side 511b of the pipe 511. The coating layer 535 may protect the heating element 520 from contacting other components. In the aerosol generating device 500 of various embodiments of this document, the heat wire 520 is directly printed on the pipe 511, so the heat wire 520 is exposed on the second surface 511b, which is the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 511. You can. The coating layer 535 may block the heating wire 520 and/or the pipe 511 from contacting other materials.

In one embodiment, the coating layer 535 in FIG. 8 is shown as having a circular, flat outer peripheral surface substantially corresponding to the second surface 511b of the pipe 511, but in actual implementation, it is not limited to this and, for example, For example, the coating layer 535 may be deposited on the second surface 511b and the heating wire 520 with a substantially uniform width.

In one embodiment, the insulating layer 531 and/or the coating layer 535 may be made of an insulator to block the flow of current. In one embodiment, the coating layer 535 and the insulating layer 531 may be made of materials that are substantially the same or similar to each other. Alternatively, the coating layer 535 may be made of a thermosetting material or an insulating material. Alternatively, the coating layer 535 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, so that the heat of the heater 510 is spread through the coating layer 535 and the second surface 511b of the pipe 511 can be heated evenly.

In one embodiment, the insulating layer 531 and/or the coating layer 535 may be implemented as a thin film or a thinly deposited insulating material. In FIG. 8, for explanation purposes, the insulating layer 531 and the coating layer 535 are shown to have a thickness in the circumferential direction, but in actual implementation, the insulating layer 531 and/or the coating layer 535 are thin films or layers. It can be implemented as:

In one embodiment, the insulating layer 531 may be laminated over substantially the entire area of the second surface 511b along the circumferential direction of the pipe 511. In this case, in the manufacturing method of the aerosol generating device 500 (e.g., the manufacturing method (S100) of the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 11), the forming process of the insulating layer 531 may be facilitated, or, Problems caused by separation or defect of the heating wire 520 can be prevented.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device 500 according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, the insulating layer 531 according to one embodiment may be formed in a partial area of the second surface 511b. In describing FIG. 9, content that overlaps with the above-described content will be omitted.

In one embodiment, the insulating layer 531 may be laminated only on a portion of the second surface 511b along the circumferential direction of the pipe 511. For example, the insulating layer 531 may be laminated on the second surface 511b of the pipe 511 in an area corresponding to the pattern P on which the hot wire 520 is printed.

In one embodiment, the insulating layer 531 is used for printing the hot wire 520 in the manufacturing method of the aerosol generating device 500 (e.g., the manufacturing method (S100) of the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 11). It can be a guide pattern. Alternatively, in a 3D printer capable of stacking different materials, after depositing an insulating layer 531 made of an insulating material, a heat wire 520 made of a conductive material is deposited to integrate the pipe 511 and the heater 510. can do.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device 500 according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, the pipe 511 may include a groove 511c. In describing FIG. 10, content that overlaps with the above-described content will be omitted.

In one embodiment, the groove 511c may be formed on the second surface 511b of the pipe 511. The groove 511c may be formed to be recessed inward corresponding to the pattern P on which the hot wire 520 is printed. In one embodiment, an insulating layer 531 and/or a heating wire 520 may be disposed inside the groove 511c.

In one embodiment, an insulating layer 531 may be deposited inside the groove 511c. In FIG. 10, the insulating layer 531 is shown as being formed only inside the groove 511c, but in actual implementation, it is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 8, the insulating layer 531 is formed only on the inside of the groove 511c. It can be formed by stacking over the entire area.

In one embodiment, the heating wire 520 and the insulating layer 531 may be disposed inside the groove 511c. When the heating wire 520 is disposed inside the groove 511c, the heating wire 520 may be arranged to face the pipe 511 not only on one side facing the second surface 511b but also on the side surface, and the aerosol generating device (500) may provide improved heat transfer efficiency. In one embodiment, the second surface 511b of the pipe 511 may be formed to be substantially flat.

Figure 11 is a flowchart of a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating device 500 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, the manufacturing method (S100) of the aerosol generating device 500 according to one embodiment includes a pipe 511 placing operation (S110), an insulating layer 531 stacking operation (S120), and hot wire 520 printing. It may include at least part of the operation (S130).

In one embodiment, in the manufacturing method (S100) of the aerosol generating device 500, the manufacturing object may be at least one of the aerosol generating devices 500 described above, or is not limited thereto.

In one embodiment, the operation S110 of placing the pipe 511 may place the pipe 511 at a designated location, for example, on a 3D printer. The pipe 511 may include an opening 513, a first surface 511a facing the opening 513, and a second surface 511b facing the first surface 511a. A 3D printer may be a device that sprays a solid material or liquid onto a three-dimensional structure and deposits or prints the structure in a three-dimensional direction (e.g., the X-Y-Z direction in FIG. 6).

In one embodiment, the insulating layer 531 stacking operation (S120) may stack the insulating layer 531 on the second surface 511b of the pipe 511. In one embodiment, the insulating layer 531 stacking operation S120 may stack the insulating layer 531 over substantially the entire area of the second surface 511b along the circumferential direction of the pipe 511.

For example, the insulating layer 531 may be implemented by attaching a film made of an insulating material to the second surface 511b of the pipe 511. Alternatively, the insulating layer 531 may be implemented by printing a solid material made of an insulating material on the second surface 511b of the pipe 511 or spraying a liquid material and then hardening it.

In one embodiment, the insulating layer 531 stacking operation S120 may stack the insulating layer 531 in an area corresponding to the pattern P on which the hot wire 520 is printed on the second surface 511b of the pipe 511. For example, the insulating layer 531 is implemented by attaching a film made of an insulating material and patterned to correspond to the shape of the pattern (P) of the heating wire 520 on the second surface 511b of the pipe 511. It can be. Alternatively, the insulating layer 531 may be formed by printing a solid material made of an insulating material or spraying a liquid material along the pattern P structure of the heating wire 520 on the second surface 511b of the pipe 511. It can be implemented by hardening.

In one embodiment, the hot wire 520 printing operation S130 may print the hot wire 520 on the insulating layer 531 on the second surface 511b of the pipe 511. For example, the heat wire 520 can be implemented as a substantially integral body with the pipe 511 by printing a conductive solid material or liquid material on the pipe 511 placed in the 3D printer.

In one embodiment, the hot wire 520 printing operation (S130) is performed by printing the hot wire 520 with a pattern (P) surrounding at least a partial area of the second surface 511b of the pipe 511. and can be printed directly on the insulating layer 531. In one embodiment, when the hot wire 520 is not printed directly on the pipe 511 as in various embodiments of this document, the hot wire 520 is attached to the second side 511b of the pipe 511 after being created. In order to be attached, a separate adhesive member (not shown) and/or an insulating member (not shown) such as a coating may be further required. In this case, heat transfer efficiency may be lowered due to other materials, manufacturing processes may be added, or the structure of the aerosol generating device 500 may become complicated.

In various embodiments of the present document, the heat wire 520 is formed by printing directly on the second surface 511b of the pipe 511, thereby providing relatively improved heat transfer efficiency, simplifying the manufacturing process, or The structure of the aerosol generating device 500 can be simplified.

In one embodiment, the manufacturing method (S100) of the aerosol generating device 500 may further include a groove 511c forming operation (not shown) before the pipe 511 arranging operation (S110). The groove 511c forming operation (not shown) may form a groove 511c formed inwardly in response to the pattern P on which the hot wire 520 is printed on the second surface 511b of the pipe 511. there is. In one embodiment, the groove 511c may be formed through a partial cutting process for the pipe 511, or may be formed by molding during the manufacturing process of the pipe 511. An insulating layer 531 and/or a heating wire 520 may be disposed inside the groove 511c.

In one embodiment, the manufacturing method (S100) of the aerosol generating device 500 may further include a coating layer 535 deposition operation (not shown) after the hot wire 520 printing operation (S130). The coating layer 535 deposition operation (S130) may deposit the coating layer 535 on the second surface 511b of the pipe 511 and the heating wire 520. The coating layer 535 may protect the second surface 511b of the pipe 511 and the heating wire 520 from being exposed to the outside.

Although the embodiments have been described with limited drawings as described above, those skilled in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described techniques are performed in a different order than the described method, and/or components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or combined in a different form than the described method, or other components are used. Alternatively, appropriate results may be achieved even if substituted or substituted by an equivalent. Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents of the claims also fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (15)

In the aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette,
a pipe having an opening for inserting the cigarette, including a first surface surrounding at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the cigarette when the cigarette is inserted, and a second surface opposing the first surface;
a heater provided on a second side of the pipe to heat the pipe; and
Comprising an insulating layer provided between the heater and the second surface of the pipe,
The heater is,
An aerosol-generating device comprising a heat wire printed directly on the second side and the insulating layer in a pattern surrounding at least a portion of the second side of the pipe. According to paragraph 1,
The aerosol generating device includes a connector that supplies power to the heater,
The heater is,
An aerosol generating device comprising a plurality of terminals including a first terminal and a second terminal each connected to the connector. According to paragraph 2,
The heating wire is,
An aerosol generating device wherein one end is connected to the first terminal, and the other end opposite to the one end is connected to the second terminal. According to paragraph 2,
The aerosol generating device,
A power supply unit connected to the connector and supplying power to the heater,
The connector is,
a first connector terminal connected to the first terminal;
a second connector terminal connected to the second terminal;
a third connector terminal connected to the power supply; and
An aerosol generating device extending from the third connector terminal to the first connector terminal and the second connector terminal, and comprising a body made of FPCB. According to paragraph 4,
The body of the connector is,
An aerosol generating device that extends from the center toward each of the first connector terminal, the second connector terminal, and the third connector terminal and has a 'Y' shape. According to paragraph 1,
The aerosol generating device,
An aerosol-generating device comprising a coating layer deposited on a second side of the pipe and the heating wire. According to paragraph 1,
The insulating layer is,
An aerosol-generating device laminated over substantially the entire area of the second side along the circumferential direction of the pipe. According to paragraph 1,
The insulating layer is,
On the second side of the pipe, the hot wire is deposited in an area corresponding to the printed pattern. According to paragraph 1,
The pipe is,
An aerosol generating device comprising, on the second surface, a groove formed inwardly corresponding to a pattern in which the hot wire is printed. According to clause 9,
The insulating layer and the heating wire are,
An aerosol-generating device disposed in the groove on a second side of the pipe. In the method of manufacturing an aerosol generating device,
disposing a pipe including an opening, a first face facing the opening and a second face opposing the first face;
Laminating an insulating layer on the second side of the pipe; and
An operation of printing a hot wire on the insulating layer on a second side of the pipe,
The operation of printing the hot wire is,
A method of manufacturing an aerosol-generating device, wherein the heat wire is printed directly on the second side and the insulating layer in a pattern surrounding at least a portion of the second side of the pipe. According to clause 11,
The operation of laminating the insulating layer is,
A method of manufacturing an aerosol-generating device, comprising laminating substantially the entire area of the second side along the circumferential direction of the pipe. According to clause 11,
The operation of laminating the insulating layer is,
A method of manufacturing an aerosol generating device, wherein the heat wire is laminated on a second side of the pipe in an area corresponding to a printed pattern. According to clause 11,
Before disposing the pipe, a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating device comprising forming a groove on the second side of the pipe, which is formed inwardly corresponding to the pattern in which the hot wire is printed. According to clause 11,
A method of manufacturing an aerosol generating device, comprising, after printing the hot wire, depositing a coating layer on the second side of the pipe and the hot wire.

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