Aerosol-generating source support assembly and aerosol-generating device having the same

Abstract

The aerosol-generating source support assembly has: an inner tube in a hollow shape having a support space empty inside, for surrounding and supporting at least a portion of the aerosol-generating source; and an outer tube connected to the inner tube and movably supporting the inner tube so as to change between a combined position combined with the inner tube and a separated position separated from at least a portion of the inner tube.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application No. 2019800045855, filed on March 7, 2019, entitled "Aerosol-generating Source Support Assembly and Aerosol-generating Device Having the Same". TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments relate to an aerosol-generating source support assembly and an aerosol-generating device having the same, and more particularly, to an aerosol-generating source support assembly and an aerosol-generating device having the same, which are simple in cleaning operation. BACKGROUND

[0003] Recently, there is an increasing demand for a device that generates an aerosol from components in a cigarette by heating the cigarette. For an aerosol-generating device having a heater that heats a cigarette, it is possible to separate the cigarette from the aerosol-generating device after using the cigarette and insert a new cigarette into the aerosol-generating device.

[0004] In order to generate a good aerosol, the aerosol-generating device should be maintained in a clean state even if it is repeatedly used. However, in the process of generating an aerosol by heating a cigarette, foreign substances can accumulate inside the aerosol-generating device. Such accumulated foreign substances contaminate the aerosol-generating device, weaken the performance of the device, and cause discomfort and inconvenience to the user.

[0005] In general, the operation of cleaning the inside of the aerosol-generating device is performed in such a way that the user shakes the hole into which the cigarette is inserted toward the ground while holding the device with his or her hand. However, foreign substances stuck inside the aerosol-generating device are not easily discharged from the aerosol-generating device, so the user has to forcefully hit the cigarette insertion hole of the aerosol-generating device against a hard surface such as a table, which is inconvenient and poses a risk of damage to the housing.

[0006] In addition, if the aerosol-generating device is repeatedly used for a long time, foreign substances can be firmly attached to the inside of the aerosol-generating device that is not exposed to the outside through the hole into which the cigarette is inserted. In order to clean the area that is not exposed to the outside of the aerosol-generating device, only special tools such as a screwdriver can forcibly disassemble the parts, so there is a problem in that it is difficult to clean the aerosol-generating device. SUMMARY

[0007] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] Embodiments provide an aerosol-generating source support assembly and an aerosol-generating device having the same, which are convenient to use and simple in cleaning operation.

[0009] In addition, embodiments provide an aerosol-generating device that improves durability and stability, maintains the inside clean, and is convenient to manage.

[0010] In addition, the embodiment provides an aerosol generating source support assembly and an aerosol generating device detachably coupled with the aerosol generating source support assembly, in which a space for cleaning is easily exposed to the outside because some components are movable, and thus cleaning work is simple.

[0011] Means for solving the problem

[0012] An aerosol generating source support assembly of one embodiment includes an inner tube having a hollow shape with an inside empty support space for surrounding and supporting at least a portion of an aerosol generating source, and an outer tube coupled with the inner tube and movably supporting the inner tube so as to be changed between a coupled position in which the inner tube is coupled with the outer tube and a separated position in which at least a portion of the inner tube is separated from the outer tube.

[0013] The inner tube can be rotatably coupled to the outer tube, rotated between the coupled position in which the inner tube is accommodated in the outer tube and the separated position in which at least a portion of the inner tube protrudes to the outside of the outer tube.

[0014] The outer tube can have a hollow shape with an accommodation space with an inside empty, can include an opening on one side of one end of the accommodation space, an opening on the other side of the other end of the accommodation space, and an open passage extending from the opening on the other side to the opening on one side to open a portion of the accommodation space to the outside.

[0015] The inner tube can be rotatably coupled to the outer tube with an axis that crosses an extension direction of the outer tube from the opening on one side toward the opening on the other side as a center.

[0016] When the inner tube is rotated from the coupled position to the separated position, at least a portion of the inner tube can protrude to the outside of the accommodation space through the open passage.

[0017] The inner tube can further include an insertion port opening the support space to the outside at one end portion, and the insertion port of the inner tube can be docked with the opening on one side of the outer tube in the coupled position.

[0018] The inner tube can further include a shaft protruding to the outer tube, and the outer tube can further include a rotation hole into which the shaft is inserted and rotated.

[0019] The inner tube can further include a pressurization handle for operating the inner tube by a user at an outer side surface.

[0020] The inner tube can further include a stopper protruding to the outside from the shaft, and the outer tube can further include an upper plate extending to the outside at the opening on one side, the upper plate being in contact with and supporting the stopper when the inner tube is rotated to the separated position.

[0021] The inner tube can further include an inner upper plate extending outward of the insertion port, and a handle provided to the inner upper plate in a manner that opens toward one side of the outer tube, and the one side opening of the outer tube can be enlarged outward from a center of the one side opening to expose the handle to the outside

[0022] The inner tube can further include a heater insertion port open at the other end portion.

[0023] The inner tube can further include a cutout cut to open a portion of the support space to the outside for cleaning, and the outer tube can further include an extended support surface combined with the cutout of the inner tube at the combined position and extending in a manner continuous with the inner wall surface of the inner tube to surround and support at least a portion of the aerosol generating source.

[0024] A groove extending along an outer edge of the cutout or the extended support surface can be formed on one of the cutout of the inner tube and the extended support surface of the outer tube, and a protruding edge extending along the outer edge of the cutout or the extended support surface and inserted into the groove can be formed on the other of the cutout of the inner tube and the extended support surface of the outer tube.

[0025] The groove and the protruding edge can each include a linear portion extending in the extension direction of the inner tube and the outer tube, and a curved portion connected to the linear portion and extending in a circumferential direction of the inner tube adjacent to the other end portion of the inner tube, and a connection portion of the linear portion and the curved portion can be formed in a curved manner.

[0026] The rotation hole can guide the shaft to move in the extension direction of the outer tube by extending in the extension direction of the outer tube.

[0027] The rotation hole can include a boss protruding from the rotation hole and supporting the axis, and the inner tube can move between a close contact position in which the shaft passes through the boss and moves toward the one side opening of the outer tube when the inner tube is combined with the outer tube at the combined position, and a release position in which the shaft passes through the boss and moves toward the other side opening of the outer tube, and the inner tube can be rotatable relative to the outer tube when the shaft moves to the release position.

[0028] The inner tube can further include an inner upper plate extending outward of the insertion port, and the outer tube can further include an upper plate extending outward from the one side opening, and the end portion of the inner upper plate can contact the upper plate and maintain the inner tube at the separation position when the inner tube rotates relative to the outer tube.

[0029] The inner tube can be combined with the outer tube in a linearly movable manner in the extension direction of the outer tube.

[0030] The outer tube can include an outer tube cutout exposing at least a portion of an empty accommodation space inside to the outside, and the inner tube can include an inner tube cutout exposing the support space to the outside and having a shape corresponding to the outer tube cutout of the outer tube.

[0031] In the combined position, the outer cylinder cutout and the inner cylinder cutout can both be closed to form an aerosol generating source insertion space in which the aerosol generating source is accommodated inside, and in the separated position, the outer cylinder cutout and the inner cylinder cutout can be exposed to the outside.

[0032] A rail that guides linear movement of the inner cylinder can be provided between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder that are fitted to each other.

[0033] One of the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder can be provided with a stopper for maintaining a position, and the other of the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder can be provided with an accommodation groove combined with the stopper.

[0034] The outer cylinder can further have an insertion port extending in a circumferential direction at one side end portion and for inserting the aerosol generating source, and the inner cylinder can further have an open heater insertion port at the other side end portion in the opposite direction to the insertion port.

[0035] An aerosol generating device of another embodiment has:

[0036] A housing;

[0037] A protruding tube protruding at one side end portion of the housing in a hollow shape open to the outside;

[0038] A heater provided in the housing in such a manner that an end portion is located inside the protruding tube and generates heat when an electric signal is applied; and

[0039] An aerosol generating source support assembly having an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder, the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder being mounted to the protruding tube and detachable from the protruding tube, the inner cylinder being in a hollow shape having a support space empty inside, for surrounding and supporting at least a portion of the aerosol generating source, the outer cylinder being connected to the inner cylinder and movably supporting the inner cylinder so as to change between a combined position in which the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder are combined with each other and a separated position in which at least a portion of the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder are separated from each other.

[0040] Effects of the Invention

[0041] According to the aerosol generating source support assembly and the aerosol generating device having the same according to the above-described embodiments, the relative positions of the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder are changed between the combined position in which they are combined with each other and the separated position in which at least a portion of them are separated from each other, and thus, when the aerosol generating source is used, the aerosol generating source can be stably supported, and after the aerosol generating source is used, a cleaning operation can be simply and reliably performed.

[0042] In addition, the relative positions of the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder can be fixed in the separated position in which at least a portion of the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder are separated from each other, and thus, a cleaning operation can be quickly and safely performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1is a perspective view showing an aerosol generating device of an embodiment provided with an aerosol generating source support assembly.

[0044] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an operating state of the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an operating state of the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in

[0045] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an operating state of the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an operating state of the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in

[0046] Figure 4 is a side sectional view showing a part of the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in Figure 2 is a side sectional view showing a part of the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in

[0047] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a back surface of the aerosol generating source support assembly of the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 4 is a perspective view showing a back surface of the aerosol generating source support assembly of the embodiment shown in

[0048] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a part of the aerosol generating source support assembly of the embodiment shown in Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a part of the aerosol generating source support assembly of the embodiment shown in

[0049] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an operating state of the aerosol generating source support assembly of the embodiment shown in Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an operating state of the aerosol generating source support assembly of the embodiment shown in

[0050] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a bottom surface of the aerosol generating source support assembly of the embodiment shown in Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a bottom surface of the aerosol generating source support assembly of the embodiment shown in

[0051] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing an aerosol generating source support assembly of another embodiment.

[0052] Figure 10 is a side view showing the aerosol generating source support assembly of the embodiment shown in Figure 9 is a side view showing the aerosol generating source support assembly of the embodiment shown in

[0053] Figure 11 is a side view showing an operating state of the aerosol generating source support assembly of the embodiment shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10 is a side view showing an operating state of the aerosol generating source support assembly of the embodiment shown in

[0054] Figure 12 is a side view showing a part of the aerosol generating source support assembly of the embodiment shown in Figure 11 is a side view showing a part of the aerosol generating source support assembly of the embodiment shown in

[0055] Figure 13This is a perspective view showing an aerosol generation source support assembly according to another embodiment.

[0056] Figure 14A It is shown Figure 13 A perspective view of a portion of the aerosol generation source support assembly of the embodiment shown in the figure.

[0057] Figure 14B It is shown from another angle Figure 14A A perspective view of a portion of the aerosol generation source support assembly shown in the figure.

[0058] Figure 15A It is shown Figure 13 A perspective view of another part of the aerosol generation source support assembly of the embodiment shown in the figure.

[0059] Figure 15B This is a side cross-sectional view showing an aerosol generation source support assembly according to another embodiment.

[0060] Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing an aerosol generation source support assembly according to another embodiment.

[0061] Figure 17 It is shown Figure 16 A perspective view of an operational state of the aerosol generation source support assembly of an embodiment is shown in the figure.

[0062] Figure 18 It is shown Figure 17 A perspective view of the back of the aerosol generation source support assembly of the embodiment shown in the figure. Detailed Implementation

[0063] The present invention will become clear from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description of embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be embodied in many different forms. The purpose of providing these embodiments is solely to make the disclosure complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the claims. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is intended to describe embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, the singular form may also include the plural form. The terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" as used in the specification mean that a component, step, operation, and / or element does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations, and / or elements. Terms such as "first" and "second" can be used to describe multiple components, but these components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0064] Figure 1This is a perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus having an aerosol generation source support assembly, illustrating an embodiment.

[0065] Figure 1 The aerosol generation source support assembly and aerosol generation device having the assembly shown in the embodiment may include a housing 1001 and an outer cover 1002. The outer cover 1002 is attached to one end of the housing 1001, and the housing 1001 and the outer cover 1002 together form the appearance of the aerosol generation device.

[0066] The housing 1001 forms part of the exterior of the aerosol generating device 1000 and performs the function of housing and protecting various components inside.

[0067] The outer cover 1002 and the housing 1001 can be made of plastic material that does not easily conduct heat or metal material with a heat-insulating coating. The outer cover 1002 and the housing 1001 can be manufactured, for example, by injection molding, 3D printing, or by assembling small parts manufactured by injection molding.

[0068] A retaining device may be provided between the outer cover 1002 and the housing 1001 to maintain the engagement state between the outer cover 1002 and the housing 1001. The retaining device may include, for example, a protrusion and a groove. The engagement state between the outer cover 1002 and the housing 1001 may be maintained by keeping the protrusion inserted into the groove, and the protrusion may be moved by a user-pressable operating button to separate the protrusion from the groove.

[0069] Alternatively, the retaining device may include, for example, a magnet and a metal part attached to the magnet. When the retaining device uses a magnet, the magnet may be provided on either the outer cover 1002 or the housing 1001, and the metal part attached to the magnet may be provided on the other, or magnets may be provided on both the outer cover 1002 and the housing 1001.

[0070] exist Figure 1 In the aerosol generating apparatus of the embodiment shown, the outer cover 1002 is not an essential structure and may be omitted if necessary.

[0071] An external hole 1002p for inserting a cigarette 3 is formed on the upper surface of the outer cover 1002, which is attached to the housing 1001. A track 1003r is formed on the upper surface of the outer cover 1002 adjacent to the external hole 1002p. A door cover 1003, which can slide along the upper surface of the outer cover 1002, is provided on the track 1003r. The door cover 1003 can slide linearly along the track 1003r.

[0072] Door cover 1003 is moved along track 1003r towards Figure 1Moving in the direction of the middle arrow exposes the external hole 1002p and the insertion hole 1004p to the outside. These external holes 1002p and insertion holes 1004p are used to pass the cigarette 3 through the outer cover 1002 and insert it into the housing 1001. The external hole 1002p of the outer cover 1002 exposes the insertion hole 1004p of the receiving channel 1004h for receiving the cigarette 3 to the outside.

[0073] When the cover 1003 exposes the external hole 1002p to the outside, the user can place the cigarette 3 into the receiving channel 1004h formed inside the cover 1002 by inserting the end 3b of the cigarette 3 into the external hole 1002p and the insertion hole 1004p.

[0074] In this embodiment, the cover 1003 may be configured to move linearly relative to the outer cover 1002. However, the embodiment is not limited to a structure in which the cover 1003 is attached to the outer cover 1002. For example, the cover 1003 may be rotatably mounted on the outer cover 1002 via a hinge assembly. With the hinge assembly, the cover 1003 may rotate toward the side of the external opening 1002p along the extending direction of the upper surface of the outer cover 1002, or the cover 1003 may rotate toward a direction away from the upper surface of the outer cover 1002.

[0075] Track 1003r has a recessed groove shape, but the embodiment is not limited to the shape of track 1003r. For example, track 1003r may also have a convex shape, or it may extend in a curve instead of a straight line.

[0076] Button 1009 is located on housing 1001. By operating button 1009, the operation of aerosol generating device 1000 can be controlled.

[0077] With the outer cover 1002 attached to the housing 1001, an external air inflow gap 1002g is formed at the joint between the outer cover 1002 and the housing 1001, allowing air to flow into the interior of the outer cover 1002.

[0078] Figure 2 It shows from Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of the operation state of the aerosol generating apparatus of the embodiment, in which a portion of the components are separated. Figure 3 It shows from Figure 2 The diagram shows a perspective view of the operation state of the aerosol generating apparatus of the embodiment, in which a portion of the components are separated. Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol generating apparatus of the embodiment shown in the figure.

[0079] like Figure 4As shown, when the cigarette 3 is inserted into the aerosol generating device, the user can hold the cigarette 3 in their mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0080] After finishing using the cigarette 3, the user can remove the cigarette 3 from the aerosol generating device and perform a cleaning operation to remove the cigarette residue remaining inside the aerosol generating device.

[0081] The cleaning operation of the aerosol generating device can be carried out as follows: After the user separates the outer cover 1002 from the housing 1001 of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating source support assembly 4 is separated from the housing 1001 to expose the internal space of the aerosol generating device and the heater to the outside, and cigarette substances are removed.

[0082] Reference Figure 2 The outer cover 1002 can be coupled to one end 1001a of the housing 1001 to cover the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 coupled to one end 1001a of the housing 1001. Alternatively, the outer cover 1002 can be detached from the housing 1001 as needed.

[0083] When removing the cigarette 3 from the aerosol generating device after use, the user can take the cigarette 3 out of the housing 1001 by holding it in his hand and rotating it at the same time or after rotating it.

[0084] By rotating the cigarette 3 while or after it is separated from the housing 1001, the adhesion between the cigarette 3 and the heater can be released, and the cigarette substances attached to the cigarette 3 can be discharged to the outside of the housing 1001 together with the cigarette 3.

[0085] If the cigarette 3 is pulled without rotating it (or pulled while rotating it), although the cigarette 3 can be separated from the housing 1001, a portion of the cigarette 3, such as the tobacco portion, may not be expelled from the housing 1001 and may remain on the heater side. In such a case, after the user separates the outer cover 1002 from the housing 1001, as... Figure 3 As shown, the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 can be separated from the housing 1001. At this time, the cigarette residue remaining on the heater side separates from the housing 1001 together with the aerosol generation source support assembly 4. The user can then remove the cigarette residue remaining in the separated aerosol generation source support assembly 4.

[0086] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4The aerosol generating device 1000 includes: a housing 1001; a hollow protruding tube 1020 that protrudes from one end 1001a of the housing 1001 and has an opening facing outward; a heater 1030 disposed in the housing 1001 and located inside the protruding tube 1020; and an aerosol generating source support assembly 4 that can be attached to or detached from the protruding tube 1020.

[0087] like Figure 2 As shown, with the aerosol generation source support component 4 attached to the housing 1001, the user can separate the aerosol generation source support component 4 from the housing 1001 by grasping it with their hand and pulling it upwards.

[0088] The aerosol generation source support assembly 4 has a pressure handle 20x on its outer side, which allows the user to apply an upward pushing force. In the accompanying drawings, the pressure handle 20x has a shape that protrudes from the outer side of the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 and extends a predetermined distance in the circumferential direction.

[0089] The embodiments are not limited to the structure of the pressurizing handle 20x. For example, the pressurizing handle 20x may have the shape of a groove recessed on the outer side of the aerosol generation source support assembly 4.

[0090] Reference Figure 4 The protruding tube 1020 surrounds the heater 1030 to protect the heater 1030, and when the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 is attached to the protruding tube 1020, the protruding tube 1020 functions to support the aerosol generation source support assembly 4.

[0091] Reference Figure 3 The protruding tube 1020 has an inclined protrusion 1020y that protrudes from its outer side and extends at an inclination along the vertical direction, i.e., the moving direction of the aerosol generation source support assembly 4. The aerosol generation source support assembly 4 has an inclined groove 20y that accommodates and supports the inclined protrusion 1020y. At least a portion of the surfaces of the inclined protrusion 1020y and the inclined groove 20y can be formed into curved surfaces that are bent along the moving direction of the aerosol generation source support assembly 4. By forming curved surfaces on the surfaces of the inclined protrusion 1020y and the inclined groove 20y, the operation of installing the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 onto or separating it from the protruding tube 1020 can be performed smoothly.

[0092] With the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 installed in the protruding tube 1020, the inclined protrusion 1020y can be stably inserted into the inclined groove 20y. Therefore, the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 is not easily separated from the protruding tube 1020 before the user pulls it.

[0093] The embodiments are not limited to the positions where the inclined groove 20y and the inclined protrusion 1020y are set. For example, the inclined groove can also be set on the protruding tube 1020 and the inclined protrusion can be set on the aerosol generation source support assembly 4.

[0094] The protruding tube 1020 has a hollow shape with an empty interior, thus the protruding tube 1020 has a connecting channel 1020h in which at least a portion of the cigarette support part 4 can be inserted. The upper end of the connecting channel 1020h opens outward toward the upper side of the aerosol generating device.

[0095] A heater 1030 is provided in the housing 1001, which performs the function of heating the cigarette 3. The heater 1030 is provided in the housing 1001 with its upper end located inside the protruding tube 1020. When the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 is attached to the protruding tube 1020 and the cigarette 3 is housed in the aerosol generation source support assembly 4, the upper end of the heater 1030 is inserted into the bottom surface of the end of the cigarette 3.

[0096] The heater 1030 is electrically connected to a power supply device disposed inside the housing 1001. When a cigarette 3 is inserted into the end of the heater 1030, if the power supply device supplies electricity to the heater 1030, the heater 1030 is heated to heat the cigarette 3.

[0097] Reference Figure 4 The aerosol generation source support assembly 4 can be inserted into the connecting channel 1020h inside the protruding tube 1020 through the opening of the protruding tube 1020. The aerosol generation source support assembly 4 has an inner cylinder 10 and an outer cylinder 20 for movably supporting the inner cylinder 10.

[0098] Reference Figure 4 The outer cylinder 20 of the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 has an extended support surface 26 that protrudes inward from and is spaced apart from the outer wall 20t, which has a generally semi-cylindrical shape. When the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 is attached to the protruding tube 1020, the protruding tube 1020 is inserted between the outer wall 20t and the extended support surface 26, thereby stably maintaining the attachment between the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 and the protruding tube 1020.

[0099] Due to the stable connection structure between the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 and the protruding tube 1020 as described above, even if external vibrations caused by impacts are applied to the aerosol generation device, the separation or damage of the components of the aerosol generation device can be reduced. Therefore, even with long-term use, the aerosol generation device can ensure good durability and stability.

[0100] In addition, the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 can be easily separated from the housing 1001 when cleaning operations are carried out, so cleaning operations can be performed reliably and easily.

[0101] Additionally, the protruding tube 1020 can perform the function of directly supplying external air to the end of the cigarette 3. (See reference...) Figure 3 The protruding tube 1020 has: an air hole 1020g for connecting the inside and outside of the protruding tube 1020; and an airflow path 1020n extending along the surface of the protruding tube 1020 in a manner that guides the airflow to the air hole 1020g.

[0102] Multiple vents 1020g may be provided at intervals along the circumferential direction relative to the center of the protruding tube 1020 in the length direction. The vents 1020g and the airflow path 1020n form an airflow channel for allowing air from the outside of the protruding tube 1020 to flow into the interior of the protruding tube 1020.

[0103] Reference Figure 4 When the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 is attached to the protruding tube 1020, the extended support surface 26 of the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 is inserted into the inside of the protruding tube 1020. During the downward movement of the extended support surface 26 of the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 along the protruding tube 1020, the heater 1030 located inside the protruding tube 1020 passes through the heater insertion port 10b of the aerosol generation source support assembly 4.

[0104] With the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 connected to the protruding tube 1020, the end of the heater 1030 passes through the heater insertion port 10b of the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 and is located inside the aerosol generation source support assembly 4. Therefore, with the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 connected to the protruding tube 1020, when the cigarette 3 is contained in the aerosol generation source support assembly 4, the end of the heater 1030 is inserted into the cigarette 3.

[0105] The embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings illustrates a cigarette inserted into a heater, but the embodiment is not limited to such a heater structure. For example, the heater can be made as a cylindrical thin-film heater that can surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the cigarette. When using a cylindrical thin-film heater, the cylindrical thin-film heater can be disposed on the inner or outer wall surface of the protruding tube 1020.

[0106] When the user of the aerosol generating device inserts the cigarette 3 into the receiving channel 1004h, the cigarette 3 moves along the aerosol generating source support assembly 4. When the end of the cigarette 3 reaches the bottom surface of the aerosol generating source support assembly 4, the sensation of the bottom surface contacting the end of the cigarette 3 is transmitted to the hand of the user holding the cigarette 3. Therefore, the user can easily place the cigarette 3 into the aerosol generating device by performing the simple action of holding the cigarette 3 in their hand and pushing it into the aerosol generating device.

[0107] When the user separates the cigarette 3 from the aerosol generation source support assembly 4, the user can remove the cigarette 3 from the outside of the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 by holding and rotating the cigarette 3 with their hand. During the process of the user holding and rotating the cigarette 3 with their hand, the cigarette 3 and the heater 1030, which are stuck together due to the tobacco substances, can be completely separated.

[0108] After separating the cigarette 3 from the aerosol generation source support assembly 4, the user can clean the inside of the aerosol generation source support assembly 4. When the user separates the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 from the housing 1001 for cleaning, the user can hold the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 with their hand and remove it from the outside of the housing 1001.

[0109] Figure 5 It shows from Figures 2 to 4 The diagram shows a perspective view of the back of the aerosol generation source support assembly separated from the aerosol generation apparatus of the embodiment shown. Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A perspective view of a portion of the aerosol generation source support assembly of an embodiment shown in the figure. Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5 A perspective view of an operational state of the aerosol generation source support assembly of an embodiment is shown in the figure.

[0110] The inner cylinder 10 and the outer cylinder 20 may contain heat-resistant materials such as plastic, metal or rubber, or a combination of these materials.

[0111] The inner cylinder 10 has an internally hollow support space 15 and is hollow in shape. The inner cylinder 10 has an inner wall surface 11a, which can support the cigarette 3, which is an aerosol generation source, by contacting and surrounding at least a portion of it.

[0112] The outer cylinder 20 is connected to and rotatably supports the inner cylinder 10. The inner cylinder 10 can be positioned as follows: Figure 5 The connection position shown is where it connects with the outer cylinder 20, and as shown in the figure. Figure 7 The separation position of at least a portion of the inner cylinder 10 that separates from the outer cylinder 20 changes.

[0113] The inner cylinder 10 is rotatably coupled to the outer cylinder 20, thus allowing for rotational movement between the coupled and disengaged positions. Figure 5 The inner cylinder 10 is housed within the outer cylinder 20 at the connection point shown in the diagram. Figure 6 As shown in the diagram, at the separation position, a portion of the inner cylinder 10 protrudes outward from the outer cylinder 20.

[0114] The outer cylinder 20 is made into a hollow shape with an internally empty receiving space 25 so that the inner cylinder 10 can be accommodated at the joining position. The outer cylinder 20 includes: a side opening 20a that opens one end of the receiving space 25 to the outside in the upper direction; a side opening 20b that opens the other end of the receiving space 25 to the outside in the lower direction; and an opening channel 27 that extends from the other side opening 20b to the side opening 20a so that a portion of the receiving space 25 opens to the outside in the lateral direction.

[0115] like Figure 5 As shown, the outer cylinder 20 may have an inclined groove 20y on its inner side. The inclined groove 20y serves to... Figure 3 The inclined protrusion 1020y of the protruding tube 1020 shown functions to accommodate and support it.

[0116] The inner cylinder 10 has a shaft 12 protruding toward the outer cylinder 20. The outer cylinder 20 has a rotating hole 22 that receives the shaft 12 and rotatably supports the shaft 12.

[0117] The inner cylinder 10 is rotatably coupled relative to the outer cylinder 20 with its center centered on an axis L that extends transversely from one side opening 20a of the outer cylinder 20 toward the other side opening 20b. When the inner cylinder 10 rotates from the separated position toward the coupled position, at least a portion of the inner cylinder 10 protrudes outward through the open channel 27 of the outer cylinder 20 toward the receiving space 25.

[0118] Reference Figure 6 The inner cylinder 10 has an insertion port 10a at one end, which opens the supporting space 15 to the outside in the upward direction. When the inner cylinder 10 and the outer cylinder 20 are in... Figure 5 When the inner cylinder 10 is in the mating position shown, the insertion port 10a of the inner cylinder 10 aligns with the side opening 20a of the outer cylinder 20, thereby forming a mating position. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The insertion hole 1004p is shown in the figure.

[0119] Reference Figure 7 The inner cylinder 10 has a heater insertion port 10b at one end, which opens outwards towards the lower side. Figure 4In this configuration, when the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 is attached to the housing 1001, the upper end of the heater 1030 penetrates the heater insertion port 10b and is located inside the aerosol generation source support assembly 4. Therefore, as... Figure 4 As shown, when the cigarette 3 is inserted into the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 through the insertion hole 1004p, the upper end of the heater 1030 is inserted into the bottom surface of the end of the cigarette 3.

[0120] The size of the heater insertion port 10b of the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 can correspond to the thickness of the heater 1030. For example, when the heater 1030 has a circular cross-section, the heater insertion port 10b also has a circular cross-sectional shape, and the inner diameter of the heater insertion port 10b is formed to correspond to the outer diameter of the heater 1030.

[0121] The embodiments are not limited by the size of the inner diameter of the heater insertion port 10b. For example, the inner diameter of the heater insertion port 10b may be formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the heater 1030, thereby separating the inner surface of the heater insertion port 10b from the outer surface of the heater 1030.

[0122] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 A perspective view of the bottom surface of the aerosol generation source support assembly of the embodiment shown in the figure.

[0123] For ease of cleaning, the inner cylinder 10 has a cutout 16 to open a portion of the support space 15 to the outside.

[0124] In addition, the outer cylinder 20 has an extended support surface 26 protruding from the inner wall of the outer cylinder 20, which allows it to engage with the cut hole 16 of the inner cylinder 10 at the engagement position.

[0125] When the outer tube 20 and the inner tube 10 are joined, the extended support surface 26 is continuous with the inner wall surface 11a of the inner tube 10 and extends in a circumferential direction, thereby contacting and surrounding at least a portion of the cigarette 3 and providing support thereto. At the joined position, the extended support surface 26 of the outer tube 20 and the inner wall surface 11a of the inner tube 10 can form a circle corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the cigarette 3.

[0126] The extended support surface 26 of the outer cylinder 20 has a groove 27g extending along the outer edge of the extended support surface 26. In addition, the cut hole 16 of the inner cylinder 10 has a protruding edge 17 that protrudes toward the outer cylinder 20 and extends along the outer edge of the cut hole 16.

[0127] When the inner cylinder 10 rotates to the engagement position and is accommodated in the outer cylinder 20, the protruding edge 17 of the inner cylinder 10 is inserted into the groove 27g of the outer cylinder 20, thereby stably maintaining the engagement position of the inner cylinder 10 and the outer cylinder 20.

[0128] exist Figure 8 In the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 shown in the embodiment, although the inner cylinder 10 has a protruding edge 17 and the outer cylinder 20 has a groove 27g, the embodiment is not limited to this structure. That is, the inner cylinder 10 may have a groove and the outer cylinder 20 may have a protruding edge.

[0129] When the cut hole 16 of the inner cylinder 10 rotates from the extended support surface 26 of the outer cylinder 20 in the separation direction, and rotates to the point where... Figure 8 When the separation position is shown, the support space 15 of the inner cylinder 10 and the receiving space 25 of the outer cylinder 20 are exposed to the outside. With the support space 15 and the receiving space 25 exposed to the outside, foreign matter generated and attached to the inside of the aerosol generation source support assembly 4 during the aerosol generation process of cigarette 3 can be reliably and easily removed.

[0130] The inner cylinder 10 has a shaft 12 with a stop 12s protruding outward. The outer cylinder 20 has an upper plate 23 extending outward from an opening 20a on one side.

[0131] When the inner cylinder 10 rotates towards the separation position, the upper plate 23 contacts the stop block 12s, thereby supporting the stop block 12s and fixing its rotational position. That is, when the inner cylinder 10 rotates towards the separation position, the stop block 12s is tightly attached to the lower surface of the upper plate 23, resulting in a state where the upper plate 23 and the stop block 12s are firmly pressed together. Therefore, when the inner cylinder 10 rotates to... Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 When the separation position is shown, the inner cylinder 10 can be stably maintained in the separation position relative to the outer cylinder 20 due to the mutual contact between the stop block 12s and the upper plate 23.

[0132] As described above, the inner cylinder 10 can rotate between an engaged position where it is connected to the outer cylinder 20 and a disengaged position where it rotates away from the outer cylinder 20. Therefore, cleaning operations can be performed easily. In particular, since the inner cylinder 10 is fixed in the disengaged position by the action of the stop 12s, thus... Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, users can easily perform cleaning operations while keeping the aerosol generation source support assembly in a detached position.

[0133] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing an aerosol generation source support assembly according to another embodiment.

[0134] Figure 9 The aerosol generation source support assembly shown in the embodiment comprises: an inner cylinder 10, which is hollow inside; and an outer cylinder 20, which rotatably supports the inner cylinder 10.

[0135] The inner cylinder 10 has a shaft 12, and the outer cylinder 20 has a rotating hole 22 that rotatably supports the shaft 12.

[0136] The rotating hole 22 extends along the extending direction of the outer cylinder 20. The rotating hole 22 serves to guide the shaft 12 to move along the extending direction of the outer cylinder 20 when it is inserted into the rotating hole 22. Therefore, the inner cylinder 10 and the shaft 12 can move linearly along the extending direction of the rotating hole 22.

[0137] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 A side view of the aerosol generation source support assembly of an embodiment shown in the figure.

[0138] The outer cylinder 20 has an upper plate 23 that extends outward from an opening on one side of its upper surface. For example... Figure 9 As shown, when the inner cylinder 10 is housed inside the outer cylinder 20 and in the engagement position with the outer cylinder 20, the inner cylinder 10 can move linearly in the upward and downward directions. The upward direction is towards the upper plate 23 of the outer cylinder 20, and the downward direction is away from the upper plate 23.

[0139] The rotating hole 22 of the outer cylinder 20 includes: an upper hole 22a adjacent to the upper plate 23 of the outer cylinder 20, thereby accommodating the shaft 12; and a lower hole 22b connected to the upper hole 22a and formed in a downwardly extending position, thereby accommodating the shaft 12. The rotating hole 22 includes a boss 22t that protrudes inwardly between the upper hole 22a and the lower hole 22b, thereby supporting the shaft 12.

[0140] Reference Figure 9 The inner cylinder 10 has a pressure handle 13 formed in a recessed manner on its outer side. The user can move the inner cylinder 10 relative to the outer cylinder 20 by operating the pressure handle 13 with his / her fingers while holding the outer cylinder 20.

[0141] The embodiments are not limited to the structure of the pressure handle 13. For example, the pressure handle 13 may have a protruding shape protruding from the outer wall surface of the inner cylinder 10.

[0142] like Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 As shown, when the inner cylinder 10 is engaged with the outer cylinder 20, the shaft 12 moves upward through the boss 22t, causing the inner cylinder 10 to move towards the upper plate 23 of the outer cylinder 20 and to a position where it is tightly attached to the outer cylinder 20. Alternatively, the shaft 12 moves downward through the boss 22t, causing the inner cylinder 10 to move to a position where it is disengaged and moves away from the upper plate 23 of the outer cylinder 20.

[0143] Figure 10This shows the state where the cut hole 16 of the inner cylinder 10 moves to a position where it contacts the extended support surface 26 of the outer cylinder 20 because the inner cylinder 10 is pressed against the upper plate 23 of the outer cylinder 20.

[0144] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 The image shows a side view of an operational state of the aerosol generation source support assembly of an embodiment.

[0145] Figure 11 The inner cylinder 10, shown in dashed lines, is in the following state: the inner cylinder 10 moves downward away from the upper plate 23 of the outer cylinder 20, thereby moving the cutout 16 of the inner cylinder 10 to a released position spaced apart from the extended support surface 26 of the outer cylinder 20. In this released position, the inner cylinder 10 can rotate relative to the outer cylinder 20.

[0146] Figure 11 The inner cylinder 10, shown in solid lines, illustrates the operation of rotating and moving relative to the outer cylinder 20 to a separated position. In the separated position, a portion of the inner cylinder 10 protrudes outward from the outer cylinder 20, enabling it to maintain a posture suitable for cleaning.

[0147] Figure 12 It is shown in magnification Figure 11 A side view of a portion of the aerosol generation source support assembly of the embodiment shown in the figure.

[0148] Reference Figure 9 as well as Figure 12 The inner cylinder 10 also has an inner upper plate 19 extending outward from an insertion port at the upper end. When the inner cylinder 10 rotates relative to the outer cylinder 20 and reaches... Figure 12 When the inner cylinder 10 is in the separated position as shown, the end of the outer edge of the inner upper plate 19 contacts the lower surface of the upper plate 23 of the outer cylinder 20. That is, in the separated position where the inner cylinder 10 is rotated relative to the outer cylinder 20, the end of the outer edge of the inner upper plate 19 of the inner cylinder 10 is strongly attached to the lower surface of the upper plate 23 of the outer cylinder 20, so the position of the inner cylinder 10 relative to the outer cylinder 20 can be fixed in the separated position.

[0149] As described above, the inner cylinder 10 can rotate between an engaged position where it is engaged with the outer cylinder 20 and a disengaged position where it rotates away from the outer cylinder 20, thereby enabling easy cleaning operations. Specifically, in the disengaged position, the inner cylinder 10 is fixed while rotating relative to the outer cylinder 20, allowing the user to easily perform cleaning operations. Figure 11 The cleaning operation of the aerosol generation source support assembly, which maintains its posture, is shown in solid lines in the middle.

[0150] Figure 13 This is a perspective view illustrating an aerosol generation source support assembly according to another embodiment.Figure 14A It is shown Figure 13 A perspective view of a portion of the aerosol generation source support assembly of an embodiment shown in the figure. Figure 14B It is shown from another angle Figure 14A The image shows a perspective view of a portion of the aerosol generation source support assembly. Figure 15B It is shown Figure 13 A perspective view of another part of the aerosol generation source support assembly of the embodiment shown in the figure.

[0151] Figure 13 The aerosol generation source support assembly shown in the embodiment includes: an inner cylinder 10, which is a hollow shape with an empty interior; and an outer cylinder 20, which has a rotating hole 22 connected to the shaft 12 of the inner cylinder 10, thereby rotatably supporting the inner cylinder 10 about the axis L.

[0152] The inner cylinder 10 includes: an inner upper plate 19 extending outward from the insertion port 10a at the upper end; and a handle 19h protruding from the inner upper plate 19 toward one side opening 20a of the outer cylinder 20.

[0153] Reference Figure 14B The handle 19h has a recessed grip groove 19f on its back, allowing the user to grip it with their fingernail. The grip groove 19f prevents slippage when the user grips the handle 19h. Additionally, the inner upper plate 19 has an entry portion 19g that opens at the point of contact with the grip groove 19f of the handle 19h. When the user's fingers grip the handle 19h, the tip of the finger can enter the entry portion 19g, thereby enabling stable operation by gripping the grip groove 19f with the fingernail.

[0154] exist Figure 14B In this embodiment, the entry portion 19g is formed as a through hole in the vertical direction, but the embodiment is not limited to such a structure of the entry portion 19g. For example, the entry portion 19g may have the shape of a recessed groove.

[0155] Reference Figure 13 The outer cylinder 20 has an opening 20a on one side that expands outward from the center of the opening 20a, so that the handle 19h of the inner cylinder 10 is exposed to the outside facing upward.

[0156] like Figure 13 As shown, when the inner cylinder 10 is joined to the outer cylinder 20 and thus located in the joined position within the outer cylinder 20, the handle 19h of the inner cylinder 10 is exposed on its upper side. Therefore, while the user is holding the outer cylinder 20, they can rotate the inner cylinder 10 relative to the outer cylinder 20 by operating the handle 19h with their fingers.

[0157] In the outer edge of the opening 20a on one side of the outer cylinder 20, a recess 20w can be formed in the area where it connects with the handle 19h, allowing the user's fingers to be easily inserted.

[0158] The embodiments are not limited to the structure of the handle 19h. For example, the handle 19h may be configured to have a recessed shape in the upper plate 19 inside the inner cylinder 10.

[0159] Reference Figure 14A To facilitate cleaning, the inner cylinder 10 has a partially cut-out hole 16 to open a portion of the support space 15 to the outside.

[0160] Reference Figure 15A The outer cylinder 20 is made into a hollow shape with an internally empty receiving space 25 so that the inner cylinder 10 can be accommodated at the joining position. The outer cylinder 20 includes: a side opening 20a that opens one end of the receiving space 25 to the outside; a lower opening 26b that opens the other end of the receiving space 25 to the outside; and an opening channel 27 that opens the receiving space 25 in the lateral direction.

[0161] In addition, the outer cylinder 20 has an extended support surface 26 protruding from the inner wall of the outer cylinder 20, which allows it to engage with the cut hole 16 of the inner cylinder 10 at the engagement position.

[0162] When the outer tube 20 and the inner tube 10 are joined, the extended support surface 26 is continuous with the inner wall surface 11a of the inner tube 10 and extends in a circumferential direction, thereby contacting and surrounding at least a portion of the cigarette and providing support. At the joined position, the extended support surface 26 of the outer tube 20 and the inner wall surface 11a of the inner tube 10 can form a circle corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the cigarette.

[0163] The outer cylinder 20 has an extended support surface 26 with a protruding edge 27f that protrudes and extends along the outer edge of the extended support surface 26. In addition, the inner cylinder 10 has a cut hole 16 with a groove 17g that extends along the edge of the cut hole 16.

[0164] When the inner cylinder 10 rotates to the engagement position and is accommodated in the outer cylinder 20, the protruding edge 27f of the outer cylinder 20 is inserted into the groove 17g of the inner cylinder 10, thereby stably maintaining the engagement position of the inner cylinder 10 and the outer cylinder 20.

[0165] Reference Figure 14A The groove 17g includes: a straight portion 17l that extends linearly along the extending direction of the inner cylinder 10; and a curved portion 17r that connects to the straight portion 17l, is adjacent to the lower end of the inner cylinder 10, and extends along the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder 10. The connection portion 17d between the straight portion 17l and the curved portion 17r is formed in a curved manner.

[0166] Reference Figure 15AThe protruding edge 27f of the outer cylinder 20 also includes a straight portion 27l, a curved portion 27r, and a connecting portion 27d extending along the extension direction of the outer cylinder 20, to match the shape of the groove 17g for the inner cylinder 10.

[0167] When a cigarette is inserted into the inner tube 10 from the outside, if the insertion direction of the cigarette is not aligned with the center of the inner tube 10 and forms an inclined state, it may be impossible to simply insert the cigarette into the inner tube 10.

[0168] According to the structure of the aerosol generation source support assembly in the described embodiment, since the connection portion 17d between the straight portion 17l and the curved portion 17r is formed in a curved manner, the connection portion 17d can smoothly guide the end of the cigarette inserted into the inner tube 10 in an inclined state. Therefore, by correcting the posture of the cigarette through the connection portion 17d, the cigarette can be inserted into the inner tube 10 in the correct posture.

[0169] Figure 14A This includes a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged section of a portion of the straight portion 17l of the groove 17g. (See reference...) Figure 14A The cross-sectional view shows that the inner surface of the straight portion 17l includes curved regions 17m and 17n. Such curved regions 17m and 17n can be formed in the entire area of ​​the groove 17g from the straight portion 17l to the connecting portion 17d and the curved portion 17r.

[0170] If the corner of the groove 17g is angular, foreign matter generated during the aerosol generation process of cigarettes will accumulate in the corner in a difficult-to-remove state, thus making cleaning difficult. However, in the aerosol generation source support assembly of the above embodiment, since the cross-section of the groove 17g of the inner cylinder 10's cut hole 16 includes curved areas 17m and 17n, foreign matter generated during the aerosol generation process of cigarettes can be easily removed from the groove 17g.

[0171] Figure 15B This is a side cross-sectional view showing an aerosol generation source support assembly according to another embodiment.

[0172] Figure 15B The aerosol generation source support assembly shown in the embodiment includes an inner cylinder 10 and an outer cylinder 20, which rotatably supports the inner cylinder 10 between a joined position and a separated position.

[0173] The inner cylinder 10 has a pressure handle 13 formed recessed on its outer side. Additionally, the inner cylinder 10 has a handle 19j, which protrudes upward from the upper end through a side opening 20a of the outer cylinder 20. The handle 19j protrudes upward from the upper end of the side opening 20a of the outer cylinder 20, and the end of the handle 19j has a shape that bends outward.

[0174] With this handle 19j structure, the area of ​​the handle 19j that the user can grip is increased, so the user can grip the handle 19j more easily and reliably. In addition, when the user moves the inner cylinder 10 relative to the outer cylinder 20, since the user can simultaneously grip the handle 19j of the inner cylinder 10 and the pressure handle 13 and apply force, the operation of changing the inner cylinder 10 and the outer cylinder 20 to the coupled position and the rotation position can be performed easily and stably.

[0175] like Figure 15B As shown, when the outer cylinder 20 and the inner cylinder 10 are in the combined position, they are combined through the cut hole 16 of the inner cylinder 10 and the extended support surface 26 of the outer cylinder 20, thereby forming a space that can support the cigarette.

[0176] In a portion of the area below the cutout 16, the inner cylinder 10 has a stepped portion 16s in a stepped shape at the point where it engages with the extended support surface 26 of the outer cylinder 20. The stepped portion 16s in a stepped shape forms a height S that protrudes upward from the bottom surface of the inner cylinder 10.

[0177] Therefore, in Figure 15B In the embodiment shown, with the aerosol generation source support assembly attached to the protruding tube 1020, the stepped portion 16s blocks the movement of substances generated within the internal space surrounding the cigarette formed by the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20. That is, the stepped portion 16s effectively prevents leakage of substances from the internal space formed by the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20 into the connection channel 1020h of the protruding tube 1020.

[0178] exist Figure 15B The illustration shows a stepped portion 16s with a stepped shape having two steps, but the embodiment is not limited to the specific shape of the stepped portion 16s, and the stepped portion 16s can be in the shape of a stepped structure with three or more steps.

[0179] Figure 16 This is a perspective view illustrating an aerosol generation source support assembly according to another embodiment. Figure 17 It is shown Figure 16 The figure shows a perspective view of an operational state of the aerosol generation source support assembly of an embodiment. Figure 18 It is shown Figure 17 A perspective view of the back of the aerosol generation source support assembly of the embodiment shown in the figure.

[0180] Figures 16 to 18 The aerosol generation source support assembly 104 shown in the embodiment includes: an inner cylinder 110, which has a hollow shape with an empty interior and is capable of surrounding and supporting at least a portion of the aerosol generation source; and an outer cylinder 120, which movably supports the inner cylinder 110 between a joined position and a separated position.

[0181] exist Figures 16 to 18The aerosol generation source support assembly 104 of the embodiment shown is modified such that the inner cylinder 110 moves linearly relative to the outer cylinder 120. The inner cylinder 110 is coupled to the outer cylinder 120 in such a way that it moves linearly relative to the outer cylinder 120 in the direction extending along the outer cylinder 120.

[0182] Reference Figure 18 The outer tube 120 has a hollow shape with an internally empty receiving space 25 and is made into a generally semi-cylindrical shape to surround and support at least another part of the cigarette that serves as an aerosol generation source. The outer tube 120 has an outer tube cutout 127 that exposes at least a portion of the internal receiving space 25 to the outside.

[0183] Reference Figure 17 The inner cylinder 110 has a hollow shape with an internally empty support space 15 and is made into a generally semi-cylindrical shape to surround and support at least a portion of the cigarette that serves as an aerosol generation source. The inner cylinder 110 has an inner cylinder cutout 117 that exposes the support space 15 to the outside and has a shape corresponding to the outer cylinder cutout 127 of the outer cylinder 120.

[0184] The embodiments are not limited to the structure of the inner cylinder 110 and outer cylinder 120 with a semi-cylindrical shape shown in the figures. For example, one of the inner cylinder 110 and outer cylinder 120 may have a cross-section with an acute angle and an arc shape, while the other of the inner cylinder 110 and outer cylinder 120 may have a cross-section with an obtuse angle corresponding to the acute angle.

[0185] The outer cylinder 120 has an insertion port 120a at one end, which extends in a circumferential direction to allow the aerosol generation source to be inserted.

[0186] The inner cylinder 110 may have an open heater insertion port 10b at the end opposite to the insertion port 120a of the outer cylinder 120.

[0187] like Figure 16 As shown, the inner cylinder 110 and the outer cylinder 120 can be changed to a joint position where the inner cylinder 110 and the outer cylinder 120 are combined, or, as... Figure 17 as well as Figure 18 As shown, the separation position can be changed so that at least a portion of the inner cylinder 110 is separated from the outer cylinder 120.

[0188] When the inner cylinder 110 and the outer cylinder 120 are in Figure 16 When the connection position is shown, both the outer cylinder cutout 127 and the inner cylinder cutout 117 are closed, thereby enabling the inner cylinder 110 and the outer cylinder 120 to form an insertion space for the aerosol generation source, so that the aerosol generation source can be accommodated inside.

[0189] When the inner cylinder 110 and the outer cylinder 120 are in Figure 17 as well asFigure 18 When the separation position is shown, the outer cylinder cutout 127 and the inner cylinder cutout 117 are exposed to the outside, so cleaning can be easily performed.

[0190] Reference Figure 17 as well as Figure 18 A track 127a, 110l is provided between the outer cylinder 120 and the inner cylinder 110, where the outer cylinder hole 127 and the inner cylinder hole 117 match, to guide the linear movement of the inner cylinder 110. For example, the track 127a, 110l may include: a linear protrusion 127a, extending along the extension direction of the outer cylinder 120 and the inner cylinder 110 and disposed on either the outer cylinder 120 or the inner cylinder 110; and a linear groove 110l, extending along the extension direction of the outer cylinder 120 and the inner cylinder 110 and disposed on the other of the outer cylinder 120 and the inner cylinder 110, to accommodate the linear protrusion 127a.

[0191] The outer cylinder hole 127, the inner cylinder hole 117, and the tracks 127a and 110l each include curved surface regions 127r and 110r. The curved surface regions 127r and 110r can be formed in the entire area extending from the tracks 127a and 110l.

[0192] If the cross-sectional shape of the corners of tracks 127a and 110l is angular, foreign matter generated during the aerosol generation process of cigarettes will accumulate in the corners in a difficult-to-remove state, thus making cleaning operations difficult. However, in the aerosol generation source support assembly of the above embodiment, since tracks 127a and 110l respectively include curved surface regions 127r and 110r, foreign matter generated during the aerosol generation process of cigarettes can be easily removed.

[0193] A fixing device is provided between the outer cylinder 120 and the inner cylinder 110 to fix the positions of the outer cylinder 120 and the inner cylinder 110. The fixing device includes a first stop 120s and a second stop 120t protruding from the outer surface of the outer cylinder 120, and a receiving groove 110s provided in the inner cylinder 110 to support the first stop 120s and the second stop 120t.

[0194] The first stop 120s and the second stop 120t are approximately hemispherical in shape, with a roughly arc-shaped cross-section. Therefore, the outer surfaces of each of the first stop 120s and the second stop 120t are curved. Based on the structure of the first stop 120s and the second stop 120t, the movement of the first stop 120s and the second stop 120t into the receiving groove 110s can be performed smoothly.

[0195] The inner cylinder 110 is provided with a grip handle 110y, which has a recessed groove shape and extends circumferentially to allow the user to grip and operate it. While gripping the grip handle 110y, the user can easily and conveniently change the position of the inner cylinder 110 and the outer cylinder 120. The embodiment is not limited to the shape of the grip handle 110y; for example, the grip handle 110y may have a shape that protrudes outward from the inner cylinder 110.

[0196] exist Figure 16 At the engagement position, the receiving groove 110s receives the first stop 120s, thereby stably maintaining the engagement state of the outer cylinder 120 and the inner cylinder 110.

[0197] exist Figure 17 as well as Figure 18 The separation position shown in the figure is such that the receiving groove 110s receives the second stop 120t, thereby enabling the outer cylinder 120 and the inner cylinder 110 to be stably separated.

[0198] As described above, the inner cylinder 110 can move linearly between an engaged position where it is connected to the outer cylinder 120 and a separated position where it is separated from the outer cylinder 120, thereby enabling easy cleaning operations. Specifically, due to the function of the fixing device, the outer cylinder 120 and the inner cylinder 110 are fixed in the separated position, thus allowing the user to easily perform cleaning operations. Figure 17 as well as Figure 18 The image shows the cleaning operation of the aerosol generation source support assembly that maintains its posture.

[0199] The descriptions of the structures and effects of the above embodiments are merely exemplary. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments based on these embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of this invention should be defined by the appended claims.

[0200] Industrial availability

[0201] The embodiments relate to an aerosol generation source support assembly that facilitates cleaning operations and an aerosol generation device equipped with the assembly.

Claims

1. An aerosol generation source support assembly, wherein, have: The inner cylinder has a hollow shape with an internally empty support space, and the inner cylinder has an insertion port that opens the support space to the outside, for surrounding and supporting at least a portion of the aerosol generation source. The outer cylinder has a hollow shape with an internally empty receiving space, and the outer cylinder has an opening on one side that opens the receiving space to the outside for connection with the inner cylinder and movably supporting the inner cylinder, such that it can be changed between a connected position that is connected to the inner cylinder and a separated position that is separated from at least a portion of the inner cylinder. When the inner cylinder is in the mating position, the insertion port of the inner cylinder aligns with the side opening of the outer cylinder, and the insertion port of the inner cylinder and the side opening of the outer cylinder form an insertion hole for the aerosol generation source to be inserted into the interior from the outside. With the aerosol generator inserted into the insertion hole, the user can put a portion of the protruding aerosol generator in their mouth and inhale the aerosol. The inner cylinder is rotatably coupled to the outer cylinder, rotating between the coupled position and the separated position, wherein in the coupled position the inner cylinder is accommodated in the outer cylinder, and in the separated position at least a portion of the inner cylinder protrudes outward from the outer cylinder.

2. The aerosol generation source support assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The outer cylinder also features: The other opening is located at the other end of the receiving space, and An open passageway extends from the opening on the other side toward the opening on one side to open a portion of the accommodating space to the outside; The inner cylinder is rotatably coupled to the outer cylinder with an axis extending transversely through the outer cylinder from the opening on one side toward the opening on the other side as its center. When the inner cylinder rotates from the coupled position to the separated position, at least a portion of the inner cylinder protrudes outward through the open channel into the receiving space.

3. The aerosol generation source support assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The inner cylinder also has a shaft protruding into the outer cylinder, and the outer cylinder also has a rotating hole for inserting and rotating the shaft.

4. The aerosol generation source support assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The inner cylinder also has a pressure handle on its outer side for the user to operate.

5. The aerosol generation source support assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The inner cylinder also has a stop block protruding outward from the axial direction, and the outer cylinder also has an upper plate with an opening on one side extending outward. When the inner cylinder rotates to the separation position, the upper plate contacts and supports the stop block.

6. The aerosol generation source support assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The inner cylinder also includes an inner upper plate and a handle. The inner upper plate extends outward from the insertion port, and the handle is disposed on the inner upper plate with an opening facing the side of the outer cylinder. The opening on one side of the outer cylinder expands outward from the center of the opening to expose the handle to the outside.

7. The aerosol generation source support assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The inner cylinder also has a heater insertion port that is open at the other end.

8. The aerosol generation source support assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The inner cylinder also has a cut-out that is partially cut open to allow a portion of the support space to be opened to the outside for cleaning purposes, and the outer cylinder also has an extended support surface that engages with the cut-out of the inner cylinder at the engagement position and extends continuously with the inner wall surface of the inner cylinder, thereby surrounding and supporting at least a portion of the aerosol generation source.

9. The aerosol generation source support assembly according to claim 8, wherein, A groove extending along the outer edge of the cut hole or the extended support surface of the inner cylinder is formed on one of the cut holes of the inner cylinder and the extended support surface of the outer cylinder, and a protruding edge extending along the outer edge of the cut hole or the extended support surface and inserted into the groove is formed on the other of the cut holes of the inner cylinder and the extended support surface of the outer cylinder.

10. The aerosol generation source support assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The groove and the protruding edge each have: The straight portion extends along the extending direction of the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder. The curved portion connects to the straight portion, is adjacent to the other end of the inner cylinder, and extends along the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder; The connection between the straight section and the curved section is formed in a curved manner.

11. The aerosol generation source support assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The inner cylinder has a stepped portion in a stepped shape in a portion of the cut hole that engages with the extended support surface of the outer cylinder, the stepped portion preventing leakage of material from the interior of the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder to the outside.

12. The aerosol generation source support assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The rotating hole extends along the extension direction of the outer cylinder, guiding the shaft to move along the extension direction of the outer cylinder.

13. The aerosol generation source support assembly according to claim 12, wherein, The rotating hole has a boss protruding from the rotating hole and supporting the axis. The inner cylinder can move between a mating position and a disengaged position. The mating position is when the inner cylinder is in the mating position, the shaft moves through the boss and opens to one side of the outer cylinder. The disengaged position is when the shaft moves through the boss and opens to the other side of the outer cylinder. When the shaft moves to the disengaged position, the inner cylinder can rotate relative to the outer cylinder.

14. The aerosol generation source support assembly according to claim 12, wherein, The inner cylinder also has an inner upper plate extending outward from the insertion port, and the outer cylinder also has an upper plate extending outward from the side opening. When the inner cylinder rotates relative to the outer cylinder, the upper plate contacts the end of the inner upper plate and holds the inner cylinder in the separated position.

15. An aerosol generation source support assembly, wherein, have: The inner cylinder has a hollow shape with an internally empty support space, and the inner cylinder has an insertion port that opens the support space to the outside, for surrounding and supporting at least a portion of the aerosol generation source. The outer cylinder has a hollow shape with an internally empty receiving space, and the outer cylinder has an opening on one side that opens the receiving space to the outside for connection with the inner cylinder and movably supporting the inner cylinder, such that it can be changed between a connected position that is connected to the inner cylinder and a separated position that is separated from at least a portion of the inner cylinder. When the inner cylinder is in the mating position, the insertion port of the inner cylinder aligns with the side opening of the outer cylinder, and the insertion port of the inner cylinder and the side opening of the outer cylinder form an insertion hole for the aerosol generation source to be inserted into the interior from the outside. With the aerosol generator inserted into the insertion hole, the user can put a portion of the protruding aerosol generator in their mouth and inhale the aerosol. The inner cylinder is joined relative to the outer cylinder in a linearly movable manner along the extension direction of the outer cylinder. The outer cylinder has an outer cylinder cutout that exposes at least a portion of the internal empty accommodating space to the outside. The inner cylinder has an inner cylinder cutout that exposes the support space to the outside and has a shape corresponding to the outer cylinder cutout of the outer cylinder. In the joined position, both the outer cylinder cutout and the inner cylinder cutout are closed, forming an aerosol generation source insertion space that accommodates the aerosol generation source inside. In the separated position, both the outer cylinder cutout and the inner cylinder cutout are exposed to the outside.

16. The aerosol generation source support assembly according to claim 15, wherein, A track is provided between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder, which align the cut holes in the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder, to guide the linear movement of the inner cylinder.

17. The aerosol generation source support assembly according to claim 15, wherein, One of the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder is provided with a stop for maintaining position, and the other of the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder is provided with a receiving groove that engages with the stop.

18. The aerosol generation source support assembly according to claim 15, wherein, The outer cylinder also has an insertion port at one end that extends in a circumferential direction for insertion into the aerosol generation source. The inner cylinder also has an open heater insertion port at the end opposite to the insertion port.

19. An aerosol generating apparatus, wherein, have: case, The protruding tube protrudes from one end of the housing and has a hollow shape that opens to the outside; A heater, disposed within the housing such that its end is located inside the protruding tube, generates heat when an electrical signal is applied. The aerosol generation source support assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 18; The aerosol generation source support assembly is mounted on the protruding tube and is detachable from the protruding tube.

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