Aerosol generating device

Abstract

The aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of a cigarette, and a heater disposed inside the receiving portion for heating the cigarette; the heater includes: a first heating portion disposed along the inner periphery of the receiving portion, a second heating portion disposed at the lower portion of the receiving portion, and a third heating portion extending from the lower portion of the receiving portion along the length direction of the cigarette; the first heating portion, the second heating portion, and the third heating portion are thermally connected to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments relate to an aerosol generating apparatus, and more specifically, to an aerosol generating apparatus including a heater structure capable of heating the interior, exterior and one end of a cigarette. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of regular cigarettes. For example, there is a growing need for methods that generate aerosols by heating aerosol-generating substances within cigarettes, rather than by burning cigarettes. Therefore, research on heated cigarettes or heated aerosol generating devices is actively underway.

[0003] The structure of heaters used to heat cigarettes can be broadly classified into internal heating and external heating methods. Internal heating heaters heat the inside of the cigarette by inserting a heater into it, with heat moving from the inside to the outside. External heating heaters, on the other hand, heat the outside of the cigarette, with heat moving from the outside to the inside. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical problems to be solved

[0005] In the heaters of aerosol generating devices, the internal heating heater structure, where the heater is inserted into the cigarette, has the following problem: due to the high temperature heating of the cigarette's interior, a portion of the cigarette adjacent to the heater carbonizes due to the high temperature, resulting in an off-odor. Furthermore, the external heating heater structure has the following problem: due to the need for heating a large area, the preheating time of the heater is relatively long during the initial operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, this embodiment provides an aerosol generating apparatus that can heat cigarettes by using a heater structure capable of heating the exterior, interior, and one end of the cigarette.

[0007] The problems solved by the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can clearly understand from this specification and the accompanying drawings any problems not mentioned.

[0008] means for solving problems

[0009] As a technical means to achieve the above-mentioned technical problem, an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes: a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of a cigarette, and a heater disposed inside the receiving portion for heating the cigarette; the heater includes: a first heating portion disposed along the inner periphery of the receiving portion, a second heating portion disposed at the lower portion of the receiving portion, and a third heating portion extending from the lower portion of the receiving portion along the length direction of the cigarette; the first heating portion, the second heating portion and the third heating portion can be thermally connected to each other.

[0010] Invention Effects

[0011] The aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment includes heater structures capable of heating the exterior and interior of a cigarette, thereby shortening the initial preheating time of the heater required to heat the cigarette.

[0012] In addition, the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment provides the user with an excellent smoking experience and atomization volume by heating the outside, inside and one end of the cigarette, and can reduce the power consumption required for heating the heater.

[0013] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to those described above. Those skilled in the art to which these embodiments pertain can clearly understand the effects not mentioned from this specification and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the heater of the aerosol generating device shown.

[0019] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A diagram showing the cross-section of the heater.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0021] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes: a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of a cigarette, and a heater disposed inside the receiving portion for heating the cigarette; the heater includes: a first heating portion disposed along the periphery of the interior of the receiving portion, a second heating portion disposed at the lower portion of the receiving portion, and a third heating portion extending from the lower portion of the receiving portion along the length direction of the cigarette; the first heating portion, the second heating portion, and the third heating portion can be thermally connected to each other.

[0022] In addition, the first heating part and the second heating part can be configured to contact each other, and the second heating part and the third heating part can be configured to contact each other.

[0023] In addition, when the cigarette is inserted into the receiving part, the first heating part can surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the cigarette and heat the outer surface of the cigarette, the second heating part can contact one end of the cigarette and heat one end of the cigarette, and the third heating part can be inserted into the cigarette and heat the inside of the cigarette.

[0024] In addition, the first heating part can be bent inward toward the third heating part.

[0025] In addition, the first heating unit can heat at a first temperature, the second heating unit can heat at a second temperature below the first temperature, and the third heating unit can heat at a third temperature below the second temperature.

[0026] In addition, the first heating part may include a material having a first thermal conductivity, the second heating part may include a material having a second thermal conductivity lower than the first thermal conductivity, and the third heating part may include a material having a third thermal conductivity lower than the second thermal conductivity.

[0027] In addition, the cigarette has a medium section containing aerosol-generating substances, and the length of the first heating section can be 0.3 to 1 times the length of the medium section.

[0028] In addition, the heater also includes a fourth heating section disposed inside the housing and thermally connected to the first heating section; the first heating section is heated by the fourth heating section to transfer heat to the second heating section, and the second heating section can transfer heat to the third heating section.

[0029] In addition, the fourth heating part may cover at least a portion of the inner surface of the receiving part and is configured to be spaced apart from the first heating part by a predetermined distance.

[0030] In addition, the length of the fourth heating section can be 0.5 to 1 times the length of the first heating section.

[0031] In addition, it also includes an induction coil, which is disposed outside the housing and generates an alternating magnetic field; the first heating part can generate heat by receiving the alternating magnetic field, the second heating part can receive heat from the first heating part, and the third heating part can receive heat from the second heating part.

[0032] In addition, it also includes an induction coil, which is disposed outside the housing and generates an alternating magnetic field. The first heating part and the third heating part can generate heat by receiving the alternating magnetic field, and the second heating part can receive heat from the first heating part and the third heating part.

[0033] The terminology used in the embodiments has been selected as widely used and common terms as possible with regard to the purpose of this invention. However, the terminology may be changed based on the intent of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies in the field. Furthermore, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily choose some terms, and in such cases, the meaning of the selected terms will be described in detail in the descriptive section of this specification. Therefore, the terminology used in this invention should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the content of the entire specification, rather than simply the names of the terms.

[0034] Throughout the specification, when a component "includes" another component, unless there is a description of its characteristics to the contrary, it indicates that the part may also include other components, rather than excluding other components. Furthermore, terms such as "...section" or "...module" used in the specification refer to units used to perform at least one function or operation, which can be implemented by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0035] While terms such as "first" or "second," which include ordinal numbers, are used in this specification to describe various constituent elements, the constituent elements are not limited to those terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one constituent element from another.

[0036] Throughout the specification, the “length direction” of a constituent element can be the direction in which the constituent element extends along one of its directional axes. In this case, one of the directional axes of the constituent element can refer to the direction in which the constituent element extends longer than another directional axis that is transverse to one of the directional axes.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to readily implement the invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but can be implemented in various different ways.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0040] Reference Figure 1 The aerosol generating device includes a battery 110, a control unit 120, and a heater 200. Additionally, a cigarette 300 can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0041] Figure 1 The aerosol generating apparatus 1000 shown illustrates the components relevant to this embodiment. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that, in addition to... Figure 1In addition to the components shown, the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 may also include other common components.

[0042] Figure 1 The diagram shows the battery 110, control unit 120, and heater 200 arranged in a row, but is not limited to this. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 110, control unit 120, and heater 200 can be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generating apparatus 1000.

[0043] When the cigarette 300 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000, the aerosol generating device 1000 heats the heater 200. The temperature of the aerosol-generating substance in the cigarette 300 is raised by the heated heater 200, thereby generating an aerosol. The generated aerosol is delivered to the user through the filter rod 320 of the cigarette 300.

[0044] If necessary, the aerosol generating device 1000 can heat the heater 200 even when the cigarette 300 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0045] Battery 110 supplies the power required for the operation of aerosol generating apparatus 1000. For example, battery 110 can supply power to heat heater 200 and to power control unit 120. In addition, battery 110 can supply power to displays, sensors, motors, etc. installed in aerosol generating apparatus 1000.

[0046] The control unit 120 provides overall control over the operation of the aerosol generating device 1000. Specifically, the control unit 120 controls not only the operation of the battery 110 and the heater 200, but also the operation of other structures included in the aerosol generating device 1000. Furthermore, the control unit 120 can determine whether the aerosol generating device 1000 is in an operational state by checking the status of each structure within the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0047] The control unit 120 includes at least one processor. The processor may be composed of an array of multiple logic gates, or it may be implemented using a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, as will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment pertains, it may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0048] The heater 200 can be heated by electricity supplied by the battery 110. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000, the heater 200 can be located inside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 200 can raise the temperature of the aerosol generating substances inside the cigarette.

[0049] Heater 200 can be a resistance heater. For example, heater 200 includes a conductive track, and heater 200 can be heated by the flow of current in the conductive track. However, heater 200 is not limited to the above example, and there are no special limitations as long as it can heat to the desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature can be preset in the aerosol generating device 1000, or it can be set by the user.

[0050] On the other hand, as another example, heater 200 can be an induction heating heater. Specifically, heater 200 may include a conductive coil for heating cigarettes in an induction heating manner, and the cigarettes may include a heat-sensitive element capable of being heated by the induction heating heater.

[0051] Figure 1 The heater 200 is shown configured to be inserted into the interior of the cigarette 300, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heater 200 may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod heating element, which may heat the interior or exterior of the cigarette 300 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0052] Furthermore, the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 may be equipped with multiple heaters 200. These heaters 200 may be positioned either inside or outside the cigarette 300. Alternatively, some of the heaters 200 may be inserted inside the cigarette 300, while others may be positioned outside. The shape of the heaters 200 is not limited to this configuration. Figure 1 The shape shown can also be made into many other shapes.

[0053] On the other hand, the aerosol generating device 1000 may also include general structures other than the battery 110, control unit 120, and heater 200. For example, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include at least one sensor (inhalation sensing sensor, temperature sensing sensor, cigarette insertion sensing sensor, etc.).

[0054] In addition, the aerosol generating device 1000 can be manufactured in a structure that allows external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even when a cigarette 300 is inserted.

[0055] Although not in Figure 1 As shown, the aerosol generating device 1000 can also be configured as a system with a separately provided bracket. For example, the bracket can be used to charge the battery 110 of the aerosol generating device 1000. Alternatively, the heater 200 can be heated while the bracket is engaged with the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0056] Cigarette 300 may be similar to a regular combustible cigarette. For example, cigarette 300 may be divided into a first part containing aerosol-generating substances and a second part including a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second part of cigarette 300 may also contain aerosol-generating substances. For example, aerosol-generating substances made in the form of granules or capsules may also be inserted into the second part.

[0057] The entire first part is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000, while the second part is exposed to the outside. Alternatively, a portion of the first part, or a portion of both the first and second parts, can be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000. The user can inhale the aerosol while holding the second part in their mouth. At this time, external air passes through the first part to generate aerosol, which is then delivered to the user's mouth via the second part.

[0058] As an example, external air can flow in through at least one air channel formed in the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the user can adjust the opening and closing of the air channel formed in the aerosol generating device 1000 and / or the size of the air channel. Thus, the user can adjust the amount of vaporization, the smoking sensation, etc. As another example, external air can flow into the interior of the cigarette 300 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 300.

[0059] The following is for reference Figure 2 This will be illustrated with an example of cigarette 300.

[0060] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette.

[0061] Reference Figure 2 Cigarette 300 includes a media section 310 and a filter rod 320. (See reference...) Figure 1 The first part includes a media section 310, and the second part includes a filter rod 320.

[0062] Figure 2 The filter rod 320 shown is a single-segment structure, but is not limited to this. In other words, the filter rod 320 may also be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 320 may include a first segment for cooling aerosols and a second segment for filtering specified components contained in the aerosols. In addition, depending on the requirements, the filter rod 320 may also include at least one segment that performs other functions.

[0063] Cigarette 300 can be wrapped with at least one wrapping paper 340. The wrapping paper 340 may have at least one hole for external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out. As an example, cigarette 300 can be wrapped with one wrapping paper 340. As another example, cigarette 300 can also be wrapped with two or more overlapping wrapping papers 340. For example, the media portion 310 can be wrapped with a first wrapping paper, and the filter rod 320 can be wrapped with a second wrapping paper. Furthermore, the media portion 310 and filter rod 320, each wrapped with a separate wrapping paper, can be joined together, and the entire cigarette 300 can be re-wrapped with a third wrapping paper. If the media portion 310 or filter rod 320 is composed of multiple segments, each segment can be wrapped with a separate wrapping paper. Furthermore, the entire cigarette 300, formed by joining the segments wrapped with separate wrapping papers, can be re-wrapped with other wrapping papers.

[0064] The medium section 310 contains an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include at least one of glycerol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the medium section 310 may contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Furthermore, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the medium section 310 by spraying.

[0065] The medium portion 310 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the medium portion 310 can be made from tobacco sheets or tobacco strands. Alternatively, the medium portion 310 can be made from tobacco strands obtained by slicing tobacco sheets. Furthermore, the medium portion 310 can be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but it is not limited to this. As an example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the medium portion 310 can uniformly distribute the heat transferred to the medium portion 310, thereby increasing the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco stick, which can improve the flavor of the tobacco. Additionally, the heat-conducting material of the medium portion 310 can function as a heat-sensing element heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown in the figure, the medium portion may include other heat-sensing elements in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding the exterior.

[0066] The filter rod 320 can be a cellulose acetate filter. Furthermore, it can be a cellulose acetate filter. Moreover, the shape of the filter rod 320 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 320 can be a cylindrical rod, or a hollow tubular rod. Additionally, the filter rod 320 can also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 320 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments can be made into different shapes.

[0067] The filter rod 320 can be made to generate fragrance. For example, a fragrance liquid can be sprayed into the filter rod 320, or a separate fiber coated with the fragrance liquid can be inserted into the interior of the filter rod 320.

[0068] Additionally, the filter rod 320 may include at least one capsule 330. Here, the capsule 330 can function to generate fragrance and also to generate aerosols. For example, the capsule 330 may be a structure in which a fragrance-containing liquid is encapsulated by a membrane. The capsule 330 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited to these.

[0069] If the filter rod 320 includes a section for cooling aerosols, the cooling section may be made of a polymer or a biodegradable polymer. For example, the cooling section may be made of pure polylactic acid, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling section may be made of a cellulose acetate filter with multiple pores. However, the cooling section is not limited to the above examples; it is only necessary to perform the function of cooling aerosols, and there are no particular restrictions.

[0070] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cigarette 300 being inserted into an aerosol generating apparatus 1000.

[0071] Reference Figure 3 According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating apparatus 1000 may include: a receiving portion 260 for receiving at least a portion of a cigarette 300; and a heater 200 for heating the cigarette 300. The heater 200 may include a first heating portion 210, a second heating portion 220, and a third heating portion 230.

[0072] The heating element provided in the heater 200 can refer to a component that heats the cigarette 300 by generating heat. For example, the heating element provided in the heater 200 can heat the cigarette 300 by being electrically connected to the battery 110 and generating heat, but it is not limited to this. It can also receive heat from other heating elements provided in the heater 200 and generate heat to heat the cigarette 300.

[0073] The first heating element 210 can be arranged along the periphery inside the receiving portion 260. Although Figure 3 The diagram shows that the first heating part 210 is configured to be spaced at a predetermined distance from the inner surface of the receiving part 260, but the first heating part 210 may be configured to contact the inner surface of the receiving part 260.

[0074] The first heating part 210 can be bent concavely toward the third heating part 230. That is, the first heating part 210 can be bent concavely toward the third heating part 230 to surround the third heating part 230. Because the first heating part 210 is bent, when the cigarette 300 is inserted, the outer surface of the cigarette 300 can be effectively heated by wrapping around the outer surface of the cigarette 300.

[0075] The second heating part 220 may be disposed at the lower part of the receiving part 260. The lower part of the receiving part 260 may refer to the part of the receiving part 260 to which one end of the cigarette 300 inserted into the receiving part 260 points when the cigarette 300 is inserted into the receiving part 260.

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown, the second heating element 220 can be configured to contact the lower surface of the receiving portion 260, or it can be configured to be spaced a predetermined distance from the lower surface. Additionally, the second heating element 220 can be configured to cover a portion of the lower part of the receiving portion 260.

[0077] The shape of the second heating section 220 can be plate-shaped or hollow disc-shaped, but it is not limited to these. It can be modified to various shapes for heating one end of a cigarette.

[0078] The third heating section 230 may be configured to extend from the lower part of the receiving section 260 along the length direction of the cigarette 300. The third heating section 230 may be configured to extend from one surface of the second heating section 220 along the length direction of the cigarette 300.

[0079] The shape of the third heating section 230 can be elongated (e.g., rod-shaped, needle-shaped, blade-shaped) or cylindrical, but is not limited to these, and can be modified to various shapes for heating the interior of cigarettes.

[0080] The first heating element 210, the second heating element 220, and the third heating element 230 can be thermally connected to each other. Thermal connection means that heat from one component of the heater 200 can be transferred to another component of the heater 200 through conduction, convection, or radiation.

[0081] For example, the first heating element 210 and the second heating element 220 can be configured to contact each other, and the second heating element 220 and the third heating element 230 can be configured to contact each other. In this case, heat can be transferred between the first heating element 210, the second heating element 220, and the third heating element 230 through conduction. Furthermore, when heat is transferred through convection or radiation, the components of the heater 200 can be arranged at predetermined distances.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 can provide a heater 200 structure capable of simultaneously heating the interior, exterior, and one end of a cigarette 300.

[0083] Conversely, in the case of a comparative example of an internal heating heater, since the heater moves heat from the inside to the outside of the cigarette 300 by heating the inside of the cigarette 300, the inside of the cigarette 300 needs to be heated at a high temperature in order to transfer heat to the outside of the cigarette 300. As a result, there may be problems such as the inside of the cigarette 300 being carbonized due to the heater being inserted into the cigarette and the preheating time of the heater being prolonged.

[0084] In addition, regarding the external heating method heater of another comparative example, since heat is transferred from the outside of the cigarette 300 to the inside by heating the outside of the cigarette 300, a larger area needs to be heated in order to transfer heat to the inside of the cigarette 300.

[0085] In this situation, due to the large area of ​​the object being heated, the heater preheating time (e.g., time to reach the set temperature) may increase during the initial stage of heater operation. Additionally, there may be a problem where the amount of aerosol generated in the later stages of operation is relatively reduced compared to the initial stage.

[0086] At least a portion of the cigarette 300 can be inserted into the receiving portion 260 of the aerosol generating apparatus 1000. For example, when the cigarette 300 is received in the receiving portion 260, the third heating portion 230 can be inserted into the cigarette 300. In addition, the first heating portion 210 can surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the cigarette 300, and the second heating portion 220 can contact one end of the cigarette 300.

[0087] When the heater 200 is in operation, the first heating part 210 can heat the outer surface of the cigarette 300, the second heating part 220 can heat one end of the cigarette 300, and at the same time, the third heating part 230 can heat the interior of the cigarette 300.

[0088] According to one embodiment of the aerosol generating apparatus 1000, the components of the heater 200 described above can be used to heat the cigarette 300 with a uniform temperature distribution.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the control unit 120 of the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 can heat the first heating unit 210 at a first temperature, heat the second heating unit 220 at a second temperature below the first temperature, and heat the third heating unit 230 at a third temperature below the second temperature.

[0090] In order to heat the cigarette 300 at a uniform temperature, the heater 200 can be heated such that the temperature of the first heating part 210 used to heat the outer surface of the cigarette 300 is relatively higher than the temperature of the third heating part 230 used to heat the inside of the cigarette.

[0091] For example, during the preheating process at the initial stage of operation of heater 200, the first temperature can be 260°C to 290°C, the second temperature can be 250°C to 280°C, and the third temperature can be 240°C to 270°C, but is not limited thereto. After heater 200 is preheated, the temperatures of the first heating section 210, the second heating section 220, and the third heating section 230 can be maintained at 200°C to 250°C.

[0092] However, the optimal heating temperature of cigarette 300 can vary depending on the type and composition ratio of the substances that make up cigarette 300.

[0093] The materials of the first heating element 210, the second heating element 220, and the third heating element 230 may include ceramic, CNT, thermally conductive metals, etc. The first heating element 210, the second heating element 220, and the third heating element 230 may be made of the same material, but are not limited thereto. For example, in order to uniformly heat the cigarette 300, the first heating element 210 may include a material having a first thermal conductivity, and the second heating element 220 may include a material having a second thermal conductivity lower than the first thermal conductivity. Furthermore, the third heating element 230 may include a material having a third thermal conductivity lower than the second thermal conductivity.

[0094] The length of the first heating section 210 can be 0.3 to 1 times the length of the medium section 310. Depending on the ratio between the length of the first heating section 210 and the length of the medium section 310, the flavor provided to the user can vary. The aforementioned length refers to the length of the first heating section 210 in a direction parallel to the length direction of the cigarette 300.

[0095] For example, when the length of the first heating section 210 is 0.5 times the length of the medium section 310, the inside, outside and one end of the cigarette 300 can be heated evenly, while providing the user with excellent flavor and atomization.

[0096] As described above, since the aerosol generating device 1000 of one embodiment can simultaneously heat the interior, exterior, and one end of the cigarette 300, it can provide the user with excellent flavor and atomization volume. In addition, since it is not necessary to heat the heater 200 to a temperature higher than the required temperature, problems such as off-flavors caused by carbonization of the cigarette 300 or wasted battery 110 output can be prevented.

[0097] Figure 3 The same reference numerals for the constituent elements of the illustrated embodiment may refer hereinafter to substantially the same constituent elements, and the constituent elements according to one embodiment may be substantially equally applicable to other embodiments.

[0098] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0099] Reference Figure 4 According to another embodiment, the heater 200 of the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 may further include a fourth heating element 240. The fourth heating element 240 may be electrically connected to the battery 110. In addition, the fourth heating element 240 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the interior of the receiving portion 260.

[0100] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the heater of the aerosol generating device shown.

[0101] Reference Figure 5 The fourth heating unit 240 can be thermally connected to the first heating unit 210. The fourth heating unit 240 can be configured to cover the receiving portion 260. Figure 4 At least a portion of the inner surface is separated from the first heating part 210 by a predetermined distance.

[0102] The fourth heating element 240 can be made into a thin film shape with a resistance pattern. The material of the fourth heating element 240 may include, but is not limited to, CNT, ceramic, etc.

[0103] The length of the fourth heating section 240 can be 0.5 to 1 times the length of the first heating section 210. The aforementioned length refers to the lengths of the first heating section 210 and the fourth heating section 240 in a direction parallel to the length direction of the cigarette 300.

[0104] For example, the length of the fourth heating section 240 can be twice the length of the first heating section 210. That is, when the length of the fourth heating section 240 is the same as the length of the first heating section 210, the fourth heating section 240 can concentrate on heating only the first heating section 210.

[0105] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A diagram showing the cross-section of the heater.

[0106] Reference Figure 6 The first heating element 210 and the second heating element 220 are in contact with each other, and the second heating element 220 and the third heating element 230 can also be in contact with each other. At this time, heat can move between the first heating element 210, the second heating element 220, and the third heating element 230 by conduction. Therefore, the first heating element 210, the second heating element 220, and the third heating element 230 can each serve as a heat conductor between them.

[0107] The fourth heating unit 240 can heat the first heating unit 210. The fourth heating unit 240 is separated from the first heating unit 210 by a predetermined distance, and the heat from the fourth heating unit 240 can move to the first heating unit 210 by convection.

[0108] The second heating unit 220 can receive heat from the first heating unit 210 and heat it. Additionally, the third heating unit 230 can receive heat from the second heating unit 220 and heat it. As a result, the heat from the fourth heating unit 240 can be sequentially transferred to the first heating unit 210, the second heating unit 220, and the third heating unit 230.

[0109] According to the embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 heats the entire heater 200 by heating the fourth heating section 240, thereby saving power consumption of the battery 110 compared to heating the first heating section 210, the second heating section 220 and the third heating section 230 separately.

[0110] During the initial operation of the aerosol generating apparatus 1000, when the heater 200 is preheated, the fourth heating section 240 can be heated to 270°C to 300°C. After preheating the heater 200, the temperature of the fourth heating section 240 can be maintained at 200°C to 250°C.

[0111] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment.

[0112] Reference Figure 7 The aerosol generating apparatus 1000 may also include an induction coil 250. Although the induction coil 250 is shown as being disposed outside the receiving portion 260, it is not limited thereto and may also be disposed inside the receiving portion 260.

[0113] The induction coil 250 may be a conductive coil that generates an alternating magnetic field by power supplied from the battery 110. The induction coil 250 may be configured to surround at least a portion of the receiving portion 260.

[0114] When the cigarette 300 is contained in the receiving part 260 of the aerosol generating device 1000, the aerosol generating device 1000 can supply power to the induction coil 250, causing the induction coil 250 to generate an alternating magnetic field.

[0115] The first heating element 210 may include a susceptor that is heated by an alternating magnetic field. In this case, the first heating element 210 may include a material that is different from that of the second heating element 220 and the third heating element 230.

[0116] The heat-sensing element of the first heating section 210 is heated by an alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil 250, and may contain metal or carbon. For example, the heat-sensing element may contain at least one selected from ferrite, ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum, or combinations thereof.

[0117] Additionally, the heat-sensing material may include at least one of the following: graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, metal film, zirconia, etc.; transition metals such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co); and quasi-metals such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P). However, the heat-sensing material is not limited to the examples above, and there are no particular limitations as long as it can be heated to the desired temperature by the application of an alternating magnetic field.

[0118] The first heating element 210 generates heat by receiving an alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil 250. The second heating element 220 is heated by receiving heat from the first heating element 210. Furthermore, the third heating element 230 is heated by receiving heat from the second heating element 220. That is, heat from the first heating element 210 can be sequentially transferred to the second heating element 220 and the third heating element 230.

[0119] As described above, in another embodiment of the aerosol generating apparatus 1000, the first heating part 210, which serves as a heat sensor, is heated by the induction coil 250, thereby heating the other second heating parts 220 and third heating parts 230, which can save the power consumption of the battery 110.

[0120] According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 further includes an induction coil 250 that generates an alternating magnetic field, and the first heating unit 210 and the third heating unit 230 may include a susceptor that is heated by means of the alternating magnetic field.

[0121] The first heating element 210 and the third heating element 230 can generate heat by receiving an alternating magnetic field. The second heating element 220 can receive heat from the first heating element 210 and the third heating element 230. That is, the heat from the first heating element 210 and the third heating element 230 can be transferred to the second heating element 220.

[0122] As described above, according to another embodiment of the aerosol generating apparatus 1000, the second heating section 220 is heated by heating the first heating section 210 and the third heating section 230, which serve as heat-sensing bodies, by the induction coil 250. This saves the power consumption of the battery 110, and thus aerosol can be generated rapidly in the initial stage of the heater 200 operation.

[0123] Those skilled in the art regarding the embodiments will understand that these embodiments can be implemented in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the description as stated above. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed methods are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting. The scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims rather than in the foregoing description, and all distinctions within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as included within the invention.

Claims

1.An aerosol generating device, wherein, comprises: a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of a cigarette, and a heater disposed inside the receiving portion and heating the cigarette; the heater comprises: a first heating portion disposed along a circumference of the inside of the receiving portion, a second heating portion disposed in contact with a lower surface of the receiving portion, and a third heating portion extending from a lower portion of the receiving portion in a length direction of the cigarette; the first heating portion, the second heating portion, and the third heating portion are thermally connected to each other, the first heating portion, the second heating portion, and the third heating portion heat at different temperatures from each other, when the cigarette is inserted into the receiving portion, the first heating portion surrounds at least a portion of an outer surface of the cigarette and heats the outer surface of the cigarette, the second heating portion contacts and heats one end portion of the cigarette, the third heating portion is inserted into the cigarette and heats an inside of the cigarette. 2.The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, the first heating portion and the second heating portion are disposed in contact with each other, the second heating portion and the third heating portion are disposed in contact with each other. 3.The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, the first heating portion is curved toward the third heating portion. 4.The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, the first heating portion heats at a first temperature, the second heating portion heats at a second temperature lower than the first temperature, the third heating portion heats at a third temperature lower than the second temperature. 5.The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, the first heating portion comprises a material having a first thermal conductivity, the second heating portion comprises a material having a second thermal conductivity lower than the first thermal conductivity, the third heating portion comprises a material having a third thermal conductivity lower than the second thermal conductivity. 6.The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, the cigarette has a medium portion containing an aerosol-generating material, a length of the first heating portion is 0.3 to 1 times a length of the medium portion. 7.The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, the heater further comprises a fourth heating portion disposed inside the receiving portion and thermally connected to the first heating portion; the first heating portion is heated by the fourth heating portion to transfer heat to the second heating portion, the second heating portion transfers heat to the third heating portion. 8.The aerosol-generating device of claim 7, wherein, the fourth heating portion covers at least a portion of an inner surface of the receiving portion and is disposed to be spaced apart from the first heating portion by a prescribed distance. 9.The aerosol-generating device of claim 7, wherein, a length of the fourth heating portion is 0.5 to 1 times a length of the first heating portion. 10.The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, further comprising an inductive coil disposed outside the receiving portion and generating an alternating magnetic field; the first heating portion generates heat by receiving the alternating magnetic field, the second heating portion receives heat from the first heating portion, the third heating portion receives heat from the second heating portion. The third heating portion receives heat from the second heating portion. 11.The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein, further comprising an induction coil configured outside the accommodation portion and generating an alternating magnetic field, the first heating portion and the third heating portion heat up by receiving the alternating magnetic field, the second heating portion receives heat from the first heating portion and the third heating portion.

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