Aerosol generating device

Abstract

Aerosol generating device. An embodiment of the present invention discloses an aerosol generating device, comprising: a housing capable of inserting a cigarette; a hollow-shaped protruding tube protruding from one end of the housing and opening towards the outside; a heater disposed in the housing and having an end located inside the protruding tube, which generates heat when an electrical signal is applied; and a heater fixing part disposed in the housing for supporting the heater and having an arc-shaped surface in contact with the protruding tube.

Description

[0001] This divisional application is a further divisional application re-filed for the divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of June 14, 2018, the national application number of 201880047174.X (the divisional application number is 202010756239.7, and the international application number is PCT / KR2018 / 006702), and the invention title of "aerosol generating device". Technical Field

[0002] Each embodiment of the present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to a non-combustion aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0003] Recently, the demand for alternative methods to overcome the various disadvantages of ordinary cigarettes has been increasing. For example, the demand for a method of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substance in a cigarette is increasing, which is different from the method of generating an aerosol by burning a cigarette. Therefore, the research on non-combustion aerosol generating devices such as heated cigarettes or heated aerosol generating devices has been increasingly active.

[0004] A non-combustion aerosol generating device refers to a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance included in a cigarette by heating at a specified temperature instead of burning the cigarette, so that the aerosol can be inhaled together with air.

[0005] Although it is preferable to transfer all the aerosol generated by the cigarette to the user, a part of the moisture or the aerosol may liquefy in the air passage inside the non-combustion aerosol generating device and adhere to the air passage in a liquid state, and the leakage of the liquid penetrates inside, causing device failure or malfunction.

[0006] The above background art is technical information that the inventor has mastered or understood during the process of obtaining each embodiment of the present invention, and is not necessarily publicly known technology that has been made public to the public before submitting the embodiments of the present invention. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] Each embodiment of the present invention provides an aerosol generating device having a structure capable of preventing a liquid substance that liquefies when passing through an internal air passage from penetrating inside.

[0009] Each embodiment of the present invention provides an aerosol generating device and method that can provide various experiences and usage conveniences to the user by using an aerosol generating source and a cigarette in combination.

[0010] Alternatively, an aerosol can be provided. By passing the aerosol generated by heating an aerosol generating source through a cigarette, the aerosol can include a rich flavor, nicotine, and the like.

[0011] Means for Solving the Problem

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention discloses an aerosol generating device, comprising: a housing capable of inserting a cigarette; a hollow-shaped protruding tube protruding from one end of the housing and opening to the outside; a heater disposed in the housing and having an end located inside the protruding tube, which generates heat when an electric signal is applied; and a heater fixing portion disposed in the housing for supporting the heater and having an arc-shaped surface in contact with the protruding tube.

[0013] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the aerosol generating device of each embodiment of the present invention as described above, it has an arc-shaped surface for guiding the liquid substance liquefied when passing through the internal air passage to the heater side, thereby preventing the liquid substance from penetrating into the device interior.

[0015] In addition, since it has a heater fixing portion acting as a breakwater, it can accumulate the liquid substance liquefied when passing through the internal air passage, thereby preventing the liquid substance from penetrating into the device interior.

[0016] In addition, a sealing member for sealing the passage is provided on the passage through which the liquid substance liquefied when passing through the internal air passage penetrates into the device interior, thereby preventing the liquid substance from penetrating into the interior.

[0017] In addition, after the aerosol is generated by the aerosol generating source, the generated aerosol is passed through the cigarette, thereby enabling an aerosol containing an appropriate flavor, nicotine, and the like to be provided to the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of inserting a cigarette into an aerosol generating device.

[0019] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette.

[0020] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 is a diagram showing from Figure 3 a perspective view of the working state of separating a part of the components from the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in.

[0022] Figure 5 is a diagram showing from Figure 3A perspective view showing the working state of separating some components of the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in the figure.

[0023] Figure 6 It shows Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view of some components of the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in the figure.

[0024] Figure 7 A side cross-sectional view of some components of the aerosol generating device of another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation mode

[0025] An embodiment of the present invention discloses an aerosol generating device, including: a housing capable of inserting a cigarette; a hollow-shaped protruding tube protruding from one end of the housing and opening towards the outside; a heater provided in the housing and having an end located inside the protruding tube, generating heat when an electric signal is applied; and a heater fixing part provided in the housing for supporting the heater and having an arc surface in contact with the protruding tube.

[0026] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a sealing member located between the protruding tube and the heater fixing part for sealing the gap between the protruding tube and the heater fixing part.

[0027] In this embodiment, the heater fixing part further has a sealing groove formed by recessing from the surface in contact with the protruding tube, and the sealing member can be provided in the sealing groove.

[0028] In this embodiment, the protruding tube includes a sealing groove formed by recessing from the surface in contact with the heater fixing part, and the sealing member can be provided in the sealing groove.

[0029] In this embodiment, the sealing member may include an elastic material.

[0030] Another embodiment of the present invention may include: a housing capable of inserting a cigarette; a hollow-shaped protruding tube protruding from one end of the housing and opening towards the outside; a heater provided in the housing and having an end located inside the protruding tube, generating heat when an electric signal is applied; a heater fixing part provided in the housing for supporting the heater and having a protective member and a receiving groove, the protective member protruding from the surface in contact with the protruding tube towards the direction opposite to the direction of cigarette insertion, and the receiving groove being recessed towards the direction of cigarette insertion to receive a part of the protruding tube.

[0031] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a sealing member provided in the receiving groove for sealing the gap between the protruding tube and the heater fixing part.

[0032] In this embodiment, there may be a plurality of receiving grooves, one of the plurality of receiving grooves is for receiving a part of the protruding tube, and the other of the plurality of receiving grooves is for arranging a sealing member.

[0033] In this embodiment, the sealing member may include an elastic material.

[0034] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses an aerosol generating device, including: a housing capable of inserting a cigarette; a hollow-shaped protruding tube protruding from one end of the housing and opening to the outside; a heater provided in the housing and having an end located inside the protruding tube, which generates heat when an electrical signal is applied; a heater fixing part provided in the housing for supporting the heater; a base provided inside the housing and cooperating with the protruding tube for surrounding and supporting a control part for transmitting the electrical signal to the heater; a sealing member provided between the protruding tube and the base for sealing the gap between the protruding tube and the base.

[0035] In this embodiment, the protruding tube includes a sealing groove formed by recessing from the surface abutting against the base, and the sealing member may be arranged in the sealing groove.

[0036] In this embodiment, the base includes a sealing groove formed by recessing from the surface abutting against the protruding tube, and the sealing member may be arranged in the sealing groove.

[0037] In this embodiment, the sealing member may include an elastic material.

[0038] Modes for implementing the invention

[0039] The terms used in the embodiments are as far as possible the commonly used current terms selected on the basis of considering the functions in the present invention, but these terms may also change according to the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents or the emergence of new technologies. Additionally, in specific cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select some terms, but in such cases, the meanings of the selected terms will be described in detail in the corresponding description part of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply based on the term names.

[0040] Throughout the specification, when a certain part "includes" a certain component, it means that unless there is a description of the opposite characteristic, this part may also include other components, rather than excluding the inclusion of other components. Additionally, terms such as "... part" and "... module" described in this specification refer to units for processing at least one function or action, which can be implemented in the form of hardware or software, or in the form of a combination of hardware and software.

[0041] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those of ordinary skill in the art can easily implement it. However, the present invention is not limited only to the embodiments described herein and can be implemented in various different ways.

[0042] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0043] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing an example of inserting a cigarette into an aerosol generating device.

[0044] Referring to Figure 1 , the aerosol generating device 1000 includes a battery 1100, a control unit 1200, and a heater 1030. In addition, the cigarette 2000 can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0045] Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 1000 shown in Figure 1 only shows the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, those of ordinary skill in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that the aerosol generating device 1000 may further include other commonly used components in addition to

[0046] Although Figure 1 shows the case where the battery 1100, the control unit 1200, and the heater 1030 are arranged in sequence, it is not limited thereto. In other words, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1000, the configurations of the battery 1100, the control unit 1200, and the heater 1030 can be changed.

[0047] If the cigarette 2000 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000, the aerosol generating device 1000 heats the heater 1030. The temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the cigarette 2000 rises by means of the heated heater 1030, and thus aerosol can be generated. The generated aerosol is transmitted to the user through the filter 22000 of the cigarette 2000.

[0048] For example, in order to clean the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1000, the aerosol generating device 1000 can heat the heater 1030 even when the cigarette 2000 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0049] The battery 1100 supplies the power for operating the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the battery 1100 can supply power to heat the heater 1030 and can supply the power required for operation to the control unit 1200. In addition, the battery 1100 can supply the power required for operation to a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0050] The control unit 1200 controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 1000 as a whole. Specifically, in addition to controlling the battery 1100 and the heater 1030, the control unit 1200 also controls the operations of other components included in the aerosol generating device 1000. In addition, the control unit 1200 can also confirm the states of the components of the aerosol generating device 1000 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 1000 is in an operable state.

[0051] The control unit 1200 includes at least one processor. The processor can be composed of a plurality of logic gate arrays, or can be composed of a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable on the microprocessor. In addition, it can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs that it can also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0052] The heater 1030 can be heated by the electric power supplied by the battery 1100. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000, the heater 1030 can be located inside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 1030 can raise the temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the cigarette.

[0053] The heater 1030 can be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 1030 includes a conductive track, and when an electric current flows through the conductive track, the heater 1030 is heated. However, the heater 1030 is not limited to the above example, and as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature, there is no special limitation. The desired temperature here can be preset in the aerosol generating device 1000 or can be set by the user to a desired temperature.

[0054] On the one hand, as another example, the heater 1030 can be an induction heating type heater. Specifically, the heater 1030 can include a conductive coil for heating the cigarette in an induction heating manner, and the cigarette can include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating type heater.

[0055] Although Figure 1 it is shown that the heater 1030 is configured to be inserted into the interior of the cigarette 2000, it is not limited thereto. For example, the heater 1030 can include a tubular heating component, a plate-shaped heating component, a needle-shaped heating component, or a rod-shaped heating component, and can heat the interior or exterior of the cigarette 2000 according to the shape of the heating component.

[0056] In addition, the aerosol generating device 1000 may be configured with a plurality of heaters 1030. At this time, the plurality of heaters 1030 may be configured to be inserted into the interior of the cigarette 2000, or may also be configured outside the cigarette 2000. Additionally, some of the plurality of heaters 1030 may be configured to be inserted into the interior of the cigarette 2000, while other heaters may be configured outside the cigarette 2000. In addition, the shape of the heater 1030 is not limited to Figure 1 the shape shown, and may also be made into various other shapes.

[0057] On the one hand, the aerosol generating device 1000 may further include other common components in addition to the battery 1100, the control unit 1200, and the heater 1030. For example, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include a display for outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. Additionally, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, a cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.).

[0058] In addition, the aerosol generating device 1000 may have a structure that allows external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even when the cigarette 2000 is inserted.

[0059] Although Figure 1 not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 1000 may also form a system together with a separately provided bracket. For example, the bracket may be used to charge the battery 1100 of the aerosol generating device 1000. Or, in a state where the bracket and the aerosol generating device 1000 are combined, the heater 1030 may also be heated.

[0060] The cigarette 2000 may be a cigarette similar to a conventional combustible cigarette. For example, the cigarette 2000 may be divided into a first part 2100 including an aerosol generating substance and a second part 2200 including a filter tip, etc. Or, the second part 2200 of the cigarette 2000 may also include an aerosol generating substance. For example, an aerosol generating substance made in the form of particles or capsules may also be inserted into the second part 2200.

[0061] The entire first part 2100 may be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating device 1000, and the second part 2200 may be exposed to the outside. Or, a part of the first part 2100 may be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating device 1000, or a part of the first part 2100 and the second part 2200 may also be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol while holding the second part 2200 in the mouth. At this time, aerosol is generated when the external air passes through the first part 2100, and the generated aerosol is transmitted to the user's mouth through the second part 2200.

[0062] As an example, external air can flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1000 and / or the size of the air passage can be adjusted by the user. Thereby, the user can adjust the atomization amount, the smoking feeling, etc. As another example, external air can flow into the inside of the cigarette 2000 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 2000.

[0063] Next, with reference to Figure 2 , an example of the cigarette 2000 will be described.

[0064] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette.

[0065] Referring to Figure 2 , the cigarette 2000 includes a tobacco rod 2100 and a filter rod 2200. Referring to Figure 1 The first part 2100 described above includes the tobacco rod 2100, and the second part 2200 includes the filter rod 2200.

[0066] Figure 2 The filter rod 2200 shown in

[0067] is a single-section structure, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 2200 can be composed of multiple sections. For example, the filter rod 2200 can include a first section for cooling the aerosol and a second section for filtering a specified component included in the aerosol. Additionally, according to requirements, the filter rod 2200 can further include at least one section that performs other functions.

[0068] The tobacco rod 2100 may include aerosol - generating substances. For example, the aerosol - generating substances may include at least one of glycerol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but are not limited thereto. Additionally, the tobacco rod 2100 may contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Further, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod 2100 in a way of spraying it onto the tobacco rod 2100.

[0069] The tobacco rod 2100 can be made in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 2100 can be made of sheet material or strand material. Additionally, the tobacco rod 2100 can be made of tobacco leaves obtained by cutting tobacco slices finely. Further, the tobacco rod 2100 can be surrounded by a heat - conductive substance. For example, the heat - conductive substance can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the heat - conductive substance used to surround the tobacco rod 2100 can evenly disperse and transfer heat to the tobacco rod 2100 to increase the heat conduction rate applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the taste of the tobacco. Additionally, the heat - conductive substance used to surround the tobacco rod 2100 can function as a heat - sensitive body that can be heated by an inductive - heating heater. At this time, although not shown in the figure, the tobacco rod 2100 may include other heat - sensitive bodies in addition to the heat - conductive substance surrounding the outside.

[0070] The filter rod 2200 can be a cellulose acetate filter tip. On the one hand, there is no limit to the shape of the filter rod 2200. For example, the filter rod 2200 can be a cylindrical - type rod or a tubular - type rod with a hollow interior. Additionally, the filter rod 2200 can be a recess - type rod. If the filter rod 2200 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments can be made into a different shape.

[0071] The filter rod 2200 can be made to generate a fragrance. As an example, a flavoring liquid can be sprayed onto the filter rod 2200, or other fibers coated with a flavoring liquid can be inserted into the interior of the filter rod 2200.

[0072] Additionally, the filter rod 2200 may include at least one capsule 2300. Here, the capsule 2300 can function to generate a fragrance or to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 2300 can adopt a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped by a film. The capsule 2300 can have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] If the filter rod 2200 includes a section for cooling the aerosol, the cooling section may be made of a polymer material or a biodegradable polymer material. 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 tip having a plurality of holes. However, the cooling section is not limited to the above examples, and as long as it can perform the function of cooling the aerosol, there is no particular limitation.

[0074] Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Figure 3 The aerosol generating device 1000 shown in the illustrated embodiment may include a housing 1001 and an outer casing 1002. The outer casing 1002 is coupled to one end portion of the housing 1001, and the housing 1001 and the outer casing 1002 together form the appearance of the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0076] The housing 1001 forms a part of the appearance of the aerosol generating device 1000 and functions to protect various components accommodated therein.

[0077] The outer casing 1002 and the housing 1001 may be made of a plastic material that does not easily transfer heat or a metal material having a heat insulating substance coated on its surface. The outer casing 1002 and the housing 1001 may be manufactured by, for example, injection molding, 3D printing, or assembling small parts manufactured by injection molding.

[0078] A maintaining device (not shown) for maintaining the coupled state between the outer casing 1002 and the housing 1001 may be provided between the outer casing 1002 and the housing 1001. The maintaining device may include, for example, a protrusion and a groove. The following structure may be adopted: by maintaining the state in which the protrusion is inserted into the groove, the coupled state between the outer casing 1002 and the housing 1001 is maintained, and the protrusion is moved by an operation button by the pressure applied by the user, so that the protrusion is separated from the groove.

[0079] In addition, the maintaining device may include, for example, a magnet and a metal member adhered to the magnet. In the case where the maintaining device uses a magnet, the magnet may be provided on either the housing 1001 or the outer casing 1002, and a metal member adhered to the magnet may be provided on the other, or magnets may be provided on both the housing 1001 and the outer casing 1002.

[0080] In Figure 3 the aerosol generating device 1000 of the illustrated embodiment, the outer casing 1002 is not an essential structure, so the outer casing 1002 may not be provided as needed.

[0081] On the upper surface of the outer shell 1002 coupled to the housing 1001, an external hole 1002p into which a cigarette 2000 can be inserted is formed. Additionally, a track 1003r is formed at a position on the upper surface of the outer shell 1002 adjacent to the external hole 1002p. A door cover 1003 that can slide along the upper surface of the outer shell 1002 is provided on the track 1003r. The door cover 1003 can slide linearly along the track 1003r.

[0082] The door cover 1003 moves along the track 1003r in the Figure 3 direction of the arrow, thereby performing the function of exposing the external hole 1002p and the insertion hole 1004p to the outside. The external hole 1002p and the insertion hole 1004p are used to insert the cigarette 2000 into the housing 1001 through the outer shell 1002. The external hole 1002p of the outer shell 1002 performs the function of exposing the insertion hole 1004p of the accommodation passage 1004h for accommodating the cigarette 2000 to the outside.

[0083] When the door cover 1003 exposes the external hole 1002p to the outside, the user inserts the end 2000b of the cigarette 2000 into the external hole 1002p and the insertion hole 1004p, thereby enabling the cigarette 2000 to be installed in the accommodation passage 1004h formed inside the outer shell 1002.

[0084] In Figure 3 the illustrated embodiment, the door cover 1003 can be set to move linearly relative to the outer shell 1002. However, the embodiment is not limited to the structure in which the door cover 1003 is coupled to the outer shell 1002. For example, the door cover 1003 can be rotatably provided on the outer shell 1002 by hinge assembly. In the case of using hinge assembly, the door cover 1003 can rotate along the extension direction of the upper surface of the outer shell 1002 toward the side of the external hole 1002p, or the door cover 1003 can also rotate away from the upper surface of the outer shell 1002.

[0085] The track 1003r has the shape of a recessed groove, but the embodiment is not limited to the shape of the track 1003r. For example, the track 1003r can also have a protruding shape and can extend in a curve rather than a straight line.

[0086] A button 1009 is provided on the housing 1001. By operating the button 1009, the operation of the aerosol generating device 1000 can be controlled.

[0087] In a state where the outer shell 1002 is coupled to the housing 1001, an external air inflow gap 1002g that allows air to flow into the inside of the outer shell 1002 is formed at the coupling portion between the outer shell 1002 and the housing 1001.

[0088] Figure 4is a perspective view showing the working state of separating a part of components from the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the working state of separating a part of components from the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the working state of separating a part of components from the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the working state of separating a part of components from the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing a part of components of the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing a part of components of the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in

[0089] As shown in Figure 4 when the cigarette 2000 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000, the user can hold the cigarette 2000 in the mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0090] When finishing using the cigarette 2000, after the user separates the cigarette 2000 from the aerosol generating device 1000, the user can perform a cleaning operation to remove the cigarette residue remaining inside the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0091] The cleaning operation of the aerosol generating device 1000 can be performed as follows: After the user separates the outer shell 1002 from the housing 1001 of the aerosol generating device 1000, the cigarette support part 4 is separated from the housing 1001 to expose the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1000 and the heater 103 etc. to the outside, and the cigarette residue is removed.

[0092] Referring to Figure 4 , the outer shell 1002 can be coupled to one end portion 1001a of the housing 1001 to cover the cigarette support part 4 coupled to one end portion 1001a of the housing 1001. Additionally, according to requirements, the outer shell 1002 can be separated from the housing 1001.

[0093] When removing the cigarette 2000 from the aerosol generating device 1000 after finishing using the cigarette 2000, the user can hold the cigarette 2000 with the hand and rotate it while taking out the cigarette 2000 from the housing 1001.

[0094] Alternatively, when removing the cigarette 2000 from the aerosol generating device 1000, as shown in Figure 4 , after the user rotates the cigarette 2000 and then pulls the outer shell 1002, the outer shell 1002 and the cigarette 2000 can be separated from the housing 1001 together.

[0095] By separating from the housing 1001 while rotating the cigarette 2000, the attachment state between the cigarette 2000 and the heater can be released, and the cigarette residue attached to the cigarette 2000 can also be discharged to the outside of the housing 1001 together with the cigarette 2000.

[0096] When pulling the outer shell 1002 without rotating the cigarette 2000, the cigarette 2000 can be separated from the housing 1001. However, a part of the cigarette 2000, such as the tobacco part, may not be discharged from the housing 1001 and may remain on the heater 1030 side. In such a case, after the user separates the outer shell 1002 from the housing 1001, as Figure 5 shown, the cigarette support part 4 can be separated from the housing 1001. At this time, the remaining cigarette part on the heater 1030 side is separated from the housing 1001 together with the cigarette support part 4. After that, the user can remove the remaining cigarette part in the separated cigarette support part 4.

[0097] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the aerosol generating device 1000 includes: a housing 1001 into which a cigarette 2000 can be inserted; a hollow protruding tube 1020 protruding from one end 1001a of the housing 1001 and having an opening open to the outside; a heater 1030 provided in the housing 1001 and having an end 1031 located inside the protruding tube 1020, which generates heat when an electric signal is applied; a heater fixing part 1040 provided inside the protruding tube 1020 for supporting the heater 1030 and having an arc-shaped surface 1040r extending from the inner surface of the protruding tube 1020. In addition, the aerosol generating device 1000 further includes a cigarette support part 4, which can be coupled to the protruding tube 1020 or separated from the protruding tube 1020.

[0098] As Figure 5 shown, when the cigarette support part 4 is coupled to the housing 1001, the user grabs the cigarette support part 4 with the hand and pulls it upward, then the cigarette support part 4 can be separated from the housing 1001.

[0099] Referring to Figure 6 , the protruding tube 1020 surrounds the heater 1030 to protect the heater 1030, and when the cigarette support part 4 is coupled to the protruding tube 1020, the protruding tube 1020 functions to support the cigarette support part 4.

[0100] Since the protruding tube 1020 has a hollow shape with an empty interior, the protruding tube 1020 has a coupling channel 1020h into which at least a part of the cigarette support part 4 can be inserted. The upper end of the coupling channel 1020h opens toward the outside in the upper side direction of the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0101] A heater 1030 is provided in the housing 1001, and the heater 1030 functions to heat the cigarette 2000. The heater 1030 is provided in the housing 1001, and the upper end 1031 of the heater 1030 is located inside the protruding tube 1020. If the cigarette 2000 is received in the cigarette support portion 4 in a state where it is coupled to the protruding tube 1020, the upper end 1031 of the heater 1030 is inserted into the bottom surface of the end 2000b of the cigarette 2000.

[0102] The heater 1030 is electrically connected to a battery ( Figure 1 1100) and a control unit ( Figure 1 1200) provided inside the housing 1001. When the end 1031 of the heater 1030 is inserted into the cigarette 2000, if electricity is supplied to the heater 1030, the heater 1030 is heated to heat the cigarette 2000.

[0103] Referring to Figure 5 , the cigarette support portion 4 can be inserted into the coupling channel 1020h inside the protruding tube 1020 through the opening of the protruding tube 1020. The cigarette support portion 4 has an inner barrel 10 for inserting into the protruding tube 1020 and an outer barrel 20 for supporting the inner barrel 10.

[0104] Referring to Figure 6 , the outer barrel 20 of the cigarette support portion 4 has an extended support surface 26 that protrudes inward from the outer wall 20t having a substantially semi-cylindrical shape and is spaced apart from the outer wall 20t. When the cigarette support portion 4 is coupled to the protruding tube 1020, the protruding tube 1020 is inserted between the outer wall 20t and the extended support surface 26, so that the coupling state between the cigarette support portion 4 and the protruding tube 1020 can be stably maintained.

[0105] According to the stable coupling structure between the cigarette support portion 4 and the protruding tube 1020 as described above, even if external vibration is applied to the aerosol generating device 1000 due to impact, the separation or breakage of the components of the aerosol generating device 1000 can be reduced. Therefore, even if the aerosol generating device 1000 is used for a long time, good durability and stability can be ensured.

[0106] In addition, when performing cleaning work, the cigarette support portion 4 can be easily separated from the housing 1001, so that the cleaning work can be carried out reliably and conveniently.

[0107] In addition, the protruding tube 1020 can function to directly supply external air to the end of the cigarette 2000. Referring to Figure 5, the protruding tube 1020 has air holes 1020g for connecting the inside and outside of the protruding tube 1020 and an air flow path 1020n extending along the surface of the protruding tube 1020 for guiding the air flow to the air holes 1020g.

[0108] A plurality of the air holes 1020g may be arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction with respect to the center in the longitudinal direction of the protruding tube 1020. The air holes 1020g and the air flow path 1020n form an air flow channel for allowing the air outside the protruding tube 1020 to flow into the inside of the protruding tube 1020.

[0109] Refer to Figure 6 , when the cigarette support part 4 is coupled to the protruding tube 1020, the extended support surface 26 of the cigarette support part 4 is inserted inside the protruding tube 1020. During the process that the extended support surface 26 of the cigarette support part 4 moves downward along the protruding tube 1020, the heater 1030 located inside the protruding tube 1020 passes through the heater insertion port 10b of the cigarette support part 4.

[0110] In the state where the cigarette support part 4 is coupled to the protruding tube 1020, the end 1031 of the heater 1030 is located inside the cigarette support part 4 through the heater insertion port 10b of the cigarette support part 4. Therefore, in the state where the cigarette support part 4 is coupled to the protruding tube 1020, when the cigarette 2000 is accommodated in the cigarette support part 4, the end 1031 of the heater 1030 is inserted into the cigarette 2000.

[0111] When the user of the aerosol generating device 1000 inserts the cigarette 2000 into the accommodation passage 1004h, the cigarette 2000 moves along the cigarette support part 4. When the end 2000b of the cigarette 2000 reaches the bottom surface of the cigarette support part 4, the feeling of contact between the bottom surface and the end 2000b of the cigarette 2000 is transmitted to the hand of the user holding the cigarette 2000. Therefore, the user can easily install the cigarette 2000 in the aerosol generating device 1000 by performing a simple action of pushing the cigarette 2000 held in the hand into the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0112] When the user separates the cigarette 2000 from the cigarette support part 4, the user holds and rotates the cigarette 2000 by hand to be able to take out the cigarette 2000 to the outside of the cigarette support part 4. During the process that the user holds and rotates the cigarette 2000 by hand, the cigarette 2000 and the heater 1030 attached to each other by cigarette residue can be completely separated.

[0113] After separating the cigarette 2000 from the cigarette support part 4, the user can clean the inside of the cigarette support part 4. When the user separates the cigarette support part 4 from the housing 1001 for cleaning, the user can hold the cigarette support part 4 by hand and take out the cigarette support part 4 to the outside of the housing 1001.

[0114] The heater fixing part 1040 is disposed inside the protruding pipe 1020 and has a through hole 1040b through which the end 1031 of the heater 1030 can pass. The heater fixing part 1040 can be disposed inside the housing 1001 in a manner surrounded by the protruding pipe 1020, and the protruding pipe 1020 and the heater fixing part 1040 are of a separated structure, so that a gap with a specified interval can be formed between the protruding pipe 1020 and the heater fixing part 1040.

[0115] On the one hand, the upper end 1031 of the heater 1030 protrudes upward through the through hole 1040b of the heater fixing part 1040, and the heater insertion port 10b of the protruding pipe 1020 is located inside the cigarette support part 4.

[0116] The area of the heater insertion port 10b can be larger than the cross-sectional area of the heater 1030 passing through the heater insertion port 10b. According to such a structure, external air can flow in and out through the heater insertion port 10b.

[0117] An internal space 50 is formed between the protruding pipe 1020 and the cigarette support part 4 and between the heater fixing part 1040 and the cigarette support part 4. When the cigarette support part 4 is installed on the protruding pipe 1020, one side of the internal space 50 communicates with an inflow passage 1004g for allowing external air to flow in, and the other side of the internal space 50 communicates with the heater insertion port 10b.

[0118] According to such a structure, the external air flowing into the inflow passage 1004g flows into the internal space 50 along the gap between the cigarette support part 4 and the protruding part 1020, and by the inhalation action of the user, passes through the heater insertion port 10b from the internal space 50 and is inhaled by the user after passing through the cigarette 2000.

[0119] That is, the interior and the interior space 50 of the cigarette support portion 4 for inserting the cigarette 2000 can communicate with each other through the minute gap formed between the heater 1030 and the heater insertion port 10b. At this time, the cigarette 2000 is heated to generate an aerosol, but at the same time, liquefaction of the aerosol also occurs, so a liquid substance is generated at the end 2000b of the cigarette 2000 and leaks toward the interior space 50 through the gap formed between the heater 1030 and the heater insertion port 10b. In addition, the aerosol remaining in the interior space 50 can be liquefied and condensed on the inner wall surface of the protruding tube 1020 and flow downward along the inner wall surface of the protruding tube 1020. Herein, the 'liquid substance' may refer to moisture or aerosol substance contained in the tobacco sheet medium of the cigarette 2000.

[0120] If the liquid substance remaining in the interior space 50 flows into the gap formed between the protruding tube 1020 and the cigarette support portion 4, the liquid substance can penetrate into the interior of the aerosol generating device 1000 along the inner wall surface of the protruding tube 1020. When the liquid substance that has penetrated into the interior wets the battery ( Figure 1 1100) for transmitting an electric signal to the heater 1030 or the control unit ( Figure 1 1200), the battery 1100 or the control unit 120 may be damaged.

[0121] To solve such a problem, the arcuate surface 1040r of the heater fixing portion 1040 can function as a kind of breakwater to collect the liquid substance flowing into the interior space 50, so that the liquid substance cannot penetrate into the interior of the aerosol generating device 1000 through the gap between the protruding tube 1020 and the heater fixing portion 1040.

[0122] In addition, the arcuate surface 1040r can achieve the following auxiliary function: it can prevent the liquid substance generated in the interior space 50 from solidifying and adhering to the corners of the interior space 50 and transfer it to the heater 1030 side. For example, the liquid substance transferred to the heater 1030 side by means of the arcuate surface 1040r can be heated by the heater 1030 and become an aerosol again.

[0123] In addition, the aerosol generating device 1000 may further include a sealing member 1050, which is located between the protruding tube 1020 and the heater fixing portion 1040 and is used to seal the gap between the protruding tube 1020 and the heater fixing portion 1040.

[0124] The heater fixing part 1040 may also have a sealing groove 1040h formed by being recessed from the surface in contact with the protruding tube 1020, and the sealing member 1050 may be disposed in the sealing groove 1040h. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the sealing member 1050 may also be disposed in a sealing groove (not shown) formed on the side of the protruding tube 1020.

[0125] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the sealing member 1050 is described as being circular, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The sealing member 1050 includes an elastic material and is not limited to a specific shape as long as it can perform a sealing function, which refers to the function of sealing the gap formed between the protruding tube 1020 and the heater fixing part 1040 so that the liquid substance cannot penetrate into the interior of the aerosol generating device 1000 through the gap between the protruding tube 1020 and the heater fixing part 1040.

[0126] Even when the liquid substance accumulated in the internal space 50 exceeds the height a of the arc-shaped surface 1040r of the heater fixing part 1040 and overflows along the gap formed between the protruding tube 1020 and the heater fixing part 1040, the sealing member 1050 can prevent the liquid substance from penetrating into the interior of the aerosol generating device 1000, thereby protecting the battery 1100 and the control unit 1200 disposed inside.

[0127] Figure 7 It is a side cross-sectional view of some components of an aerosol generating device showing another embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] In Figure 7 In another embodiment of the aerosol generating device 1000 shown, except for the structure of the heater fixing part 2040, the installation positions of the sealing members 2060 and 2070, and the coupling structure of the base part 2050 described later, other components are the same as those Figure 6 described, so the specific description thereof is omitted.

[0129] First, Figure 7 the heater fixing part 2040 shown in

[0130] As used herein, the term "upper side" not only refers to the vertical direction in which the protective member 2040p protrudes as shown in the drawings, but also includes the direction intersecting the horizontal direction. That is, the protective member 2040p may protrude in the vertical direction as shown in the drawings, but is not limited thereto. For example, the protective member 2040p may also protrude in the upper slant direction.

[0131] According to such a structure, even if the liquid substance accumulated in the internal space 50 flows into the gap between the protruding tube 2020 and the heater fixing part 2040, the protective member 2040p can initially prevent the liquid substance from penetrating into the interior of the aerosol generating device 1000. In addition, by providing the sealing member 2060 in the receiving groove 2040hb to seal the gap between the protruding tube 2020 and the heater fixing part 2040, the sealing member 2060 can prevent the liquid substance from penetrating into the interior again.

[0132] According to Figure 7 , the heater fixing part 2040 of another embodiment is described as including both two receiving grooves 2040ha and 2040hb, but the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the heater fixing part 2040 may include one or more receiving grooves.

[0133] As an example, referring to Figure 7 , the receiving groove 2040ha adjacent to the heater 2030 receives a part of the protruding tube 2020, and the sealing member 2060 may be provided in the receiving groove 2040hb away from the heater 2030. However, not only the opposite structure can be adopted, but also the sealing member 2060 can be provided in both receiving grooves 2040ha and 2040hb.

[0134] On the one hand, Figure 7 the aerosol generating device 1000 of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 may further include: a base 2050, disposed inside the housing 2001 and cooperating with the protruding tube 2020 for surrounding and supporting a battery ( Figure 2 1100) that transmits an electrical signal to the heater and a control unit (

[0135] 1200); a sealing member 2070, located between the protruding tube 2020 and the base 2050 for sealing the gap between the protruding tube 2020 and the base 2050. Figure 6 The sealing member 2070 may be provided in a sealing groove (not shown), and the sealing groove (not shown) refers to a sealing groove formed in the protruding tube 2020 or the base 2050 as the sealing groove 1040h of the heater fixing part 1040 shown in Figure 7The protruding tube 2020 shown in [reference] does not have a sealing groove formed separately on the base 2050, and the sealing member 2070 can be disposed in a compressed state between the protruding tube 2020 and the base 2050.

[0136] That is, similar to Figure 6 the sealing member 1050 shown in [reference], Figure 7 the sealing members 2060 and 2070 shown in [reference] may also include an elastic material. That is, the sealing members 2060 and 2070 can seal the gaps between the protruding tube 2020 and the heater fixing part 2040 and between the protruding tube 2020 and the base 2050, thereby preventing liquid substances from penetrating into the interior of the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0137] The descriptions of the structures and effects of the above embodiments are merely exemplary. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments based on these embodiments can implement the present invention. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the present invention should be defined by the appended claims.

[0138] Industrial applicability

[0139] According to the various embodiments of the present invention as described above, it is possible to prevent liquid substances from penetrating into the interior of the aerosol generating device.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, wherein, Comprising: A housing capable of inserting a cigarette; A hollow-shaped protruding tube protruding from one end of the housing and having an opening; A heater provided in the housing and having an end located inside the protruding tube, which generates heat when an electrical signal is applied; and A heater fixing part provided inside the protruding tube for supporting the heater, wherein the aerosol generating device further includes a first sealing member located between the protruding tube and the heater fixing part for sealing the gap between the protruding tube and the heater fixing part, the first sealing member being located between at least a part of the protruding tube protruding in a direction intersecting the length direction of the heater and at least a part of the heater fixing part protruding in a direction intersecting the length direction of the heater.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, the first sealing member contains an elastic material.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, Comprising: A protective member protruding upward from the surface in contact with the protruding tube.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, Further comprising: A base provided inside the housing and cooperating with the protruding tube for surrounding and supporting a battery and a control unit for transmitting the electrical signal to the heater; and A second sealing member provided between the protruding tube and the base for sealing the gap between the protruding tube and the base.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein, the second sealing member contains an elastic material.

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