Aerosol-generating device with improved heating efficiency

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an aerosol-generating device that improves heating efficiency. The aerosol-generating device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure can include a housing formed with an insertion port into which an aerosol-generating article is inserted, a heater that heats the aerosol-generating article inserted through the insertion port to generate an aerosol, and an adapter disposed between the insertion port and the heater. The adapter can improve the heating efficiency of the heater by deforming a medium portion of the inserted aerosol-generating article into a target compressed shape.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device that improves heating efficiency. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device that can shorten a preheating time and improve the taste of an aerosol-generating article by improving the heating efficiency of a heater. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for alternative smoking articles that overcome the shortcomings of existing cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for aerosol-generating devices (e.g., cigarette-type electronic cigarettes) that generate aerosols by electrically heating cigarettes, and thus, research into electrically heated aerosol-generating devices is actively being conducted.

[0003] In general, an electrically heated aerosol-generating device adopts a structure in which a heater disposed around a cigarette heats a peripheral portion of the medium of the cigarette. However, in this structure, since it takes a considerable amount of time to heat the peripheral portion of the medium uniformly to the center portion, the heating efficiency of the heater is reduced, and thus, the preheating time is inevitably long.

[0004] For example, Figure 1 The temperature change of each portion of the medium of the cigarette in the above-described heating structure is shown, as illustrated, the center portion of the medium, which is far from the heater, is heated slower than the outermost portion. Thus, it takes a considerable amount of time (e.g., T1) to heat the entire medium uniformly, which means that the preheating time of the device is long, and the heating efficiency of the heater is poor.

[0005] In summary, in the electrically heated aerosol-generating device adopting the above-described heating structure, the heating efficiency of the heater is poor, and thus, the preheating time is inevitably long, and when sufficient preheating time cannot be secured, the taste of the initial stage of smoking is reduced. SUMMARY

[0006] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0007] A technical problem to be solved by some embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol-generating device that shortens a preheating time and improves the taste of an aerosol-generating article by improving the heating efficiency of a heater.

[0008] A technical problem to be solved by some embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol-generating device that has a function of easily removing an aerosol-generating article.

[0009] The technical problem of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described technical problem, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following description.

[0010] SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0011] To solve the above technical problem, an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments of the disclosure can include a housing formed with an insertion port into which an aerosol generating article is inserted, a heater that heats the aerosol generating article inserted through the insertion port to generate an aerosol, and an adapter disposed between the insertion port and the heater and deforming a medium portion of the inserted aerosol generating article into a target compressed shape.

[0012] In some embodiments, a cross-section of the insertion port can have a shape in which a cross-section of the aerosol generating article and a cross-section of the target compressed shape are combined.

[0013] In some embodiments, the adapter can include a first open end portion located at the insertion port side and a second open end portion located at the heater side, and the medium portion can be deformed into the target compressed shape by an inner shape of the adapter during movement of the inserted aerosol generating article to the second open end portion side through the first open end portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, a cross-section of the first open end portion can have a shape in which a cross-section of the aerosol generating article and a cross-section of the target compressed shape are combined.

[0015] In some embodiments, a cross-section of the second open end portion can match a cross-section of the target compressed shape.

[0016] In some embodiments, a cross-sectional area of an inner space of the adapter can be smaller as it is closer to the second open end portion from the first open end portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the inner space of the adapter can have an inclined structure, and an inclination angle of the at least a portion with respect to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article can be 10 degrees to 40 degrees.

[0018] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the inner space of the adapter can have an inclined structure, and an inclination angle of the at least a portion with respect to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article can be larger as it is closer to the second open end portion from the first open end portion.

[0019] In some embodiments, at least a portion of an inner face of the adapter can be subjected to a process for reducing surface roughness.

[0020] In some embodiments, a thickness of the medium portion deformed into the target compressed shape can be 20% to 80% of a thickness before deformation.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to some embodiments of the disclosure described above, when the aerosol generating article is inserted, the medium portion can be naturally deformed into the target compressed shape while passing through the adapter. Accordingly, the distance from the heater to the center portion of the medium portion can be reduced, thereby enabling an increase in the heating efficiency of the heater. For example, the temperature difference of each portion of the medium portion can be minimized, and the aerosol forming substrate can quickly reach the target temperature. In addition, by increasing the heating efficiency, the preheating time of the aerosol generating device can be shortened, power consumption can be reduced, and the taste of the aerosol generating article can be improved.

[0023] In addition, since the heater has a shape matching the target compressed shape of the medium portion, the heating efficiency of the heater can be further improved.

[0024] In addition, since the cross-section of the insertion port and the open end portion of the adapter has a shape in which the cross-section of the aerosol generating article and the cross-section of the target compressed shape are combined, the aerosol generating article can be easily inserted and removed. For example, the aerosol generating article deformed into the target compressed shape can be removed without being stuck in the insertion port or the adapter, thereby being able to prevent in advance a problem of breakage of the medium portion or the wrapper when removed.

[0025] Effects according to the technical idea of the disclosure are not limited to the effects described above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 A diagram for explaining a problem of a decrease in heating efficiency and an increase in preheating time in an electrically heated aerosol generating device having an external heating structure.

[0027] Figure 2 A diagram schematically showing an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0028] Figure 3 A diagram schematically showing an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0029] Figure 4 An example of inserting an aerosol generating article in an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0030] Figure 5 A diagram for explaining a cross-sectional shape of an insertion port according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0031] Figure 6 A diagram for explaining a detailed structure of an adapter according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0032] Figure 7The shape of the exemplified aerosol generating article is deformed by the adapter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 8 The shape of the aerosol generating article deformed by the adapter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is exemplified.

[0034] Figure 9 A diagram for explaining a detailed structure of the adapter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figures 10 to 12 Various types of aerosol generating devices to which the adapter and the related technical configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied are exemplified. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the present disclosure and methods of achieving them can be apparent from the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below, but can be implemented by various forms different from each other, and the embodiments are merely presented to enable the present disclosure to be sufficiently disclosed as a complete disclosure for those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains to fully understand the scope of the present disclosure, and the technical idea of the present disclosure is defined by the scope of the claims of the present disclosure.

[0037] In adding reference numerals to components in all the drawings, it should be noted that even components shown in different drawings have the same reference numerals, and the same components are designated by the same reference numerals. Also, in explaining the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of related known technologies which constitute or function as the gist of the present disclosure can be omitted when it is deemed that the gist of the present disclosure will be unnecessarily obscured.

[0038] If not particularly defined, all the terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the present specification can be used as meanings that can be commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Also, terms defined in a generally used dictionary are not to be exceptionally or excessively interpreted unless they are specifically defined in the present specification. The terms used in the following embodiments are used only for the purpose of explaining the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In the following embodiments, singular forms also include plural forms unless otherwise stated.

[0039] Also, in describing the components of the disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b) or the like can be used. These terms are used only to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the related components is not limited by the terms. It should be understood that if one component is described as being "connected", "coupled", or "linked" to another component, it can mean that the component is not only directly "connected", "coupled", or "linked" to the other component, but can also be "connected", "coupled", or "linked" to the other component via a third component.

[0040] The terms "comprises" and / or "comprising", as used in the disclosure, specify the presence of the stated components, steps, operations and / or elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations and / or elements.

[0041] Before describing various embodiments of the disclosure, some terms used in the following description will be clarified.

[0042] In the following embodiments, "aerosol forming substrate" can refer to a substance capable of forming an aerosol. The aerosol can include a volatile compound. The aerosol forming substrate can be solid or liquid.

[0043] For example, the solid aerosol forming substrate can be a solid substance based on a tobacco raw material (e.g., a medium of a cigarette), such as reconstituted tobacco, pipe tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc., and the liquid aerosol forming substrate can include a liquid composition based on nicotine, tobacco extract, and / or various flavorings. However, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the examples listed above.

[0044] As a more specific example, the liquid aerosol forming substrate can include at least one of propylene glycol (PG) and glycerol (GLY), and can further include at least one of ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. As another example, the aerosol forming substrate can further include at least one of nicotine, moisture, and a flavoring substance. As another example, the aerosol forming substrate can further include various additive substances such as cinnamon and capsaicin. The aerosol forming substrate can include not only a liquid substance having high fluidity, but also a substance in the form of a gel or a solid powder. Accordingly, the constituent components of the aerosol forming substrate can be variously selected according to embodiments, and the composition ratio thereof can vary according to embodiments. In the following embodiments, the liquid can refer to a liquid aerosol forming substrate.

[0045] In the following embodiments, "aerosol generating device" can refer to an apparatus that generates aerosols using an aerosol forming matrix in order to generate aerosols that can be directly inhaled into a user's lungs through their mouth. For example, an aerosol generating device may include a liquid-type aerosol generating device that uses a liquid to generate aerosols, and a hybrid aerosol generating device that uses both liquid and cigarette smoke. However, various other types of aerosol generating devices may also be included, and therefore the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the examples listed above. For some examples of aerosol generating devices, please refer to... Figure 2 , Figures 10 to 12 .

[0046] In the following embodiments, "aerosol-generating article" can refer to an article capable of generating aerosols. An aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming matrix. Cigarettes can be cited as a representative example of an aerosol-generating article, but the scope of this disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0047] In the following embodiments, "puff" refers to the user's inhalation, which means the state of being drawn into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

[0048] In the following embodiments, "upstream" or "upstream direction" can refer to a direction away from the smoker's mouth, while "downstream" or "downstream direction" can refer to a direction closer to the smoker's mouth. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" can be used to describe the relative positions of elements constituting an aerosol-generating article. For example, in Figure 2 In the aerosol generating article 2 illustrated above, the medium part 21 is located upstream of the other parts or in the upstream direction.

[0049] In the following embodiments, "longitudinal direction" or "longitudinal axis" may refer to the direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generated article.

[0050] In the following, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 2 For illustrative purposes only, a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 10 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 An exploded schematic view of the aerosol generating apparatus 10 is shown for illustrative purposes. Furthermore, Figure 4 The internal structure of the aerosol generating apparatus 10, in which the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted, is schematically shown. In particular, Figure 3 and Figure 4 The components inside the housing 11 are shown as a central example. In the following text, reference will be made to...Figures 2 to 4 Please provide an explanation.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the aerosol generating device 10 can be an apparatus that generates aerosols using the aerosol generating article 2. More specifically, the aerosol generating device 10 can generate aerosols by electrically heating the aerosol generating article 2 inserted therein. The generated aerosols can be inhaled through the user's mouth.

[0053] The aerosol generating article 2 may include a medium portion 21, which may include an aerosol forming matrix. The medium portion 21 is located upstream of the aerosol generating article 2 and can be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating apparatus 10 through an insertion port 12. It is heated by a heater 14 located inside the apparatus to generate aerosols. At this time, at least a portion of the medium portion 21 can be deformed into a target compressed shape by an adapter 13. This shape deformation reduces the distance from the heater 14 to the center of the medium portion 21, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heater 14. Furthermore, the power consumption of the aerosol generating apparatus 10 is reduced, the preheating time is shortened, and the odor absorption of the aerosol generating article 2 is improved. The adapter 13 and related technical structures will be described in detail later.

[0054] The aforementioned target compression shape is a shape that is compressed compared to the original shape of the medium section 21, and may include various shapes that can improve the heating efficiency of the heater 14, such as elliptical or similar elliptical shapes (e.g., elongated ellipse). However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. However, for ease of understanding, in the following description, it will be assumed that the original shape of the medium section 21 (or aerosol generating article 2) is cylindrical and the target compression shape is elongated ellipse.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, the aerosol generating device 10 may include an upper housing 12, an adapter 13, a heater 14, and a control unit 15. However, Figure 2 Only components relevant to embodiments of this disclosure are shown. Therefore, those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will understand that other components may also be included. Figure 2 Other general components besides those shown in the diagram. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus 10 may also include output devices (e.g., motors, displays, speakers) for outputting various information such as apparatus status and / or input devices (e.g., buttons) for receiving various information from the user (e.g., apparatus on / off). The components of the aerosol generating apparatus 10 will be described below.

[0056] The upper housing 11 can form the upper exterior of the aerosol generating device 10. Considering the functionality and aesthetics of the aerosol generating device 10, the upper housing 11 can be designed with an appropriate shape. Therefore, the shape of the upper housing 11 is not limited to...Figure 2 The illustrated shape. For example, although Figure 2 The upper case 11 and the control body 15 can be formed as one body. The upper case 11 can be made of a suitable material capable of protecting the internal components of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0057] The upper case 11 is formed with an insertion port 12, and the aerosol generating article 2 can be inserted into the inside of the aerosol generating device 10 through the insertion port 12. For example, as illustrated, the end of the upper case 11 can be formed with the insertion port 12.

[0058] The insertion port 12 is for easy insertion of the aerosol generating article 2, and is preferably designed to have a shape that can be easily removed even if the shape of the aerosol generating article 2 is deformed due to the adapter 13. Therefore, in some embodiments of the disclosure, the insertion port 12 can be designed to have a shape that is a combination of the cross section of the aerosol generating article 2 (i.e., the cross section before deformation) and the cross section of the target compressed shape (i.e., the union shape). For example, assuming that the cross section of the aerosol generating article 2 is circular and the cross section of the target compressed shape is oblong. In this case, as Figure 5 As illustrated, the cross section of the insertion port 12 can have a shape that is a combination of a circular shape 121 and an oblong shape 122. Thereby, the aerosol generating article 2 can be easily inserted through the circular portion 121 of the insertion port 12, and the aerosol generating article 2 deformed into an oblong shape can be easily removed through the oblong portion 122 of the insertion port 12. For example, since the medium portion 21 becomes a fixed state as smoking proceeds, it is easily damaged when caught by the insertion port 12. Or, the wrapping paper of the aerosol generating article 2 can be caught in the insertion port 12 and broken. However, when the cross section of the insertion port 12 has a shape as Figure 5 illustrated, these problems can be prevented in advance.

[0059] Referring again to Figures 2 to 4 will be described.

[0060] The adapter 13 can be disposed between the insertion port 12 and the heater 14 to deform at least a portion of the medium portion 21 into the target compressed shape. That is, the adapter 13 can function to adapt the shape of the medium portion 21 to the target compressed shape. An example in which the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10 through the insertion port 12 and the adapter 13 can refer to Figure 4 .

[0061] Wherein, at least a portion of the medium portion 21 deformed into the target compressed shape can mean that a portion of the aerosol generating article 2 including the medium portion 21 or at least a portion of the medium portion 21 is deformed into the target compressed shape. With respect to the detailed structure and operation principle of the adapter 13, later, the detailed structure and operation principle of the adapter 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. Figure 6 The following drawings explain in more detail.

[0062] Second, the heater 14 can generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating article 2 whose shape is changed by the adapter 13. More specifically, the heater 14 can generate an aerosol by heating the medium portion 21 deformed into the target compressed shape by the adapter 13. The heating temperature of the heater 14 can be controlled by the control body 15.

[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the heater 14 can be designed to heat the medium portion 21 deformed in shape from the outside. Figure 3 Or Figure 4 As illustrated in FIG. 1, the heater 14 can be designed to heat the medium portion 21 deformed in shape from the outside. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the heater 14 can be designed as an internal heating type heater.

[0064] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the heater 14 (or at least a portion of the heating space formed by the heater 14) can have a shape (e.g., a target compressed shape or a similar shape) matching the medium portion 21 deformed in shape. For example, when the target compressed shape is deformed into an oblong shape, the heater 14 (or the heating space formed by the heater 14) can also have an oblong shape. Thereby, the heater 14 and the medium portion 21 can be closely attached, or the distance from the heater 14 to the center portion of the medium portion 21 can be minimized, so that the heating efficiency of the heater 14 can be further improved. On the other hand, although not illustrated in the drawings, the heater 14 can be designed to heat the medium portion 21 deformed in shape from the inside. Figure 3 Although the drawings of FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate that the heater 14 is formed as one body, the heater 14 can also be formed in a separate structure. For example, the heater 14 can include a first heater and a second heater to heat the medium portion 21 deformed into the target compressed shape on both sides, and the combined shape of the first heater and the second heater can be an oblong shape.

[0065] In some embodiments, the heater 14 is an external heating type heater, and at least a portion of the heater 14 can have a sloped structure (shape). In addition, the medium portion 21 can be deformed in shape once by the adapter 13, and deformed in shape twice by the above-mentioned sloped structure. For example, the medium portion 21 can be deformed into a compressed shape (for example, deformed into a first oblong shape) in the process of passing through the adapter 13, and deformed into a further compressed shape (for example, deformed into a second oblong shape that is more compressed than the first oblong shape) in the process of being accommodated in the heating space of the heater 14 by the above-mentioned sloped structure. In this case, since the deformation in shape of the medium portion 21 is gradually performed through the adapter 13 and the heater 14, it is possible to greatly reduce the risk of damaging the medium portion 21 or the wrapper in the process of deformation in shape. For example, when the medium portion 21 is directly deformed into a target compressed shape by the adapter 13, the internal structure of the adapter 13 needs to be designed to have a steep slope, and thus, the medium portion 21 or the wrapper can be damaged in the process of deformation in shape. However, in the present embodiment, the internal structure of the adapter 13 can be designed to have a gentle slope, and thus, it is possible to greatly improve the stability of the deformation process. Further, the target compressed shape can be set to a further compressed shape, and depending on the situation, it is possible to further improve the heating efficiency of the heater 14.

[0066] In addition, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the heater 14 can be made of a shape-deformable material that is deformed by heat. In addition, the heater 14 can also be configured to compress the medium portion 21 accommodated therein by deformation in shape when heat is generated. Thus, it is possible to make the heater 14 and the medium portion 21 more closely adhere, and further compress the medium portion 21 by the heater 14, and thus, it is possible to further improve the heating efficiency of the heater 14. On the other hand, when the operation of the heater 14 is terminated (or ended) due to the end of smoking or the like, the shape-deformed portion of the heater 14 returns to the original shape, and thus, the compression (or close adhesion) can be released, and thus, it is possible to easily remove the aerosol generating article 2.

[0067] In the embodiment as described above, a cooling element can be provided around the heater 14. The cooling element can operate to cool the heater 14 after the use of the aerosol generating device 10 ends (e.g., the end of smoking). The operation of the cooling element can be controlled by the control body 15. In this case, the heater 14 can quickly return to the original shape, and thus the compression of the medium portion 21 can be quickly released. Thereby, the aerosol generating article 2 can be quickly removed without being damaged after the use of the aerosol generating device 10 ends. For example, if the aerosol generating article 2 is removed before the compression is released due to the heater 14 not quickly returning to the original shape, the wrapping paper of the aerosol generating article 2 or the remaining portion of the medium portion 12 can be damaged, thereby the inside of the aerosol generating device 10 can be contaminated. However, if the cooling element is provided, the above problem can be significantly alleviated.

[0068] The heater 14 can be an electric resistance heater, or can operate in an induction heating method. As described above, the type of the heater 14 or the heating method can be designed in various ways, and thus the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the type of the heater 14 or the heating method, etc.

[0069] Second, the control body 15 can control the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 as a whole. More specifically, the control body 15 can be configured to include a lower housing, a battery (not shown), and a control portion (not shown), and the control portion (not shown) can control the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 as a whole. Hereinafter, each component of the control body 15 will be briefly described.

[0070] The lower housing can form the appearance of the control body 15 (the lower appearance of the aerosol generating device 10). Like the upper housing 11, the lower housing can also be designed to have an appropriate shape in consideration of the functionality and aestheticity of the aerosol generating device 10, etc. Thus, the shape of the lower housing is not limited to the illustrated shape. The lower housing can be implemented by a suitable material capable of protecting the battery (not shown) and the control portion (not shown). Figure 2 The lower housing can be implemented by a suitable material capable of protecting the battery (not shown) and the control portion (not shown).

[0071] Second, the battery (not shown) can supply power required for the operation of the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the battery (not shown) can supply power so that the heater 14 can operate, or can supply power required for the operation of the control portion (not shown).

[0072] Second, a control portion (not shown in the drawings) can control the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 as a whole. For example, the control portion (not shown in the drawings) can control the operation of the heater 14 and a battery (not shown in the drawings), and can control the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 10. The control portion (not shown in the drawings) can control the power supplied by the battery (not shown in the drawings), the heating temperature of the heater 14, and the like.

[0073] With regard to the battery (not shown in the drawings) and the control portion (not shown in the drawings), reference can be further made to the description section of Figures 10 to 12 .

[0074] Thus far, the aerosol generating device 10 according to some embodiments of the disclosure has been described with reference to Figures 2 to 5 . In summary, when the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted, the medium portion 21 can be naturally deformed into the target compressed shape by the internal structure (shape) of the adapter 13 and the insertion force. Accordingly, the distance from the heater 14 to the center portion of the medium portion 21 is shortened, thereby enabling the heating efficiency of the heater 14 to be improved. For example, the temperature difference of each portion of the medium portion 21 can be minimized, and the aerosol-forming substrate inside can quickly reach the target temperature. In addition, as the heating efficiency is improved, the preheating time of the aerosol generating device 10 can be shortened, power consumption can be reduced, and the taste of the aerosol generating article 2 can also be improved. Furthermore, since the heater 14 has a shape matching the target compressed shape, the heating efficiency of the heater 14 can be further improved. In addition, since the cross-section of the insertion port 12 has a shape in which the cross-section of the aerosol generating article 2 and the cross-section of the target compressed shape are combined, the aerosol generating article 2 can be easily inserted and removed.

[0075] Hereinafter, the detailed structure and the operation principle of the adapter 13 according to some embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 6 .

[0076] Figure 6 is a schematic view for explaining the adapter 13 according to some embodiments of the disclosure. In particular, Figure 6 is illustrated when the target compressed shape is set to an oblong shape, and when the target compressed shape is changed, the shape of the adapter 13 can also be locally deformed. In the following description, for ease of understanding, it is assumed that the X-axis corresponds to the lateral direction of the cross-section of the adapter 13, the Y-axis corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the adapter 13, and the Z-axis corresponds to the depth direction (or the insertion direction of the aerosol generating article 2) of the adapter 13.

[0077] As Figure 6As illustrated, the adapter 13 may have a structure with a space formed inside and both ends 131 and 132 open. At this time, the first open end 131 on the side of the insertion port 12 serves as the inlet of the medium part 21, and the second open end 132 on the side of the heater 14 may serve as the outlet. At least a part of the internal space may have an inclined structure (shape). The medium part 21 entering through the first open end 131 of the adapter 13 is deformed into a target compressed shape by means of the internal structure (shape) while moving along the internal space of the adapter 13 to the second open end 132 side. For example, as Figure 7 shown, the cylindrical medium part 21 can be naturally deformed into an oval shape by the internal structure (shape) of the adapter 13 and the insertion force of the aerosol generating article 2.

[0078] As shown in the figure, similar to the insertion port 12, the cross-section of the first open end 131 can be designed to be a shape that combines the cross-section of the medium part 21 and the cross-section of the target compressed shape. For example, the cross-section of the first open end 131 can have a shape that combines a cylindrical shape and an oval shape. Thereby, the aerosol generating article 2 can be easily inserted and removed without being damaged.

[0079] Although not clearly shown in the figure, the cross-section of the second open end 132 can be designed to match the cross-section of the target compressed shape. For example, the cross-section of the second open end 132 can have an oval shape. Through the above design, the medium part 21 can be appropriately deformed into the target compressed shape.

[0080] As Figure 6 shown, the internal space of the adapter 13 can be designed such that its cross-sectional area becomes smaller from the first open end 131 towards the second open end 132. At this time, the length of the internal space cross-section in the Y-axis direction (the vertical length of the cross-section; for example, the distance L1, L2 between the upper surface 133T and the lower surface 133B of the adapter) is constant from the first open end 131 to the second open end 132 (for example, L3 = L4), and the length in the X-axis direction (the lateral length of the cross-section; the distance L3, L4 between the left surface 133L and the right surface 13r of the adapter) becomes smaller from the first open end 131 towards the second open end 132 (for example, L1 < L2). In this case, as Figure 8 shown, the medium part 21 is compressed in the vertical direction and expanded in the horizontal direction, so that it can be stably deformed into an oval shape.

[0081] Hereinafter, it will be further described with reference to Figure 6 for illustration.

[0082] On the other hand, considering the heating efficiency of the heater 14 and the risk of damage to the medium section 21 and the packaging paper, the tilt angle θ of the adapter 13 and the degree of compression of the target compression shape can be appropriately designed, which can be changed according to the embodiment. The tilt angle θ can refer to the angle formed by the tilted surface inside the adapter 13 and the longitudinal axis (i.e., the Z-axis) of the aerosol-generating article 2 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0083] In some embodiments, the tilt angle θ can be from about 5 degrees to 60 degrees, preferably from about 10 degrees to 50 degrees, or from about 10 degrees to 40 degrees. More preferably, the tilt angle θ can be from about 15 degrees to 35 degrees, 20 degrees to 40 degrees, or from about 15 degrees to 35 degrees. Within the above numerical ranges, it is confirmed that the medium portion 21 deforms into a properly compressed shape, and the risk of breakage due to shape deformation is also significantly reduced. For example, when the tilt angle is too small, the degree of compression of the medium portion 21 decreases, and therefore the heating efficiency of the heater 14 and the effect of shortening the preheating time will decrease. Conversely, when the tilt angle is too large, the medium portion 21 or the packaging paper may be damaged due to sudden shape deformation.

[0084] For reference, the inclined surface (or inclined structure) inside the adapter 13 can be formed as a curved surface so that the medium part 21 can be smoothly inserted. In this case, the inclination angle θ can refer to the average angle formed by the connection between the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating product 2 and the above-mentioned curved surface.

[0085] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the thickness of the deformed medium portion 21 (e.g., Figure 8 D2) can be the thickness before shape deformation (e.g., Figure 8 The content of D1) is approximately 10% to 90%, preferably approximately 20% to 80%, approximately 30% to 90%, or approximately 10% to 70%, more preferably approximately 20% to 60%, approximately 30% to 60%, or approximately 30% to 70%. Within the above numerical range, it is confirmed that the heating efficiency of the heater 14 is guaranteed, and the risk of damage to the medium section 21 or packaging paper is significantly reduced.

[0086] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the tilt angle of the adapter 13 can be designed to increase as it approaches the second open end 132 from the first open end 131. For example, the adapter 13 has the following characteristics: Figure 9 In the tilted structure shown, the second tilt angle θ2 can be larger than the first tilt angle θ1, and the third tilt angle θ3 can be larger than the second tilt angle θ2. In this case, when the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted, the user is repeatedly conveyed with the sensation that the medium section 21 is stuck by the adapter 13, thereby indirectly limiting the insertion speed of the aerosol generating article 2 and reducing the risk of damage to the medium section 21 or the packaging paper.

[0087] On the other hand, preferably, the adapter 13 can be made of a material having a low surface roughness or a material having a low friction coefficient. For example, the adapter 13 can be made of a metallic material such as stainless steel. In this case, the aerosol generating article 2 smoothly passes through the inside of the adapter 13, so that the risk of breakage at the time of shape deformation can be reduced.

[0088] In some embodiments, a process of reducing the roughness of the inner surface of the adapter 13 can be performed. The surface treatment as described above can include various coating processes for smoothing the surface, but is not limited thereto. According to the present embodiment, by reducing the roughness of the inner surface of the adapter 13, the medium portion 21 can be smoothly inserted, so that the insertion force required for shape deformation can be minimized. In addition, since the medium portion 21 is smoothly inserted, the risk of breakage at the time of shape deformation can be further reduced.

[0089] Thus far, the detailed structure and operation principle of the adapter 13 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to Figures 6 to 9 As described above, the medium portion 21 can be naturally deformed into a target compressed shape by the internal structure of the adapter 13 and the insertion force of the aerosol generating article 2, whereby the heating efficiency of the heater 14 can be improved. In addition, the adapter 13 does not require the user's intervention for changing the deformation in addition to the insertion of the aerosol generating article 2, so that higher user convenience can be provided compared to a technology of changing the shape by using the user's pressurizing force.

[0090] Hereinafter, various types of aerosol generating devices 100-1, 100-2, 100-3 to which the adapter 13 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied and technical configurations related thereto (e.g., the insertion port 12, the heater 14, etc.) will be introduced with reference to Figures 10 to 12

[0091] Figures 10 to 12 To illustrate a schematic block diagram of the aerosol generating devices 100-1, 100-2, 100-3. Specifically, Figure 10 The cigarette-type aerosol generating device 10 is exemplified, Figure 11 and Figure 12 The hybrid-type aerosol generating devices 100-2, 100-3 using both a liquid and a cigarette are illustrated. Hereinafter, each of the aerosol generating devices 100-1, 100-2, 100-3 will be described.

[0092] As Figure 10 illustrated, the aerosol generating device 100-1 can include a heater 140, a battery 130, and a control portion 120. However, this is only a preferred embodiment for achieving the purpose of the present disclosure, and some components can of course be added or deleted as needed. In addition, as Figure 10 ​Each component of the illustrated aerosol generating device 100-1 represents a function element functionally divided to be implemented in a form in which a plurality of components are integrated with each other in an actual physical environment, or can be implemented in a form in which a single component is divided into a plurality of detailed function elements. Hereinafter, each component of the aerosol generating device 100-1 will be described.

[0093] The heater 140 can be disposed around the cigarette 150 to heat the cigarette 150. The cigarette 150 can include a solid aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol when heated. The generated aerosol can be inhaled through the user's mouth. The heater 140 can correspond to the heater 14 as described above, and the heating temperature of the heater 140 can be controlled by the control portion 120.

[0094] Second, the battery 130 can supply power required for the operation of the aerosol generating device 100-1. For example, the battery 130 can supply power so that the heater 140 can heat the aerosol generating substrate contained in the cigarette 150, and can also supply power required for the operation of the control portion 120.

[0095] In addition, the battery 130 can supply power required for the operation of the electrical components such as a display (not shown in the drawing), a sensor (not shown in the drawing), and a motor (not shown in the drawing) provided in the aerosol generating device 100-1.

[0096] Second, the control portion 120 can control the operation of the aerosol generating device 100-1 as a whole. For example, the control portion 120 can control the operation of the heater 140 and the battery 130, and can also control the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 100-1. The control portion 120 can control the power supplied by the battery 130, the heating temperature of the heater 140, and the like. In addition, the control portion 120 can determine whether the aerosol generating device 100-1 is in an operable state by confirming the state of each component of the aerosol generating device 100-1.

[0097] The control portion 120 can be implemented by at least one processor. The above-described processor can be implemented by a plurality of logic gate arrays, or can be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program capable of being executed by the microprocessor is stored. In addition, the control portion 120 can also be implemented by other forms of hardware as long as it is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present embodiment belongs.

[0098] Hereinafter, the hybrid aerosol generating device 100-2, 100-3 will be described with reference to Figure 11 and Figure 12

[0099] Figure 11 ​Example: An aerosol generating device 100-2 is configured with vaporizer 1 and cigarette 150 connected in parallel. Figure 12 An example is an aerosol generating device 100-3 in which a vaporizer 1 and a cigarette 150 are connected in series. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device is not limited to... Figure 11 and Figure 12 The illustrated structure allows for changes to component settings based on design methodology.

[0100] exist Figure 11 and 12 In this device, vaporizer 1 vaporizes a liquid aerosol matrix to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by vaporizer 1 can pass through cigarette 150 and be inhaled through the user's mouth.

[0101] The vaporizer 1 can be designed in various ways, and according to some embodiments, the vaporizer 1 may include a liquid storage chamber, a wick, and a vaporization element. The liquid storage chamber is used to store a liquid aerosol forming matrix, the wick is used to absorb the aerosol forming matrix, and the vaporization element is used to vaporize the absorbed aerosol forming matrix. The vaporization element can be a heating element that vaporizes the liquid by heating, but is not limited to this. The vaporization element can vaporize the liquid by ultrasonic vibration or the like. The operation of the vaporization element can be controlled by the control unit 120.

[0102] At this point, we have referred to Figures 10 to 12 Various types of aerosol generating devices 100-1, 100-2, 100-3 can be constructed using adapter 13 and related technologies that can be applied to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0103] Even though the foregoing description of all components constituting embodiments of this disclosure as combined as a single unit or combined to operate as a single unit is illustrated, the technical concept of this disclosure is not necessarily limited to the above embodiments. That is, within the scope of the purpose of this disclosure, one or more of these components may be selectively combined to operate as one or more units.

[0104] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that it can be implemented in other specific forms without altering the technical concept or essential features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and non-limiting in all respects. The scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the claims, and all interpretations of the technical spirit within the equivalent scope should fall within the scope of the technical concept defined by this disclosure.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: The shell has an insertion port for inserting aerosol-generated products; A heater that heats the aerosol-generating article inserted through the aforementioned insertion port to generate an aerosol; and An adapter is disposed between the aforementioned insertion port and the aforementioned heater, and deforms the medium portion of the inserted aerosol generating article into a target compressed shape. The cross-section of the aforementioned insertion port has a shape that combines the cross-section of the aforementioned aerosol-generated article and the cross-section of the aforementioned target compression shape.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned adapter includes: The first open end is located on the insertion port side, and The second open end is located on the heater side; During the process of the inserted aerosol generating article moving from the first open end to the second open end, the medium portion is deformed into the target compressed shape due to the internal shape of the adapter.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cross-section of the first open end has a shape that combines the cross-section of the aerosol-generated article and the cross-section of the target compressed shape.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cross-section of the second open end is matched with the cross-section of the target compression shape.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space of the adapter decreases as it approaches the second open end, starting from the first open end.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The length of the aforementioned internal spatial cross-section in the X-axis direction is constant. The length of the aforementioned internal space cross section in the Y-axis direction decreases as it approaches the aforementioned second open end, starting from the aforementioned first open end.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least a portion of the internal space of the aforementioned adapter has an inclined structure. The angle of inclination of at least a portion of the above relative to the longitudinal axis of the above aerosol-generating article is between 10 and 40 degrees.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least a portion of the internal space of the aforementioned adapter has an inclined structure. The angle of inclination of at least a portion of the above-mentioned portion relative to the longitudinal axis of the above-mentioned aerosol-generating article increases as it approaches the second open end, starting from the first open end.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the inner surface of the aforementioned adapter has undergone a treatment to reduce surface roughness.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heater described above is an external heating type heater. At least a portion of the heater described above has a shape that matches the target compression shape described above.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heater described above is an external heating type heater. At least a portion of the aforementioned heater has an inclined structure. During the heating process within the heating space of the heater, the medium portion inserted via the adapter deforms into a more compressed shape due to the tilted structure of the heater.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the medium portion deformed into the aforementioned target compression shape is 20% to 80% of its original thickness.

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