Heater for heating aerosol-forming substrate and aerosol generating device

Abstract

A heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate according to one embodiment comprises: a heating portion, comprising a tubular base and a top formed at one end of the base; a first sheet having conductive tracks formed on both surfaces respectively and surrounding at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the base; a second sheet having rigidity and surrounding at least a portion of the first sheet; and a coating for flattening a step surface formed by a laminated structure having the heating portion, the first sheet and the second sheet.

Description

[0001] This case is a divisional application with application number 2017800848915, application date November 6, 2017, and invention name “Aerosol generation method and device”. Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate and an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods that overcome the shortcomings of ordinary cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for methods that generate aerosols without burning cigarettes, that is, methods that generate aerosols as aerosol-generating substances in cigarettes are heated. Accordingly, research on heated cigarettes or heated aerosol generating devices is being actively conducted. Summary of the invention

[0004] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0005] The present invention provides an aerosol generation method and device. In addition, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the storage medium records a program for executing the method in the computer. The technical problems to be solved are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and there may be other technical problems.

[0006] Solutions for solving problems

[0007] The aerosol generating system comprises: a holder for heating a cigarette to generate aerosol, and a bracket having an inner space for inserting the holder; after the holder is inserted into the inner space of the bracket, the holder generates the aerosol by tilting.

[0008] Effects of the Invention

[0009] The holder heats the cigarette to generate aerosol. In addition, the holder can generate aerosol when used alone or when inserted into the bracket and tilted. In particular, when the holder is tilted, the heater can be heated by the power of the battery of the bracket.

[0010] In addition, the heater has a smooth surface to facilitate the insertion of the cigarette and avoid damage to the heater due to friction during the insertion process.

[0011] Additionally, the movement of the retainer may be continuously monitored regardless of the state of the retainer, such as a state in which the retainer is coupled to the bracket and tilted, or a state in which the retainer device is detached from the bracket.

[0012] In addition, the cooling structure of the cigarette can cool the aerosol passing through the cooling structure. In particular, the cooling structure has uniformly distributed channels, which can make the flow of the aerosol smooth and improve the cooling effect of the aerosol.

[0013] In addition, the cooling structure has the effect of filtering specific substances contained in the aerosol. In addition, the cooling structure is composed of pure polylactic acid, thereby preventing the specific substances from being generated as the aerosol passes through the cooling structure.

[0014] In addition, as the aerosol passes through the cooling structure, a vortex is generated, thereby enhancing the cooling of the aerosol and the filtering of specific substances.

[0015] In addition, an aerosol generating device in which a holder and a bracket are combined (integrated type) can be provided. According to the aerosol generating device, a user can insert a cigarette into the aerosol generating device by inserting the cigarette along the storage passage of the storage portion. In addition, after using the cigarette, the user can easily separate the cigarette from the aerosol generating device by a simple operation of separating the cigarette from the storage portion of the housing, so that it is convenient to use.

[0016] Furthermore, since the storage portion can be separated from the housing, tobacco materials generated during smoking and adhering to the periphery of the cigarette can be easily discharged to the outside of the housing together with the storage portion.

[0017] Furthermore, when the housing is separated from the housing, the protruding tube and the heater are exposed to the outside, so the user can easily perform cleaning work while directly checking them.

[0018] In addition, when a cigarette is inserted into the storage portion of the aerosol generating device, the protrusion protruding from the storage passage or the cigarette supporting protrusion of the cover contacts the cigarette and stably supports the cigarette. Therefore, the cigarette can be stably stored in the aerosol generating device during use, so the user can safely enjoy the aerosol generating device.

[0019] Furthermore, the protrusion contacts a portion of the outer surface of the cigarette, thereby forming a flow path through which air can pass between the storage passage and the cigarette, so that external air for assisting the generation of aerosol can be supplied to the inside of the aerosol generating device sufficiently smoothly.

[0020] Furthermore, by reducing the contact area between the cigarette and the inner side surface of the storage passage, the heat transfer area from the cigarette to the housing can be reduced.

[0021] In addition, the cigarette and the storage passage are spaced apart from each other, so even if the heater is inserted into the cigarette and expands the cigarette, the cigarette can be easily inserted into the storage passage of the storage portion. If there is no extra space between the cigarette and the storage portion, the outer wall of the cigarette expands during the insertion of the heater into the cigarette, resulting in an increase in friction between the cigarette and the storage portion, making it difficult to insert the cigarette into the storage portion.

[0022] Furthermore, by allowing the outside air to flow into the space formed between the outer surface of the cigarette and the storage passage, the storage portion can be cooled.

[0023] In addition, the structure of the aerosol generating device provided with the accommodation passage and the protruding portion can preheat the air flowing into the cigarette.

[0024] In addition, since a mechanism for moving the aerosol generating device when the container is not separated from the aerosol generating device is not adopted, the number of parts is reduced, the overall structure of the aerosol generating device becomes simple, and problems such as frequent malfunctions associated with the movable container can be prevented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a heater.

[0027] Figure 3 It is used to illustrate Figure 2 A diagram showing an example of a step surface.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a conductive track.

[0029] Figure 5 It is used to illustrate Figure 1 The diagram shows an example of a heater, a battery, and a control unit being connected together.

[0030] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B This is a diagram showing an example of a cage from multiple side surfaces.

[0031] Figure 7 It is a structural diagram showing an example of a bracket.

[0032] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B This is a diagram showing an example of a bracket from multiple side surfaces.

[0033] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of inserting the holder into the bracket.

[0034] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of a state where the retainer is inserted into the bracket and tilted.

[0035] Fig.11 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of smoking using the holder tilted to the bracket.

[0036] Fig.12 It is a flow chart of a method for counting the number of puffs when the retainer is tilted and separated.

[0037] Fig.13 It is a flow chart of a method for counting the actuation time in case of retainer tilting and separation.

[0038] Fig.14 This is a diagram for explaining an example of counting the number of puffs by the holder.

[0039] Fig.15 This is a diagram for explaining another example of counting the number of puffs by the holder.

[0040] Fig.16A , Fig. 16B This is a diagram for explaining still another example of counting the number of puffs by the holder.

[0041] Fig.17 A diagram for explaining a method of counting the operating time by a retainer.

[0042] FIG. 18A to FIG. 18B It is a figure which shows an example in which a holder is inserted into a bracket.

[0043] Fig.19 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the retainer and the bracket.

[0044] Fig. 20 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the retainer operation.

[0045] Fig.21 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the carriage operation.

[0046] Fig. 22 This is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into a holder.

[0047] Fig.23A and 23B It is a structural diagram showing an example of a cigarette.

[0048] Fig.24A and Fig. 24B This is a diagram for explaining an example of a fiber bundle.

[0049] Fig.25 This is a diagram for explaining another example of a fiber bundle.

[0050] Fig.26A and Fig.26B This is a diagram for explaining an example of a cooling structure including a single longitudinal channel.

[0051] FIG. 27A to FIG. 27C This is a diagram for explaining another example of a cooling structure including a single longitudinal passage.

[0052] Fig.28A and Fig.28B This is a diagram for explaining another example of a cooling structure including a single longitudinal passage.

[0053] Fig.29 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a cooling structure whose interior is filled.

[0054] Fig. 30A and Fig. 30B This is a diagram for explaining another example of a cooling structure whose interior is filled.

[0055] Fig.31 This is a diagram for explaining another example of a cooling structure whose interior is filled.

[0056] FIG. 32A to FIG. 32B This is a diagram for explaining an example of a cooling structure having a plurality of channels.

[0057] Fig.33 This is a diagram for explaining an example in which the interior of a cooling structure having a plurality of channels is filled.

[0058] FIG. 34A to FIG. 34E This is a diagram for explaining another example of a cooling structure having a plurality of channels.

[0059] Fig.35 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a sheet-like cooling structure.

[0060] Fig.36A and Fig.36B This is a diagram for explaining another example of the sheet-like cooling structure.

[0061] Fig.37 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a granular cooling structure.

[0062] FIG. 38A to FIG. 38C It is a diagram for explaining an example of a cooling structure made of an implant.

[0063] Fig.39 is a side view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0064] Fig.40A yes Fig.39 A perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to the illustrated embodiment.

[0065] Fig.40B It is schematically shown Fig.40A A perspective view of the aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment in working condition.

[0066] Fig.41A It is schematically shown Fig.40A A side view of the aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment in another operating state.

[0067] Fig.41B It is schematically shown Fig.40A A side view of the aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment in yet another working state.

[0068] Fig.42 It is schematically shown Fig.40A A side view of the aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment in yet another working state.

[0069] Fig.43 Shown from another angle Fig.42 A perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to the illustrated embodiment.

[0070] Fig.44 yes Fig.43 A top view of a portion of the components of an aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment.

[0071] Fig.45 From another angle Fig.42 A perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to the illustrated embodiment.

[0072] Fig.46 41 is a side sectional view showing a partial cross-section of a portion of the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 41 .

[0073] Fig.47 Yes Fig.46 A portion of the aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment is enlarged to show an enlarged view of the air flow.

[0074] Fig.48 Yes Fig.47 An enlarged view showing a part of the aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment.

[0075] Fig.49 This is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment.

[0076] Fig.50 This is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment.

[0077] Fig.51 This is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment.

[0078] Fig.52 The present invention is a side cross-sectional view showing a part of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment in a carefully enlarged manner.

[0079] Fig.53 FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the working state of an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment.

[0080] Fig.54 It is shown Fig.53 A three-dimensional view of the aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment in working condition with some components removed.

[0081] Fig.55 It is shown Fig.54 A side cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device is shown.

[0082] Fig.56 It is shown from Fig.53 The aerosol generating device shown is a three-dimensional view of the working state with some components separated.

[0083] Fig.57 yes Fig.54 A bottom perspective view of a portion of the components of an aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment.

[0084] Fig.58 is a schematic diagram showing the use of Fig.57 An illustration of the working state of some of the components shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] The aerosol generating system comprises: a holder for heating a cigarette to generate aerosol, and a bracket having an inner space for inserting the holder; after the holder is inserted into the inner space of the bracket, the holder generates the aerosol by tilting.

[0086] In the above-mentioned aerosol generating system, the holder is tilted at a degree of not less than 5° and not more than 90° with respect to a state in which the holder is inserted into the bracket.

[0087] In the above-mentioned aerosol generating system, when the holder is tilted, the holder heats the heater provided in the holder using the power supplied from the battery provided in the bracket.

[0088] The heater comprises: a heating portion including a tubular base and a top formed at one end of the base; a first sheet having conductive tracks formed on both sides and surrounding at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the base; a second sheet having rigidity and surrounding at least a portion of the first sheet; and a coating layer for flattening a stepped surface formed by a laminated structure having the heating portion, the first sheet, and the second sheet.

[0089] In the above heater, the coating layer comprises a heat-resistant composition.

[0090] In the above-mentioned heater, the multiple conductive tracks include: a first conductive track, formed on the first surface of the two end surfaces of the first sheet and having a resistance temperature coefficient characteristic for detecting the temperature of the heating part; and a second conductive track, formed on the second surface of the two end surfaces of the first sheet and capable of heating the heating part as current flows inside.

[0091] The aerosol generating system comprises: a holder, in the case of inserting a cigarette, heating the inserted cigarette to generate aerosol; a bracket, provided with an internal space for accommodating the holder, and the internal space is tilted together with the holder, so that the cigarette can be inserted into the holder when the holder is accommodated in the internal space. The holder cumulatively monitors the smoking mode in a first state and a second state, and determines whether the cumulatively monitored smoking mode meets the smoking restriction condition, the first state is the state in which the holder is tilted from the bracket, and the second state is the state in which the holder is separated from the bracket.

[0092] In the above-mentioned aerosol generating system, when smoking in the first state is followed by smoking in the second state, the retainer accumulates the smoking pattern monitored in the second state into the smoking pattern monitored in the first state; when the accumulated smoking pattern meets the smoking restriction condition, the retainer controls the heater in the retainer to interrupt the heating of the inserted cigarette.

[0093] In the above-mentioned aerosol generating system, when smoking in the second state is followed by smoking in the first state, the retainer accumulates the smoking pattern monitored in the first state into the smoking pattern monitored in the second state; when the accumulated smoking pattern meets the smoking restriction condition, the retainer controls the heater in the retainer to interrupt the heating of the inserted cigarette.

[0094] The aerosol generating device includes: a shell; a hollow protruding tube protruding from one end of the shell and having an opening open to the outside; a heater arranged in the shell with its end located inside the protruding tube and generating heat when an electric signal is applied; and a accommodating portion, having side walls, an insertion hole and a bottom wall, and capable of being inserted into the interior of the protruding tube or separated from the protruding tube through the opening of the protruding tube, the side wall forming an accommodating passage for accommodating cigarettes, the insertion hole opening from one end of the accommodating passage to the outside for inserting the cigarette, and the bottom wall having a heater hole, the heater hole closing the other end of the accommodating passage and allowing the end of the heater to pass through.

[0095] In the above-mentioned aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating system also has a cover, which has an external hole capable of exposing the insertion hole of the accommodating portion to the outside, and the cover can be combined with the one side end portion of the shell in a manner covering the accommodating portion and can be separated from the shell.

[0096] In the above-mentioned aerosol generating device, a gap for external air inflow is formed at the joint between the cover and the shell, and the gap for external air inflow allows air on the outside of the cover to flow into the inside of the cover; the accommodating portion also has an outer wall, which surrounds the side wall and is spaced apart from the side wall radially outward from the side wall; the accommodating portion and the protruding tube are combined by inserting the protruding tube between the outer wall and the side wall; a gap for air flow is formed at the joint between the outer wall of the accommodating portion and the protruding tube, and the gap for air flow allows air on the outside of the accommodating portion to flow into the inside of the accommodating portion; the protruding tube also has an air hole, and the air hole allows air to flow to the end of the cigarette accommodated in the accommodating portion.

[0097] An aerosol generating article generates aerosol by combining with an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises: a tobacco rod; and a cooling structure, which is made by weaving at least one fiber bundle.

[0098] In the above-mentioned aerosol generating article, the fiber bundle is made of a biodegradable polymer material, and the biodegradable polymer material includes at least one of polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), cellulose acetate, poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and thermoplastic starch resin.

[0099] In the above aerosol-generating article, the fiber bundle is obtained by weaving the at least one fiber filament.

[0100] The terms used in the embodiments are currently widely used common terms selected as much as possible in consideration of the effects of the present invention, but the terms can be changed according to the intention of those skilled in the art, precedents or the emergence of new technologies in the field. In addition, the applicant can arbitrarily select some terms in specific cases, and in this case, the meaning of the selected terms will be recorded in detail in the description part of this specification. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the content of the entire specification, rather than simply the term names.

[0101] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, unless there is a characteristic description to the contrary, it means that the part may also include other components, rather than excluding other components. In addition, the terms "part", "module" and the like recorded in the specification refer to a unit that performs 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.

[0102] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described here.

[0103] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0104] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device.

[0105] Reference Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 1 (hereinafter referred to as a "holder") includes a battery 110, a control unit 120, and a heater 130. In addition, the holder 1 has an internal space formed by a housing 140. A cigarette can be inserted into the internal space of the holder 1.

[0106] Figure 1 The holder 1 shown in the figure only shows the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, a person skilled in the art of the related technical field of this embodiment should understand that the holder 1 may also include Figure 1 Conventional components other than those shown.

[0107] The cigarette is inserted into the holder 1, and the holder 1 heats the heater 130. The temperature of the aerosol-generating substance in the cigarette rises due to the heated heater 130, thereby generating aerosol. The generated aerosol is transmitted to the user through the filter of the cigarette. However, when the cigarette is not inserted into the holder 1, the holder 1 can also heat the heater 130.

[0108] The housing 140 can be separated from the holder 1. For example, the user rotates the housing 140 clockwise or counterclockwise, thereby separating the housing 140 from the holder 1.

[0109] Furthermore, the diameter of the hole formed by the distal end 141 of the housing 140 may be made smaller than the diameter of the space formed by the housing 140 and the heater 130 . In this case, the hole can play a role in guiding the cigarette inserted into the holder 1 .

[0110] The battery 110 supplies power for operating the holder 1. For example, the battery 110 supplies power to heat the heater 130 and can supply power required for the operation of the control unit 120. In addition, the battery 110 can supply power required for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. provided in the holder 1.

[0111] The battery 110 may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, but is not limited to the above example. For example, the battery 110 may be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, etc.

[0112] In addition, the battery 110 may be in a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 37 mm, but is not limited thereto. The capacity of the battery 110 may be 120 mAh or more, and may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, when the battery 110 is a rechargeable battery, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 110 may be 10C, and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be 16C to 20C, but is not limited thereto. In addition, for stable use, the battery 110 may be made to ensure more than 80% of the total capacity even when charged / discharged 8,000 times.

[0113] Here, whether the battery 110 is fully charged or fully discharged can be determined based on the level of the power stored in the battery 110 relative to the total capacity of the battery 110. For example, when the power stored in the battery 110 is 95% or more of the total capacity, the battery 110 can be determined to be fully charged. In addition, when the power stored in the battery 110 is 10% or less of the total capacity, the battery 110 can be determined to be fully discharged. However, the criteria for determining whether the battery 110 is fully charged or fully discharged are not limited to the above examples.

[0114] The heater 130 is heated by the power supplied by the battery 110. When the cigarette is inserted into the holder 1, the heater 130 is located inside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 130 can increase the temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the cigarette.

[0115] The heater 130 can be a combination of a cylinder and a cone. The diameter of the heater 130 can be a suitable size in the range of 2mm to 3mm. Preferably, the heater 130 can be made to have a diameter of 2.15mm, but is not limited to this. In addition, the length of the heater 130 can be a suitable size in the range of 20mm to 30mm. Preferably, the heater 130 can be made to have a length of 19mm, but is not limited to this. In addition, the end 131 of the heater 130 can end at an acute angle, but is not limited to this. In other words, as long as the heater 130 is a shape that can be inserted into the interior of the cigarette, there is no restriction. In addition, the heater 130 can also be heated only partially. For example, assuming that the length of the heater 130 is 19mm, only the portion from the end 131 of the heater 130 to 12mm can be heated, and the remaining portion of the heater 130 is not heated.

[0116] The heater 130 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 130 includes a conductive track, and the heater 130 may be heated as current flows through the conductive track.

[0117] For safe use, the heater 130 may be supplied with power of 3.2V, 2.4A, 8W, but is not limited thereto. For example, when power is supplied to the heater 130, the surface temperature of the heater 130 may rise to more than 400°C. The surface temperature of the heater 130 may rise to about 350°C before more than 15 seconds have passed since power was supplied to the heater 130.

[0118] Below, refer to Figures 2 to 5 , the structure of the heater 130 is described in detail.

[0119] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a heater.

[0120] Reference Figure 2 The heater 130 may include a heating portion 1315 , a first sheet 1325 surrounding a portion of the heating portion 1315 , a second sheet 1335 protecting the first sheet 1325 , and a coating layer 1345 .

[0121] According to one embodiment, the heating portion 1315 may be in the shape of a bee stinger (e.g., a combination of a cylinder and a cone). In addition, the heating portion 1315 may include a base and a top. For example, the base of the heating portion 1315 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the top of the heating portion 1315 may be formed at one end of the base so as to be easily inserted into the aerosol-forming matrix. In this case, the base and the top may be formed integrally. Alternatively, the base and the top may be made separately and then joined.

[0122] The heating part 1315 may include a thermally conductive material, such as ceramic including aluminum oxide or zirconium oxide, anodized metal, coated metal, polyimide (PI), etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0123] According to an embodiment, the first sheet 1325 may surround at least a portion of the heating portion 1315. For example, the first sheet 1325 may surround at least a portion of the outer circumference of the base of the heater 130. Conductive tracks may be formed on both end surfaces of the first sheet 1325.

[0124] In addition, the first conductive track formed on one of the two end surfaces of the first sheet 1325 can obtain power from the battery. The temperature of the conductive track can rise as the current flows in the first conductive track. In addition, as the temperature of the conductive track rises, the heat is transferred to the heating part 1315 adjacent to the conductive track, so that the heating part 1315 is heated.

[0125] As the power consumption of the resistor of the first conductive track, the heating temperature of the first conductive track can be determined. In addition, the resistance value of the first conductive track can be set based on the power consumption of the resistor of the first conductive track.

[0126] For example, the resistance value of the first conductive track may have a value between 0.5 ohm and 1.2 ohm at a normal temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, but is not limited thereto. At this time, the resistance value of the first conductive track may be set according to the composition material, length, width, thickness and pattern of the first conductive track.

[0127] According to the resistance temperature coefficient characteristic, the internal resistance of the first conductive track may increase as the temperature rises. For example, within a specified temperature range, the temperature and resistance of the first conductive track may be proportional.

[0128] For example, a predetermined voltage may be applied to the first conductive track, and the current flowing through the first conductive track may be measured by a current sensor. In addition, the resistance of the first conductive track may be calculated by the ratio of the measured current to the applied voltage. Based on the calculated resistance, the temperature of the first conductive track or the heating unit 1315 may be estimated according to the resistance temperature coefficient characteristic of the first conductive track.

[0129] For example, the first conductive track may contain tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium or a combination thereof. In addition, the first conductive track may be doped with a suitable doping material and may also contain an alloy.

[0130] One or the other of the two end surfaces of the first sheet 1325 may have a second conductive track with a resistance temperature coefficient characteristic used to detect the temperature of the heating unit 1315. The second conductive track may have an internal resistance that increases as the temperature rises, according to the resistance temperature coefficient characteristic. For example, within a specified temperature range, the temperature of the second conductive track may be proportional to the resistance.

[0131] The second conductive track may be arranged adjacent to the heating portion 1315. Thus, when the temperature of the heating portion 1315 rises, the temperature of the adjacent second conductive track may also rise. When a predetermined voltage is applied to the second conductive track, the current flowing through the second conductive track may be measured by the current sensor. In addition, the resistance of the second conductive track may be determined by the ratio of the measured current and the applied voltage. Based on the determined resistance, the temperature of the heating portion 1315 may be determined according to the resistance temperature coefficient characteristic of the second conductive track.

[0132] The resistance value of the second conductive track may change according to the temperature of the second conductive track. Therefore, based on the change in the resistance value of the second conductive track, the temperature change of the second conductive track can be determined. For example, the resistance value of the second conductive track may be between 7 ohms and 18 ohms at a normal temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, but is not limited thereto. At this time, the resistance value of the second conductive track can be set according to the composition material, length, width, thickness and pattern of the second conductive track.

[0133] For example, the second conductive track may contain tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium or a combination thereof. In addition, the second conductive track may be doped with a suitable doping material and may also contain an alloy.

[0134] The first conductive track may be connected to the battery via an electrical connection. As described above, as power is drawn from the battery, the temperature of the first conductive track may increase.

[0135] The second conductive track may include an electrical connection portion to which a direct current (DC) voltage is applied. The electrical connection portion of the second conductive track is separated from the electrical connection portion of the first conductive track. In addition, when the DC voltage applied to the second conductive track is at a specified level, the magnitude of the current flowing through the second conductive track may be determined based on the resistance of the second conductive track.

[0136] The second conductive track may be connected to an operational amplifier (OP Amp). The OP Amp may include: a power supply unit that obtains DC power from the outside; an input unit that is electrically connected to the second conductive track and obtains a DC voltage and / or current; and an output unit that outputs a signal based on the DC voltage and / or current applied to the input unit.

[0137] The OP Amp may obtain a DC voltage through the power supply. In addition, the OP Amp may obtain a DC voltage through the input. At this time, the magnitude of the DC voltage applied through the input of the OP Amp may be the same as the magnitude of the DC voltage applied through the power supply of the OP Amp. In addition, the DC voltage applied to the input of the OP Amp may be the same as the DC voltage applied to the electrical connection of the second conductive track.

[0138] The electrical connection of the second conductive track and the input of the OP Amp may be separated from the electrical connection of the first conductive track.

[0139] As the temperature of the second conductive track changes, the resistance value of the second conductive track may change. Therefore, the second conductive track functions as a variable resistor with temperature as a control variable, and as the resistance value of the second conductive track changes, the current flowing into the input part of the OP Amp electrically connected to the second conductive track changes. As the resistance value of the second conductive track increases, the current flowing into the input part of the OP Amp electrically connected to the second conductive track decreases. At this time, even if the resistance value of the second conductive track changes, the DC voltage applied to the input part of the OP Amp remains fixed.

[0140] As the current introduced into the input portion of the OP Amp changes, the voltage and / or current of the signal output from the output portion of the OP Amp may change. For example, as the input current of the OP Amp increases, the output voltage of the OP Amp may increase. As another example, as the input current of the OP Amp increases, the output voltage of the OP Amp may decrease.

[0141] In addition, when a predetermined DC voltage is applied to the input portion of the OP Amp, the relationship between the temperature and the resistance value of the second conductive track, the relationship between the resistance value of the second conductive track and the input current applied to the OP Amp, and the relationship between the input current and the output voltage of the OP Amp can be obtained or set by experiment. Therefore, by measuring the output voltage and / or the change in the output voltage of the OP Amp, the temperature and / or the change in the temperature of the second conductive track can be detected.

[0142] For example, the OP Amp has a characteristic that the voltage of the output portion of the OP Amp increases as the input current flowing into the input portion increases. In this case, as power is supplied to the first conductive track, the temperature of the heater increases. As a result, the temperature of the second conductive track increases. At this time, the resistance of the second conductive track increases, resulting in a possible decrease in the magnitude of the input current applied to the input portion of the OP Amp. As a result, the voltage of the output portion of the OP Amp decreases. On the contrary, if the power supply to the first conductive track is cut off or the power supply to the first conductive track is reduced, the temperature of the heater decreases, thereby increasing the voltage of the output portion of the OP Amp.

[0143] As another example, the OP Amp may have a characteristic that the voltage of the output portion decreases as the input current flowing into the input portion increases. In this case, as power is supplied to the first conductive track, the temperature of the heater increases. As a result, the temperature of the second conductive track increases. At this time, the resistance of the second conductive track increases, resulting in a possible decrease in the magnitude of the input current applied to the input portion of the OP Amp. As a result, the voltage of the output portion of the OP Amp increases. On the contrary, if the power supply to the first conductive track is cut off or the power supply to the first conductive track is reduced, the temperature of the heater decreases, thereby reducing the voltage of the output portion of the OP Amp.

[0144] The output of the OP Amp may be connected to a processor. For example, the processor may be a microcontroller unit (MCU). The processor may detect the temperature of the second conductive track or the heating unit based on the output voltage of the OP Amp. In addition, the processor may adjust the supply voltage supplied to the first conductive track based on the temperature of the heating unit.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the first conductive track and the second conductive track may be formed on both end surfaces of the first sheet 1325. For example, the first conductive track may be disposed on one of the two end surfaces of the first sheet 1325 that contacts the heating unit 1315, and the second conductive track may be disposed on the other end surface. As another example, the second conductive track may be disposed on one of the two end surfaces of the first sheet 1325 that contacts the heating unit 1315, and the first conductive track may be disposed on the other end surface.

[0146] According to another embodiment, the first conductive track and the second conductive track may be disposed on the same surface of the two end surfaces of the first sheet 1325. For example, the first conductive track and the second conductive track may be disposed on one of the two end surfaces of the first sheet 1325 that contacts the heating unit 1315. As another example, the first conductive track and the second conductive track may be disposed on one of the two end surfaces of the first sheet 1325 that does not contact the heating unit 1315.

[0147] For example, the first sheet 1325 may be a green sheet composed of a ceramic composite material. In this case, the ceramic may contain a compound of aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0148] According to an embodiment, the second sheet 1335 may surround at least a portion of the first sheet 1325. In addition, the second sheet 1335 may have rigidity.

[0149] Thus, the second sheet 1335 protects the first sheet 1325 and the conductive tracks when the heater 130 is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0150] For example, the second sheet 1335 may be a printed circuit board composed of a ceramic composite material. In this case, the ceramic may include compounds such as aluminum oxide and zirconium oxide, but is not limited thereto.

[0151] In order to facilitate the insertion of the heater 130 into the cigarette 3 and improve the durability of the heater 130, glaze may be applied to the second sheet 1335. When the second sheet 1335 is coated with glaze, the rigidity of the second sheet 1335 may be increased.

[0152] The heating portion 1315 , the first sheet 1325 , and the second sheet 1335 may be selectively made from the same material group, for example, from ceramics of compounds such as aluminum oxide and zirconium oxide.

[0153] In addition, the first conductive track and the second conductive track can be selectively made from the same material group, for example, tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium or a combination thereof. In this case, even if the constituent material of the first conductive track is the same as the constituent material of the second conductive track, the resistance values ​​of the first conductive track and the second conductive track may be different due to the difference in the length, width or pattern of the track.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the first conductive track for heating the heating portion 1315 may be provided in the heating portion 1315, the first sheet 1325, or the second sheet 1335. Alternatively, as the first conductive track, a plurality of conductive tracks for heating the heating portion 1315 may be provided in at least one of the heating portion 1315, the first sheet 1325, and the second sheet 1335.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the second conductive track for detecting the temperature of the heating portion 1315 may be provided in the heating portion 1315, the first sheet 1325, or the second sheet 1335. Alternatively, as the second conductive track, a plurality of conductive tracks for detecting the temperature of the heating portion 1315 may be provided in at least one of the heating portion 1315, the first sheet 1325, and the second sheet 1335.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the first conductive track for heating the heating portion 1315 and the second conductive track for detecting the temperature of the heating portion 1315 may be respectively disposed at the same position in the heating portion 1315, the first sheet 1325, and the second sheet 1335. Alternatively, the first conductive track for heating the heating portion 1315 and the second conductive track for detecting the temperature of the heating portion 1315 may be respectively disposed at different positions in the heating portion 1315, the first sheet 1325, and the second sheet 1335.

[0157] According to one embodiment, since the heater 130 has the coating 1345, a stepped surface formed by the laminated structure of the heating portion 1315, the first sheet 1325, and the second sheet 1335 can be flattened. For example, the edge of the first sheet 1325 and the edge of the second sheet 1335 are inconsistent or the thickness difference between the first sheet 1325 and the second sheet 1335 may form the stepped surface 1355. For example, due to the stepped surface 1355, when the heater 130 is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate, friction may increase. In addition, deposits or residues generated from the aerosol-forming substrate may be hidden in the stepped surface 1355, thereby contaminating the heater 130, resulting in a decrease in the thermal conductivity of the heater 130, and other poor performance of the heater 130. Therefore, in order to flatten the stepped surface 1355, the coating 1345 may be formed on the outer surface of the heater 130.

[0158] The outer surface of the heater 130 formed by the coating 1345 may include: the top of the coating 1345 corresponding to the top of the heating portion 1315; and the base of the coating 1345 corresponding to the base of the heating portion 1315, the first sheet 1325, and the second sheet 1335. At this time, the portion from the top of the coating 1345 to the base of the coating 1345 may have a smooth outer surface without the step surface 1355 or the concavo-convex portion.

[0159] The coating 1345 may include a heat-resistant composition. For example, the coating 1345 may include a single coating such as a glass film coating, a polytetrafluoroethylene coating, and a Temron coating, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the coating 1345 may include a composite coating composed of two or more of the glass film coating, the polytetrafluoroethylene coating, and the Temron coating, but is not limited thereto.

[0160] Figure 3 It is used to illustrate Figure 2 A diagram showing an example of a step surface.

[0161] Reference Figure 3 A stepped surface 1355 is formed by the base of the heater 130 , the first sheet 1325 surrounding the base, and the second sheet 1335 .

[0162] For example, due to the thickness of the first sheet 1325, a terrace 1321 may be formed. Also, due to the thickness of the second sheet 1335, a terrace 1331 may be formed.

[0163] In addition, a step 1311 may be formed because the boundary line between the top and the base of the heating part and the edge of the first sheet 1325 are not consistent. In addition, a step 1322 may be formed because the edge of the first sheet 1325 and the edge of the second sheet 1335 are not consistent.

[0164] At this time, the deposits or residues of the aerosol-forming substrate may be hidden in the space formed by the step surface 1355, thereby contaminating the heater 130. Figure 2 As described above, the coating 1345 can fill the gaps created by the step surface 1355 and make the step surface 1355 flat.

[0165] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a conductive track.

[0166] The first side 1351 of the first sheet 225 may include a first conductive track 1352 and the second side 1353 may include a second conductive track 1354 .

[0167] As the current flows inside the first conductive track 1352, the heating portion 1315 of the heater 130 can be heated. The conductive track can be connected to an external power source through a connector. In addition, as the external power source supplies power to the conductive track, current flows inside the conductive track. As a result, the conductive track generates heat, and the heat is transferred to the adjacent heating portion 1315, so that the heating portion 1315 can be heated.

[0168] For example, the first conductive track 1352 of the first surface 1351 may be formed in various patterns such as a curve type and a mesh type.

[0169] A second conductive track 1354 may be provided on the second surface 1353 of the first sheet 1325, and the second conductive track 1354 has a resistance temperature coefficient characteristic used to detect the temperature of the heating portion 1315. As described above, according to the resistance temperature coefficient characteristic, the magnitude of the internal resistance of the second conductive track 1354 may increase as the temperature rises. For example, within a specified temperature range, the temperature of the second conductive track 1354 may be proportional to the magnitude of the resistance.

[0170] The second conductive track 1354 may be disposed adjacent to the heating portion 1315. For example, as the heating portion 1315 is heated, heat may be transferred from the heating portion 1315 to the second conductive track 1354. When the temperature of the heating portion 1315 increases, the temperature of the second conductive track 1354 also increases, and the resistance of the second conductive track 1354 may increase. Conversely, when the temperature of the heating portion 1315 decreases, the temperature of the second conductive track 1354 also decreases, and the resistance of the second conductive track 1354 may decrease.

[0171] The second conductive track 1354 may be connected to the control unit through a connector. For example, the second conductive track 1354 may be connected to a processor for controlling the temperature of the heating unit 1315, for example, the second conductive track 1354 may be connected to the control unit. By using the relationship between the resistance and temperature of the second conductive track 1354, the resistance of the second conductive track 1354 is determined according to the voltage and current of the second conductive track 1354, so that the temperature of the heating unit 1315 can be determined according to the determined resistance. Based on the temperature determined by the second conductive track 1354, the power supplied to the first conductive track 1352 may be adjusted.

[0172] In order to obtain the temperature from the heating part 1315, the second conductive track 1354 may be disposed adjacent to the heating part 1315. In addition, the first conductive track 1352 of the second surface 1353 may be formed in various patterns such as a curve type and a mesh type.

[0173] The first surface 1351 having the first conductive track 1352 may be one of the two end surfaces of the first sheet 1325 that contacts the heating unit 1315, and the second surface 1353 having the second conductive track 1354 may be the other surface that does not contact the heating unit 1315. Conversely, the second surface 1353 having the second conductive track 1354 may be one of the two end surfaces in contact with the heating unit 1315, and the first surface 1351 having the first conductive track 1352 may be the other surface that does not contact the heating unit 1315.

[0174] Figure 4 13 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment in which the first conductive track 1352 and the second conductive track 1354 are respectively arranged on both end surfaces of the first sheet 1325 . As described above, the first conductive track 1352 and the second conductive track 1354 may be formed on the same surface of the first sheet 1325 .

[0175] Figure 5 It is used to illustrate Figure 1 The diagram shows an example of a heater, a battery, and a control unit being connected together.

[0176] Reference Figure 5 , the holder 1 may include a heater 130 , a battery 110 , and a control unit 120 . Figure 5 The heater 130 is compared with the reference Figures 1 to 4 The heater 130 described in detail is the same, so the detailed description of the heater 130 is omitted.

[0177] The battery 110 may be connected to the heater 130 via the first connector 1361. For example, the battery 110 may be electrically connected to the first conductive track of the first sheet of the heater 130 to supply power to the first conductive track.

[0178] The battery 110 may include a circuit unit for supplying power and electricity. For example, the battery 110 may provide a supply voltage to the first conductive track through the first connector 1361. The supply voltage may be a DC or AC voltage, a pulse voltage with a predetermined period, or a pulse voltage with periodic variation, but is not limited thereto.

[0179] The control unit 120 may include a processor, such as an MCU, but is not limited thereto.

[0180] The control unit 120 may be connected to the heater 130 via the second connector 1362. For example, the control unit 120 may be electrically connected to the second conductive track of the first sheet of the heater 130, so that the temperature of the heater 130 can be determined. In addition, the control unit 120 may adjust the temperature of the heater 130 based on the determined temperature of the heater 130. For example, the control unit 120 determines whether to adjust the temperature of the heater 130 based on the determined temperature of the heater 130. The control unit 120 adjusts the power supplied from the battery 110 to the heater 130 according to the determination to adjust the temperature of the heater 130. For example, the control unit 120 may adjust the size or period of the pulse voltage supplied from the battery 110 to the heater 130.

[0181] In one embodiment, the control unit 120 may include an OP Amp.

[0182] The second conductive track may be connected to the OP Amp via the second connector 1362. The OP Amp may include: a power supply unit for obtaining DC power supply from the outside; an input unit electrically connected to the second conductive track for obtaining a DC voltage and / or current; and an output unit for outputting an electrical signal based on the DC voltage and / or current applied to the input unit.

[0183] The OP Amp may obtain a DC voltage through the power supply. In addition, the OP Amp may obtain a DC voltage through the input. At this time, the magnitude of the DC voltage applied through the input of the OP Amp may be the same as the magnitude of the DC voltage applied through the power supply of the OP Amp. In addition, the DC voltage applied to the input of the OP Amp may be the same as the DC voltage applied to the second connector 1362 of the second conductive track.

[0184] The second connector 1362 of the second conductive track and the input of the OP Amp can be separated from the first connector 1361 of the first conductive track.

[0185] As the temperature of the second conductive track changes, the resistance value of the second conductive track may change. Therefore, the second conductive track functions as a variable resistor with temperature as a control variable, and as the resistance value of the second conductive track changes, the current flowing into the input part of the OP Amp electrically connected to the second conductive track changes. As the resistance value of the second conductive track increases, the current flowing into the input part of the OP Amp electrically connected to the second conductive track decreases. At this time, even if the resistance value of the second conductive track changes, the DC voltage applied to the input part of the OP Amp may remain fixed.

[0186] As the current introduced into the input portion of the OP Amp changes, the voltage and / or current of the signal output from the output portion of the OP Amp may change. For example, as the input current of the OP Amp increases, the output voltage of the OP Amp may increase. As another example, as the input current of the OP Amp increases, the output voltage of the OP Amp may decrease.

[0187] In addition, when a predetermined DC voltage is applied to the input portion of the OP Amp, the relationship between the temperature and the resistance value of the second conductive track, the relationship between the resistance value of the second conductive track and the input current applied to the OP Amp, and the relationship between the input current and the output voltage of the OP Amp can be obtained or set by experiment. Therefore, by measuring the output voltage and / or the change in the output voltage of the OP Amp, the temperature and / or the change in the temperature of the second conductive track can be detected.

[0188] For example, the OP Amp has a characteristic that the voltage of the output portion of the OP Amp increases as the input current flowing into the input portion increases. In this case, as power is supplied to the first conductive track, the temperature of the heater increases. As a result, the temperature of the second conductive track increases. At this time, the increase in the resistance of the second conductive track may cause the magnitude of the input current applied to the input portion of the OP Amp to decrease. As a result, the voltage of the output portion of the OP Amp decreases. On the contrary, if the power supply to the first conductive track is cut off or the power supply to the first conductive track is reduced, the temperature of the heater will decrease and the voltage of the output portion of the OP Amp will increase.

[0189] As another example, the OP Amp may have a characteristic that the voltage of the output portion decreases as the input current flowing into the input portion increases. In this case, as power is supplied to the first conductive track, the temperature of the heater increases. As a result, the temperature of the second conductive track increases. At this time, the resistance of the second conductive track increases, resulting in a possible decrease in the magnitude of the input current applied to the input portion of the OP Amp. As a result, the voltage of the output portion of the OP Amp increases. On the contrary, if the power supply to the first conductive track is cut off or the power supply to the first conductive track is reduced, the temperature of the heater decreases, thereby reducing the voltage of the output portion of the OP Amp.

[0190] The output of the OP Amp may be connected to a processor. For example, the processor may be a microcontroller unit (MCU). The processor may detect the temperature of the second conductive track or the heating unit based on the output voltage of the OP Amp. In addition, the processor may adjust the supply voltage supplied to the first conductive track based on the temperature of the heating unit.

[0191] Refer again Figure 1 , the retainer 1 may be provided with an additional temperature detection sensor. Alternatively, the retainer 1 may not be provided with a temperature detection sensor, but the heater 130 may function as a temperature detection sensor. Alternatively, while the heater 130 of the retainer 1 functions as a temperature detection sensor, the retainer 1 may also be provided with an additional temperature detection sensor. In order to enable the heater 130 to function as a temperature detection sensor, at least one conductive track for detecting heat and temperature may be provided on the heater 130. In addition, in addition to the first conductive track for heat generation, the heater 130 may also be provided with a second conductive track for temperature detection.

[0192] For example, if the voltage across the second conductive track and the current flowing through the second conductive track are measured, the resistance R can be determined. At this time, the temperature T of the second conductive track can be determined by the following mathematical formula 1.

[0193] Mathematical formula 1

[0194] R=R 0 {1+α(TT 0 )}

[0195] In Mathematical Formula 1, R represents the current resistance value of the second conductive track, R0 represents the resistance value at temperature T0 (e.g., 0°C), and α represents the resistance temperature coefficient of the second conductive track. Conductive materials (e.g., metals) have inherent resistance temperature coefficients, so α can be predetermined according to the conductive material constituting the second conductive track. Therefore, when the resistance R of the second conductive track is determined, the temperature T of the second conductive track can be calculated according to Mathematical Formula 1.

[0196] The heater 130 may be composed of at least one conductive track (a first conductive track and a second conductive track). For example, the heater 130 may be composed of two first conductive tracks and one or two second conductive tracks, but is not limited thereto.

[0197] The conductive track comprises a resistive material. As one example, the conductive track is made of a metal material. As another example, the conductive track can be made of a conductive ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite material of a ceramic material and a metal.

[0198] In addition, the holder 1 may include both the conductive rail functioning as a temperature detection sensor and the temperature detection sensor.

[0199] The control unit 120 controls the overall operation of the holder 1. Specifically, the control unit 120 controls the operation of other components in the holder 1 in addition to the battery 110 and the heater 130. In addition, the control unit 120 can also determine whether the holder 1 is in an operable state by confirming the state of each structure of the holder 1.

[0200] The control unit 120 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as a plurality of logic gate arrays, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. In addition, a person skilled in the art of the present embodiment may know that the processor may be implemented as a hard disk in other forms.

[0201] For example, the control unit 120 can control the operation of the heater 130. The control unit 120 can control the amount of electricity supplied to the heater 130 and the time of supplying the electricity so that the heater 130 can be heated to a specified temperature or can maintain an appropriate temperature. In addition, the control unit 120 can confirm the state of the battery 110 (for example, the remaining amount of the battery 110, etc.), and can generate a reminder signal when necessary.

[0202] In addition, the control unit 120 can confirm whether the user puffs (puff) and the intensity of the puffs, and can count the number of puffs. In addition, the control unit 120 can continuously confirm the working time of the holder 1. In addition, the control unit 120 confirms whether the bracket 2 described later is combined with the holder 1, and can control the action of the holder 1 according to the combination or separation of the bracket 2 and the holder 1.

[0203] On the one hand, the holder 1 may include a common structure in addition to the battery 110 , the control unit 120 , and the heater 130 .

[0204] For example, the holder 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information or a motor for outputting tactile information. As an example, when the holder 1 has a display, the control unit 120 may transmit information about the state of the holder 1 (e.g., whether the holder can be used, etc.), information about the heater 130 (e.g., preheating starts, preheating is in progress, preheating is completed, etc.), information related to the battery 110 (e.g., the remaining capacity of the battery 110, whether it can be used, etc.), information related to the reset of the holder 1 (e.g., reset timing, reset is in progress, reset is completed, etc.), information related to the cleaning of the holder 1 (e.g., cleaning timing, cleaning is required, cleaning is completed, etc.), information related to the charging of the holder 1 (e.g., charging is required, charging is completed, etc.), information related to suction (e.g., number of suctions, suction end notice, etc.) or safety related information (e.g., usage time elapsed, etc.), etc. As another example, when the holder 1 has a motor, the control unit 120 generates a vibration signal using the motor to transmit the above information to the user.

[0205] In addition, the holder 1 may include at least one input device (e.g., a button) and / or a terminal combined with the bracket 2, so that the user can control the holder 1. For example, the user can use the input device of the holder 1 to perform a variety of functions. By adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device (e.g., 1 time, 2 times, etc.) or the time of pressing the input device (e.g., 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, etc.), the desired function among the multiple functions of the holder 1 can be performed. As the user activates the input device, the holder 1 can perform the function of preheating the heater 130, the function of adjusting the temperature of the heater 130, the function of cleaning the space for inserting cigarettes, the function of checking whether the holder 1 is in an operable state, the function of displaying the remaining amount (available power) of the battery 110, the function of resetting the holder 1, etc. However, the functions of the holder 1 are not limited to the above examples.

[0206] For example, the holder 1 controls the heater 130 to clean the space for inserting the cigarette by the following method. For example, the holder 1 can clean the space for inserting the cigarette by heating the heater 130 to a sufficiently high temperature. Here, the sufficiently high temperature refers to a temperature suitable for cleaning the space for inserting the cigarette. For example, the holder 1 can heat the heater to the highest temperature in the temperature range that can make the inserted cigarette generate aerosol and the temperature range of preheating the heater 130, but is not limited thereto.

[0207] In addition, the retainer 1 can maintain the temperature of the heater 130 at a sufficiently high temperature for a prescribed period of time. Here, the prescribed period of time refers to a sufficient period of time required to clean the space for inserting cigarettes. For example, the retainer 1 can maintain the temperature of the heated heater 130 for a suitable length of time in a period of 10 seconds to 10 minutes, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the retainer 1 can maintain the temperature of the heated heater 130 for a suitable period of time selected within the range of 20 seconds to 1 minute. In addition, preferably, the retainer 1 can maintain the temperature of the heated heater 130 for a suitable period of time selected within the range of 20 seconds to 1 minute and 30 seconds.

[0208] As the holder 1 heats the heater 130 to a sufficiently high temperature and maintains the temperature of the heated heater 130 for a specified period of time, substances deposited on the surface of the heater 130 and / or in the space for inserting cigarettes volatilize, thereby producing a cleaning effect.

[0209] In addition, the holder 1 may include a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor and / or a cigarette insertion detection sensor. For example, the puff detection sensor may be implemented by a common pressure sensor. Alternatively, the holder 1 does not need a separate puff detection sensor, and the puff may be detected by the resistance change of the conductive track in the heater 130. Here, the conductive track includes a conductive track for heating and / or a conductive track for temperature detection. Alternatively, the holder 1 may also include other puff detection sensors that are different from the way of detecting puff using the conductive track in the heater 130.

[0210] The cigarette insertion detection sensor can be implemented by a common capacitive sensor or a resistive sensor. In addition, the retainer 1 can be made into a structure that can introduce / exhaust external air even in a state where a cigarette is inserted.

[0211] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B This is a diagram showing an example of a cage from multiple side surfaces.

[0212] Fig. 6A 1 is a diagram showing an example of viewing the retainer 1 from the first direction. Fig. 6A As shown, the holder 1 can be made into a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto. The housing 140 of the holder 1 can be separated by the action of the user, and the cigarette can be inserted from the end 141 of the housing 140. In addition, the holder 1 can have a display 160 for outputting buttons and images for the user to control the holder 1.

[0213] Figure 6B1 is a diagram showing an example of observing the holder 1 from the second direction. The holder 1 may include a terminal 170 coupled to the bracket 2. The terminal 170 of the holder 1 is coupled to the terminal 260 of the bracket 2, so that the battery 110 of the holder 1 can be charged by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the bracket 2. In addition, through the terminal 170 and the terminal 260, the holder 1 can be operated based on the power supplied by the battery 210 of the bracket 2, and communication (transmission / reception of signals) between the holder 1 and the bracket 2 can also be achieved. For example, the terminal 170 may include 4 micro pins, but is not limited thereto.

[0214] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of an example of a bracket.

[0215] Reference Figure 7 The bracket 2 includes a battery 210 and a control unit 220. In addition, the bracket 2 has an internal space 230 for inserting the holder 1. For example, the internal space 230 may be formed on one side of the bracket 2. Therefore, even if the bracket 2 does not have a separate cover, the holder 1 can be inserted and fixed in the bracket 2.

[0216] Figure 7 The bracket 2 shown only shows the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, a person skilled in the art of the present embodiment should understand that, except for Figure 7 In addition to the components shown, the bracket 2 may also include common components.

[0217] The battery 210 supplies power for operating the cradle 2. In addition, the battery 210 can supply power for charging the battery 110 of the holder 1. For example, when the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 and the terminal 170 of the holder 1 is connected to the terminal 260 of the cradle 2, the battery 210 of the cradle 2 can supply power to the battery 110 of the holder 1.

[0218] In addition, when the holder 1 is combined with the bracket 2, the battery 210 can supply the power required for the operation of the holder 1. For example, when the terminal 170 of the holder 1 is combined with the terminal 260 of the bracket 2, the holder 1 can operate using the power supplied by the battery 210 of the bracket 2 regardless of whether the battery 110 of the holder 1 is discharged.

[0219] For example, the battery 210 may be a lithium-ion battery, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the capacity of the battery 210 may be greater than the capacity of the battery 110, for example, the capacity of the battery 210 may be greater than 3000 mAh, but the capacity of the battery 210 is not limited to the above example.

[0220] The control unit 220 controls the overall movement of the bracket 2. The control unit 220 can control the movement of all structures of the bracket 2. In addition, the control unit 220 determines whether the holder 1 is coupled to the bracket 2, and can control the movement of the bracket 2 according to the coupling or separation of the bracket 2 and the holder 1.

[0221] For example, when the holder 1 is combined with the cradle 2, the control unit 220 can charge the battery 110 or heat the heater 130 by supplying power of the battery 210 to the holder 1. Therefore, even when the remaining power of the battery 110 is low, the user can continue to smoke by combining the holder 1 and the cradle 2.

[0222] The control unit 220 includes at least one processor. The processor can be implemented as a plurality of logic gate arrays, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. In addition, those skilled in the art of the present embodiment will know that the processor can also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0223] On the one hand, the bracket 2 may include a general structure in addition to the battery 210 and the control unit 220. For example, the bracket 2 may have a display that can input visual information. For example, when the bracket 2 has a display, the control unit 220 generates a signal for displaying on the display, so that information related to the battery 220 (for example, the remaining capacity of the battery 220, whether it can be used, etc.), information related to resetting the bracket 2 (for example, reset timing, resetting, reset completion, etc.), information related to cleaning of the holder 1 (for example, cleaning timing, cleaning is required, cleaning is being performed, cleaning is completed, etc.), information related to charging of the bracket 2 (for example, charging is required, charging is completed, etc.), etc.

[0224] In addition, the bracket 2 may include: at least one input device (e.g., a button) for allowing the user to control the functions of the bracket 2; a terminal 260 combined with the holder 1 and / or an interface for charging the battery 210 (e.g., a USB port, etc.).

[0225] For example, the user can perform a variety of functions using the input device of the bracket 2. The user can perform a desired function among the multiple functions of the bracket 2 by adjusting the number of times the input device is pressed or the time for pressing the input device. When the user operates the input device, the bracket 2 can perform the functions of preheating the heater 130 of the holder 1, adjusting the temperature of the heater 130 of the holder 1, cleaning the space for inserting cigarettes in the holder 1, checking whether the bracket 2 is in an operable state, displaying the remaining amount (available power) of the battery 210 of the bracket 2, resetting the bracket 2, etc. However, the functions of the bracket 2 are not limited to the above examples.

[0226] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B This is a diagram showing an example of a bracket from multiple side surfaces.

[0227] Fig. 8A 2 is a diagram showing an example of viewing the bracket 2 from the first direction. A space 230 is provided on one side of the bracket 2 for inserting the holder 1. In addition, even if the bracket 2 does not have a separate fixing means such as a cover, the holder 1 can be inserted and fixed in the bracket 2. In addition, the bracket 2 may have a button 240 for the user to control the bracket 2 and a display 250 for outputting an image.

[0228] Figure 8B 2 is a diagram showing an example of observing the bracket 2 from the second direction. The bracket 2 may include a terminal 260 coupled to the inserted holder 1. The terminal 260 is coupled to the terminal 170 of the holder 1, and the battery 110 of the holder 1 can be charged by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the bracket 2. In addition, through the terminal 170 and the terminal 260, the holder 1 can be operated by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the bracket 2, and the signal transmission / reception between the holder 1 and the bracket 2 can also be realized. For example, the terminal 260 may include 4 micro pins, but is not limited to this.

[0229] As reference Figures 1 to 8B As described above, the retainer 1 can be inserted into the internal space 230 of the bracket 2. In addition, the retainer 1 can be completely inserted into the bracket 2 and can be tilted when inserted into the bracket 2. Figures 9 and 10 , an example in which the retainer 1 is inserted into the bracket 7 will be described.

[0230] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of inserting the holder into the bracket.

[0231] Reference Fig. 9 , showing an example of the holder 1 being inserted into the bracket 2. Since a space 230 for inserting the holder 1 is designed on one side of the bracket 2, the inserted holder 1 will not be exposed to the outside from the other side of the bracket 2. Therefore, the bracket 2 may not have other structures (e.g., a cover) to prevent the holder 1 from being exposed to the outside.

[0232] The bracket 2 may have at least one coupling member 271, 272 for improving the coupling strength with the holder 1. In addition, the holder 1 also has at least one coupling member 181. Here, the coupling members 181, 271, 272 may be magnets, but are not limited thereto. Figure 5 In the figure, for the convenience of description, the holder 1 is shown to have one coupling member 181 and the bracket 2 is shown to have two coupling members 271 and 272, but the number of coupling members 181, 271 and 272 is not limited thereto.

[0233] The holder 1 may have the coupling member 181 at the first position, and the bracket 2 may have the coupling members 271 and 272 at the second and third positions, respectively. At this time, when the holder 1 is inserted into the bracket 2, the first position and the third position are in opposing positions.

[0234] The retainer 1 and the bracket 2 have the coupling members 181, 271, 272, so that even if the retainer 1 is inserted into one side of the bracket 2, the retainer 1 and the bracket 2 can be more firmly coupled. In other words, the retainer 1 and the bracket 2 have coupling members 181, 271, 272 in addition to the terminals 170, 260, so that the retainer 1 and the bracket 2 can be more firmly coupled. Therefore, even if there is no separate structure (for example, a cover) in the bracket 2, the inserted retainer 1 will not be easily separated from the bracket 2.

[0235] Furthermore, when it is determined that the holder 1 is completely inserted into the bracket 2 via the terminals 170 , 260 and / or the coupling members 181 , 271 , 272 , the control unit 220 can charge the battery 110 of the holder 1 using the power of the battery 210 .

[0236] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of a state where the retainer is inserted into the bracket and tilted.

[0237] Reference Fig.10 , the retainer 1 tilts from the inside of the bracket 2. Here, tilting means that the retainer 1 is tilted at a predetermined angle in a state where it is inserted into the bracket 2.

[0238] like Fig. 9 As shown, when the holder 1 is fully inserted into the bracket 2, the user cannot smoke. In other words, when the holder 1 is fully inserted into the bracket 2, the cigarette cannot be inserted into the holder 1. Therefore, when the holder 1 is fully inserted into the bracket 2, the user cannot smoke.

[0239] like Fig.10As shown, when the holder 1 is tilted, the end 141 of the holder 1 is exposed to the outside. Then, the user can insert the cigarette into the end 141, so that the generated aerosol can be inhaled (smoking). The tilt angle θ should ensure that the angle is large enough to prevent the cigarette from being broken or damaged when it is inserted into the end 141 of the holder 1. For example, the holder 1 can be tilted at a minimum angle or an angle larger than the angle that enables the cigarette insertion hole set at the end 141 to be exposed to the outside as a whole. For example, the range of the tilt angle θ can be greater than 0° and less than 180°, preferably, it can be more than 5° and less than 90°. More preferably, the range of the tilt angle θ can be more than 5° and less than 20°, more than 5° and less than 30°, more than 5° and less than 40°, more than 5° and less than 50°, or more than 5° and less than 60°. More preferably, the tilt angle θ can be 10°.

[0240] In addition, even if the holder 1 is tilted, the terminal 170 of the holder 1 is in a state of being coupled with the terminal 260 of the bracket 2. Therefore, the heater 130 of the holder 1 can be heated by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the bracket 2. Therefore, even if the remaining power of the battery 110 of the holder 1 is small or there is no power, the holder 1 can generate aerosol using the battery 210 of the bracket 2.

[0241] Fig.10 In FIG. 1 , the holder 1 includes one coupling member 182 and the bracket 2 includes two coupling members 273 and 274. For example, the positions of the coupling members 182, 273, and 274 are shown in FIG. Figure 5 Assuming that the coupling members 182, 273, and 274 are magnets, the magnetic field strength of the coupling member 274 may be greater than the magnetic field strength of the coupling member 273. Therefore, even if the retainer 1 tilts, the retainer 1 will not be completely separated from the bracket 2 because of the coupling members 182 and 274.

[0242] Furthermore, when it is determined that the holder 1 is tilted by the terminals 170 , 260 and / or the coupling members 182 , 273 , 274 , the control unit 220 may heat the heater 130 of the holder 1 or charge the battery 110 using power from the battery 210 .

[0243] Fig.11 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of smoking using the holder tilted to the bracket.

[0244] Reference Fig.11, the bracket 2 is provided with an internal space for accommodating the holder 1, and in order to enable the cigarette 3 to be inserted into the holder 1 when the holder 1 is accommodated in the internal space, the holder 1 is configured to be able to tilt with the internal space. The holder 1 can tilt at any tilt angle θ when it is coupled to the bracket 2. As described above, the range of the tilt angle θ can be greater than 0° and less than 180°, preferably, it can be greater than 5° and less than 90°. More preferably, the range of the tilt angle θ can be greater than 5° and less than 20°, greater than 5° and less than 30°, greater than 5° and less than 40°, greater than 5° and less than 50°, or greater than 5° and less than 60°. More preferably, the tilt angle θ can be 10°. The user can smoke while inserting the cigarette 3 into one end of the holder 1 and holding the bracket 2. The aerosol generating system can be realized by having at least one of the holder 1, the bracket 2 and the cigarette 3.

[0245] When the holder 1 is tilted to the bracket 2 and the smoking action is performed, the holder 1 uses the power supplied from the battery 210 of the bracket 2 to turn on the heater ( Figure 1 130) of the holder 1, so that aerosol can be generated from the cigarette 3. On the one hand, even if the holder 1 is tilted, the holder 1 is still in a state of being combined with the bracket 2, so the battery 110 of the holder 1 can be charged by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the bracket 2. On the other hand, the battery 110 of the holder 1 is only used to power the heater ( 130) when the holder 1 is separated from the bracket 2. Figure 1 130) for heating, but not limited to this.

[0246] The control unit 220 of the bracket 2 can determine whether the holder 1 and the bracket 2 are connected or whether the holder 1 has tilted. When the holder 1 and the bracket 2 are connected, the control unit 220 can control the charging of the battery 110 based on the battery 210. When the holder 1 tilts, the control unit 220 can control the heater ( Figure 1 130), that is, the heater ( Figure 1 As described above, when the holder 1 is tilted, the holder 1 can continuously perform multiple puffs using the power of the battery 210. At this time, for example, 14 puff units can be set to be 1 puff.

[0247] The control unit 120 of the holder 1 cumulatively monitors the smoking patterns in the first state and the second state, wherein the first state is a state in which the holder 1 is tilted from the bracket 2, and the second state is a state in which the holder 1 is separated from the bracket 2. The control unit 120 of the holder 1 can determine whether the cumulatively monitored smoking patterns meet the smoking restriction condition.

[0248] Specifically, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can count the number of puffs by detecting the presence or absence of puffs. Figure 1 Furthermore, the control unit 120 can determine whether the retainer 1 is coupled to the bracket 2, tilted, or separated.

[0249] When the holder 1 is tilted and the cigarette 3 is inserted into the holder 1, the control unit 120 determines whether the number of puffs of the user has reached the puff limit number or whether the action time of the holder 1 has reached the action limit time. When the holder 1 is tilted, if the number of puffs or the action time has reached the puff limit number or the action limit time, the control unit 120 controls the heater ( Figure 1 130) to interrupt the heater ( Figure 1 At this time, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 sends a command to the control unit 220 of the bracket 2 to interrupt the power supply of the battery 210, thereby interrupting the heating of the heater ( Figure 1 130) heating.

[0250] The holder 1 may operate based on a smoking mode and a smoking restriction condition. The smoking mode may include, for example, the number of puffs on the inserted cigarette 3. The smoking restriction condition may include a puff limit number. Accordingly, when the cumulative number of puffs monitored in the first state and the second state reaches the puff limit number, the holder 1 may activate the heater ( Figure 1 130) is controlled to interrupt the heating of the inserted cigarette 3. In addition, the smoking mode may include the action time of the holder 1 (for example, the heater ( Figure 1 The smoking restriction condition may include an action limit time. At this time, when the cumulative action time monitored in the first state and the second state reaches the action limit time, the retainer 1 is used to control the heater ( Figure 1 130) is controlled to interrupt the heating of the inserted cigarette.

[0251] As described above, when the holder 1 is separated from the bracket 2 by the user after tilting, the control unit 120 interrupts the heater ( Figure 1 130) of heating, at this time, the user again combines the retainer 1 with the bracket 2, and can start the next smoking.

[0252] On the one hand, even if the holder 1 is tilted and then separated by the user, the control unit 120 still accumulates the number of puffs counted in the tilted state and the number of puffs counted in the separated state, compares the total number of puffs with the puff limit number, and determines whether to turn on the heater ( Figure 1130) for heating. That is, even if the holder 1 tilts or the holder 1 is separated, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 continues to monitor the number of puffs. Similarly to the number of puffs, even if the holder 1 tilts or the holder 1 is separated, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 continues to monitor the action time of the holder 1. That is, whether the holder 1 ends the action, that is, whether the heater ( Figure 1 The heating of 130) will depend on the judgment of the control unit 120 of the retainer 1.

[0253] Fig.12 is a flow chart of a method for counting the number of puffs with the retainer tilted and separated.

[0254] In step 5110, the holder 1 or the bracket 2 receives a smoking start request from the user. The smoking start request from the user can be received by an input device provided in the holder 1 or the bracket 2. When there is a user input, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 or the control unit 220 of the bracket 2 determines that the smoking start request has been received. On the one hand, smoking can be performed in a state where the holder 1 is tilted or the holder 1 is separated from the bracket 2. However, when the holder 1 is not separated from the bracket 2 and is not tilted, the holder 1 acts in a manner that prevents the user from smoking, and the heater is not operated or, even if the heater is heated, it is only heated to a temperature or a time length that is not enough for the user to smoke. In the following, the action of the holder 1 is described assuming that the holder 1 is tilted or separated from the bracket 2.

[0255] In step 5120, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 determines whether the holder 1 coupled to the bracket 2 is tilted. On the other hand, the control unit 220 of the bracket 2 also determines whether the holder 1 is tilted. If the holder 1 is tilted, step 5130 is performed. However, if the holder 1 is separated, step 5170 is performed.

[0256] In step 5130, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 counts the number of puffs in the tilted state.

[0257] In step 5140, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 totals the number of puffs in the tilted state and the number of puffs in the separated state. If the user puffs on the cigarette 3 only in the tilted state, the number of puffs in the separated state is 0.

[0258] In step 5150, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 compares the total number of puffs after the total count with the puff limit number set in advance. For example, the puff limit number may be 14 times, but is not limited thereto. If the total number of puffs after the total count is less than the puff limit number, step 5120 is performed. However, if the total number of puffs after the total count reaches the puff limit number, step 5160 is performed.

[0259] In step 5160, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 controls the heater 130 to interrupt the heater ( Figure 1 On the one hand, if the holder 1 is still in the tilting state, the control unit 220 of the bracket 2 will also control the heater 130 to interrupt the heating of the heater 130.

[0260] In step 5170, when the holder 1 is separated from the bracket 2, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 counts the number of puffs in the separated state. Therefore, in step 5140, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can count the total number of puffs by adding the number of puffs counted in the separated state and the number of puffs counted in the tilted state.

[0261] Fig.13 It is a flow chart of a method for counting the actuation time in case of retainer tilting and separation.

[0262] In step 5210, the holder 1 or the cradle 2 receives a puff start request from the user.

[0263] In step 5220, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 determines whether the holder 1 coupled to the bracket 2 is tilted. On the other hand, the control unit 220 of the bracket 2 also determines whether the holder 1 is tilted. If the holder 1 is tilted, step 5230 is performed. However, if the holder 1 is separated, step 5270 is performed.

[0264] In step 5230, the control unit 120 of the retainer 1 counts the operation time in the tilt state.

[0265] In step 5240, the control unit 120 of the retainer 1 counts the operation time in the tilted state and the operation time in the separated state. If the user operates the retainer 1 only in the tilted state, the operation time in the separated state is 0 hours.

[0266] In step 5250, the control unit 120 of the retainer 1 compares the total action time after the summation with the preset action limit time. For example, the action limit time can be 10 minutes, but is not limited thereto. If the total action time after the summation is less than the action limit time, step 5220 is performed. However, if the total action time after the summation reaches the action limit time, step 5260 is performed.

[0267] In step 5260, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 controls the heater 130 to interrupt the heater ( Figure 1 On the one hand, if the holder 1 is still in the tilting state, the control unit 220 of the bracket 2 will also control the heater 130 to interrupt the heating of the heater 130.

[0268] In step 5270, when the holder 1 is separated from the bracket 2, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 counts the operation time in the separated state. Therefore, in step 5240, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can add up the operation time counted in the separated state and the operation time counted in the tilted state to count the total operation time.

[0269] On the one hand, when Fig.12 The number of puffs and Fig.13 When at least one of the action times described in the above description meets the preset limit condition, the retainer 1 will be controlled to interrupt the heater ( Figure 1 130) heating.

[0270] Specifically, when smoking in the first state and then in the second state, the holder 1 accumulates the smoking pattern monitored in the first state and the smoking pattern monitored in the second state, and when the accumulated smoking pattern meets the smoking restriction condition, the heater in the holder 1 is controlled ( Figure 1 In addition, when smoking in the first state after smoking in the second state, the holder 1 accumulates the smoking pattern monitored in the second state and the smoking pattern monitored in the first state. When the accumulated smoking pattern meets the smoking restriction condition, the heater ( Figure 1 130) to interrupt the heating of the inserted cigarette.

[0271] Fig.14 This is a diagram for explaining an example of counting the number of puffs by the holder.

[0272] Reference Fig.14, the cigarette 3 can be inserted into the holder 1 while the holder 1 is tilted to the tray 2, and then smoking can be started. The user takes the cigarette 3 while the holder 1 is tilted from the first to the sixth puffs, and then separates the holder 1 from the tray 2. During the six puffs, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 accumulates and counts the number of puffs.

[0273] The user can use the separated holder 1 to take 8 more puffs. At this time, with respect to the initial puff in the separated holder 1, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can accumulate the count to the seventh puff following the sixth puff in the tilted state. That is, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can accumulate the count of all the puffs taken from the beginning of the tilting of the holder 1 to the separation. When the accumulated total number of puffs reaches the puff limit number (that is, when the 14th puff is completed), the control unit 120 of the holder 1 controls the holder 1 to end the action.

[0274] Fig.15 This is a diagram for explaining another example of counting the number of puffs by the holder.

[0275] Reference Fig.15 , is right Fig.14 The reverse situation is described. After inserting the cigarette 3 into the holder 1 in a state where the holder 1 is separated from the bracket 2, smoking can begin. From the first to the fourth puffs, the user uses the separated holder 1 to smoke the cigarette 3, and then the holder 1 is connected to the bracket 2 and tilted. During the four puffs, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 accumulates and counts the number of puffs.

[0276] The user can use the tilted holder 1 to take 10 more puffs. At this time, with respect to the initial puff in the tilted holder 1, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can accumulate the count as the fifth puff following the fourth puff in the separated state. That is, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can accumulate the count of all the puffs taken from the separation of the holder 1 to the tilting. When the accumulated total number of puffs reaches the puff limit number (that is, when the 14th puff is completed), the control unit 120 of the holder 1 controls the holder 1 to end the action.

[0277] Fig.16A , Fig. 16B This is a diagram for explaining still another example of counting the number of puffs by the holder.

[0278] Reference Fig.16A Even if the user uses the holder 1 in a tilted state, separates the holder 1 from the bracket 2, and then uses the holder 1 again by tilting it, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can accumulate and count the puffs taken since the start of smoking (i.e., the first puff). Fig. 16BEven if the user uses the holder 1 in a separated state, and then separates the holder 1 again after tilting the holder 1, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can accumulate and count the puffs taken after starting to smoke (ie, the first puff).

[0279] That is, after the start of smoking, regardless of whether the holder 1 is tilted or separated, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 accumulates and counts the number of puffs taken, and controls the action of the holder 1 based on the accumulated total number of puffs.

[0280] Fig.17 This is a diagram for explaining a method of counting the operating time of a retainer.

[0281] Reference Fig.17 , the cigarette 3 can be inserted into the holder 1 while the holder 1 is tilted to the bracket 2, and then smoking can be started. The user can smoke the cigarette 3 for 6 minutes while the holder 1 is tilted, and then separate the holder 1 from the bracket 2. The control unit 120 of the holder 1 counts the operation time during the tilting of the holder 1.

[0282] If the action time in the tilted state does not reach the action limit time, the user can use the separated retainer 1 to perform suction again. Fig.17 In the example, the user can still inhale for 4 minutes. At this time, the control unit 120 of the retainer 1 will consider the action time before separation as the action time that has passed. That is, the control unit 120 of the retainer 1 can accumulate and count all the action times that have passed from the tilting of the retainer 1 to the separation. When the accumulated total action time reaches the action limit time (that is, when 10 minutes have passed), the control unit 120 of the retainer 1 will control the retainer 1 to end the action.

[0283] FIG. 18A to FIG. 18B It is a figure which shows an example in which a holder is inserted into a bracket.

[0284] Fig.18A 2 shows an example in which the holder 1 is fully inserted into the bracket 2. The internal space 230 of the bracket 2 is made large enough to ensure that the user can minimize contact with the holder 1 when the holder 1 is fully inserted into the bracket 2. When the holder 1 is fully inserted into the bracket 2, the control unit 220 causes the battery 210 to supply power to the holder 1, so that the battery 110 of the holder 1 is charged.

[0285] Fig.18B 2 shows an example in which the holder 1 is tilted in a state in which it is inserted into the bracket 2. When the holder 1 tilts, the control unit 220 causes the battery 210 to supply power to the holder 1, so that the battery 110 of the holder 1 is charged or the heater 130 of the holder 1 is heated.

[0286] Fig.19 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the retainer and the bracket.

[0287] Fig.19 The method of generating an aerosol shown comprises Figures 1 to 18B Therefore, in the following description, even if the contents are omitted, the following description will be omitted. Figures 1 to 18B The holder 1 and bracket 2 shown in the figure, the above description is still applicable to Fig.19 method.

[0288] In step 5310, it is determined whether the holder 1 is inserted into the bracket 2. For example, the control unit 120 can determine whether the holder 1 is inserted into the bracket 2 according to whether the terminals 170, 260 of the holder 1 and the bracket 2 are connected to each other and / or whether the coupling members 181, 271, 272 are actuated.

[0289] If the retainer 1 has been inserted into the bracket 2, proceed to step 5320; if the retainer 1 has been separated from the bracket 2, proceed to step 5330.

[0290] In step 5320, bracket 2 determines whether retainer 1 is tilted. For example, control unit 220 can determine whether retainer 1 is tilted based on whether terminals 170, 260 of retainer 1 and bracket 2 are connected to each other and / or whether coupling members 182, 273, 274 are actuated.

[0291] Although the bracket 2 determines whether the holder 1 is tilted in step 5320, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other words, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 may determine whether the holder 1 is tilted.

[0292] If the retainer 1 is tilted, proceed to step 5340 , and if the retainer 1 is not tilted (ie, the retainer 1 is fully inserted into the bracket 2 ), proceed to step 5370 .

[0293] In step 5330, the holder 1 determines whether the use condition of the holder 1 is satisfied. For example, the control unit 120 determines whether the use condition is satisfied by confirming the remaining amount of the battery 110 and whether other structures of the holder 1 can operate normally.

[0294] If the use conditions of retainer 1 are met, proceed to step 5340; if not, end the process.

[0295] In step 5340, the holder 1 prompts the user that it is in a usable state. For example, the control unit 120 may output an image prompting that it is in a usable state to the display of the holder 1, and may also control the motor of the holder 1 to generate a vibration signal.

[0296] In step 5350, the heater 130 is heated. As an example, when the holder 1 is separated from the bracket 2, the heater 130 can be heated by the power of the battery 110 of the holder 1. As another example, when the holder 1 is tilted, the heater 130 can be heated by the power of the battery 210 of the bracket 2.

[0297] The control unit 120 of the holder 1 or the control unit 220 of the bracket 2 can confirm the temperature of the heater 130 in real time to adjust the amount of power supplied to the heater 130 and the time for supplying power to the heater 130. For example, the control unit 120 or 220 can confirm the temperature of the heater 130 in real time through a temperature detection sensor in the holder 1 or a conductive track of the heater 130.

[0298] In step 5360, the holder 1 performs an aerosol generating mechanism. For example, the control unit 120, 220 adjusts the amount of power supplied to the heater 130 or interrupts the power supply to the heater 130 by confirming the temperature of the heater 130 that changes as the user takes a puff. In addition, the control unit 120, 220 may count the number of puffs taken by the user, and when a specified number of puffs (e.g., 1500 times) is reached, information indicating that the holder needs to be cleaned may be output.

[0299] In step 5370 , the cradle 2 charges the holder 1 . For example, the control unit 220 may charge the holder 1 by supplying power of the battery 210 of the cradle 2 to the battery 110 of the holder 1 .

[0300] On the other hand, the control unit 120, 220 can also stop the holder 1 from operating according to the number of puffs taken by the user or the operating time of the holder 1. Fig. 20 , an example in which the control units 120 and 220 stop the retainer 1 will be described.

[0301] Fig. 20 This is a flowchart for explaining another example of the retainer operation.

[0302] Fig. 20 The method of generating an aerosol shown comprises Figures 1 to 18B Therefore, in the following description, even if the contents are omitted, the following description will be omitted. Figures 1 to 18B The holder 1 or bracket 2 shown in the figure, the above description is still applicable to Fig. 20 method.

[0303] In step 5410, the control unit 120, 220 determines whether the user has puffed. For example, the control unit 120, 220 can determine whether the user has puffed through the puff detection sensor in the holder 1. Alternatively, the control unit 120, 220 can use the resistance change of the conductive track in the heater 130 to determine whether the user has puffed. Here, the conductive track includes a conductive track for heating and / or a conductive track for detecting temperature. Alternatively, the control unit 120, 220 can use the resistance change of the conductive track in the heater 130 and the puff detection sensor at the same time to determine whether the user has puffed.

[0304] In step 5420, aerosol is generated by the user's inhalation. The control unit 120, 220 can adjust the power supplied to the heater 130 according to the user's inhalation and the temperature of the heater 130, as shown in FIG. Fig.19 In addition, the control units 120 and 220 count the number of puffs taken by the user.

[0305] In step 5430, the control unit 120, 220 determines whether the number of puffs taken by the user is greater than the puff limit number. For example, if the puff limit number is set to 14 times, the control unit 120, 220 determines whether the counted number of puffs is greater than 14 times. However, the puff limit number is not limited to 14 times. For example, the puff limit number can be set to a suitable number between 10 and 16 times.

[0306] On the one hand, when the number of puffs taken by the user is close to the puff limit (for example, when the number of puffs taken by the user is 12 times), the control unit 120, 220 may output a warning signal via a display or a vibration motor.

[0307] If the number of puffs taken by the user is above the puff limit, proceed to step 5450 ; if the number of puffs taken by the user is below the puff limit, proceed to step 5440 .

[0308] In step 5440, the control unit 120, 220 determines whether the operation time of the retainer 1 is longer than the operation limit time. Here, the operation time of the retainer 1 refers to the accumulated time from the time when the retainer starts to operate to the present. For example, assuming that the operation limit time is set to 10 minutes, the control unit 120, 220 determines whether the retainer 1 has been operating for more than 10 minutes.

[0309] On the other hand, when the operation time of the holder 1 is close to the operation limit time (for example, when the holder 1 operates for 8 minutes), the control unit 120, 220 may output a warning signal through the display or the vibration motor.

[0310] If the retainer 1 has been in motion for more than the motion limit time, proceed to step 5450 . If the retainer 1 has been in motion for less than the motion limit time, proceed to step 5420 .

[0311] In step 5450, the control unit 120, 220 forcibly ends the operation of the holder. In other words, the control unit 120, 220 terminates the aerosol generation mechanism of the holder. For example, the control unit 120, 220 cuts off the power supply to the heater 130, thereby forcibly ending the operation of the holder.

[0312] Fig.21 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the carriage operation.

[0313] Fig.21 The flowchart shown includes Figures 7 to 18B Therefore, in the following description, even if the contents are omitted, the following description will be omitted. Figures 7 to 18B The bracket 2 shown in the figure, the above description is still applicable to Fig.21 Flowchart of the process.

[0314] Fig.21 Although not shown in the figure, the operation of the bracket 2 described below can be performed regardless of whether the holder 1 is inserted into the bracket 2 or not.

[0315] In step 5510, the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 determines whether the button 240 is pressed. If the button 240 is pressed, the process proceeds to step 5520, and if the button 240 is not pressed, the process proceeds to step 5530.

[0316] In step 5520 , the cradle 210 displays the state of the battery. For example, the control unit 220 may output information about the current state (eg, remaining amount, etc.) of the battery 210 to the display 250 .

[0317] In step 5530, the control unit 220 of the bracket 2 determines whether a cable is connected to the bracket 2. For example, the control unit 220 determines whether a cable is connected to the interface (e.g., USB port, etc.) of the bracket 2. If a cable is connected to the bracket 2, step 5540 is performed, and if not, the process ends.

[0318] In step 5540, the cradle 2 performs a charging operation. For example, the cradle 2 charges the battery 210 using power supplied through the connected cable.

[0319] As reference Figure 1 As described above, a cigarette may be inserted into the holder 1. The cigarette contains an aerosol generating substance, and aerosol is generated by heating the heater 130.

[0320] Below, refer to Figures 22 to 38C, a cigarette that can be inserted into the holder 1 is illustrated.

[0321] Fig. 22 This is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into a holder.

[0322] Reference Fig.11 The cigarette 3 can be inserted into the holder 1 through the end 141 of the housing 140. When the cigarette 3 is inserted, the heater 130 is located inside the cigarette 3. Therefore, the aerosol generating material of the cigarette 3 is heated by the heated heater 130, thereby generating aerosol.

[0323] The cigarette 3 may be similar to a conventional combustion type cigarette. For example, the cigarette 3 may be divided into a first part 310 containing an aerosol generating substance and a second part 320 having a filter tip and the like. On the one hand, the cigarette 3 of an embodiment may contain an aerosol generating substance in the second part 320. For example, an aerosol generating substance in the form of particles or capsules may be inserted into the second part 320.

[0324] The first part 310 is entirely inserted into the holder 1, and the second part 320 may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part 310 may be inserted into the holder 1, or a portion of the first part 310 and the second part 320 may be inserted.

[0325] The user can inhale the aerosol while holding the second part 320 in the mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated along with the external air through the first part 310, and the generated aerosol is transferred to the user's mouth through the second part.

[0326] External air can flow in through at least one air channel 1120 formed on the holder 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air channel formed on the holder 1 and / or the size of the air channel can be adjusted by the user. Thus, the atomization amount, the smoking feeling, etc. can also be adjusted by the user.

[0327] Alternatively, external air may also flow in through at least one hole 1110 formed on the surface of the cigarette 3 .

[0328] Fig.23A and 23B It is a structural diagram showing an example of a cigarette.

[0329] Reference Fig.23A and Fig. 23B The cigarette 3 includes a tobacco rod 310, a first filter segment 321, a cooling structure 322 and a second filter segment 323. Fig.11 The illustrated first portion 310 includes a tobacco rod 310 , and the second portion 320 includes a first filter segment 321 , a cooling structure 322 , and a second filter segment 323 .

[0330] Reference Fig.23A , the cigarette 3 can be wrapped by 5 wrapping papers 341, 342, 343, 344, 345. On the one hand, referring to Fig. 23B The cigarette 3 can be wrapped by 6 wrapping papers 341, 342, 343, 344, 346, 347. The tobacco rod 310 is wrapped by the first wrapping paper 341, and the first filter segment 321 is wrapped by the second wrapping paper 342. In addition, the cooling structure 322 is wrapped by the third wrapping paper 343, and the second filter segment 323 is wrapped by the fourth wrapping paper 344.

[0331] Fig.23A The fifth wrapping paper 345 can surround the periphery of the first wrapping paper 341, the second wrapping paper 342, the third wrapping paper 343 and the fourth wrapping paper 344. In other words, the entire cigarette 3 can be doubly wrapped by the fifth wrapping paper 345.

[0332] on the one hand, Fig. 23B The sixth wrapping paper 346 can surround the periphery of the first wrapping paper 341, the second wrapping paper 342 and the third wrapping paper 343. In other words, the tobacco rod 310, the first filter segment 321 and the cooling structure 322 of the cigarette 3 can be doubly wrapped by the sixth wrapping paper. Fig. 23B The seventh wrapping paper 347 can surround at least a portion of the third wrapping paper 343 and the periphery of the fourth wrapping paper 344. In other words, at least a portion of the cooling structure 322 of the cigarette 3 and the second filter segment 323 can be wrapped by the seventh wrapping paper 347.

[0333] The first wrapping paper 341 and the second wrapping paper 342 can be made of common filter paper. For example, the first wrapping paper 341 and the second wrapping paper 342 can be porous paper or non-porous paper. In addition, the first wrapping paper 341 and the second wrapping paper 342 can be made of oil-resistant paper and aluminum laminated paper packaging materials.

[0334] The third wrapping paper 343 may be made of hard roll paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapping paper 343 may be 90 g / m2, but is not limited thereto.

[0335] The fourth wrapping paper 344 may be made of oil-resistant hard tissue paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapping paper 344 may be 92 g / m2 and the thickness may be 125 um, but is not limited thereto.

[0336] The fifth wrapping paper 345, the sixth wrapping paper 346, and the seventh wrapping paper 347 may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to specially made paper having higher tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. than ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapping paper 345, the sixth wrapping paper 346, and the seventh wrapping paper 347 may be 60g / m2 and the thickness may be 67um, but are not limited thereto. In addition, the tensile strength of the fifth wrapping paper 345, the sixth wrapping paper 346, and the seventh wrapping paper 347 may be in the range of 8kgf / 15mm to 11kgf / 15mm on a dry basis, and may be 1.0kgf / 15mm on a wet basis, but are not limited thereto.

[0337] The fifth wrapping paper 345, the sixth wrapping paper 346, and the seventh wrapping paper 347 may contain a prescribed substance. Here, an example of the prescribed substance may be silicon, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has the following properties: heat resistance, i.e., little change with temperature; oxidation resistance, i.e., not easily oxidized; resistance to various chemicals; water repellency or electrical insulation, etc. However, even if it is not silicon, any substance having the above properties may be applied (or smeared) to the fifth wrapping paper 345, the sixth wrapping paper 346, and the seventh wrapping paper 347 without limitation.

[0338] The fifth wrapping paper 345, the sixth wrapping paper 346, and the seventh wrapping paper 347 can prevent the cigarette 3 from burning. For example, if the tobacco rod 310 is heated by the heater 130, the cigarette 3 may burn. Specifically, when the temperature rises to or above the combustion point of any substance contained in the tobacco rod 310, the cigarette 3 may burn. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapping paper 345, the sixth wrapping paper 346, and the seventh wrapping paper 347 contain non-combustible substances, the cigarette 3 can be prevented from burning.

[0339] In addition, the fifth wrapping paper 345, the sixth wrapping paper 346 and the seventh wrapping paper 347 can prevent the retainer 1 from being contaminated by substances generated in the cigarette 3. Liquid substances can be generated in the cigarette 3 by the user's inhalation. For example, the aerosol generated in the cigarette 3 is cooled by the external air, so that liquid substances (for example, water, etc.) can be generated. Since the tobacco rod 310 and / or the first filter segment 321 are wrapped by the fifth wrapping paper 345, the sixth wrapping paper 346 and the seventh wrapping paper 347, it is possible to prevent the liquid substances generated in the cigarette 3 from leaking to the outside of the cigarette 3. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the housing 140 and the like of the retainer 1 from being contaminated by the liquid substances generated in the cigarette 3.

[0340] The diameter of the cigarette 3 may be in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length may be about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the diameter of the cigarette 3 may be 7.2 mm, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the length of the tobacco rod 310 may be about 12 mm, the length of the first filter segment 321 may be about 10 mm, the length of the cooling structure 322 may be about 14 mm, and the length of the second filter segment 323 may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0341] Fig.23A and Fig. 23B The structure of the cigarette 3 shown is only an example, and part of the structure may be omitted. For example, one or more of the first filter segment 321, the cooling structure 322, and the second filter segment 323 in the cigarette 3 may be omitted.

[0342] The tobacco rod 310 contains an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include at least one of glycerol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol.

[0343] In addition, the tobacco stick 310 may include flavoring agents, humectants and / or other additives such as organic acids. For example, the flavoring agent may include licorice, sucrose, fructose syrup, ISO sweetener, cocoa, lavender, cinnamon, cardamom, celery, fenugreek, bittersweet peel, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, peppermint oil, cassia bark, caraway, cognac, jasmine, chamomile, menthol, cassia bark, ylang-ylang, sage, spearmint, ginger, coriander or coffee, etc. In addition, the humectant may include glycerin or propylene glycol, etc.

[0344] As an example, the tobacco rod 310 may be filled with tobacco leaves. Here, the tobacco leaves may be produced by cutting tobacco sheets into small pieces.

[0345] In order to fill the wide tobacco sheet into the narrow space of the tobacco rod 310, a special process may be required to be added so that the tobacco sheet can be easily folded. Therefore, it is easier to fill the tobacco rod 310 with tobacco leaves than to fill the tobacco rod 310 with tobacco sheets, and the productivity and efficiency of the process of producing the tobacco rod 310 may be higher.

[0346] As another example, the tobacco rod 310 may be filled with a plurality of tobacco shreds obtained by cutting tobacco sheets. For example, the tobacco rod 310 may be composed of a plurality of tobacco shreds arranged in the same direction (in parallel) or randomly. Specifically, the tobacco rod 310 is composed of a plurality of tobacco shreds, and a plurality of longitudinal channels may be formed for the heater 130 to be inserted or for the aerosol to pass through. At this time, the longitudinal channels may be uniform or uneven depending on the size and arrangement of the tobacco shreds.

[0347] For example, tobacco shreds can be produced by the following process. First, the tobacco raw material is crushed to obtain a slurry mixed with an aerosol generating substance (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.), a flavoring liquid, a binder (e.g., guar gum, xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), etc.), water, etc., and then the slurry is used to form a sheet. When making the slurry, in order to change the physical properties of the tobacco shreds, natural pulp or cellulose can be added, and more than one binder can be mixed for use. In addition, after the sheet is dried, the dried sheet is folded or cut into pieces, so that tobacco shreds can be produced.

[0348] The tobacco raw material can be tobacco dust produced in tobacco scraps, tobacco stems and / or tobacco processing. In addition, other additives such as lignocellulose can be contained in the tobacco sheet.

[0349] 5% to 40% of aerosol generating substances can be added to the slurry, and 2% to 35% of aerosol generating substances can remain in the tobacco shreds product. Preferably, 10% to 25% of aerosol generating substances can remain in the tobacco shreds product.

[0350] In addition, before the tobacco rod 310 is wrapped by the first wrapping paper 341 , a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizer may be sprayed onto the center of the tobacco rod 310 .

[0351] The tobacco shreds can be made into a rectangular parallelepiped with a lateral length of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, a vertical length of 5 mm to 50 mm, and a thickness (height) of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, but not limited thereto. Preferably, the tobacco shreds are made into a rectangular parallelepiped with a lateral length of 0.9 mm, a vertical length of 20 mm, and a thickness (height) of 0.2 mm. In addition, a tobacco shred can be made into a basis weight of 100 g / m2 to 250 g / m2, but not limited thereto. Preferably, the tobacco shreds can be made into a basis weight of 180 g / m2.

[0352] Compared to the case where the tobacco rod 310 is filled with tobacco sheets, the tobacco rod 310 filled with tobacco shreds may generate more aerosol. Assuming that the same space is filled, tobacco shreds can ensure a wider surface area than tobacco sheets. A wide surface area means that the aerosol-generating substance has more opportunities to contact the outside air. Therefore, the case where the tobacco rod 310 is filled with tobacco shreds may generate more aerosol than the case where it is filled with tobacco sheets.

[0353] In addition, when separating the cigarette 3 from the holder 1, the tobacco rod 310 filled with tobacco shreds may be separated more easily than when filled with tobacco sheets. In other words, the tobacco rod 310 filled with tobacco shreds may be separated from the holder 1 more easily than when filled with tobacco sheets.

[0354] The first filter segment 321 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first filter segment 321 may be a tubular structure having a hollow hole inside. The length of the first filter segment 321 may be a suitable length in the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first filter segment 321 may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0355] The diameter of the hollow holes in the first filter segment 321 may be any suitable diameter within the range of 3 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0356] The hardness of the first filter segment 321 can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the plasticizer when manufacturing the first filter segment 321 .

[0357] In order to prevent the first filter segment 321 from becoming smaller in size over time, the first filter segment 321 may be manufactured by surrounding the periphery of the first filter segment 321 with wrapping paper. Thus, the first filter segment 321 may be easily combined with other structures (eg, other filter segments).

[0358] In addition, the first filter segment 321 can be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film, a tube, etc. made of the same or different material into the interior (eg, a hollow hole).

[0359] The first filter segment 321 can be made of cellulose acetate, thereby preventing the internal material of the tobacco rod 310 from being pushed backward when the heater 130 is inserted, and also generating a cooling effect of cooling the aerosol.

[0360] The second filter segment 323 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the second filter segment 323 may be made into a groove filter, but is not limited thereto. The length of the second filter segment 323 may be appropriately selected within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the second filter segment 323 may be approximately 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0361] In the process of manufacturing the second filter segment 323, flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the second filter segment 323 to generate flavor. Alternatively, other fibers coated with flavoring liquid may be inserted into the second filter segment 323. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 310 is cooled as it passes through the cooling structure 322, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user through the second filter segment 323. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the second filter segment 323, the effect of improving the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user can be produced.

[0362] In addition, the second filter segment 323 may include at least one capsule 324. Here, the capsule 324 may be a structure in which the contents containing the flavor are surrounded by a membrane. For example, the capsule 324 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0363] The film of the capsule 324 can be made of gums such as agar, pectin, sodium alginate, carrageenan, gelatin or guar gum, and a gelling agent (auxiliary agent) can be further used as a material for forming the film of the capsule 324. Here, as a gelling agent, for example, calcium chloride can be used. In addition, as a material for forming the film of the capsule 324, a plasticizer can be further used. Here, as a plasticizer, glycerin and / or sorbitol can be used. In addition, as a material for forming the film of the capsule 324, a coloring material can be further used.

[0364] For example, peppermint oil, essential oil of plants, etc. can be used as the flavor contained in the content liquid of the capsule. In addition, as the solvent of the flavor contained in the content liquid, for example, medium chain triglyceride (MCT) can be used. In addition, other additives such as color emulsifiers and thickeners can be contained in the content liquid.

[0365] The cooling structure 322 cools the aerosol generated by the tobacco rod 310 being heated by the heater 130. Therefore, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to a suitable temperature.

[0366] The cooling structure 322 can cool the aerosol by phase variation. For example, the material forming the cooling structure 322 can produce phase variation such as melting or glass transition based on the absorption of heat energy. As this endothermic reaction occurs, the temperature of the aerosol when it enters the cooling structure 322 decreases after passing through the cooling structure 322.

[0367] The length or diameter of the cooling structure 322 can be variously set according to the shape of the cigarette 3. For example, the length of the cooling structure 322 can be appropriately adopted in the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the cooling structure 322 can be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0368] The cooling structure 322 can be made of a polymer material or a biodegradable polymer material. For example, the polymer material includes gelatin, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) and a combination thereof, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the biodegradable polymer material may include polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), cellulose acetate, poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and thermoplastic starch resin, but is not limited thereto.

[0369] Preferably, the cooling structure 322 may be made of pure polylactic acid only. For example, the cooling structure 322 may be a three-dimensional structure made of one or more fiber filaments made of pure polylactic acid (hereinafter referred to as "fiber filaments"). Here, the thickness, length, number of fiber filaments constituting the cooling structure 322, and shape of the fiber filaments may be different. The cooling structure 322 is made of pure polylactic acid, so that specific substances can be prevented from being generated when the aerosol passes through the cooling structure 322.

[0370] The cooling structure 322 may be produced through one or more steps, and a step of using a wrapping paper made of paper or a polymer material to surround the outside of the cooling structure 322 may be added. Here, the polymer material includes gelatin, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) and combinations thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0371] Below, refer to FIG. 24A to FIG. 25 , examples of fiber bundles formed by fiber filaments and a plurality of fiber filaments are described.

[0372] Fig.24A and Fig. 24B This is a diagram for explaining an example of a fiber bundle.

[0373] Fig.24A and Fig. 24B An example of a fiber bundle forming a cooling structure is shown in FIG. Fig.24A , the cooling structure 3100 can be made by weaving at least one fiber bundle 3110. Fig. 24B , one fiber bundle 3120 may be formed by at least one fiber filament 3130. For example, one fiber bundle 3120 may be formed by twisting a plurality of fiber filaments (eg, 40).

[0374] The cooling structure 322 can be made by weaving at least one fiber bundle 3110, 3120. If necessary, the fiber bundles 3110, 3120 can be formed using fiber filaments coated with a seasoning liquid. Alternatively, the fiber bundles 3110, 3120 can be formed using other fiber filaments coated with a seasoning liquid and fiber filaments 3130 made of polylactic acid. In addition, the fiber filaments 3130 can be dyed into a predetermined color and the fiber bundles 3110, 3120 can be formed using the dyed fiber filaments 3130.

[0375] The advantages of the cooling structure 3100 when it is made by using the fiber bundles 3110 and 3120 are as follows.

[0376] The first advantage is that the aerosol can flow between the fiber filaments 3130 and form a vortex according to the shape of the cooling structure 3100. The formed vortex increases the contact area of ​​the aerosol in the cooling structure 3100 and increases the time the aerosol stays in the cooling structure 3100. Therefore, the heated aerosol can be effectively cooled.

[0377] The second advantage is that the cooling structure 3100 produced by using raw materials (e.g., polylactic acid) to produce the fiber filament 3130 has a higher productivity than that of a conventional implant. In other words, the cooling structure 3100 made of the fiber filament 3130 is easier to cut than a conventional implant. Therefore, a large number of cooling structures 3100 can be obtained by cutting a single cooling rod, thus having a higher productivity than that of the implant production process.

[0378] In addition, when the cooling structure is manufactured by extrusion molding, the process efficiency is reduced due to the increase of the process of cutting the structure. In addition, there are limitations in manufacturing the cooling structure in various shapes.

[0379] The third advantage is that the cooling structure 3100 produced by using the fiber filaments 3130 is easier to produce than the film cooling structure. In other words, the film cooling structure is easy to be crushed, so it is difficult to insert into a small volume cigarette 3. In comparison, the cooling structure 3100 made of fiber filaments is easier to insert into a cigarette 3.

[0380] Furthermore, when the film cooling structure is inserted into the cigarette 3, the film cooling structure may be crushed by external impact. In this case, the effect of cooling the aerosol by the cooling structure is reduced.

[0381] The cooling structure 3100 of one embodiment is made of polylactic acid fibers (e.g., woven), thereby reducing the risk of the cooling structure being deformed or losing its function due to external impact. In addition, by changing the combination of the fiber bundles 3110 and 3120, the cooling structure 3100 having various shapes can be made.

[0382] In addition, by using the cooling fibers 3130 to manufacture the cooling structure 3100, the surface area in contact with the aerosol is increased. Therefore, the aerosol cooling effect of the cooling structure 3100 can be further improved.

[0383] Fig.25 This is a diagram for explaining another example of a fiber bundle.

[0384] Reference Fig.25, the fiber bundle 3200 may include a main stream 3210 and a plurality of substreams 3220. Here, the main stream 3210 may be in the shape of a plurality of fiber filaments twisted together. In addition, the substream 3220 is at least one fiber filament combined with a space formed in the main stream 3210, and the fiber bundle 3200 may have a shape like a bird feather.

[0385] The number of fiber filaments forming the main stream 3210 or the sub-stream 3220 is not limited. Therefore, the thickness of the main stream 3210 or the sub-stream 3220 can be varied in various ways according to the number of fiber filaments.

[0386] In addition, the substreams 3220 connected to the main stream 3210 may not be arranged in a specific direction. In other words, when the main stream 3210 includes a plurality of substreams 3220, the substreams 3220 may have different directions, or some of the substreams 3220 may have different directions.

[0387] Refer again Fig.23A and Fig. 23B The cross section of the cooling structure 322 may include at least one channel. The channel serves as a passage for the aerosol to pass through. However, the direction of the channel is not limited to the longitudinal direction (ie, the axial direction of the cooling structure 322), and the channel may be formed in various directions.

[0388] The diameter of the channel can be set in various ways according to the production process of the cooling structure 322. For example, the diameter of the channel can be adjusted according to the thickness and / or number of the fiber bundles constituting the cooling structure 322, and the diameter of the channel can also be adjusted according to the weaving pattern of the cooling structure 322.

[0389] In addition, the cooling structure 322 may be uniformly distributed with channels. In other words, the cooling structure 322 may be made so that the channels are uniformly distributed in all cross sections. Therefore, the flow of the aerosol through the cooling structure 322 may be smooth.

[0390] Below, refer to FIG. 26A to FIG. 28B , an example of a cooling structure 322 including a single longitudinal channel is described.

[0391] Fig.26A and Fig.26B This is a diagram for explaining an example of a cooling structure including a single longitudinal channel.

[0392] Reference Fig.26A , the cooling structure 3300 may be cylindrical. For example, the cooling structure 3300 may be cylindrical in shape of a filter including a single channel 3310. In addition, Fig.26B Shown in Fig.26A A cross-sectional view of cooling structure 3300 is shown. Fig.26BIn the figure, the hollow hole 3320 of the cooling structure 3300 corresponds to the channel.

[0393] FIG. 27A to FIG. 27C This is a diagram for explaining another example of a cooling structure including a single longitudinal passage.

[0394] FIG. 27A to FIG. 27C An example of a cooling structure 3400 made by weaving a plurality of fiber bundles is shown in FIG. Here, a fiber bundle refers to a fiber bundle that is woven or gathered with at least one fiber filament. Specifically, FIG. 27A to FIG. 27C Show Fig.27A Cross-sections of different locations of the cooling structure 3400 are shown. Fig.27B The hollow hole 3410 and Fig.27C The hollow hole 3420 shown corresponds to a channel.

[0395] For example, the number of fiber bundles constituting the cooling structure 3400 may be two or more, but the number is unlimited. In addition, the number of fiber filaments included in a single fiber bundle may be one or more, but the number is unlimited. In addition, the number of fiber filaments included in each fiber bundle may be the same or different.

[0396] Reference Fig.27B , the cooling structure 3400 is shown as being made using 8 fiber bundles, but is not limited thereto. For example, the cooling structure 3400 may be made using 6 or 9 fiber bundles.

[0397] Fig.28A and Fig.28B This is a diagram for explaining another example of a cooling structure including a single longitudinal passage.

[0398] Fig.28A and Fig.28B Another example of a cooling structure 3500 made by weaving a plurality of fiber bundles is shown in FIG. Fig.28B Show Fig.28A A cross section of the cooling structure 3500 is shown. For example, Fig.28A and Fig.28B The cooling structure 3500 and Fig.28A and Fig.28B The hardness of the cooling structures 1600 shown may vary from one another. Fig.28B The hollow hole 3510 shown corresponds to a channel.

[0399] on the one hand, FIG. 26A to FIG. 28BThe interior of the channels of the cooling structures 3300, 3400, 3500 shown may also be filled with a prescribed substance (e.g., a sheet produced using polylactic acid, other structures produced using fiber filaments, crimped fiber filaments, etc.). In addition, the degree to which the prescribed substance is filled into the channels (filling rate) may be set in various ways according to the production process of the cooling structures 3300, 3400, 3500.

[0400] The number of fiber filaments filled in the cooling structures 3300, 3400, and 3500 can be adjusted according to various purposes, and the shape of the structure can also be produced in various ways. For example, the total area of ​​the fiber or the arrangement of the fiber filaments can be changed to produce cooling structures 3300, 3400, and 3500 in various shapes.

[0401] Below, refer to Figure 29 to Figure 31 , an example in which the interior of the cooling structures 3300 , 3400 , and 3500 is filled with a predetermined substance (eg, other cooling structures) will be described.

[0402] Fig.29 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a cooling structure whose interior is filled.

[0403] Fig.29 36 shows an example of a cooling structure 3600 in which the interior of the first substructure 3610 is filled with the second substructure 3620. Here, the first substructure 3610 may be a cooling structure including at least one channel. For example, the first cooling structure 3610 may be a cooling structure having a first channel. FIG. 26A to FIG. 28B The cooling structures 3300, 3400, 3500 are described above, but are not limited thereto. In other words, the first substructure 3610 can be made by weaving at least one fiber filament or at least one fiber bundle.

[0404] At least one channel formed in the first substructure 3610 may be filled with the second substructure 3620. For example, Fig.29 The rolled sheet filter is shown as the second substructure 3620. Fig.35 This will be described later.

[0405] Fig. 30A and Fig. 30B This is a diagram for explaining another example of a cooling structure whose interior is filled.

[0406] Fig. 30A and Fig. 30B 2 shows an example of a cooling structure 3700 in which a first substructure 3710 is filled with a second substructure 3720 . Fig. 30B Show Fig. 30AFIG. 37 shows a cross section of a cooling structure 3700. The first substructure 3710 may be a cooling structure including at least one channel. For example, the first cooling structure 3710 may be a cooling structure including at least one channel. FIG. 26A to FIG. 28B The above-mentioned cooling structures 3300, 3400, 3500, but not limited thereto.

[0407] The second substructure 3720 filled in the channel of the first substructure 3710 may be a structure made by weaving a plurality of fiber bundles. For example, the diameter of the second substructure 3720 is the same as the diameter of the channel of the first substructure 3710, and the second substructure 3720 may be filled in the channel of the first substructure 3710. In addition, Fig. 30A and Fig. 30B In the embodiment, although the structure shown is one second substructure 3720 , the present invention is not limited thereto. In other words, a plurality of second substructures 3720 may be filled in the channel of the first substructure 3710 according to the diameter of the second substructure 3720 .

[0408] Fig.31 This is a diagram for explaining another example of a cooling structure whose interior is filled.

[0409] Fig.31 The cooling structure 3900 shown may be Figures 29 to 30B The cooling structures 3600 and 3700 shown in the figure have the same structure. In other words, the cooling structure 3900 may be in a state where the channel 3910 of the first substructure is filled with other substances. For example, the channel 3910 may be filled with a plurality of fiber filaments. At this time, the filled fiber filaments may be in an irregularly gathered shape (for example, a shape like cotton wool), but are not limited thereto.

[0410] As reference FIG. 26A to FIG. 31 Generally speaking, the cooling structure may include a single longitudinal channel. However, this is not limited to this. In other words, in order to increase the surface area per unit area (i.e., the surface area in contact with the aerosol), the cooling structure may include a plurality of channels, and the number of channels is not limited to this. FIG. 32A to FIG. 34E , a cooling structure including a plurality of channels is described.

[0411] FIG. 32A to FIG. 32B This is a diagram for explaining an example of a cooling structure having a plurality of channels.

[0412] Reference Fig.32A , the cooling structure 4100 may be cylindrical in shape including a plurality of channels 4110 . Fig.32A and Fig.32B 4 shows that the cooling structure 4100 includes 13 channels 4110, but the number of channels is not limited thereto. Fig.32B Shown in Fig.32A A cross-sectional view of cooling structure 4100 is shown. Fig.32B In the figure, the plurality of hollow holes 4120 of the cooling structure 4100 correspond to channels respectively.

[0413] For example, the cooling structure 4100 may be formed by combining multiple FIG. 26A to FIG. 26B That is, the number of channels 4110 included in the cooling structure 4100 is determined according to the number of cooling structures 3300. However, the method of producing the cooling structure 4100 is not limited to the above method.

[0414] The cooling structure 4100 is made by combining a plurality of cooling structures 4100, so that the space 4130 between adjacent cooling structures 3300 can also function as a channel. Therefore, even if a channel in the plurality of cooling structures 3300 is blocked due to phase change, aerosol can easily pass through the cooling structure 4100.

[0415] Fig.33 This is a diagram for explaining an example in which the interior of a cooling structure having a plurality of channels is filled.

[0416] Reference Fig.33 The cooling structure 4200 may be formed by combining a plurality of cooling structures 4210. For example, the cooling structure 4210 may include one channel, and by combining a plurality of cooling structures 4210, the cooling structure 4200 may have a plurality of channels.

[0417] For example, cooling structure 4210 may be used Fig.25 In other words, the cooling structure 4210 can be made by weaving a plurality of fiber bundles 3200, and a substream 3220 of the fiber bundle 3200 can exist in the channel of the cooling structure 4210. In this case, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cooling structure 4210 in contact with the aerosol increases due to the substream 3220, so the cooling effect of the aerosol can also be improved.

[0418] As reference FIG. 32A to FIG. 33 In the description, the cooling structure may include a plurality of longitudinal channels of the same shape. In one aspect, the plurality of channels formed in the cooling structure are not limited to FIG. 32A to FIG. 33 The following refers to FIG. 34A to FIG. 34E , another example of a cooling structure having a plurality of channels will be described.

[0419] FIG. 34A to FIG. 34E This is a diagram for explaining another example of a cooling structure having a plurality of channels.

[0420] FIG. 34A to FIG. 34E An example of a cooling structure 4300 having multiple channels is shown in FIG. FIG. 34B to FIG. 34E Show Fig.34A A cross section of various variations of cooling structure 4300 is shown.

[0421] Reference Fig.34A , each cross section of the cooling structure 4300 may include a plurality of channels 4310. FIG. 34B to FIG. 34D , according to the production process of the cooling structure 4300, the positions and / or sizes of the plurality of channels 4320, 4330, 4340 may be different. Fig.34E , it is possible to produce a cooling structure 4300 having a continuous airflow channel 4350 as a whole according to the positions of the plurality of channels.

[0422] According to reference FIG. 26A to FIG. 34E As described above, the cooling structure can be made to have at least one hollow channel. However, the cooling structure can be made into a variety of shapes besides the shape having the hollow channel.

[0423] For example, the cooling structure can be made into a sheet. Figures 35 to 36B , an example of a cooling structure made in a sheet shape is described. In addition, the cooling structure can be made into a particle shape. Fig.37 , an example of a cooling structure made in a granule shape is described. In addition, the cooling structure can be made of an implant made of polylactic acid (PLA). FIG. 38A to FIG. 38C , an example of a cooling structure made using an implant is described.

[0424] In addition, the cooling structure 322 with various hardnesses can be produced through the thermosetting process.

[0425] Fig.35 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a sheet-like cooling structure.

[0426] The cooling structure 4400 may also be produced in a sheet shape (hereinafter referred to as a "sheet-shaped cooling structure"). For example, the sheet-shaped cooling structure 4400 may be produced by closely arranging and compressing fiber filaments in no particular direction, but is not limited thereto.

[0427] In addition, a predetermined substance (e.g., activated carbon particles, etc.) may be inserted into the sheet-like cooling structure 4400. For example, a predetermined substance may be coated on a first sheet-like cooling structure, and a second sheet-like cooling structure may be placed on the first sheet-like cooling structure and compressed, thereby inserting the predetermined substance into the compressed sheet-like cooling structure 4400. However, the production process of the sheet-like cooling structure 4400 is not limited to the above example.

[0428] Fig.36A and Fig.36B This is a diagram for explaining another example of the sheet-like cooling structure.

[0429] Fig.36A and Fig.36B An example of a cooling structure 4500 whose interior has been filled is shown in FIG. Fig.36B Show Fig.36A A cross section of the cooling structure 4500 is shown. For example, Fig.36A The cooling structure 4500 can be produced by wrapping the periphery of another rolled sheet-like cooling structure with a sheet-like cooling structure.

[0430] Fig.37 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a granular cooling structure.

[0431] Fig.37 An example of a granular cooling structure 4600 made of at least one fiber filament or at least one fiber bundle is shown in FIG. For example, the cooling structure 4600 can be made by gathering at least one fiber filament or at least one fiber bundle or randomly weaving.

[0432] FIG. 38A to FIG. 38C It is a diagram for explaining an example of a cooling structure made of an implant.

[0433] Reference Fig.38A The cooling structure 4710 may be filled with particles made of polylactic acid, tobacco or charcoal, respectively. Alternatively, the particles may be made of a mixture of polylactic acid, tobacco and charcoal. In one aspect, the particles may contain, in addition to polylactic acid, tobacco and / or charcoal, elements that may enhance the cooling effect of the aerosol.

[0434] Reference Fig.38B The cooling structure 4720 may include a first end surface 4721 and a second end surface 4722 .

[0435] The first end surface 4721 and FIG. 23A to FIG. 23B The first filter segment 321 shown intersects with the boundary and may include pores for aerosol to flow into. FIG. 23A to FIG. 23B The second filter segment 323 shown has intersecting boundaries and may include pores capable of discharging aerosols. For example, the first end surface 4721 and the second end surface 4722 may include a single pore with the same diameter, but the diameter and number of the pores included in the first end surface 4721 and the second end surface 4722 are not limited thereto.

[0436] Furthermore, the cooling structure 4720 may have a third end surface 4723 between the first end surface 4721 and the second end surface 4722, and the third end surface 4723 may include a plurality of pores. For example, the diameters of the plurality of pores of the third end surface 4723 may be smaller than the diameters of the pores of the first end surface 4721 and the second end surface 4722. In addition, the number of pores of the third end surface 4723 may be greater than the number of pores of the first end surface 4721 and the second end surface 4722.

[0437] Reference Fig.38C The cooling structure 4730 may include a first end surface 4731 intersecting the boundary of the first filter segment 321 and a second end surface 4732 intersecting the boundary of the second filter segment 323. In addition, the cooling structure 4730 may include more than one channel 4733. In addition, the channel 4733 may be wrapped with a microporous packaging material and filled with a filling material that can improve the cooling effect of the aerosol (for example, see Fig.38A The particles) are filled.

[0438] As described above, the holder 1 heats the cigarette 3 to generate aerosol. In addition, the holder 1 can generate aerosol when used alone, or can generate aerosol when inserted into the bracket 2 and tilted. In particular, when the holder 1 is tilted, the heater 130 can be heated by the power of the battery of the bracket 2.

[0439] the following, Figures 39 to 58 The aerosol generating device 10000 of the illustrated embodiment is an example of an integrated aerosol generating device in which the holder 1 and the bracket 2 are combined in the above-mentioned embodiment. Figures 39 to 58 The aerosol generating device described in Figures 1 to 21 The embodiments of the retainers 1 and the brackets 2 described in the specification. Figures 39 to 58 The aerosol generating device 10000 described in Figures 22 to 38C The cigarette 3 described in the aerosol generating device can be Figures 22 to 38C The cigarette 3 described in the above is heated to generate an aerosol. Figures 39 to 58 The heater 10300 of the aerosol generating device 10000 described in Figures 1 to 5 In other words, Figures 1 to 38C The holder 1 (particularly, the heater 130 used in the holder 1) and the cigarette 3 (particularly, the cooling structure 322 used in the cigarette 3) described in Figures 39 to 58 In the embodiments described in .

[0440] Figures 39 to 58 In the figure, the reference numerals representing the components are Figures 1 to 38C The reference numerals used in the drawings are independent and are used independently. Therefore, it should be understood that Figures 39 to 58 The reference numerals for the components are Figures 1 to 38C The reference numerals representing the components in the drawings are independent and used to represent different components.

[0441] Fig.39 is a side view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, Fig.40A yes Fig.39 A perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown, Fig.40B It is schematically shown Fig.40A A perspective view of the aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment in working condition.

[0442] Fig.39 , Fig.40A and Fig.40B The aerosol generating device 10000 of the illustrated embodiment may include a housing 10010 and a cover 10020. The cover 10020 is coupled to one end of the housing 10010, so that the cover 10020 and the housing 10010 together form the appearance of the aerosol generating device 10000.

[0443] The housing 10010 forms the appearance of the aerosol generating device 10000 and houses and protects a plurality of components formed in the inner space.

[0444] The cover 10020 and the housing 10010 can be made of a plastic material that is not good at conducting heat or a metal material coated with a heat insulating material on the surface. The cover 10020 and the housing 10010 can be made by, for example, injection molding or 3D printing or by assembling small parts made by injection molding.

[0445] A locking device for maintaining the combination of the cover 10020 and the housing 10010 may be provided between the cover 10020 and the housing 10010. The locking device may include, for example, a protrusion and a groove. The following structure may be used: the combination of the cover 10020 and the housing 10010 may be maintained by maintaining the protrusion inserted into the groove, and the protrusion may be separated from the groove by moving the protrusion through an operation button that can be pressed by the user.

[0446] In addition, the locking device may include, for example, a magnet and a magnetic metal piece. If a magnet is used in the locking device, the magnet may be provided on one of the cover 10020 and the housing 10010, and the magnetic metal piece may be provided on the other, or the magnet may be provided on both the cover 10020 and the housing 10010.

[0447] Fig.39 and Fig.40A In the aerosol generating device 10000 of the illustrated embodiment, the cover 10020 is an optional structure and, if necessary, the cover 10020 may not be provided.

[0448] An external hole 10020p for inserting a cigarette 3 is formed on the upper surface of the cover 10020 coupled to the housing 10010. In addition, a track 10030r is provided at a position adjacent to the external hole 10020p on the upper surface of the cover 10020. A door 10030 that can slide along the upper surface of the cover 10020 is provided on the track 10030r. The door 10030 can slide linearly along the track 10030r.

[0449] The door 10030 moves along the track 10030r. Fig.40B The cover 10020 moves in the direction of the arrow, and plays the role of exposing the external hole 10020p and the insertion hole 10040p to the outside, and the external hole 10020p and the insertion hole 10040p enable the cigarette 3 to be inserted into the housing 10010 through the cover 10020. The external hole 10020p of the cover 10020 plays the role of exposing the insertion hole 10040p of the accommodating passage 10040h capable of accommodating cigarettes 3 to the outside.

[0450] When the external hole 10020p is exposed to the outside by the door portion 10030 , the user inserts the end 3b of the cigarette 3 into the external hole 10020p and the insertion hole 10040p , and inserts the cigarette 3 into the accommodation passage 10040h formed inside the cover 10020 .

[0451] In the embodiment, the door portion 10030 is configured to be able to move linearly relative to the cover 10020. However, the embodiment is not limited to the structure in which the door portion 10030 is combined with the cover 10020. For example, the door portion 10030 can be rotatably provided on the cover 10020 through a hinge assembly. In the case of using a hinge assembly, the door portion 10030 can rotate toward the side of the external hole 10020p along the extension direction of the upper surface of the cover 10020, or the door portion 10030 can rotate in a direction away from the upper surface of the cover 10020.

[0452] The rail 10030r has a concave groove shape, but the embodiment is not limited to the shape of the rail 10030r. For example, the rail 10030r may have a convex shape and may extend in a curved shape rather than a straight line.

[0453] The housing 10010 is provided with a button 10090. By operating the button 10090, the operation of the aerosol generating device 1000 can be controlled.

[0454] When the cover 10020 is coupled to the housing 10010 , an outside air inflow gap 10020 g is formed at a portion where the cover 10020 and the housing 10010 are coupled, through which air can flow into the inside of the cover 10020 .

[0455] Fig.41A It is schematically shown Fig.40AA side view of the aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment in another operating state.

[0456] like Fig.41A As shown, when the cigarette 3 is inserted into the aerosol generating device, the user can hold the cigarette 3 in his mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0457] After using the cigarette 3 , when separating the cigarette 3 from the aerosol generating device, the user can hold the cigarette 3 and rotate it to pull the cigarette 3 out of the heater inserted into the aerosol generating device of the cigarette 3 .

[0458] Fig.41B It is schematically shown Fig.40A A side view of the aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment in yet another working state.

[0459] After separating the cigarette 3 from the aerosol generating device, the user may perform a cleaning operation to remove any cigarette material that may remain inside the aerosol generating device.

[0460] The cleaning operation of the aerosol generating device can be implemented in the following manner: after the user separates the cover 10020 from the housing 10010 of the aerosol generating device 10000, the receiving portion 10040 is separated from the housing 10010, so that the internal space and the heater of the aerosol generating device are exposed to the outside, and the cigarette material is removed. The cover 10020 can be combined with one side end 10010a of the housing 10010 to cover the receiving portion 10040 combined with one side end 10010a of the housing 10010, and the cover 10020 can be separated from the housing 10010 as needed.

[0461] Fig.42 It is schematically shown Fig.40A A side view of the aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment in another working state, Fig.43 Shown from another angle Fig.42 A perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown, Fig.44 yes Fig.43 A top view of a portion of the components of the aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment, Fig.45 From another angle Fig.42 A perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to the illustrated embodiment.

[0462] Reference Figure 42 to Figure 45The aerosol generating device comprises: a shell 10010; a hollow protruding tube 10200 protruding from one side end 10010a of the shell 10010 and having an opening 10200p open to the outside; a heater 10300, which is arranged in the shell 10010 in a manner of being located inside the protruding tube 10200; a housing 10040, which can be combined with the protruding tube 10200 and can be separated from the protruding tube 10200; and a protruding portion 10050, which protrudes from the inside of the protruding tube 10200 and penetrates the housing 10040, thereby supporting the cigarette 3 inserted into the housing 10040.

[0463] like Fig.42 As shown, when the accommodating portion 10040 is combined with the housing 10010 , the user can grasp the accommodating portion 10040 to separate the accommodating portion 10040 from the housing 10010 .

[0464] The protruding tube 10200 serves to surround and protect the heater 10300, and also serves to support the housing portion 10040 when combined with the housing portion 10040. The protruding tube 10200 is hollow inside, and thus, the protruding tube 10200 has a coupling channel 10200h inside which at least a portion of the housing portion 10040 can be inserted. The upper end of the coupling channel 10200h is connected to an opening 10200p that is open toward the upper side of the exterior of the aerosol generating device.

[0465] The housing 10010 is provided with a heater 10300 for heating the cigarette 3. The heater 10300 is provided in the housing 10010 in such a manner that an end 10310 of the heater 10300 is located inside the protruding tube 10200. When the cigarette 3 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 10040, the end 10310 of the heater 10300 is inserted into the bottom surface of the end of the cigarette 3 when the accommodating portion 10040 is coupled to the protruding tube 10200.

[0466] The lower end of the heater 10300 is electrically connected to a power supply device 10700, which is disposed inside the housing 10010 via a connection line 10710. When the cigarette 3 is inserted into the end 10310 of the heater 10300, the heater 10300 is heated when electricity from the power supply device 10700 is supplied to the heater 10300, thereby heating the cigarette 3.

[0467] Reference Fig.43 and Fig.45The accommodating portion 10040 can be inserted into the coupling channel 10200h inside the protruding tube 10200 through the opening 10200p of the protruding tube 10200, and has: a side wall 10040w, and forming a accommodating passage 10040h capable of accommodating the cigarette 3; an insertion hole 10040p, which is open to the outside from one end of the accommodating passage 10040h for the cigarette 3 to be inserted; a bottom wall 10040b, which has a heater hole 10040c, and the heater hole 10040c closes the other end of the accommodating passage 10040h and allows the end 10310 of the heater 10300 to pass through.

[0468] The size of the heater hole 10040c formed in the bottom wall 10040b of the accommodating portion 10040 may correspond to the thickness of the end portion 10310 of the heater 10300. For example, in the case where the end portion 10310 of the heater 10300 has a circular cross-section, the heater hole 10040c also has a circular cross-sectional shape, and the inner diameter of the heater hole 10040c may be formed in a manner corresponding to the outer diameter of the end portion 10310 of the heater 10300.

[0469] The embodiments are not limited by the size of the inner diameter of the heater hole 10040c. For example, the inner diameter of the heater hole 10040c can be formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the end 10310 of the heater 10300, and the inner surface of the heater hole 10040c can be separated from the outer side surface of the end 10310 of the heater 10300.

[0470] The housing 10040 includes an outer wall 10040t surrounding the side wall 10040w and spaced radially outward from the side wall 10040w. When the housing 10040 is coupled to the protruding tube 10200, the protruding tube 10200 is inserted between the outer wall 10040t and the side wall 10040w, thereby stably maintaining the coupled state of the housing 10040 and the protruding tube 10200.

[0471] When the receiving portion 10040 is coupled to the protruding tube 10200, the side wall 10040w of the receiving portion 10040 is inserted into the coupling channel 10200h of the protruding tube 10200. While the side wall 10040w of the receiving portion 10040 moves downward along the coupling channel 10200h of the protruding tube 10200, the end 10310 of the heater 10300 located inside the protruding tube 10200 passes through the heater hole 10040c of the receiving portion 10040.

[0472] When the accommodating portion 10040 is coupled to the protruding tube 10200, the end portion 10310 of the heater 10300 passes through the heater hole 10040c of the accommodating portion 10040 and is located inside the accommodating passage 10040h of the accommodating portion 10040. Therefore, when the cigarette 3 is accommodated in the accommodating passage 10040h of the accommodating portion 10040 when the accommodating portion 10040 is coupled to the protruding tube 10200, the end portion 10310 of the heater 10300 is inserted into the cigarette 3.

[0473] When the user of the aerosol generating device inserts the cigarette 3 into the accommodating passage 10040h, the cigarette 3 moves along the accommodating passage 10040h, and when the end of the cigarette 3 reaches the bottom wall 10040b of the accommodating portion 10040, the user's hand holding the cigarette 3 feels the bottom wall 10040b in contact with the end of the cigarette 3. Therefore, the user can easily attach the cigarette 3 to the aerosol generating device by simply holding the cigarette 3 and inserting it into the insertion hole 10040p of the accommodating passage 10040h.

[0474] When the user 3 separates the cigarette from the accommodating portion 10040, the user can hold the cigarette 3 and rotate it, and then the cigarette 3 can be pulled out of the accommodating portion 10040. While the user holds the cigarette 3 and rotates it, the cigarette 3 that is stuck together by the cigarette substance can be completely separated from the heater 10300.

[0475] After separating the cigarette 3 from the accommodating portion 10040, the user can clean the interior of the accommodating portion 10040. To clean the accommodating portion 10040, the user can hold the accommodating portion 10040 and pull it out of the housing 20010 when separating the accommodating portion 10040 from the housing 20010.

[0476] A plurality of protrusions 10050 for supporting cigarettes 3 are protruded from the inner wall surface of the coupling channel 10200h of the protruding tube 10200. The protrusions 10050 penetrate the side wall 10040w of the receiving part 10040 coupled to the protruding tube 10200, and contact the outer side surface of the cigarette 3 inserted into the receiving part 10040.

[0477] In addition, the protruding tube 10200 can also play a role in directly supplying external air to the end of the cigarette 3. To this end, the protruding tube 10200 is provided with an air hole 10200g for connecting the inside and the outside of the protruding tube 10200. A plurality of air holes 10200g can be provided at intervals in the circumferential direction based on the center of the longitudinal direction of the protruding tube 10200. The air holes 10200g form an air flow channel so that the air outside the protruding tube 10200 flows into the inside of the protruding tube 10200.

[0478] Fig.46 is a side sectional view showing a partial cross section of a part of the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 41, Fig.47 Yes Fig.46 A portion of the aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment is enlarged to show an enlarged view of the air flow. Fig.48 Yes Fig.47 An enlarged view showing an enlarged portion of the aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment.

[0479] When the accommodating portion 10040 is coupled to the protruding tube 10200, an air flow gap 10040g is formed at the coupling portion between the accommodating portion 10040 and the protruding tube 10200, that is, between the outer wall 10040t of the accommodating portion 10040 and the protruding tube 10200, and the air flow gap 10040g allows the air outside the accommodating portion 10040 to flow into the inside of the accommodating portion 10040. Fig.39 , Fig.40A and 40B As shown, when the cover 10020 is combined with the shell 10010, the air outside the cover 10020 flows into the interior of the cover 10020 through the external air inflow gap 10020g between the cover 10020 and the shell 10010, and then flows into the inner side of the accommodating portion 10040 through the air flow gap 10040g.

[0480] Reference Fig.47 The first air flow 10000f of air sequentially passes through the gap 10020g for external air inflow and the gap 10040g for air flow, passes through the air hole 10200g of the protruding pipe 10200, and reaches the outer side surface of the end of the cigarette 3 accommodated in the accommodating portion 10040.

[0481] The cigarette 3 has a cylindrical shape, and the receiving passage 10040h of the receiving portion 10040 also has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the cigarette 3. The diameter of the receiving passage 10040h of the receiving portion 10040 can be formed to be larger than the diameter of the cigarette 3. Therefore, when the cigarette 3 is received in the receiving portion 10040, the outer side surface of the cigarette 3 and the receiving passage 10040h of the receiving portion 10040 are spaced apart from each other. That is, Fig.47 In the embodiment, the external air flows into the space formed between the outer side surface of the cigarette 3 and the storage passage 10040h of the storage portion 10040 through the insertion hole 10040p, thereby forming a second air flow 10000g of the air.

[0482] The accommodating portion 10040 also includes a through hole 10040d formed through the side wall 10040w for the protrusion 10050 to pass through. The protrusion 10050 is formed to protrude from the surface of the accommodating passage 10040h toward the cigarette 3 so as to contact the outer side surface of the cigarette 3.

[0483] The protrusions 10050 are arranged at intervals on the outer side of the cigarette 3 in the circumferential direction based on the center of the cigarette 3, so that a flow path for the second air flow 10000g of air to pass through is formed between the protrusions 10050. A plurality of through holes 10040d are formed corresponding to the number of protrusions 10050. The protrusions 10050 support the outer side of the cigarette 3, but the adjacent protrusions 10050 are arranged at intervals from each other, so that air can flow freely inside the accommodation passage 10040h of the accommodation portion 10040.

[0484] As shown in the figure, the number of protrusions 10050 is 4, and the number of through holes 10040d is also 4, but the embodiment is not limited to the number of protrusions 10050 and through holes 10040d. The number of protrusions 10050 and the number of through holes 10040d can be changed in various ways.

[0485] In addition, the position or shape of the protrusion 10050 and the through hole 10040d can be changed in many ways. For example, the protrusion 10050 can extend in the circumferential direction based on the center of the cigarette 3, that is, the circumferential direction, so as to be able to contact a part of the outer side surface of the cigarette 3 along the circumferential direction of the cigarette 3 based on the center of the cigarette 3. Even in the case where the protrusion 10050 extends in the circumferential direction, adjacent protrusions 10050 are spaced apart from each other, so that a flow path for air to pass can be formed inside the accommodating passage 10040h.

[0486] The end surface of the protrusion 10050 that contacts the outer surface of the cigarette 3 is formed as a concavely curved cylindrical surface so as to correspond to the shape of the outer surface of the cigarette 3 .

[0487] Reference Fig.46 and Fig.47 When the receiving portion 10040 is coupled to the protruding tube 10200, the protruding portion 10050 is located at a position spaced apart from the bottom wall 10040b of the receiving portion 10040 by a predetermined height. Therefore, during the period when the receiving portion 10040 is coupled to the protruding tube 10200, in order to accommodate the protruding portion 10050, the through hole 10040d of the receiving portion 10040 is formed to extend along the length direction of the receiving passage 10040h in a manner corresponding to the position of the protruding portion 10050.

[0488] An alignment inclined surface 10040y is provided on the edge of the upper surface of the bottom wall 10040b of the accommodating portion 10040 facing the accommodating passage 10040h, and the alignment inclined surface 10040y guides the end edge of the cigarette 3 so that the position of the cigarette 3 accommodated in the accommodating portion 10040 can be aligned with the center of the accommodating portion 10040.

[0489] Reference Fig.47 and Fig.48 The protrusion 10050 has an inclined surface 10050d inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the accommodating passage 10040h so as to guide the movement of the cigarette 3 when the cigarette 3 is inserted into the accommodating passage 10040h.

[0490] The inclined surface 10050d of the protrusion 10050 serves to guide the movement of the cigarette 3 so that after the cigarette 3 is inserted into the accommodating passage 10040h, when the accommodating passage 10040h moves and the end of the cigarette 3 reaches the position of the protrusion 10050 protruding from the accommodating passage 10040h, the end of the cigarette 3 can be inserted into the protrusion 10050.

[0491] When the cigarette 3 is inserted into the storage passage 10040h of the storage section 10040 in a state where the storage section 10040 is coupled to the protruding tube 10200, the storage passage 10040h is connected to the outside through the insertion hole 10040p, so that the second air flow 10000g of the outside air flows into the storage passage 10040h of the storage section 10040 through the insertion hole 10040p. In addition, the first air flow 10000f of the air passing through the air flow common gap 10040g reaches the outer side surface of the end of the cigarette 3 stored in the storage section 10040 through the air hole 10200g of the protruding tube 10200.

[0492] The cigarette 3 is supported by the protrusion 10050, and the outer side surface of the end of the cigarette 3 does not contact any component, so the outer side surface of the end of the cigarette 3 is surrounded by air. When the heater 10300 heats the cigarette 3 and aerosol particles are generated from the cigarette 3, when the user holds the cigarette 3 in his mouth and inhales air, the air on the outer side surface of the end of the cigarette 3 passes through the cigarette 3, and the air flow containing the aerosol particles is transmitted to the user.

[0493] Figures 39 to 48 In the aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment, the user can easily install the cigarette 3 in the aerosol generating device by simply opening the outer hole 10020p of the cover 10020, inserting the cigarette 3 into the insertion hole 10040p of the accommodating portion 10040, and then inserting the cigarette 3 along the accommodating passage 10040h.

[0494] In addition, after using the cigarette 3 , the user can hold the cigarette 3 and rotate it to pull the cigarette 3 out of the housing 10010 .

[0495] In addition, for cleaning work, the user can separate the cover 10020 from the housing 10010 and separate the receiving portion 10040 from the housing 10010 .

[0496] In addition, after the accommodating portion 10040 is completely separated from the outside of the shell 10010, the protruding tube 10200 and the heater 10300 are exposed to the outside. Therefore, the user can directly check the protruding tube 10200 and the heater 10300 and easily perform the cleaning operation.

[0497] In addition, when the cigarette 3 is inserted into the receiving passage 10040h of the receiving portion 10040 installed in the housing 10010 of the aerosol generating device, the protrusion 10050 protruding from the inside of the receiving passage 10040h contacts the outer side surface of the cigarette 3, so the protrusion 10050 can stably support the cigarette 3. Therefore, during the use of the aerosol generating device, the cigarette 3 is not separated from the aerosol generating device, and the state of the cigarette 3 being received in the receiving passage 10040h of the aerosol generating device is stably maintained, so that the user can safely enjoy the aerosol generating device.

[0498] In addition, the protrusion 10050 of the accommodating passage 10040h of the accommodating portion 10040 contacts a portion of the outer side surface of the cigarette 3, thereby forming a flow path through which air can pass between the accommodating passage 10040h and the cigarette 3. Therefore, external air used to assist in the generation of aerosol can be supplied to the interior of the aerosol generating device sufficiently and smoothly.

[0499] Fig.49 It is a partially enlarged side sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0500] Fig.49 In the aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of protrusions 10050 , 10050 b are arranged on the outer side surface of the cigarette 3 at intervals along the length direction of the cigarette 3 .

[0501] Fig.49 In the embodiment, the lower region of the cigarette 3 in the longitudinal direction is supported by the lower protrusion 10050. In addition, the upper region of the cigarette 3 in the longitudinal direction is supported by the upper protrusion 10050b.

[0502] A plurality of lower protrusions 10050 are arranged, and are arranged at intervals on the outer side surface of the cigarette 3 in the circumferential direction with the center of the cigarette 3 as a reference.

[0503] A plurality of upper protrusions 10050 b are also arranged, and are arranged at intervals on the outer surface of the cigarette 3 in the circumferential direction with the center of the cigarette 3 as a reference.

[0504] The through hole 10040d formed in the side wall 10040w of the accommodation portion 10040 is formed to extend long in the length direction of the accommodation passage 10040h so as to accommodate the upper protrusion 10050b and the lower protrusion 10050 at the same time.

[0505] In this way, multiple protrusions 10050, 10050b are arranged at intervals on the outer side surface of the cigarette 3 along the circumferential direction with the center of the cigarette 3 as the reference, and are arranged at intervals from each other on the outer side surface of the cigarette 3 along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 3, thereby forming a flow path for air to pass between adjacent protrusions 10050, 10050b.

[0506] Fig.50 This is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment.

[0507] Fig.50 In the aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment, when the cigarette 3 is inserted into the accommodating portion 10040, a concave connecting passage 10040f is formed on the outer edge of the upper surface of the bottom wall 10040b of the accommodating portion 1004 that contacts the end of the cigarette 3 and faces the accommodating passage 10040h. The connecting passage 10040f is connected to the space between the outer side surface of the cigarette 3 and the accommodating passage 10040h, so that the air of the accommodating passage 10040h is supplied to the bottom surface of the end of the cigarette 3 through the connecting passage 10040f of the bottom wall 10040b, and therefore, sufficient air for assisting the generation of aerosol can be smoothly supplied to the cigarette 3.

[0508] Fig.51 This is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment.

[0509] Fig.51 The aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment has a bottom surface protrusion 10040k protruding from the upper surface of the bottom wall 10040b of the accommodating portion 10040 that contacts the end of the cigarette 3 and faces the accommodating passage 10040h when the cigarette 3 is inserted into the accommodating portion 10040. The bottom surface protrusion 10040k protrudes from the bottom wall 10040b toward the inner space of the accommodating passage 10040h, thereby playing the role of supporting the bottom surface of the end of the cigarette 3. The bottom surface protrusion 10040k is generally hemispherical.

[0510] A plurality of bottom surface protrusions 10040k are arranged on the bottom wall 10040b at intervals in the circumferential direction based on the center of the heater hole 10040c formed on the bottom wall 10040b. Therefore, air can flow through the space between adjacent bottom surface protrusions 10040k, so that air flowing from the outside into the accommodating passage 10040h through the insertion hole 10040p of the accommodating passage 10040h is supplied to the bottom surface of the end of the cigarette 3 through the space between the bottom surface protrusions 10040k.

[0511] Fig.51 In the aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 10050 protruding from the accommodating passage 10040h of the accommodating portion 10040 contacts a portion of the outer side surface of the cigarette 3, thereby forming a flow path for air to pass between the accommodating passage 10040h and the cigarette 3, and the air in the flow path is supplied to the bottom surface of the end of the cigarette 3 through the space between the bottom surface protrusions 10040k of the bottom wall 10040b, so that a sufficient amount of air for assisting in the generation of aerosol can be smoothly supplied to the cigarette 3.

[0512] Fig.52 This is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment.

[0513] Fig.52 The aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment comprises: a shell 20010; a hollow protruding tube 20200 protruding from one side end 20010a of the shell 20010 and having an opening 20200p open to the outside; a heater 10300 arranged in the shell 20010 in such a manner that the end 10310 is located inside the protruding tube 20200; a housing 20040 that can be combined with the protruding tube 20200 and can be separated from the protruding tube 20200; a protrusion 20050 that protrudes from the inside of the protruding tube 20200 and penetrates the housing 20040, thereby supporting the cigarette 3 inserted into the housing 20040; and a cover 20020, having a door portion 20030 that is integrally connected to the housing 20040 so that the insertion hole 20040p can be exposed to the outside.

[0514] A movable door 20030 is provided on the upper surface of the cover 20020 to expose the insertion hole 20040p of the receiving portion 20040 to the outside. The door 20030 is slidably coupled to the cover 20020 using a track assembly or rotatably coupled to the cover 20020 using a hinge assembly.

[0515] When the insertion hole 20040 p is exposed to the outside by the door portion 20030 , the user can insert the end of the cigarette 3 into the insertion hole 10040 p to install the cigarette 3 in the storage passage 20040 h formed inside the storage portion 20040 .

[0516] When the cover 20020 is coupled to the housing 20010 , a gap 20020 g for external air to flow into the cover 20020 is formed at the portion where the cover 20020 and the housing 20010 are coupled. The gap 20020 g is used for external air to flow into the interior of the cover 20020 .

[0517] After smoking, after separating the cigarette 3 from the aerosol generating device, when cleaning is performed, the cover 20020 and the receiving portion 20040 can be separated from the housing 20010 together. That is, when the user holds the cover 20020 and separates the cover 20020 and the receiving portion 20040 from the housing 20010, the cover 20020 and the receiving portion 20040 are separated from the housing 20010 together.

[0518] The protruding tube 20200 serves to surround and protect the heater 10300, and also serves to support the housing portion 20040 and the cover 20020 when combined with the housing portion 20040. The protruding tube 20200 is hollow inside, and thus, the protruding tube 20200 has a coupling channel 20200h inside which at least a portion of the housing portion 20040 can be inserted. The upper end of the coupling channel 20200h is connected to an opening 20200p that is open toward the upper side of the exterior of the aerosol generating device.

[0519] In addition, the protruding tube 20200 can also play a role in directly supplying external air to the end of the cigarette 3. For this purpose, the protruding tube 20200 has an air hole 20200g that connects the inside and outside of the protruding tube 20200. A plurality of air holes 20200g can be provided at intervals in the circumferential direction based on the center of the length direction of the protruding tube 20200. The air hole 20200g forms an air flow channel so that the air outside the protruding tube 20200 flows into the inside of the protruding tube 20200.

[0520] The accommodating portion 20040 can be inserted into the coupling channel 20200h inside the protruding tube 20200 through the opening 20200p of the protruding tube 20200, and comprises: an accommodating passage 20040h capable of accommodating a cigarette 3; an insertion hole 20040p, which is open to the outside from one end of the accommodating passage 20040h for the cigarette 3 to be inserted; and a bottom wall 20040b, which has a heater hole 20040c, and the heater hole 20040c closes the other end of the accommodating passage 20040h and allows the end 10310 of the heater 10300 to pass through.

[0521] The receiving portion 20040 is formed integrally with the cover 20020. For example, the cover 20020 and the receiving portion 20040 may be made of plastic or other materials, and may be integrally formed by injection molding or by 3D printing. Alternatively, the cover 20020 and the receiving portion 20040 may be independently manufactured and then combined together by threaded connection, or may be fixed to each other by bolts or adhesives.

[0522] When the accommodating portion 20040 is coupled to the protruding tube 20200, the end portion 10310 of the heater 10300 passes through the heater hole 20040c of the accommodating portion 20040 and is located inside the accommodating passage 20040h of the accommodating portion 20040. Therefore, when the cigarette 3 is accommodated in the accommodating passage 20040h of the accommodating portion 20040 when the accommodating portion 20040 is coupled to the protruding tube 20200, the end portion 10310 of the heater 10300 is inserted into the cigarette 3.

[0523] A plurality of protrusions 20050 for supporting cigarettes 3 are protruded from the inner wall surface of the coupling channel 20200h of the protruding tube 20200. The protrusions 20050 penetrate the receiving portion 20040 coupled to the protruding tube 20200, and contact the outer side surface of the cigarette 3 inserted into the receiving portion 20040.

[0524] When the cover 20020 is coupled to the housing 20010, air outside the cover 20020 flows into the cover 20020 through the gap 20020g for inflow of outside air between the cover 20020 and the housing 20010. The first air flow of air generated through the gap 20020g for inflow of outside air passes through the air holes 20200g of the protruding tube 20200 and reaches the outer side surface of the end of the cigarette 3 accommodated in the accommodating portion 20040.

[0525] In addition, when the accommodating portion 20040 is combined with the protruding tube 20200, while the cigarette 3 is inserted into the accommodating passage 20040h of the accommodating portion 20040, the accommodating passage 20040h is connected to the outside through the insertion hole 20040p, so that the external air flows into the accommodating passage 20040h of the accommodating portion 20040 through the insertion hole 20040p, thereby forming a second air flow of air.

[0526] Fig.52 In the aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment, the user can easily install the cigarette 3 in the aerosol generating device by simply opening the cover 20020, inserting the cigarette 3 into the insertion hole 20040p of the accommodating portion 20040, and then inserting the cigarette 3 along the accommodating passage 20040h.

[0527] Furthermore, when separating the cigarette 3 from the housing 20010 after using the cigarette 3, the user can simply hold the upper end of the cigarette 3, rotate it, and pull the cigarette 3 to the outside of the storage passage 20040h to separate the cigarette from the aerosol generating device.

[0528] Furthermore, when performing the cleaning operation, the user can separate the cover 20020 and the accommodating portion 20040 from the housing 20010 together, thereby separating the accommodating portion 20040 and the cover 20020 from the housing 20010 .

[0529] Fig.53 is a perspective view schematically showing the working state of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, Fig.54 It is shown Fig.53 A three-dimensional view of the aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment in working condition with some components removed.

[0530] Fig.53 and Fig.54 The aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment comprises a housing 10010 and a cover 10020 .

[0531] The cover 10020 coupled to one end of the housing 10010 forms the appearance of the aerosol generating device 10000 together with the housing 10010. The housing 10010 forms the appearance of the aerosol generating device 10000 and accommodates various components in a space formed therein.

[0532] A locking device for maintaining the combination state of the cover 10020 and the housing 10010 may be provided between the cover 10020 and the housing 10010. The locking device may include, for example, a magnet and a magnetic metal piece. If a magnet is used in the locking device, the magnet may be provided on one of the cover 10020 and the housing 10010, and the magnetic metal piece may be provided on the other, or magnets may be provided on both the cover 10020 and the housing 10010.

[0533] An external hole 10020p through which cigarettes 3 can be inserted is formed on the upper surface of the cover 10020. When the door 10030 slides linearly along the track 10030r on the upper surface of the cover 10020, the external hole 10020p through which cigarettes 3 can be inserted and the insertion hole 10040p are exposed to the outside. The insertion hole 10040p of the accommodating passage 10040h capable of accommodating cigarettes 3 through the external hole 10020p of the cover 10020 is exposed to the outside.

[0534] When the external hole 10020p is exposed to the outside through the door portion 10030, the user inserts the end 3b of the cigarette 3 into the external hole 10020p and the insertion hole 10040p, thereby installing the cigarette 3 in the accommodation passage 10040h formed inside the cover 10020.

[0535] A plurality of cigarette supporting protrusions 10020m are provided on the outer hole 10020p of the cover 10020. The cigarette supporting protrusions 10020m are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction along the inner side surface of the outer hole 10020p and protrude toward the center of the outer hole 10020p. The cigarette supporting protrusions 10020m contact the outer side surface of the cigarette 3 inserted into the insertion hole 10040p and the storage passage 10040h through the outer hole 10020p, thereby playing a role in supporting the cigarette 3.

[0536] The housing 10010 is provided with a button 10090. The operation of the aerosol generating device 10000 can be controlled by operating the button 10090.

[0537] When the cover 10020 is coupled to the housing 10010 , an outside air inflow gap 10020 g is formed at a portion where the cover 10020 and the housing 10010 are coupled, through which air flows into the inside of the cover 10020 .

[0538] After using the cigarette 3, when removing the cigarette 3 from the aerosol generating device, Fig.54 As shown, the user holds the cigarette 3 and rotates it to pull the cigarette 3 out of the housing 10010. Alternatively, the user rotates the cigarette 3 and then pulls the cover 10020, so that the cover 10020 and the cigarette 3 are separated from the housing 10010. By rotating the cigarette 3 and separating it from the housing 10010, the adhesion between the cigarette 3 and the heater is released, and at the same time, the tobacco material attached to the cigarette 3 can be discharged to the outside of the housing 10010 together with the cigarette 3.

[0539] If the cover 1002 is pulled without rotating the cigarette 3, although the cigarette 3 is separated from the housing 10010, the tobacco portion of the cigarette 3 (i.e., Fig.23A and Fig. 23B The first part 310 of the tobacco may remain on the heater side and cannot be discharged from the housing 10010. In this case, the user separates the cover 1002 from the housing 1001 and then separates the receiving portion 1004 from the housing 1001. At this time, the tobacco portion remaining on the heater side is separated from the housing 1001 together with the receiving portion 1004. Afterwards, the user can remove the tobacco portion remaining in the separated receiving portion 1004.

[0540] Fig.55 It is shown Fig.54 A side cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device is shown.

[0541] The aerosol generating device comprises: a shell 10010; a hollow protruding tube 10200 protruding from a side end 10010a of the shell 10010 and having an opening open to the outside; a heater 10300 arranged in the shell 10010 so as to be located inside the protruding tube 10200; and a accommodating portion 10040 which can be combined with the protruding tube 10200 and can be separated from the protruding tube 10200.

[0542] Fig.56 It is shown from Fig.53 The aerosol generating device shown is a three-dimensional view of the working state with some components separated.

[0543] After separating the cigarette 3 from the aerosol generating device, the user may perform a cleaning operation to remove any cigarette material that may remain inside the aerosol generating device. Fig.56 As shown, the cleaning operation of the aerosol generating device can be implemented in the following manner: when the user separates the cover 10020 from the shell 10010 of the aerosol generating device 10000, the accommodating portion 10040 is separated from the shell 10010, so that the internal space and heater of the aerosol generating device are exposed to the outside, thereby removing the cigarette material.

[0544] The protruding tube 10200 serves to surround and protect the heater 10300, and also serves to support the receiving portion 10040 when combined with the receiving portion 10040. The protruding tube 10200 is hollow inside, and thus, the protruding tube 10200 has a coupling channel 10200h inside which at least a portion of the receiving portion 10040 can be inserted. An opening is formed at the upper end of the coupling channel 10200h, which is open toward the upper side of the exterior of the aerosol generating device.

[0545] The protruding tube 10200 has a guide groove 10020 n extending linearly along the length direction of the protruding tube 10200 for coupling with the receiving portion 10040 .

[0546] In addition, the protruding tube 10200 also plays a role in directly supplying external air to the end of the cigarette 3. To this end, the protruding tube 10200 is provided with an air hole 10200g that connects the inside and the outside of the protruding tube 10200. The air hole 10200g is connected to the end of the guide groove 10020n. A plurality of air holes 10200g can be arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction based on the center of the length direction of the protruding tube 10200. The air hole 10200g forms an air flow channel so that the air outside the protruding tube 10200 flows into the inside of the protruding tube 10200.

[0547] The housing 10010 is provided with a heater 10300 that plays a role in heating the cigarette 3. The heater 10300 is provided in the housing 10010 in such a manner that one end portion thereof is located inside the protruding tube 10200. When the cigarette 3 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 10040, the end portion of the heater 10300 is inserted into the bottom surface of the end portion of the cigarette 3 when the accommodating portion 10040 is coupled to the protruding tube 10200.

[0548] Fig.57 yes Fig.54 A bottom perspective view of a portion of the aerosol generating device of the illustrated embodiment, Fig.58 is a schematic diagram showing the use of Fig.57 An illustration of the working state of some of the components shown.

[0549] Reference Fig.57 and Fig.58 The accommodating portion 10040 can be inserted into the coupling channel 10200h inside the protruding tube 10200, and comprises: a side wall 10040w, forming a accommodating passage 10040h capable of accommodating the cigarette 3; an insertion hole 10040p, which is open to the outside from one end of the accommodating passage 10040h for the cigarette 3 to be inserted; and a bottom wall 10040b, having a heater hole 10040c, which closes the other end of the accommodating passage 10040h and enables the end of the heater 10300.

[0550] The heater hole 10040c formed in the bottom wall 10040b of the accommodating portion 10040 includes an outer hole 10040j that is recessed from the heater 10300 toward the outside. A plurality of outer holes 10040j are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction with the heater hole 10040c as the center, so that the overall shape of the heater hole 10040c is similar to a star shape. The outer hole 10040j plays the role of a flow channel for air, that is, the air around the heater 10300 is concentrated from the outside of the accommodating portion 10040 through the heater hole 10040c toward the cigarette 3, so that the air can easily flow into the inside of the accommodating portion 10040.

[0551] The housing portion 10040 includes an outer wall 10040t, which surrounds the side wall 10040w and is spaced apart from the side wall 10040w in the radial direction outward of the side wall 10040w. When the housing portion 10040 is coupled to the protruding tube 10200, the protruding tube 10200 is inserted between the outer wall 10040t and the side wall 10040w, so that the coupled state of the housing portion 10040 and the protruding tube 10200 can be stably maintained.

[0552] A guide rib 10040n is provided inside the outer wall 10040t. The guide rib 10040n guides the accommodating portion 10040 to be inserted into the guide groove 10020n of the protruding tube 10200 when the accommodating portion 10040 is inserted into the protruding tube 10200.

[0553] When the accommodating portion 10040 is coupled to the protruding tube 10200, the end of the heater 10300 passes through the heater hole 10040c of the accommodating portion 10040 and is located inside the accommodating passage 10040h of the accommodating portion 10040. Therefore, when the accommodating portion 10040 is coupled to the protruding tube 10200, if the cigarette 3 is accommodated in the accommodating passage 10040h of the accommodating portion 10040, the heater 10300 is inserted into the cigarette 3.

[0554] A plurality of lower bottom surface protrusions 10040e are provided on the lower surface of the bottom wall 10040b of the accommodating portion 10040. The lower bottom surface protrusions 10040e protrude from the lower bottom wall 10040b and are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction toward the outside of the heater hole 10040c. When the accommodating portion 10040 is provided on the aerosol generating device, the lower bottom surface protrusions 10040e maintain the gap between the bottom wall 10040b and the aerosol generating device, thereby playing the role of ensuring the flow path of air.

[0555] The lower bottom surface protrusion 10040e extends from the outer side surface of the bottom wall 10040b in a radial direction toward the heater hole 10040c, so that the air located on the outside of the bottom wall 10040b flows smoothly through the lower bottom surface protrusion 10040e along the space between adjacent lower bottom surface protrusions 10040e toward the outer hole 10040j of the heater hole 10040c.

[0556] In this way, through the action of the lower bottom surface protrusion 10040e, the air on the outside of the bottom wall 10040b is evenly supplied to the heater hole 10040c, thereby supplying a uniform and specified amount of air to the cigarette 3. Therefore, the aerosol generation effect can be achieved smoothly and stably, and the aerosol with the best taste and aroma can be provided to the user.

[0557] An air guide groove 10040r extending from the outer end of the bottom wall 10040b to the heater hole 10040c is formed on the lower surface of the bottom wall 10040b of the accommodating portion 10040. The air guide groove 10040r provides a passage for supplying a main stream of air to the cigarettes 3 accommodated in the accommodating portion 10040.

[0558] The end of the air guide groove 10040r located at the outer end of the bottom wall 10040b is arranged to be aligned with Fig.31According to this configuration structure, the air outside the protruding tube 10200 flows into the inside of the protruding tube 10200 through the air hole 10200g, and at the same time, flows directly into the heater hole 10040c along the air guide groove 10040r, so that sufficient air required for generating aerosol can be directly and smoothly supplied to the cigarette 3.

[0559] A plurality of air guide grooves 10040 r may be provided corresponding to the number of air holes 10200 g formed in the protruding pipe 10200 .

[0560] The accommodating portion 10040 includes a discharge port 10040a, which is formed by cutting a portion of the side wall 10040w in order to expose the accommodating passage 10040h to the outside of the side wall 10040w and open. Since the discharge port 10040a is formed in the side wall 10040w, the overall shape of the side wall 10040w is approximately semi-cylindrical. That is, if the side wall 10040w is cut transversely along the length direction of the side wall 10040w, the cross-sectional shape of the side wall 10040w is approximately semi-circular.

[0561] Fig.57 In the embodiment shown, the size of the outlet 10040a is approximately within a range of 180 degrees along the circumferential direction, based on the central axis of the side wall 10040w in the length direction, and is not limited to the size of the outlet 10040a in the embodiment. That is, based on the central axis of the side wall 10040w in the length direction, the size of the outlet 10040a can be within a range of more than 180 degrees along the circumferential direction, or within a range of less than 180 degrees.

[0562] The side wall 10040w of the storage portion 10040 is provided with a discharge port 10040a for exposing the storage passage 10040h, so that the cleaning work can be performed more easily.

[0563] In order to connect the storage passage 10040h with the outside of the storage part 10040, a plurality of slits 10040s formed through the side wall 10040w of the storage part 10040 are provided. The slits 10040s play a role in allowing the air retained in the hollow space formed between the outer wall 10040t and the side wall 10040w to contact a part of the outer side surface of the cigarette 3 stored in the storage part 10040.

[0564] The air retained in the hollow space formed between the outer wall 10040t and the side wall 10040w is in a heated state due to the cigarette 3 heated by the heater 10300, and flows into the interior of the accommodating passage 10040h again along the heater hole 10040c of the accommodating portion 10040 or flows into the side of the cigarette 3 through the slit 10040s, thereby playing a role in contributing to the generation of aerosol.

[0565] In addition, the air retained in the hollow space formed between the outer wall 10040t and the side wall 10040w absorbs part of the heat of the cigarette 3, thereby playing a heat insulating role in preventing the heat of the cigarette 3 from being directly transferred to the user through the accommodating portion 10040.

[0566] Reference Fig.58 The side wall 10040w of the accommodating passage 10040h forming the accommodating portion 10040 for accommodating the cigarette 3 may be formed to be inclined along the length direction of the cigarette 3. The side wall 10040w may be formed to be inclined in a direction away from the cigarette 3 from the lower end of the cigarette 3 accommodated in the accommodating passage 10040h toward the upper end of the cigarette 3.

[0567] Thus, the side wall 10040w is formed to be inclined, so that the size of the accommodating passage 10040h of the accommodating portion 10040 can be changed along the length direction of the cigarette 3. That is, the diameter D1 of the accommodating passage 10040h in the middle part for accommodating the cigarette 3 is larger than the diameter D2 of the accommodating passage 10040h at the lower end for accommodating the cigarette 3. According to this diameter change structure of the accommodating passage 10040h, during the operation of accommodating the cigarette 3 in the accommodating portion 10040, the center position of the cigarette 3 can be accurately aligned with the center position of the heater 10300. In addition, when the cigarette 3 is completely inserted into the accommodating passage 10040h, the lower end of the cigarette 3 is strongly pressed by the side wall 10040w, so that the state of the cigarette 3 inserted into the accommodating passage 10040h can be stably supported.

[0568] After the user smokes the cigarette 3 stored in the storage section 10040, the user can directly pull out the cigarette from the storage section 10040. That is, the user can pull out the cigarette 3 from the storage section 10040 by rotating the cigarette stored in the storage section 10040.

[0569] In order to separate the cigarette 3 from the accommodating portion 10040 and then perform cleaning operations, the user may separate the accommodating portion 10040 from the aerosol generating device.

[0570] If the container 10040 is separated from the aerosol generating device, Fig.53As shown, the accommodating passage 10040h is exposed to the outside through the discharge port 10040a, so the cigarette material can be discharged to the outside of the accommodating portion 10040 through the discharge port 10040a. In addition, the user can directly and conveniently clean the accommodating passage 10040h and the side wall 10040w while visually checking.

[0571] On the one hand, the above method can be programmed into a program executable in a computer, and can be implemented in a general-purpose digital computer that uses a computer-readable storage medium to execute the program. Moreover, the data structure used in the method can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium by various means. The computer-readable storage medium includes magnetic storage media (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), USB, floppy disk, hard disk) and optical storage media (e.g., compact disk (CD)-ROM, compact digital video disk (DVD), etc.) storage media.

[0572] Those skilled in the art of the present embodiment will appreciate that variations can be implemented without departing from the essential characteristics of the above description. Therefore, the disclosed method should not be considered from a limiting point of view, but from an illustrative point of view. The scope of the present invention is not limited by the aforementioned invention but by the appended claims, and all differences within the equivalent scope will be interpreted as included in the present invention.

Claims

1. A heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate, in, include: A heating portion including a tubular base and a top formed at one end of the base; A first sheet material having conductive tracks formed on both surfaces and surrounding at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the base; A second sheet material having rigidity and surrounding at least a portion of the first sheet material; and A coating layer is used to flatten the step surface by filling gaps generated by the step surface, wherein the step surface is formed by the laminated structure of the heating portion, the first sheet, and the second sheet.

2. A heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 1, wherein The coating comprises a heat resistant composition.

3. A heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 1, wherein The coating comprises at least one of a glass film coating, a polytetrafluoroethylene coating and a Temron coating.

4. A heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 1, wherein A plurality of said conductive tracks comprises: a first conductive track formed on a first surface of both end surfaces of the first sheet material, capable of heating the heating portion as current flows therein; and The second conductive track is formed on a second surface of both end surfaces of the first sheet and has a temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic for detecting the temperature of the heating portion.

5. A heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 4, wherein Of both end surfaces of the first sheet, the first surface is a surface in contact with the heating unit, and the second surface is the other surface not in contact with the heating unit.

6. A heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 4, wherein: Of the two end surfaces of the first sheet, the second surface is a surface in contact with the heating unit, and the first surface is the other surface not in contact with the heating unit.

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