Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device includes a housing including an accommodation passage capable of accommodating a cigarette, a cover detachably coupled to an upper side of the housing and formed with an external hole capable of exposing the accommodation passage into which the cigarette is inserted, a heater for heating the cigarette inserted through the accommodation passage, a bracket provided at the housing to support an electronic component for supplying power to the heater, and a cap portion provided at an upper surface of the housing to hide components inside the housing.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application No. 2019800046862, filed on January 22, 2019, entitled "Aerosol Generating Device". Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an aerosol generating apparatus, and more specifically, to an aerosol generating apparatus having a structure that cannot be arbitrarily decomposed by a user. Background Technology

[0003] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is increasing demand for methods that generate aerosols by heating the aerosol-generating substances within the cigarette, rather than by burning it. Therefore, research is actively underway on non-combustion aerosol generating devices, such as heated cigarettes or heated aerosol generating devices.

[0004] A non-combustion aerosol generating device refers to a device that heats cigarettes to a specified temperature without combustion, thereby generating aerosols from aerosol-generating substances contained in the cigarettes, allowing the aerosols to be inhaled simultaneously with air.

[0005] Non-combustible aerosol generators contain a heater inside the device for heating cigarettes. Because the heater is heated to a high temperature, users are at risk of burns if they disassemble the device arbitrarily.

[0006] The background technology described above is technical information that the inventors have acquired or learned during the process of deriving embodiments of the present invention, and should not be regarded as publicly known technology that was disclosed to the general public before the application for embodiments of the present invention. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention provides an aerosol generating device having a structure that cannot be arbitrarily decomposed by the user.

[0009] In addition, the embodiments can provide an aerosol containing rich flavor and nicotine by transmitting the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generator through cigarettes.

[0010] means for solving problems

[0011] An embodiment of the present invention discloses an aerosol generating device, comprising: a housing including a receiving passage for accommodating a cigarette; a cover detachably coupled to the upper side of the housing and having an external hole forming an external hole that exposes the receiving passage through which the cigarette is inserted; a heater for heating the cigarette inserted through the receiving passage; a bracket disposed in the housing to support electronic components for supplying power to the heater; and a cap disposed on the upper surface of the housing to conceal components inside the housing.

[0012] In this embodiment, the housing may include an upper housing and a lower housing; the aerosol generating device may also include a fastening component, which fastens the upper housing and the support.

[0013] In this embodiment, the upper housing may include a first hole, the bracket may include a second hole, and the fastening component may pass through the first hole and the second hole to fasten the upper housing and the bracket.

[0014] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include: a sealing component sandwiched between the housing and the cap to seal the interior of the housing.

[0015] In this embodiment, the heater may include a resistance heater, which is heated when power is supplied to the resistance heater.

[0016] In this embodiment, the heater may include a conductive rail, which is heated when power is supplied to the conductive rail.

[0017] In this embodiment, the electronic components may include a battery for supplying power to the heater.

[0018] In this embodiment, when a portion of the cigarette is inserted into the receiving passage, the other portion of the cigarette can be exposed to the outside so that the user can inhale the other portion of the cigarette.

[0019] In this embodiment, the cover can be attached to the first end of the housing, so that the cover and the housing together form the appearance of the aerosol generating device.

[0020] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a holding device disposed between the cover and the housing to maintain the connection between the cover and the housing.

[0021] In this embodiment, the retaining device may include: a first magnet disposed on one of the housing and the cover, and a second magnet or metal member disposed on the other of the housing and the cover and configured to be attracted to the first magnet.

[0022] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a door that can slide along the upper surface of the cover.

[0023] In this embodiment, the door portion can move along the upper surface of the cover to expose the external opening.

[0024] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a hinge assembly that connects the door to the cover, such that the door can rotate along the extension direction of the upper surface of the cover.

[0025] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include: a button disposed in the housing; when the button is operated, the operation of the aerosol generating device is controlled.

[0026] Other aspects, features, and advantages besides those described above will become more apparent from the following drawings, claims, and detailed description of the invention.

[0027] Invention Effects

[0028] According to the aerosol generating apparatus of the present invention as described above, the user cannot access the fastening components located inside the housing due to the inseparable combination structure of the shell and the cap, thereby providing an aerosol generating apparatus with a structure that the user cannot arbitrarily disassemble.

[0029] In addition, after aerosols are generated in the aerosol generation source, the generated aerosols are flowed through the cigarette, thereby providing the user with an aerosol containing suitable flavor and nicotine. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figures 1 to 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 It is shown in Figure 5 A perspective view of the working state of a separated component in the aerosol generating apparatus of the embodiment shown.

[0034] Figure 7 It is shown in decomposition Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of a portion of the aerosol generating apparatus of the illustrated embodiment.

[0035] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 5 A cross-sectional view showing the assembly relationship of some components of the aerosol generating apparatus of the illustrated embodiment.

[0036] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a modified component of the aerosol generating apparatus of the illustrated embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0037] An embodiment of the present invention discloses an aerosol generating device, comprising: a housing having a heater for heating cigarettes inside; a bracket supporting components disposed inside the housing; a fastening component fastening the housing and the bracket; and a cap disposed on the outer surface of the housing, thereby concealing the fastening component inside the housing and making it inseparable after being installed.

[0038] The terminology used in the embodiments has been selected as widely used and common terms as possible, taking into account the functionality of the invention. However, these terms may be changed based on the intent of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. Furthermore, in certain cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected some terms; in such cases, the meanings of the selected terms will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terminology used in this invention should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the invention, and not merely on the name of the terms.

[0039] Throughout the specification, the phrase "includes" a component in a section means that, unless otherwise described, that section may also include other components, not that it excludes the inclusion of other components. Furthermore, terms such as "...section" or "...module" in the specification refer to a unit that performs at least one function or action, which can be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to readily implement the invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but can be implemented in various different ways.

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figures 1 to 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 1000 includes a battery 1010, a control unit 1020, and a heater 1030. (See reference...) Figure 2 and Figure 3The aerosol generating device 1000 also includes a vaporizer 1040. Additionally, a cigarette 2000 can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0044] Figures 1 to 3 The aerosol generating apparatus 1000 shown only illustrates the components relevant to this embodiment. Therefore, those skilled in the art related to this embodiment will understand that the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 may also include components other than those shown in this embodiment. Figures 1 to 3 Other conventional components besides the components shown.

[0045] in addition, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The aerosol generating apparatus 1000 shown includes a heater 1030, but the heater 1030 may be omitted if necessary.

[0046] Figure 1 The diagram shows the battery 1010, control unit 1020, and heater 1030 arranged in a row. Additionally, Figure 2 The diagram shows the battery 1010, control unit 1020, carburetor 1040, and heater 1030 arranged in a row. Additionally, Figure 3 The vaporizer 1040 and heater 1030 are shown arranged side by side. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1000 is not limited to this. Figures 1 to 3 The structure shown is as follows. In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1000, the configuration of the battery 1010, control unit 1020, heater 1030, and vaporizer 1040 can be changed.

[0047] If cigarette 2000 is inserted into aerosol generating device 1000, aerosol generating device 1000 can activate heater 1030 and / or vaporizer 1040, thereby generating aerosol from cigarette 2000 and / or vaporizer 1040. The aerosol generated by heater 1030 and / or vaporizer 1040 is delivered to the user via cigarette 2000.

[0048] As needed, even when the cigarette 2000 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000, the aerosol generating device 1000 can still heat the heater 1030.

[0049] The battery 1010 supplies power to operate the aerosol generating apparatus 1000. For example, the battery 1010 can power the heater 1030 or the vaporizer 1040 to heat them, and can also supply the power required for operation to the control unit 1020. In addition, the battery 1010 can supply the power required for operation to the display, sensors, motors, etc. installed in the aerosol generating apparatus 1000.

[0050] The control unit 1020 provides overall control over the operation of the aerosol generating device 1000. Specifically, in addition to controlling the battery 1010, heater 1030, and vaporizer 1040, the control unit 1020 can also control the operation of other components in the aerosol generating device 1000. Furthermore, the control unit 1020 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 1000 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 1000 is in a state where it can operate.

[0051] The control unit 1020 includes at least one processor. The processor can be implemented using multiple logic gate arrays, or it can be implemented using a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, as will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment pertains, it can also be implemented using other forms of hardware.

[0052] The heater 1030 can be heated using electricity supplied by the battery 1010. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000, the heater 1030 can be located outside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 1030 can raise the temperature of the aerosol generating substances inside the cigarette.

[0053] Heater 1030 can be a resistance heater. For example, heater 1030 may include a conductive track, through which heater 1030 is heated when current flows. However, heater 1030 is not limited to the above example; it can be used as long as it can heat to the desired temperature, and there are no particular limitations. Here, the desired temperature can be preset in the aerosol generating device 1000, or it can be set by the user to a desired temperature.

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

[0055] For example, heater 1030 may include tubular heating element, plate heating element, needle heating element or rod heating element, which can heat the inside or outside of cigarette 2000 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0056] Alternatively, the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 may also be equipped with multiple heaters 1030. In this case, the multiple heaters 1030 may be configured to be inserted into the interior of the cigarette 2000, or they may be configured to be located outside the cigarette 2000. Alternatively, some of the multiple heaters 1030 may be inserted into the interior of the cigarette 2000, while the others may be located outside the cigarette 2000. Furthermore, the shape of the heaters 1030 is not limited to... Figures 1 to 3The shape shown can also be made into many other shapes.

[0057] The vaporizer 1040 can heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can be delivered to the user via the cigarette 2000. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 1040 can move along the airflow channel of the aerosol generating device 1000, which can be configured to deliver the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 1040 to the user via the cigarette.

[0058] For example, the vaporizer 1040 may include a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer unit, and a heating element, but is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer unit, and the heating element may be included as independent modules in the aerosol generating apparatus 1000.

[0059] The liquid storage unit is capable of storing a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising tobacco-containing substances, or it may be a liquid comprising non-tobacco-containing substances, wherein the tobacco-containing substances contain volatile tobacco flavor components. The liquid storage unit may be detachable from or disposed within the vaporizer 1040, or it may be integral with the vaporizer 1040.

[0060] For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavorings, or vitamin mixtures. Fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavorings. Flavorings may include ingredients capable of providing the user with a variety of fragrances or flavors. Vitamin mixtures may be, but are not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E. Additionally, the liquid composition may include aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0061] The liquid delivery unit is capable of transferring the liquid composition from the liquid storage section to the heating element. For example, the liquid delivery unit can be a core material such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but is not limited to these.

[0062] A heating element is a component used to heat a liquid composition conveyed by a liquid delivery unit. For example, the heating element can be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited to these. Alternatively, the heating element can be made of a conductive heating wire such as nickel-chromium wire, and can have a structure wound around the liquid delivery unit. The heating element can be heated by a supplied current, transferring heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element to heat the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0063] For example, the vaporizer 1040 may also be called an electronic cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited to these terms.

[0064] On one hand, the aerosol generating device 1000 may also include other commonly used components besides the battery 1010, control unit 1020, heater 1030, and vaporizer 1040. For example, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. Additionally, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include at least one sensor (a suction detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, a cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 1000 may be configured to allow external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even when a cigarette 2000 is inserted.

[0065] Although Figures 1 to 3 Although not shown, the aerosol generating device 1000 can be configured as a system with a separately provided bracket. For example, the bracket can be used to charge the battery 1010 of the aerosol generating device 1000. Alternatively, the heater 1030 can be heated when the bracket is combined with the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0066] Cigarette 2000 can be a cigarette similar to a regular combustible cigarette. For example, cigarette 2000 can be divided into a first part including aerosol-generating substances and a second part including a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second part of cigarette 2000 may also include aerosol-generating substances. For example, aerosol-generating substances made in the form of granules or capsules can be inserted into the second part.

[0067] The entire first part can be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating device 1000, while the second part can be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part can be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating device 1000, or the entire first part and a portion of the second part can be inserted. The user can inhale the aerosol while holding the second part in their mouth. At this time, external air passes through the first part to generate aerosol, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user's mouth through the second part.

[0068] As an example, external air can flow in through at least one air channel formed in the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the opening and closing of the air channel formed in the aerosol generating device 1000 and / or the size of the air channel can be adjusted by the user. Thus, the user can adjust the amount of vaporization, the smoking sensation, etc. As another example, external air can flow into the interior of the cigarette 2000 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 2000.

[0069] The following is for reference Figure 4 This will be illustrated with an example of cigarette brand 2000.

[0070] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette.

[0071] Reference Figure 4 Cigarette 2000 includes tobacco stick 2050 and filter stick 2200. (See reference) Figures 1 to 3 The first part 2050 mentioned above includes a tobacco stick 2050, and the second part 2200 includes a filter stick 2200.

[0072] Figure 4 The filter rod 2200 shown has a single-segment structure, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 2200 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 2200 may include a first segment for cooling aerosols and a second segment for filtering specified components contained within the aerosols. Additionally, depending on requirements, the filter rod 2200 may also include at least one segment performing other functions.

[0073] Cigarette 2000 can be wrapped with at least one wrapping paper 2350. The wrapping paper 2350 has at least one hole for allowing external air to flow in or for allowing internal gas to flow out. As an example, cigarette 2000 can be wrapped with one wrapping paper 2350. As another example, cigarette 2000 can be wrapped with two or more wrapping papers 2350 stacked together. For example, tobacco stick 2050 can be wrapped with a first wrapping paper, and filter stick 2200 can be wrapped with a second wrapping paper. Furthermore, the tobacco stick 2050 and filter stick 2200, each wrapped with a single wrapping paper, can be combined, and the entire cigarette 2000 can be wrapped with a third wrapping paper. If the tobacco stick 2050 or filter stick 2200 is composed of multiple segments, each segment can be wrapped with a single wrapping paper. Furthermore, the entire cigarette 2000, composed of segments each wrapped with a single wrapping paper, can be wrapped with another wrapping paper.

[0074] The tobacco stick 2050 may include aerosol-generating substances. For example, the aerosol-generating substances may include at least one of glycerol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but are not limited thereto. Additionally, the tobacco stick 2050 may contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Furthermore, flavoring liquids such as menthol or humectants may be added to the tobacco stick 2050 by spraying.

[0075] The tobacco stick 2050 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco stick 2050 can be made of sheet material or strand material. Alternatively, the tobacco stick 2050 can be made of tobacco leaves obtained by slicing tobacco leaves into small pieces. Furthermore, the tobacco stick 2050 can be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to this. As an example, the heat-conducting material used to surround the tobacco stick 2050 can evenly distribute and transfer heat to the tobacco stick 2050, thereby increasing the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco stick and thus improving the flavor of the tobacco. Additionally, the heat-conducting material used to surround the tobacco stick 2050 can function as a base that can be heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown in the figure, the tobacco stick 2050 may include other bases in addition to the heat-conducting material used to surround the exterior.

[0076] The filter rod 2200 can be a cellulose acetate filter tip. On the one hand, there are no limitations on the shape of the filter rod 2200. For example, the filter rod 2200 can be a cylindrical rod or a hollow tubular rod. Additionally, the filter rod 2200 can be a semi-concealed rod. If the filter rod 2200 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments can be made into a different shape.

[0077] The filter rod 2200 can be made to generate fragrance. For example, flavoring liquid can be sprayed into the filter rod 2200, or other fibers coated with flavoring liquid can be inserted into the interior of the filter rod 2200.

[0078] Additionally, the filter rod 2200 may include at least one capsule 2300. Here, the capsule 2300 may function to generate fragrance or to generate aerosols. For example, the capsule 2300 may have a structure in which the fragrance-containing liquid is encapsulated by a membrane. The capsule 2300 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited to these.

[0079] If the filter rod 2200 includes a section for cooling aerosols, the cooling section can be made of a polymer or a biodegradable polymer. For example, the cooling section can be made of pure polylactic acid, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling section can be made of a cellulose acetate filter tip with multiple pores. However, the cooling section is not limited to the above examples; it is only necessary to perform the function of cooling aerosols, and there are no special restrictions.

[0080] On the one hand, although not in Figure 4As shown, however, one embodiment of the cigarette 2000 may further include a front-end filter. The front-end filter is located on the side of the tobacco stick 2050 opposite to the filter stick 2200. The front-end filter prevents the tobacco stick 2050 from detaching outwards and, during smoking, prevents liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco stick 2050 into the aerosol generating device. Figures 1 to 3 (of 1000).

[0081] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Figure 5 The aerosol generating apparatus 1000 of the illustrated embodiment may include a housing 1100 and a cover 1002. The cover 1002 is attached to one end of the housing 1100 such that the housing 1100 and the cover 1002 together form the appearance of the aerosol generating apparatus 1000.

[0083] The housing 1100 forms part of the exterior of the aerosol generating device 1000 and houses various components inside for protective purposes.

[0084] The lid 1002 and the housing 1100 can be made of a plastic material with poor thermal conductivity or a metal material coated with a heat-insulating material. The lid 1002 and the housing 1100 can be made by, for example, injection molding, 3D printing, or by assembling small parts made by injection molding.

[0085] A retaining device (not shown) for maintaining the engagement of the cover 1002 and the housing 1100 may be provided between the cover 1002 and the housing 1100. The retaining device may include, for example, a protrusion and a groove. Alternatively, the engagement of the cover 1002 and the housing 1100 may be maintained by keeping the protrusion inserted into the groove, and the protrusion may be moved and separated from the groove by an operating button that can be pressed by the user.

[0086] Alternatively, the retaining device may include a magnet and a metal component capable of being attracted to the magnet. When the retaining device uses a magnet, the magnet may be provided on either the housing 1100 or the cover 1002, and the metal component capable of being attracted to the magnet may be provided on the other, or magnets may be provided on both the housing 1100 and the cover 1002.

[0087] Figure 5 In the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 of the illustrated embodiment, the cover 1002 is not a necessary structure, and therefore the cover 1002 may be omitted if necessary.

[0088] An external hole 1002p is formed on the upper surface of the cover 1002 attached to the housing 1100, allowing a cigarette 2000 to be inserted. Furthermore, a track 1003r is formed adjacent to the external hole 1002p on the upper surface of the cover 1002. The track 1003r is provided with a door portion 1003 that can slide along the upper surface of the cover 1002. The door portion 1003 can slide linearly along the track 1003r.

[0089] As the door 1003 moves along the track 1003r... Figure 5 The arrow moves in the direction of the cover, exposing the external hole 1002p and the insertion hole 1004p to the outside. The external hole 1002p and the insertion hole 1004p allow the cigarette 2000 to be inserted into the housing 1100 via the cover 1002. The external hole 1002p of the cover 1002 exposes the insertion hole 1004p of the receiving passage 1004h that receives the cigarette 2000 to the outside.

[0090] When the external hole 1002p is exposed to the outside through the door portion 1003, the user can place the cigarette 2000 into the receiving passage 1004h formed inside the cover 1002 by inserting the end 2000b of the cigarette 2000 into the external hole 1002p and the insertion hole 1004p.

[0091] Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the door portion 1003 is configured to be linearly movable relative to the cover 1002. However, the embodiment is not limited to the structure in which the door portion 1003 is attached to the cover 1002. For example, the door portion 1003 can be rotatably mounted to the cover 1002 via a hinge assembly. When using the hinge assembly, the door portion 1003 can rotate laterally toward the side of the external hole 1002p along the extension direction of the upper surface of the cover 1002, or the door portion 1003 can rotate in a direction away from the upper surface of the cover 1002.

[0092] The track 1003r has a groove shape, but the embodiment is not limited to the shape of the track 1003r. For example, the track 1003r may be convex and may extend in a curve rather than a straight line.

[0093] The housing 1100 is equipped with a button 1009. By operating the button 1009, the operation of the aerosol generating device 1000 is controlled.

[0094] With the cover 1002 attached to the housing 1100, an external air inflow gap 1002g is formed at the junction of the cover 1002 and the housing 1100, allowing air to flow into the interior of the cover 1002.

[0095] Figure 6 It is shown in Figure 5A perspective view of the working state of a separated component in the aerosol generating apparatus of the embodiment shown.

[0096] like Figure 6 As shown, with the cigarette 2000 inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000, the user can hold the cigarette 2000 in their mouth to inhale the aerosol.

[0097] When the cigarette 2000 is finished being used, the user should remove the cigarette 2000 from the aerosol generating device 1000 and then perform a cleaning process to remove any cigarette residue remaining inside the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0098] The cleaning of the aerosol generating device 1000 can be carried out in the following manner: after the user separates the cover 1002 from the housing 1100 of the aerosol generating device 1000, the cigarette support 4 is separated from the housing 1100, thereby exposing the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1000 and the heater 1030 to the outside, so as to remove cigarette substances.

[0099] In detail, the housing 1100 is composed of an upper housing 1100a into which the cigarette 2000 is inserted and heated, and a lower housing 1100b that supports and protects the various components disposed inside. Hereinafter, housing 1100 refers to housing 1100 that includes both the upper housing 1100a and the lower housing 1100b.

[0100] The cap 1002 can be attached to the housing 1100 so as to cover the cigarette support portion 4 attached to the housing 1100. Alternatively, the cap 1002 can be detached from the housing 1100 as needed.

[0101] After using the cigarette 2000, when removing the cigarette 2000 from the aerosol generating device 1000, the user can hold the cigarette 2000 in their hand and rotate it to pull the cigarette 2000 out of the housing 1100.

[0102] Alternatively, when removing cigarettes 2000 from the aerosol generating device 1000, such as Figure 6 As shown, when the user rotates the cigarette 2000 and pulls the cover 1002, the cover 1002 can be separated from the housing 1100 at the same time as the cigarette 2000.

[0103] By rotating the cigarette 2000 to separate it from the housing 1100, the adhesion between the cigarette 2000 and the heater can be released. At the same time, the cigarette matter attached to the cigarette 2000 can be discharged to the outside of the housing 1100 along with the cigarette 2000.

[0104] When the cap 1002 of the cigarette 2000 is pulled without rotating it, although the cigarette 2000 can be separated from the housing 1100, a portion of the cigarette 2000, such as the cigarette portion, does not exit from the housing 1100 and remains on the heater 1030 side. In this case, the user can separate the cigarette support 4 from the housing 1100 after separating the cap 1002 from the housing 1100. At this time, the cigarette portion remaining on the heater 1030 side separates from the housing 1100 together with the cigarette support 4. Afterwards, the user can remove the cigarette portion remaining in the separated cigarette support 4.

[0105] Figure 7 It is shown in decomposition Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of a portion of the aerosol generating apparatus of the illustrated embodiment. Figure 8 It is shown Figure 5 A cross-sectional view showing the assembly relationship of some components of the aerosol generating apparatus of the illustrated embodiment.

[0106] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The aerosol generating apparatus 1000 of the illustrated embodiment includes a housing 1100, a support 1200, a fastening component 1300, and a cap 1400.

[0107] The housing 1100 may be provided with a heater 1030 for heating the cigarette 2000 inside. As described above, the housing 1100 may be composed of an upper housing 1100a and a lower housing 1100b, and the fastening member 1300, the cap 1400 and the sealing member 1600 described below may be provided in the upper housing 1100a.

[0108] The bracket 1200 can support various components disposed inside the housing 1100. For example, the bracket 1200 performs the functions of fixing electronic components such as the battery 1010 and the control unit 1020, which are used to power the heater 1030, to the lower housing 1100b and also provides protection.

[0109] The fastening member 1300 can fasten the housing 1100 and the bracket 1200. Preferably, as shown in the figures, the fastening member 1300 can be made of screws. For example, the housing 1100 has a screw hole (not shown) formed inside for the fastening member 1300 to be inserted, and the bracket 1200 has a mating hole (not shown) connected to the screw hole. The screw is fastened to both the screw hole and the mating hole, so that both the screw hole and the mating hole can be passed through simultaneously, thereby allowing the housing 1100 and the bracket 1200 to be fastened to each other.

[0110] The cap 1400 is disposed on the outer surface of the housing 1100, concealing the fastening member 1300 within the housing 1100. Its characteristic is that it is non-separable once disposed. "Non-separable once disposed" means that it is difficult for an ordinary user to separate without the use of specially manufactured equipment, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this description. For example, the description "non-separable once disposed" could also mean that it can be exceptionally separated when using specially manufactured equipment, or that it can be forcibly separated when any one or more components of the aerosol generating device 1000 are deformed, such as by the destruction of the hook 1410, which will be described later.

[0111] For details, refer to Figure 8 The cap portion 1400 has a hook portion 1410 protruding in the length direction of the cigarette 2000, and the hook portion 1410 may have a locking platform 1411 protruding in the inner surface of the housing 1100.

[0112] The housing 1100 may include a receiving portion 1110 that protrudes toward the hook portion 1410 to accommodate the cap portion 1400. When the cap portion 1400 is disposed on the housing 1100, the receiving portion 1110 abuts against the latch 1411, thereby restricting the cap portion 1400 from moving upward. For example, the surface 1411p on which the receiving portion 1110 and the latch 1411 abut may extend in a direction parallel to the width direction of the cigarette. With this configuration, when the user wishes to lift the cap portion 1400 upward, the latch 1411 of the cap portion 1400 hooks onto the receiving portion 1110 of the housing 1100, thus preventing the cap portion 1400 from moving upward.

[0113] Additionally, the aerosol generating device 1000 may also include a stopper 1500 disposed on the inner surface of the housing 1100, which applies pressure to the hook portion 1410 in the direction protruding toward the locking platform 1411 to restrict the movement of the hook portion 1410 in the direction protruding toward the placement portion 1110. With this structure, when the user arbitrarily lifts the cap 1400 upwards, the locking platform 1411 slides relative to the placement portion 1110. Even when the cap 1400 is lifted upwards relative to the housing 1100, by fixing the locking platform 1411 in its original position, sliding of the locking platform 1411 relative to the placement portion 1110 can be prevented. Thus, the cap 1400 can be prevented from separating from the housing 1100 and being lifted upwards.

[0114] On one hand, the mounting plate 1411 may include an inclined surface 1411s, and when the cap 1400 is disposed on the housing 1100, the mounting portion 1110 can slide on the inclined surface 1411s. On the other hand, the mounting portion 1110 may include a sliding surface 1110s, and when the cap 1400 is disposed on the housing 1100, the mounting plate 1411 can slide on the sliding surface 1110s.

[0115] According to this structure, the action of setting the cap 1400 onto the housing 1100 can be carried out conveniently and efficiently. That is, when the cap 1400 is to be set onto the housing 1100, the inclined surface 1411s of the mounting plate 1411 and the sliding surface 1110s of the placement portion 1110 slide against each other, thereby deforming at a predetermined interval toward the center of the interior of the housing 1100. According to this deformation, the hook 1410 can continue to be inserted downward.

[0116] Then, when the latch 1411 of the hook 1410 is inserted into a position lower than the placement portion 1110 of the housing 1100, the hook 1410 returns to its original position, so that the latch 1411 can abut against the placement portion 1110.

[0117] According to the structure described above, the cap 1400 can be easily attached to the housing 1100, but the user cannot arbitrarily operate the cap 1400 to detach it from the housing 1100. Therefore, the user cannot access the fastening member 1300 located inside the housing 1100, and thus cannot access the bracket 1200 fastened to the housing 1100 by the fastening member 1300. Since the user cannot arbitrarily disassemble the aerosol generating device 1000 and access the various electronic components or heater 1030 located inside, burns caused by the heater 1030 being heated to a high temperature or malfunctions of the electronic product due to careless operation can be prevented.

[0118] On the one hand, the aerosol generating device 1000 may further include a sealing member 1600 sandwiched between the housing 1100 and the cap 1400 to seal the interior of the housing 1100. The sealing member 1600 is preferably made of a material with specified elasticity, such as rubber. The sealing member 1600 prevents external foreign matter from flowing into the space between the housing 1100 and the cap 1400 and contaminating the interior of the housing 1100.

[0119] On one hand, the contact surfaces (UM) between the upper housing 1100a and the cap 1400, and between the upper housing 1100a and the lower housing 1100b, of the sealing component 1600 can be joined by ultrasonic welding. Furthermore, the embodiments are not limited to this; ultrasonic welding can be used to join the parts where dissimilar components are connected. In other words, to prevent users from arbitrarily accessing the heater 1030 or electronic components inside the device, ultrasonic welding can be used to join all contact points that require sealing. The parts joined by ultrasonic welding are connected as rigid bodies, therefore, users cannot arbitrarily separate or open them except by applying force to break them.

[0120] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8A cross-sectional view of a modified component of the aerosol generating apparatus of the illustrated embodiment.

[0121] Reference Figure 9 In another embodiment, the hook portion 2410 of the aerosol generating device includes an extension member 2412, which is formed to extend further into the length direction of the cigarette than the card table 2411, and the blocker 2500 can apply pressure to the extension member 2412 in the direction protruding towards the card table 2411.

[0122] Based on the above structure, the length (b) of the extension member 2412 can be formed to be a longer length (b>f) than the distance (f) between the upper surface of the mounting portion 2110 in the stopper 2500 and the surface that contacts the cap portion 2400.

[0123] This is because, based on the length direction of the cigarette 2000, when the length (b) of the extension member 2412 is shorter than or equal to the distance (f) between the upper surface of the mounting portion 2110 in the stopper 2500 and the surface that contacts the cap 2400 (b≤f), when the cap 2400 is inserted between the mounting portion 2110 and the stopper 2500, the mounting plate 2411 slides relative to the mounting portion 2110 and moves to the left by a predetermined interval. Finally, the extension member 2412 moves to a position further to the left than the stopper 2500, making it impossible to insert the extension member 2412 into the space between the mounting portion 2110 and the stopper 2500.

[0124] Furthermore, based on the length direction of the cigarette 2000, the width (a) of the card holder 2411 can be formed to be narrower or the same as (a≤e) than the distance (e) between the surface 2411p of the card holder 2411 and the mounting part 2110 that abuts against each other.

[0125] This is because, based on the length direction of the cigarette 2000, when the width (a) of the card holder 2411 is wider than the distance (e) between the surface 2411p of the card holder 2411 and the mounting part 2110 that abuts against each other and the stopper 2500 (a>e), when the hook part 2410 is inserted between the mounting part 2110 and the stopper 2500, the sliding path of the card holder 2411 and the mounting part 2110 becomes longer, and there is a risk of damage to the mounting part 2110 or the cap part 2400.

[0126] Furthermore, based on the width direction of the cigarette 2000, the width (c) of the hook portion 2410 excluding the card holder 2411 can be made narrower (c) than the distance (g) between the stopper 2500 and the card holder 2411. <g)。

[0127] This is because, based on the width direction of the cigarette 2000, when the width (c) of the hook 2410 of the excluding plate 2411 is made wider or the same as (c≥g) than the distance (g) separating the stopper 2500 and the plate 2411, it is impossible to achieve the desired result. Figure 9 The hook portion 2410, the mounting portion 2110, and the stopper 2500 are shown in the configuration structure. However, even when the hook portion 2410 is joined to the space between the mounting portion 2110 and the stopper 2500 by inserting the extension member 2412, the hook portion cannot be erected vertically, and therefore the cap portion 2400 cannot be attached to the housing 2100.

[0128] In addition, based on the width direction of the cigarette 2000, the width (d) of the hook portion 2410 including the card holder 2411 can be formed to be wider than the distance (g) between the stopper 2500 and the card holder 2411 (d>g).

[0129] This is because, when the width (d) of the hook portion 2410, including the card holder 2411, is formed to be narrower or the same as (d≤g) than the distance (g) between the stopper 2500 and the card holder 2411 based on the width direction of the cigarette 2000, the hook portion 2410 can detach from the space between the placement portion 2110 and the stopper 2500 at any time.

[0130] The description of the structure and effects of the above embodiments is merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments can be implemented therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, wherein, include: The casing includes a receiving passage for accommodating cigarettes, an upper casing, and a lower casing. The cap is detachably attached to the upper side of the upper housing and has an external opening that exposes the receiving passage into which the cigarette is inserted. A heater for heating the cigarette inserted through the receiving passage. A bracket, disposed within the housing, supports the electronic components used to power the heater. A cap, disposed on the upper surface of the upper housing to conceal the interior of the upper housing, the cap being non-detachable from the upper housing. A door portion, disposed on the outside of the cover, is slidable along the upper surface of the cover to expose the external opening. A hinge assembly that joins the door to the cover, allowing the door to rotate toward the side of the external opening along the extension direction of the upper surface of the cover. The lid is detachably attached to the upper housing such that it covers both the upper housing and the cap portion. The lower housing and the cover together form the appearance of the aerosol generating device.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The aerosol generating device also includes a fastening component that fastens the upper housing and the support.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The upper housing includes a first hole. The bracket includes a second hole. The fastening component passes through the first hole and the second hole to fasten the upper housing and the bracket.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Also includes: A sealing component is sandwiched between the upper housing and the cap to seal the interior of the upper housing.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The heater includes a resistance heater, which is heated when power is supplied to it.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The heater includes a conductive rail, which is heated when power is supplied to the conductive rail.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic components include a battery for supplying power to the heater.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, When one part of the cigarette is inserted into the receiving passage, the other part of the cigarette is exposed to the outside so that the user can inhale the other part of the cigarette.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Also includes: A retaining device is disposed between the cover and the upper housing to maintain the connection between the cover and the upper housing.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The retaining device includes: A first magnet is disposed on one of the upper housing and the cover, and A second magnet or metal component is disposed on the other of the upper housing and the cover and configured to be attracted to the first magnet.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Also includes: A button is provided on the housing; When the button is activated, the operation of the aerosol generating device is controlled.

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