Aerosol-generating device and heater for an aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol generating device includes a heater including an accommodation space to accommodate an aerosol generating article, and a coil configured to heat the heater by generating a magnetic field, wherein the heater includes a first region arranged to contact the aerosol generating article, and a second region arranged at at least one of both end portions of the first region and extending in a direction away from a central portion of the accommodation space. The present application also provides a heater for an aerosol generating device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments relate to an aerosol generating apparatus, and more specifically, to an aerosol generating apparatus into which an aerosol generating article can be smoothly inserted. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the drawbacks of traditional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing need for aerosol generating devices that generate aerosols by heating aerosol-generating substances instead of burning cigarettes. Therefore, research on heated aerosol generating devices has been actively conducted.

[0003] Methods for heating aerosol-generating articles in aerosol generating apparatus can be divided into resistance heating and induction heating. An induction aerosol generating apparatus includes a heater arranged in or around the aerosol-generating article and configured to generate heat in response to an external magnetic field. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] In an induction aerosol generating apparatus configured to heat the peripheral region of an aerosol generating article, the heater includes a housing space therein for accommodating the aerosol generating article. In this case, during the insertion of the aerosol generating article into the housing space of the heater, the aerosol generating article may not be inserted smoothly into the heater or may be damaged due to friction with the inner wall of the heater.

[0006] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the implementation method is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus that allows for the smooth insertion of aerosol generating articles.

[0007] The technical problems to be solved by the implementation methods are not limited to those described above. Those skilled in the art can clearly understand other unmentioned problems based on this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0008] Technical solutions to the problem

[0009] An aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment includes a heater and a coil. The heater includes a receiving space into which an aerosol generating article is inserted. The coil is configured to heat the heater by generating a magnetic field. The heater includes a first region that contacts the aerosol generating article, and a second region that extends from at least one end of the first region in a direction away from the center of the receiving space.

[0010] The technical solution is not limited to this, and may include all content that can be derived by a person skilled in the art throughout the specification.

[0011] Beneficial effects of the present invention

[0012] In the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment, even if the aerosol generating article is inserted at an angle relative to the predetermined insertion direction, it can be smoothly inserted into the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0013] The beneficial effects of the implementation are not limited to those described above, and may include any effects that can be derived from the construction described below. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment;

[0015] Figure 2 It is based on Figure 1 A perspective view of the heater and insulating member of the aerosol generating apparatus of the illustrated embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 It is based on Figure 2 An exploded view of the heater and insulating element of the aerosol generating apparatus of the illustrated embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4A It is based on Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the heater and insulating member of the aerosol generating apparatus of the illustrated embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4B It is based on Figure 3 An enlarged view of a portion of the cross-section of the heater and the insulating member of the aerosol generating apparatus of the illustrated embodiment;

[0019] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the heater of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment;

[0020] Figure 6 It is based on Figure 5 An exploded view of the heater of the aerosol generating apparatus of the illustrated embodiment;

[0021] Figure 7 It is based on Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the heater of the aerosol generating apparatus of the illustrated embodiment;

[0022] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the heater of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment;

[0023] Figure 9 It is based on Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the heater of the aerosol generating apparatus of the illustrated embodiment;

[0024] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol-generated product;

[0025] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another example of an aerosol-generated product;

[0026] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of another example of an aerosol-generated article; and

[0027] Figure 13 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0028] An aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a heater, the heater including a receiving space for accommodating an aerosol generating article; and a coil configured to heat the heater by generating a magnetic field, wherein the heater includes: a first region arranged to contact the aerosol generating article, and a second region arranged at at least one end of the two ends of the first region and extending in a direction away from the center of the receiving space.

[0029] The first region may include a protruding portion that extends in a direction away from the central part of the accommodating space.

[0030] The first region may include a protruding portion that extends in a direction away from the central portion of the accommodating space, and the aerosol generating apparatus may also include a temperature sensor disposed on the protruding portion and configured to detect the temperature of the heater.

[0031] The aerosol generating apparatus may also include an insulating element connected to at least a portion of the second region and configured to prevent heat transfer from the heater to the outside.

[0032] The aerosol generating apparatus may also include an insulating member coupled to the second region, contacting a portion of the end portion of the second region but not the remainder of the end portion of the second region, and the insulating member is configured to prevent heat from the second region from being transferred to the outside.

[0033] The surface of the second region may include a material to prevent heat dissipation from the heater.

[0034] The second region can be detachably connected to the first region, and the second region can include a material different from that of the first region.

[0035] The surface defined by the edge of the end portion of the second region may be tilted relative to a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the accommodating space extends.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the heater for the aerosol generating apparatus may include: a receiving space for containing an aerosol generating article; a first region for contacting the aerosol generating article; and a second region disposed at at least one end of the two ends of the first region and extending in a direction away from the center of the receiving space.

[0037] The first region may include a protruding portion that extends in a direction away from the central part of the accommodating space.

[0038] The surface of the second region may include a material to prevent heat dissipation from the heater.

[0039] The second region can be detachably connected to the first region, and the second region can include a material different from that of the first region.

[0040] The surface defined by the edge of the end portion of the second region may be tilted relative to a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the accommodating space extends.

[0041] The solution of the present invention

[0042] Regarding the terminology used in the descriptions of the various embodiments, generally used terms are selected in consideration of the function of the structural elements in the various embodiments of this disclosure. However, the meanings of these terms may change depending on intent, judicial precedent, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Additionally, in some cases, terms that are not commonly used may be selected. In such cases, the meaning of the term will be specifically described in the corresponding portion of the description of this disclosure. Therefore, the terminology used in the various embodiments of this disclosure should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the description provided herein.

[0043] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the term "comprising" and variations such as "including" and "including" will be understood to mean including the stated element but not excluding any other element. Additionally, the terms "device," "component," and "module" described in the application refer to a unit for performing at least one function and operation, and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

[0044] As used herein, expressions such as “at least one of…” modify the entire list of elements when placed after the list of elements, rather than the individual elements in the list. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” should be understood as: including only a, including only b, including only c, including both a and b, including both a and c, including both b and c, or including all of a, b, and c.

[0045] In addition, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first" and "second" as used in this specification, may be used to describe various components, but components are not limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components.

[0046] Throughout the instruction manual, "aerosol generating device" can refer to a device configured to generate aerosols by using aerosol generating articles, allowing the aerosols to be inhaled directly into the user's lungs through the user's mouth.

[0047] Throughout this specification, "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article intended for use in smoking. For example, an aerosol-generating article may include a conventionally combustible cigarette for ignition and combustion, or a heated cigarette for heating via an aerosol-generating device. As another example, an aerosol-generating article may include an article used in a method of heating a liquid included in a cartridge.

[0048] In the following description, the present disclosure will now be given more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0049] The embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating apparatus 100 according to the embodiment.

[0051] refer to Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 100 may include a controller 110, a battery 120, a heater 130, a coil 140, a temperature sensor 150, and an insulating element 160. For example... Figure 1 The components, arrangement, shape, etc. of the aerosol generating device 100 shown are merely examples, and various embodiments applicable to the aerosol generating device 100 are not limited to the disclosures in this specification.

[0052] The controller 110 can control the general operation of the aerosol generating apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the controller 110 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, and may also be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory configured to store programs executable by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0053] The controller 110 can control the temperature of the heater 130 by controlling the power supplied from the battery 120 to the coil 140. For example, the controller 110 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 120 and the coil 140.

[0054] The controller 110 can analyze the results detected by the temperature sensor 150 and control subsequent processing operations. For example, the controller 110 can control the power supplied to the coil 140 based on the results detected by the temperature sensor 150 to start or stop the operation of the coil 140. As another example, based on the results detected by the temperature sensor 150, the controller 110 can control the amount of power supplied to the coil 140 and the duration of power supply, so that the heater 130 can be heated to a certain temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0055] Battery 120 can supply power for the operation of aerosol generating apparatus 100. Battery 120 can supply power to coil 140, allowing heater 130 to be heated. Additionally, battery 120 can supply power for the operation of other components disposed in aerosol generating apparatus 100 (e.g., temperature sensor 150). Battery 120 can include a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, battery 120 can include, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0056] The heater 130 can heat the aerosol generating article 200 by generating heat due to an alternating magnetic field applied from the outside. The aerosol generating apparatus 100 can generate aerosol by heating the aerosol generating article 200 disposed in the aerosol generating apparatus 100 through induction.

[0057] More specifically, the induction method can refer to the method of applying an alternating magnetic field, which periodically changes the direction of the alternating magnetic field, to a magnetic material that is heated by an external magnetic field.

[0058] When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, the material may experience energy losses due to eddy current losses and hysteresis losses, and this lost energy can be emitted as heat. Because the alternating magnetic field applied to the magnetic material has a large amplitude or frequency, a greater amount of heat can be emitted. Heat energy can be released from the magnetic material through the applied alternating magnetic field, and this released heat energy can be transferred to the aerosol-generated product.

[0059] At least a portion of heater 130 may include a ferromagnetic material. For example, heater 130 may include a metal or carbon. Heater 130 may include at least one of ferrite, ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). Alternatively, heater 130 may include at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, metal film, ceramics such as zirconium oxide, transition metals such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), or quasi-metals such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

[0060] The heater 130 may include a first region 131 and a second region 132. The first region 131 may include a receiving space 131a in which at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 200 is received. The shape of the first region 131 is not limited, as long as the first region 131 may include a receiving space 131a capable of receiving the aerosol generating article 200. For example, the first region 131 may have a tubular shape, and the receiving space 131a included in the first region 131 may also have a tubular shape.

[0061] As another example, the two end portions of the first region 131 have a tubular shape, and the central portion of the first region 131 may have a shape in which multiple sheets are separated from each other and extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first region 131 to connect the two end portions of the first region 131. Here, the longitudinal direction of the first region 131 may indicate the direction in which the first region 131 extends, and may indicate the direction with a relatively large length.

[0062] When the aerosol generating article 200 is contained in the containing space 131a, the first region 131 may contact the aerosol generating article 200. For example, when a cylindrical aerosol generating article 200 is contained in the containing space 131a, the first region 131 may have a shape that surrounds the external environment of the aerosol generating article 200, but is not limited thereto. As another example, the first region 131 may be arranged such that when the aerosol generating article 200 is contained in the containing space 131a, a portion of the first region 131 surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 200, and the remaining portion of the first region 131 may be arranged away from the aerosol generating article 200.

[0063] The first region 131 may include a protruding portion 133 that protrudes in a direction away from the central portion of the accommodating space 131a. For example, the first region 131 may have a tubular shape, the protruding portion 133 may be a part of the first region 131, the protruding portion 133 extends in the longitudinal direction of the first region 131, and the protruding portion 133 may have a thickness greater than the thickness of the rest of the first region 131.

[0064] The protrusion 133 can be integrally formed with the first region 131. For example, the first region 131 can be manufactured using a single sheet comprising a magnetic material, and the thicker portion of the single sheet can be the protrusion 133. The protrusion 133 can be formed by removing a portion of the first region 131 of the single sheet using an etching process or mechanical method. The implementation is not limited to the method of forming the protrusion 133. For example, the protrusion 133 can be manufactured independently of the first region 131 and attached to the outer side of the first region 131. The protrusion 133 can be attached to the first region 131 by welding, bonding, or a combination of tools such as bolts or rivets.

[0065] Because the thickness of the protrusion 133 differs from the thickness of the rest of the first region 131, the magnetic field lines may not be uniformly concentrated when the variable magnetic field penetrates the heater 130. Therefore, the portion of the first region 131 with the protrusion 133 can be heated to a different temperature than the portion of the first region 131 without the protrusion 133. Thus, the heater 130 can heat different portions of the aerosol-generating article 200 contained in the accommodating space 131a to different temperatures as needed.

[0066] The second region 132 can be arranged at the end portion of the first region 131 and can extend in a direction away from the central portion of the accommodating space 131a. Although Figure 1 The second region 132 is shown to be arranged at both ends of the first region 131, but the second region 132 may be arranged only at one end portion of the first region 131 where the aerosol generating article 200 enters the receiving space 131a.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown by the dashed line, the aerosol generating article 200 can be inserted into the accommodating space 131a at an angle relative to the direction of extension of the accommodating space 131a. Here, the second region 132 can extend in a direction away from the center of the accommodating space 131a, thereby guiding the aerosol generating article 200, which is inserted at an angle, to be smoothly inserted into the center of the accommodating space 131a.

[0068] The second region 132 may be curved in a direction away from the central portion of the receiving space 131a to guide the smooth insertion of the aerosol generating article 200, but is not limited thereto. For example, the second region 132 may have a chamfered shape extending in a direction away from the receiving space 131a.

[0069] The first region 131 and the second region 132 can be formed integrally. For example, the first region 131 and the second region 132 can be manufactured using a single sheet including a magnetic material, but are not limited thereto. The first region 131 and the second region 132 can be manufactured separately and can be joined to each other in a separable manner.

[0070] Coil 140 can apply an alternating magnetic field to heater 130. When power is supplied to coil 140, a magnetic field can be formed in coil 140. When alternating current is applied to coil 140, the direction of the magnetic field formed in coil 140 can be continuously changed. When heater 130 is located in coil 140 and exposed to an alternating magnetic field that periodically changes direction, heater 130 can generate heat, and aerosol generating article 200 contained in heater 130 can be heated.

[0071] The coil 140 can be arranged in a suitable position to apply an alternating magnetic field to the coil 140. For example, the heater 130 can be arranged facing the aerosol generating article 200, and the coil 140 can be arranged on the outer side of the heater 130. In this way, due to the size and arrangement of the coil 140, the efficiency of applying the alternating magnetic field of the coil 140 to the heater 130 can be improved.

[0072] When the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field generated by coil 140 changes, the degree to which heater 130 heats aerosol-generating article 200 can also change. The amplitude or frequency of the magnetic field generated by coil 140 can be changed by the power applied to coil 140. Therefore, aerosol generating apparatus 100 can control the heating of aerosol-generating article 200 by adjusting the power applied to the coil. For example, aerosol generating apparatus 100 can control the amplitude and frequency of the alternating current applied to coil 140.

[0073] As an example, coil 140 can be implemented using a solenoid. Coil 140 may include a solenoid wound along the outer surface of the accommodating space 131a of heater 130, and heater 130 and aerosol generating article 200 may be arranged within the interior space of the solenoid. The wiring of the solenoid may include copper (Cu). However, the implementation is not limited to this, and an alloy comprising any one or at least one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni) may be used as the material for the wiring of the solenoid.

[0074] like Figure 1As shown, temperature sensor 150 can contact heater 130. Temperature sensor 150 can detect the temperature reached by heater 130. Temperature sensor 150 can be connected to controller 110 and can transmit the detection result to controller 110. Temperature sensor 150 may include, for example, a thermocouple, but is not limited thereto. Temperature sensor 150 may include any device capable of detecting the temperature of heater 130.

[0075] As described above, based on the results detected by the temperature sensor 150, the controller 110 can control the amount of power supplied to the coil 140 and the duration of power supply, so that the heater 130 can be heated to a specific temperature or can be maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0076] For example, a temperature sensor 150 may be disposed at a protrusion 133 of the heater 130. To prevent the temperature sensor 150 from separating from the surface of the heater 130, a portion of the temperature sensor 150 may be joined to the heater 130 by a joining process such as welding. In this case, the risk of damaging the heater 130 during the joining process can be reduced because the protrusion 133 has good durability due to its relatively large thickness.

[0077] The insulating element 160 may be attached to at least a portion of the second region 132. The insulating element 160 may prevent heat from the heater 130 from being transferred to the outside.

[0078] refer to Figure 1 The second region 132 can be arranged adjacent to the outer surface of the aerosol generating apparatus 100 to guide the insertion of the aerosol generating article 200. The insulating member 160 can be coupled to at least a portion of the second region 132, thereby effectively reducing heat transfer from the second region 132 to the outside of the aerosol generating apparatus 100. Therefore, a stable operating environment for the aerosol generating apparatus 100 can be provided to the user.

[0079] In addition, the insulating element 160 can prevent heat from the second region 132 from being transferred to the outside, thereby reducing the amount of power wasted in the coil due to heat loss.

[0080] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 2 to 4B The isolation element 160 is described in more detail.

[0081] Figure 2 It is based on Figure 1 A perspective view of the heater 130 and the insulating member 160 of the aerosol generating apparatus 100 of the illustrated embodiment. Figure 3 It is based on Figure 2 An exploded view of the heater 130 and the insulating member 160 of the aerosol generating apparatus 100 of the illustrated embodiment.

[0082] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The isolator 160 may be arranged along the entire periphery of the second region 132, but is not limited thereto. For example, the isolator 160 may be arranged only at a portion of the periphery of the second region 132.

[0083] The insulating member 160 may include an aperture into which the aerosol generating article 200 can be inserted. For smooth insertion of the aerosol generating article 200, the size of the aperture may be substantially the same as the size of a cross section of the receiving space 131a taken perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the receiving space 131a (i.e., taken perpendicular to the direction in which the receiving space 131a extends).

[0084] Although Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagram shows that each of the insulators 160 arranged at both ends of the second region 132 includes a hole, but the implementation is not limited thereto. For example, only one of the insulators 160 arranged at the top may include a hole for inserting the aerosol generating article 200.

[0085] The insulating element 160 may include any material with insulating properties. For example, the insulating element 160 may include a highly heat-resistant polymer material. For example, the insulating element 160 may include polymer materials such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyphenylene sulfone (PPSU), polycarbonate (PC), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (ABS).

[0086] As another example, the insulating member 160 may include a metallic material. For example, the insulating member 160 may include materials such as stainless steel (SUS), aluminum (Al), etc.

[0087] Figure 4A It is based on Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the heater 130 and the insulating member 160 of the aerosol generating apparatus 100 of the illustrated embodiment. Figure 4B It is based on Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the heater 130 and the insulating member 160 of the aerosol generating apparatus 100 of the illustrated embodiment.

[0088] refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B The isolator 160 can be connected to the second region 132. Specifically, the isolator 160 can contact a portion 132 of the end portion 132e of the second region 132 and can be separated from the remainder of the end portion 132f of the second region 132.

[0089] Typically, the insulating element attached to the end portion of a heater with a cylindrical shape contacts the entire area of ​​the end portion of the heater. In this case, the area of ​​contact between the heater and the insulating element is relatively large. Therefore, the insulating element may receive excessive heat from the heater and may be heated to excessively high temperatures. When the temperature of the insulating element itself rises, it may be impossible to achieve the desired level or higher insulation performance.

[0090] Furthermore, when the insulating element comprises a polymer material, the polymer material may melt due to the high temperature of the insulating element. When the polymer material melts, the shape of the insulating element may change, and the insulation performance of the insulating element may decrease. In addition, the molten polymer material may seep into other parts of the aerosol generating device and cause damage to the aerosol generating device.

[0091] The heater 130 of the aerosol generating apparatus 100 according to the embodiment includes a second region 132 extending in a direction away from the central portion of the accommodating space 131a, so the contact area between the heater 130 and the insulating member 160 can be reduced as much as possible.

[0092] More specifically, refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B When the second region 132 bends in a direction away from the center of the accommodating space 131a, the insulating member 160 can connect to the second region 132 without contacting the entire area of ​​the end portion 132e of the second region 132.

[0093] In other words, the contact area between the insulating member 160 and the heater 130 is relatively reduced. Therefore, the heat transferred to the insulating member 160 can be reduced, and excessive temperature rise of the insulating member 160 can be prevented. Thus, problems such as decreased insulation performance or breakdown in the aerosol generating apparatus 100 due to excessive temperature rise of the insulating member 160 can be solved.

[0094] At least a portion of the surface of the second region 132 may include a material to prevent heat dissipation from the heater 130. The material to prevent heat dissipation from the heater 130 may be deposited or coated on the surface of the second region 132, but is not limited thereto.

[0095] Because the surface of the second region 132 includes a material that prevents heat dissipation from the heater 130, the surface temperature of the second region 132 can be kept relatively low, and the insulation performance that prevents thermal movement of the heater 130 can be further improved. When the temperature of the surface of the second region 132 adjacent to the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 is kept relatively low, the stability of the aerosol generating device 100 when used by the user can be guaranteed.

[0096] Materials used to prevent heat dissipation from heater 130 may include highly heat-resistant polymer materials and metallic materials. Highly heat-resistant polymer materials and metallic materials used for insulating elements may also be used in heater 130.

[0097] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the heater 130 of an aerosol generating apparatus 100 according to another embodiment. Figure 6 It is based on Figure 5 An exploded view of the heater 130 of the aerosol generating apparatus 100 of the illustrated embodiment.

[0098] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The second region 132 can be detachably connected to the first region 131. The second region 132 and the first region 131 can be manufactured separately and then connected to each other. Therefore, mass production techniques can be applied to the manufacture of the second region 132 and the first region 131, and the second region 132 and the first region 131 can be manufactured easily.

[0099] The second region 132 and the first region 131 may comprise different materials. For example, the second region 132 may comprise a highly heat-resistant polymer material, and the first region 131 may comprise a ferromagnetic material. In this case, the second region 132 does not participate in the heating of the aerosol generating article 200. The first region 131 may heat the aerosol generating article 200, and the second region 132 may prevent the dissipation of heat generated from the first region 131. Since the second region 132 primarily prevents the dissipation of heat generated from the first region 131, the insulation performance preventing heat dissipation from the heater 130 to the outside of the aerosol generating article 100 can be further improved.

[0100] Figure 7 It is based on Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the heater 130 of the aerosol generating apparatus 100 of the illustrated embodiment.

[0101] refer to Figure 7 The second region 132 can be arranged along the circumference of the end portion of the first region 131. That is, when the second region 132 is connected to the entire end portion of the first region 131, heat in the accommodating space 131a can be prevented from being transferred to the outside through the end portion of the first region 131.

[0102] Furthermore, the second region 132 can extend along the direction of the accommodating space 131a, thereby contacting the outer surface of the first region 131. As the contact area between the second region 132 and the first region 131 increases, the connecting force between the second region 132 and the first region 131 can be increased. Here, the direction of the accommodating space 131a refers to the direction of the length extension of the accommodating space 131a.

[0103] although Figure 7 The diagram shows a second region 132 extending in the direction of the accommodating space 131a, thereby contacting the outer surface of the first region 131, but the implementation is not limited thereto. The second region 132 may extend in the direction of the accommodating space 131a, thereby contacting the inner surface of the first region 132, or the second region 132 may extend in the direction of the accommodating space 131a, thereby contacting both the inner and outer surfaces of the first region 131.

[0104] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the heater of an aerosol generating apparatus 100 according to another embodiment. Figure 9 It is based on Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the heater 130 of the aerosol generating apparatus 100 of the illustrated embodiment.

[0105] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The surface S defined by the edge of the end portion of the second region 132 may be inclined relative to a direction perpendicular to the direction L in which the receiving space 131a extends. That is, compared with other regions, a specific region of the end portion 132e of the second region 132 may protrude along the direction in which the receiving space 131a extends.

[0106] When reusing the aerosol generating device 100, users typically hold it in a specific direction. For example, a user may hold the aerosol generating device 100 such that the switch is located at the user's thumb. The switch is located on the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 and controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0107] When the user holds the aerosol generating device 100 in a constant position, the direction in which the user inserts the aerosol generating article 200 into the receiving space 131a can also be constant. In this case, by designing the second region 132 into different shapes according to the region, the aerosol generating article 200 can be inserted into the receiving space 131a more smoothly.

[0108] In other words, compared to other regions, a specific region of the end portion 132e of the second region 132, corresponding to the direction in which the aerosol generating article 200 is expected to be repeatedly inserted by the user, can be designed to protrude in the L direction extending along the receiving space 131a. For example, the region of the end portion 132e of the second portion 132 that protrudes in the L direction of the receiving space 131a can be arranged adjacent to the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 where the switch is arranged, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0109] Therefore, as Figure 9As shown by the dashed line, even when the aerosol generating article 200 is inserted along a direction with a relatively large inclination relative to the direction L extending relative to the accommodating space 131a, the aerosol generating article 200 can be smoothly guided into the accommodating space 131a.

[0110] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 10 to 12 An example describing aerosol-generated article 200.

[0111] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an example of an aerosol-generated article 200.

[0112] refer to Figure 10 The aerosol-generating article 200 may include a tobacco stick 210 and a filter stick 220. (See reference...) Figure 1 The first section, described in detail, includes a tobacco stick 210, and the second section includes a filter stick 220.

[0113] Figure 10 The filter rod 220 is shown to include a single segment. However, the filter rod 220 is not limited to this. In other words, the filter rod 220 may include multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 220 may include a first segment configured to cool the aerosol and a second segment configured to filter specific components contained in the aerosol. Additionally, the filter rod 220 may include at least one segment configured to perform other functions, as needed.

[0114] The aerosol-generating article 200 can be packaged using at least one package 240. The package 240 may have at least one opening through which external air can be introduced or internal air can be exhausted. For example, the aerosol-generating article 200 may be packaged by a single package 240. As another example, the aerosol-generating article 200 may be double-packaged using two or more packages 240. For example, the tobacco stick 210 may be packaged by a first package 241, and the filter stick 220 may be packaged by packages 242, 243, and 244. Furthermore, the entire aerosol-generating article 200 may be repackaged by another single package 245. When the filter stick 220 comprises multiple segments, each segment may be packaged by packages 242, 243, and 244.

[0115] The tobacco stick 210 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. Furthermore, the tobacco stick 210 may include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Additionally, the tobacco stick 210 may include flavoring liquids, such as menthol or humectants, infused into the tobacco stick 210.

[0116] The tobacco stick 210 can be manufactured in various forms. For example, the tobacco stick 210 can be formed as a sheet or shreds. Furthermore, the tobacco stick 210 can be formed as tobacco shreds, which are formed from tiny fragments cut from tobacco sheets. Additionally, the tobacco stick 210 can be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material can be, but is not limited to, metal foil, such as aluminum foil. For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco stick 210 can uniformly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco stick 210, thus increasing the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco stick and improving the flavor of the tobacco. Furthermore, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco stick 210 can serve as a base for heating by an induction heater. Here, although not shown in the accompanying drawings, in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco stick 210, the tobacco stick 210 may also include an additional base.

[0117] The filter rod 220 may include a cellulose acetate filter. The shape of the filter rod 220 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 220 may include a cylindrical or tubular rod with a hollow interior. Furthermore, the filter rod 220 may include a recessed rod. When the filter rod 220 includes multiple segments, at least one of the segments may have a different shape.

[0118] The filter rod 220 can be configured to generate fragrance. For example, a fragrance liquid can be injected into the filter rod 220, or additional fibers coated with fragrance liquid can be inserted into the filter rod 220.

[0119] Additionally, the filter rod 220 may include at least one capsule 230. Here, the capsule 230 may generate a fragrance or aerosol. For example, the capsule 230 may have a structure that encapsulates a liquid containing a fragrance material with a membrane. For example, the capsule 230 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0120] When the filter rod 220 includes a section configured to cool the aerosol, the cooling section may comprise a polymeric material or a biodegradable polymeric material. For example, the cooling section may comprise only pure polylactic acid, but the material used to form the cooling section is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the cooling section may comprise a cellulose acetate filter with multiple pores. However, the cooling section is not limited to the examples described above and is not restricted, as long as the cooling section cools the aerosol.

[0121] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another example of aerosol-generated article 200.

[0122] refer to Figure 11The aerosol generating article 200 may further include a front end plug 250. The front end plug 250 may be located on the side of the tobacco stick 210 opposite to the filter rod 220. The front end plug 250 can prevent the tobacco stick 210 from detaching during smoking and prevent liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco stick 210 into the aerosol generating device.

[0123] The filter rod 220 may include a first segment 221 and a second segment 222. Here, the first segment 221 may correspond to... Figure 10 The first segment of the filter rod 220 and the second segment 222 can correspond to Figure 10 The second part of the filter rod 220.

[0124] The diameter and total length of the aerosol-generating article 200 can correspond to Figure 10 The diameter and total length of the aerosol-generating article 200. For example, the length of the front end plug 250 is about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco stick 210 is about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 221 is about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 222 is about 14 mm, but not limited thereto.

[0125] The aerosol-generating article 200 can be packaged using at least one package 240. The package 240 may have at least one opening through which external air can be introduced or internal air can be expelled. For example, the end cap 250 may be packaged in a first package 241, the tobacco stick 210 in a second package 242, the first segment 221 in a third package 243, and the second segment 222 in a fourth package 244. Furthermore, the entire aerosol-generating article 200 may be repackaged in a fifth package 245.

[0126] Additionally, at least one perforation 246 may be formed in the fifth package 245. For example, the perforation 246 may be formed in the area surrounding the tobacco stick 210, but is not limited thereto. The perforation 246 may be used to transfer heat generated by the heater to the interior of the tobacco stick 210.

[0127] Additionally, at least one capsule 230 may be included in the second segment 222. Here, the capsule 230 may generate a fragrance or aerosol. For example, the capsule 230 may have a structure that encapsulates a liquid containing a fragrance material with a membrane. For example, the capsule 230 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0128] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of another example of aerosol-generated article 200.

[0129] refer to Figure 12The aerosol-generating article 200 may include a first portion 260, a second portion 270, a third portion 280, and a fourth portion 290. More specifically, the first portion 260, the second portion 270, the third portion 280, and the fourth portion 290 may respectively include an aerosol-generating element, a tobacco element, a cooling element, and a filtering element. For example, the first portion 260 may include an aerosol-generating substance, the second portion 270 may include tobacco material and a humectant, the third portion 280 may be configured to cool the airflow passing through the first portion 260 and the second portion 270, and the fourth portion 290 may include a filter material.

[0130] refer to Figure 12 The first portion 260, the second portion 270, the third portion 280, and the fourth portion 290 can be arranged sequentially relative to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article 200. Here, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article 200 can be the direction in which the aerosol generating article 200 extends along its length. For example, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article 200 can include a direction from the first portion 260 toward the fourth portion 290. Therefore, the aerosol generated from at least one of the first portion 260 and the second portion 270 can sequentially pass through the first portion 260, the second portion 270, the third portion 280, and the fourth portion 290 and form an airflow, so that a user can draw in the aerosol from the fourth portion 290.

[0131] The first part 260 may include an aerosol generating element. Additionally, the first part 260 may include other additives, such as flavoring agents, wetting agents, and / or organic acids, and may also include flavored liquids, such as menthol or humectants. Here, the aerosol generating element may include at least one of, for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol.

[0132] The first part 260 may include a rolled sheet, and the aerosol generating element may be included in the first region while being impregnated in the rolled sheet. Additionally, other additives such as fragrances, wetting agents, and / or organic acids, as well as fragrance liquids, may be included in the first part 260 in a state of being absorbed by the rolled sheet.

[0133] Curled sheets may include sheets containing polymeric materials. For example, the polymeric material may include at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell fiber, and polylactic acid. For example, curled sheets may include paper sheets that do not generate odors due to heat even when heated to high temperatures. However, embodiments are not limited to this.

[0134] The first portion 260 may extend from the end portion of the aerosol-generating article 200 to a point of approximately 7 mm to approximately 20 mm, and the second portion 270 may extend from the point where the first portion 260 terminates to a point of approximately 7 mm to approximately 20 mm. However, the extension is not limited to the above-described numerical range, and the lengths of the first portion 260 and the second portion 270 extending respectively may be appropriately adjusted within a range that can be easily modified by those skilled in the art.

[0135] Part 270 may include tobacco elements. Tobacco elements may include specific types of tobacco materials. For example, tobacco elements may be in the form of tobacco shredded fillers, tobacco pellets, tobacco sheets, tobacco beads, tobacco granules, tobacco powder, or tobacco extracts. Additionally, tobacco materials may include at least one of, for example, tobacco leaves, tobacco sticks, expanded tobacco, shredded tobacco, and reconstituted tobacco.

[0136] The third portion 280 can be configured to cool the airflow passing through the first portion 260 and the second portion 270. The third portion 280 can be made of a polymeric or biodegradable polymeric material and can have a cooling section. For example, the third portion 280 can include polylactic acid (PLA) fibers, but the materials used to form the third portion 280 are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the third portion 280 can include a cellulose acetate filter with multiple pores. However, the third portion 280 is not limited to the foregoing examples and can include any material capable of cooling aerosols. For example, the third portion 280 can include a tubular filter or a paper tube filter including a hollow section.

[0137] The fourth part 290 may include a filter material. For example, the fourth part 290 may include a cellulose acetate filter. The shape of the fourth part 290 is not limited. For example, the fourth part 290 may include a cylindrical rod, or it may include a tubular rod including a hollow portion. In addition, the fourth part 290 may also include a recessed rod. When the fourth part 290 includes multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be manufactured in different shapes.

[0138] The fourth part 290 can be manufactured to generate flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid can be sprayed into the fourth part 290, and fibers coated with the flavoring agent can be inserted into the fourth part 290.

[0139] The aerosol generating article 200 may include a package 240 that encapsulates at least a portion of the first portion 260 into the fourth portion 290. Furthermore, the aerosol generating article 200 may include a package 240 that completely encapsulates the first portion 260 into the fourth portion 290. The package 240 may be located at the outermost contour of the aerosol generating article 200. The package 240 may be a single package, but may also include a combination of multiple packages.

[0140] For example, the first part 260 of the aerosol generating article 200 includes a rolled sheet containing aerosol generating substances, the second part 270 may include reconstituted tobacco leaves as tobacco material and glycerin as a humectant, the third part 280 may include a paper tube, and the fourth part 290 may include cellulose acetate fibers, but the embodiments are not necessarily limited to these.

[0141] Figure 13 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 100 according to another embodiment.

[0142] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a controller 110, a sensor 20, an output unit 30, a battery 120, a heater 160, a user input unit 60, a memory 70, and a communication unit 80. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to... Figure 13 The block diagram. That is, those skilled in the art will understand that, Figure 13 Some of the components shown can be replaced. According to the design of the aerosol generating device 100, some of the components can be omitted. Figure 13 The components can be added or other components can be added.

[0143] Sensor 20 can detect the state of aerosol generating device 100 or the state around aerosol generating device 100, and can transmit the detected state to controller 110. Based on the detected state, controller 110 can control aerosol generating device 100 to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of heater 130, restricting smoking, determining whether aerosol generating products (e.g., cigarettes, cartridges, etc.) are inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0144] Sensor 20 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of temperature sensor 150, insertion detection sensor 24 and suction sensor 26.

[0145] Temperature sensor 150 can detect the temperature to which heater 130 (or aerosol generating material) is heated. Aerosol generating device 100 may include a separate temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of heater 130, or alternatively, heater 130 itself may be used as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, temperature sensor 150 may be arranged around battery 120 to monitor the temperature of battery 120.

[0146] The insertion detection sensor 24 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 24 may include at least one of a thin-film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect changes in the signal based on the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article.

[0147] The suction sensor 26 can detect a user's suction based on various physical changes in the airflow path or airflow channel. For example, the suction sensor 26 can detect a user's suction based on one of the following: temperature change, flow rate change, voltage change, and pressure change.

[0148] In addition to the sensors described above, sensor 20 may also include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS)), a proximity sensor, and a red-green-blue (RGB) sensor (illuminance sensor). Those skilled in the art can intuitively understand the function of the sensors from their names, therefore a detailed description is omitted.

[0149] The output unit 30 can output information related to the state of the aerosol generating device 100 and provide information to the user. The output unit 30 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the display 32, the haptic unit 34, and the sound output unit 36. When the display 32 and the touchpad form a layer structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display 32 can also be used as an input device in addition to being an output device.

[0150] Display 32 can visually provide the user with information related to the aerosol generating apparatus 100. For example, the information related to the aerosol generating apparatus 100 can indicate various aspects of the apparatus, such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 120, the preheating status of the heater 130, the insertion / removal status of the aerosol generating article, or a status where the use of the aerosol generating apparatus 100 is restricted (e.g., when an undesirable article is detected). Display 32 can also output this information externally. Display 32 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel, etc. Additionally, display 32 may have a light-emitting device (LED).

[0151] The tactile unit 34 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimulation and provide the user with information related to the aerosol generating device 100 in a tactile manner. For example, the tactile unit 34 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0152] The sound output unit 36 ​​can provide auditory information about the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the sound output unit 36 ​​can convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

[0153] Battery 120 supplies power for the operation of aerosol generating apparatus 100. Battery 120 also supplies power for the heater 130 to be heated. Additionally, battery 120 supplies power for the operation of other components disposed in aerosol generating apparatus 100 (e.g., sensor 20, output unit 30, user input unit 60, memory 70, and communication unit 80). Battery 120 may include a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, battery 120 may include, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0154] Heater 130 can receive power from battery 120 and heat the aerosol-generating material. Although Figure 13 Not shown, but the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may also include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current (DC) / DC converter) configured to convert the power from the battery 120 and supply power to the heater 130. The aerosol generating apparatus 100 generates aerosols by induction, and may also include a DC / AC converter configured to convert the direct current from the battery 120 to alternating current.

[0155] The controller 110, sensor 20, output unit 30, user input unit 60, memory 70, and communication unit 10 can receive power from battery 120 and perform functions. Although Figure 13 Not shown, it may also include a power conversion circuit, such as a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, configured to convert the power of the battery 120 and supply power to the various components.

[0156] In this embodiment, the heater 130 can be formed of any suitable resistive material. For example, suitable resistive materials may include metals or metal alloys, including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nickel-chromium alloys, but are not limited thereto. Furthermore, the heater 130 may be implemented as a metal wire, a metal plate with conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0157] In other embodiments, heater 130 may include an induction heater. For example, heater 130 may include a base configured to generate heat due to the magnetic field applied by the coil and to heat the aerosol-generating article.

[0158] The user input unit 60 can receive user input or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 60 may include a keyboard, a dome switch, a touchpad (using methods such as contact capacitance, resistance coverage, infrared beam, surface acoustic wave, integral strain gauge, and piezoelectric effect), a scroll wheel, a scroll wheel switch, etc., but is not limited to these. Furthermore, although in Figure 13 Although not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 100 may also include a connection interface such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, and can send / receive information or charge the battery by connecting to another external device via a connection interface such as a USB interface.

[0159] The memory 70, configured to store various data processed in the aerosol generating apparatus 100, can store data that has already been processed or will be processed in the processor 110. The memory 70 may include at least one type of storage medium from the following: flash memory, hard disk memory, multimedia card micro-type memory, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic storage, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 70 can store data regarding the operating time period of the aerosol generating apparatus 100, maximum number of puffs, current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0160] The communication unit 80 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication device 80 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 82 and a wireless communication unit 84.

[0161] The short-range wireless communication unit 82 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit 20, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near-field communication unit, a wide-area network (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, and an Ant+ communication unit.

[0162] The wireless communication unit 84 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) communication unit). The wireless communication unit 84 may identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 100 in the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

[0163] The controller 110 can control the general operation of the aerosol generating apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the controller 110 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, and may also be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory configured to store programs that can be executed by the microprocessor. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may also be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0164] The controller 110 can control the temperature of the heater 130 by controlling the power supply from the battery 120 to the heater 130. For example, the controller 110 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching device between the battery 120 and the heater 130. In other embodiments, the heating integrated circuit can control the power supply to the heater 130 in response to control commands from the controller 110.

[0165] The controller 110 can analyze the results detected by the sensor 20 and control subsequent processing operations. For example, the controller 110 can control the power supplied to the heater 130 based on the results detected by the sensor 20 to start or stop the operation of the heater 130. As another example, based on the results detected by the sensor 20, the controller 110 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 130 and the duration of power supply, so that the heater 130 can be heated to a specific temperature or can maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0166] The controller 110 can control the output unit 30 based on the results detected by the sensor 20. For example, when the number of suctions counted by the suction sensor 26 reaches a preset number, the controller 110 can notify the user that the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 will be completed soon through at least one of the display unit 32, the tactile unit 34, and the sound output unit 36.

[0167] One implementation may also take the form of a recording medium including computer-executable instructions, such as computer-executable program modules. A computer-readable recording medium can be any available medium accessible by a computer, including volatile and non-volatile media, as well as removable and non-removable media. Additionally, a computer-readable recording medium can include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes all volatile and non-volatile media, as well as removable and non-removable media, implemented by any method or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in modulated data signals such as program modules or other transmission mechanisms, and include any information transmission medium.

[0168] Those skilled in the art related to this embodiment will understand that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the scope of the above features. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered descriptive rather than restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope of equivalents of this disclosure should be construed as included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: A heater, the heater including a receiving space for containing an aerosol-generating article; as well as A coil configured to heat the heater by generating a magnetic field. The heater includes: A first region, the first region being arranged to contact the aerosol-generating article; and A second region is disposed at at least one end of the two ends of the first region, and the second region extends in a direction away from the central portion of the accommodating space. The first region includes a protruding portion that extends in a direction away from the central portion of the accommodating space. The protruding portion extends in the longitudinal direction of the first region, and the protruding portion has a thickness greater than that of the rest of the first region. The protruding portion is heated to a temperature different from the temperature of the portion of the first region other than the protruding portion.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The protruding portion is integrally formed with the first region.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, in, The aerosol generating apparatus further includes a temperature sensor disposed on the protrusion and configured to detect the temperature of the heater.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The aerosol generating apparatus further includes an insulating element connected to at least a portion of the second region and configured to prevent heat transfer from the heater to the outside.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, in, The aerosol generating apparatus further includes an insulating element connected to the second region, the insulating element contacting a portion of the end portion of the second region but not the remainder of the end portion of the second region, and the insulating element being configured to prevent heat transfer from the second region to the outside.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The surface of the second region includes a material that prevents heat dissipation from the heater.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The second region is detachably connected to the first region and comprises a material different from that of the first region.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The surface defined by the edge of the end portion of the second region is inclined relative to a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the accommodating space extends.

9. A heater for an aerosol generating apparatus, wherein, The heater includes: A accommodating space for accommodating aerosol-generated articles; A first region, the first region being arranged to contact the aerosol-generating article; and A second region is disposed at at least one end of the two ends of the first region, and the second region extends in a direction away from the central portion of the accommodating space. The first region includes a protruding portion that extends in a direction away from the central portion of the accommodating space. The protruding portion extends in the longitudinal direction of the first region, and the protruding portion has a thickness greater than that of the rest of the first region. The protruding portion is heated to a temperature different from the temperature of the portion of the first region other than the protruding portion.

10. The heater according to claim 9, wherein, The protruding portion is integrally formed with the first region.

11. The heater according to claim 9, wherein, The surface of the second region includes a material that prevents heat dissipation from the heater.

12. The heater according to claim 9, wherein, The second region is detachably connected to the first region, and the second region comprises a material different from that of the first region.

13. The heater according to claim 9, wherein, The surface defined by the edge of the end portion of the second region is inclined relative to a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the accommodating space extends.

Images