Aerosol-generating system

Abstract

Provided is an aerosol generating system capable of controlling the temperature distribution of a substrate as a heating target. An aerosol generating system includes: a long strip-shaped heating portion that heats an aerosol generating substrate from the inside by being electrified; and a pair of metal plates that are provided to cover mutually opposite faces of the heating portion, respectively, along the long strip shape, the heating portion including at least two or more regions that differ in heat generation amount.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an aerosol generation system. Background Technology

[0002] Inhalation devices such as electronic cigarettes and atomizers, which generate substances that are inhaled by users, are now widely available. These devices produce aerosols with added flavoring components by using an aerosol source to generate the aerosol and a flavoring source to impart flavor to the generated aerosol. Users can then inhale the flavored aerosol generated by the device and enjoy the flavor.

[0003] In recent years, there has been a surge in the development of technologies related to the use of rod-shaped substrates as aerosol or fragrance sources for absorption devices. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a plate-shaped heating section that heats the substrate from the inside by being inserted into a rod-shaped substrate.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Chinese Utility Model No. 209807157 Specification Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention will solve

[0008] However, the heating element disclosed in Patent Document 1 heats up approximately uniformly throughout its entire area, making it difficult to control the temperature distribution of the substrate being heated. Therefore, in an absorption device equipped with the heating element disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to precisely control the aerosol or fragrance generated from the substrate by controlling the temperature distribution of the substrate.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved aerosol generation system capable of controlling the temperature distribution of a substrate that is the object of heating.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] To address the aforementioned issues, according to a certain aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generation system is provided, comprising: a strip-shaped heating element that heats up by being energized to heat an aerosol generation substrate from the inside; and a pair of metal plates configured to cover opposing surfaces of the heating element along the strip shape, wherein the heating element comprises at least two regions with different heat outputs.

[0012] Alternatively, it may also include an aerosol generating substrate into which the heating element covered by the pair of metal plates is inserted.

[0013] Alternatively, the length of the pair of metal plates in the longitudinal direction of the elongated shape may be longer than the length of the heating element.

[0014] Alternatively, the pair of metal plates may be arranged on the root side, opposite to the front end side inserted inside the aerosol generating substrate, extending in the length direction than the heating element.

[0015] Alternatively, the heating element may be energized between the pair of metal plates.

[0016] Alternatively, an insulating portion may be provided between the heating element and at least one of the pair of metal plates to restrict the flow of electricity from the pair of metal plates to the heating element.

[0017] Alternatively, the heating element may include multiple heating elements, which are arranged separately from each other according to the different areas of heat generation.

[0018] Alternatively, the multiple heating elements may have different sizes, shapes, or characteristics.

[0019] Alternatively, the plurality of heating elements may be arranged separately from each other along the length of the strip shape.

[0020] Alternatively, the heating element inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating substrate may be shaped to form an angle and protrude towards the front end.

[0021] Alternatively, at least one of the pair of metal plates may further include a front rib formed by bending an edge along the front end side of the heating element.

[0022] Alternatively, at least one of the pair of metal plates may include a rib formed by bending one side of the edge of at least one of the plates along the short side direction of the elongated shape of the heating element.

[0023] Alternatively, the ribs may be located on both sides of the short side of at least one of the pair of metal plates.

[0024] Alternatively, the heating element may be in the shape of a flat plate, and the thickness of the flat plate may be less than 1 / 4 of the width of the flat plate.

[0025] Alternatively, the pair of metal plates may be disposed on two opposing main surfaces of the flat plate shape of the heating element.

[0026] Alternatively, the heating element can be bonded to the pair of metal plates using a conductive adhesive paste.

[0027] Alternatively, the pair of metal plates may be formed of a nickel-iron alloy.

[0028] Alternatively, the heating element may be a PTC heater.

[0029] Alternatively, the PTC heater may contain barium titanate.

[0030] Alternatively, the heating temperature of the heating element may be less than 350°C.

[0031] Invention Effects

[0032] As described above, according to the present invention, an aerosol generation system capable of controlling the temperature distribution of a substrate that is the object to be heated can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a suction device.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the heating section according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the main body of the heating element shown.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a top view showing an example of the detailed structure of the heating element.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a top view showing another example of the detailed structure of the heating element.

[0038] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A top view of the fixing part of the heating unit shown.

[0039] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the heating section body of the first modified example.

[0040] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The top view of the main body of the heating element shown.

[0041] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of the heating section body of the second modified example.

[0042] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The top view of the main body of the heating element shown.

[0043] Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view of the heating section body of the third modified example.

[0044] Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view of the heating section body of the fourth modified example. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in this specification and the drawings, constituent elements having substantially the same functional configuration are labeled with the same reference numerals, thereby omitting repeated descriptions.

[0046] <1. Example of the structure of a suction device>

[0047] The aspiration device of this embodiment generates an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source from within the substrate. Hereinafter, with reference to... Figure 1 The example of this structure will be explained.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a suction device. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the suction device 100 of this embodiment includes a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a storage unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 121, and a receiving unit 140. The user performs suction with the rod-shaped substrate 150 housed in the receiving unit 140. Each component will be described in turn below.

[0049] The power supply unit 111 stores electricity. Furthermore, the power supply unit 111 supplies power to each component of the suction device 100. The power supply unit 111 can be, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. The power supply unit 111 can also be charged by connecting to an external power source using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or similar means. Additionally, the power supply unit 111 can be charged wirelessly without being connected to a power-supplying device. Moreover, the power supply unit 111 can be detached from the suction device 100 or replaced with a new power supply unit 111.

[0050] The sensor unit 112 detects various information related to the aspiration device 100 and outputs the detected information to the control unit 116. As an example, the sensor unit 112 may be composed of a pressure sensor, flow sensor, or temperature sensor, such as a capacitive microphone. In this case, the sensor unit 112 can output information indicating that the user has aspirated the material when detecting a value associated with the user's aspiration to the control unit 116. As another example, the sensor unit 112 may be composed of an input device, such as a button or switch, that accepts input from the user. In particular, the sensor unit 112 may include a button indicating the start / stop of aerosol generation. In this case, the sensor unit 112 can output information input by the user to the control unit 116. As another example, the sensor unit 112 may be composed of a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit 121. The temperature sensor detects the temperature of the heating unit 121, for example, based on the resistance value of the heating unit 121. In this case, the sensor unit 112 can detect the temperature of the rod-shaped substrate 150 housed in the housing 140 based on the temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0051] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. As an example, the notification unit 113 is composed of a light-emitting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). Accordingly, the notification unit 113 can emit light in different light-emitting modes depending on whether the power supply unit 111 is in a charging state, the power supply unit 111 is charging, or the absorption device 100 malfunctions. The light-emitting mode here includes concepts such as color and on / off timing. The notification unit 113 may also be composed of a display device for displaying images, a sound output device for outputting sound, or a vibration device for vibration, either together with or instead of the light-emitting device. In addition, the notification unit 113 can also notify the user of information indicating that absorption is possible. This information can be notified when the temperature of the rod-shaped substrate 150 heated by the heating unit 121 reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0052] Storage unit 114 stores various information used in the operation of the picking device 100. Storage unit 114 is constructed, for example, of a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory. An example of information stored in storage unit 114 is information related to the operating system (OS) of the picking device 100, such as the control content of the control unit 116 for various components. Another example of information stored in storage unit 114 is information related to the user's picking process, such as the number of picks, the pick-up time, or the cumulative pick-up time.

[0053] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface used for sending and receiving information between the absorption device 100 and other devices. The communication unit 115 performs communication according to any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such communication standards include wireless LAN (Local Area Network), wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark). As an example, the communication unit 115 sends absorption-related information to the smartphone in order to display this information on the smartphone. As another example, the communication unit 115 receives new OS information from a server to update the OS information stored in the storage unit 114.

[0054] The control unit 116 functions as both a processing unit and a control unit, controlling the overall operation within the pick-up device 100 according to various programs. The control unit 116 may be implemented using electronic circuitry such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor. In addition, the control unit 116 may include ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs and calculation parameters, and RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters that change appropriately. The pick-up device 100 performs various processes based on the control of the control unit 116. One example of a process controlled by the control unit 116 is the supply of power from the power supply unit 111 to other components, the charging of the power supply unit 111, the detection of information by the sensor unit 112, the notification of information by the notification unit 113, the storage and retrieval of information by the storage unit 114, and the transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 115. Other processes performed by the pick-up device 100, such as the input of information to each component and the processing of information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 116.

[0055] The receiving portion 140 has an internal space 141, which houses and holds a portion of the rod-shaped substrate 150. The receiving portion 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside, and holds the rod-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the receiving portion 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and the bottom 143 as its bottom surfaces, dividing the cylindrical internal space 141. At least a portion of the receiving portion 140 in the height direction of the cylindrical body is configured such that its inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the rod-shaped substrate 150, allowing the rod-shaped substrate 150 to be held in place by pressing it from the outer periphery. The receiving portion 140 also functions to divide a flow path for air passing through the rod-shaped substrate 150. An air inlet, i.e., an air inlet hole, is disposed, for example, at the bottom 143. On the other hand, an air outlet, i.e., an air outlet hole, is the opening 142 from which air exits the flow path.

[0056] The rod-shaped substrate 150 is a rod-shaped aerosol generating substrate. The rod-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a suction port portion 152.

[0057] The substrate 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source is heated and atomized to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source may include, for example, tobacco shreds or processed tobacco raw materials shaped into granules, flakes, or powder, or other tobacco-derived materials. Alternatively, the aerosol source may include non-tobacco-derived materials derived from plants other than tobacco (such as mint or vanilla). If the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may also contain medication for patient inhalation. Furthermore, the aerosol source is not limited to a solid; for example, it may be a polyol such as glycerol or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water. At least a portion of the substrate 151 is housed within the internal space 141 of the housing 140 while the rod-shaped substrate 150 is held within the housing 140.

[0058] The suction port 152 is the part that is held in the mouth by the user during suction. At least a portion of the suction port 152 protrudes from the opening 142 while the rod-shaped substrate 150 is held in the receiving portion 140. Furthermore, the user holds the suction port 152 protruding from the opening 142 and sucks, thereby allowing air to flow into the interior of the receiving portion 140 through the air inlet hole (not shown). The flowing air passes through the internal space 141 of the receiving portion 140, that is, through the substrate portion 151, and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0059] Heating unit 121 heats the aerosol source, thereby atomizing the aerosol source to generate an aerosol. Although examples will be described in detail later, heating unit 121 is configured as a plate and is disposed protruding from the bottom 143 of housing 140 into the interior space 141 of housing 140. Therefore, when rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into housing 140, the plate-shaped heating unit 121 is inserted into the interior of rod-shaped substrate 150 by inserting into the substrate portion 151 of rod-shaped substrate 150. Moreover, when heating unit 121 heats up, the aerosol source contained in rod-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the interior of rod-shaped substrate 150 and atomized to generate an aerosol. Heating unit 121 heats up when powered by power supply unit 111. As an example, aerosol can also be generated by powered heating unit 121 when a predetermined user input is detected by sensor unit 112. When the temperature of rod-shaped substrate 150 heated by heating unit 121 reaches a predetermined temperature, user suction can be performed. Subsequently, the power supply to the heating unit 121 can be stopped if the sensor unit 112 detects that a specified user input has been made. As another example, the powered heating unit 121 can also generate an aerosol while the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has taken aspiration.

[0060] The suction device 100 and the rod-shaped substrate 150 cooperate to generate an aerosol that is inhaled by the user. Therefore, the combination of the suction device 100 and the rod-shaped substrate 150 can also be regarded as an aerosol generation system.

[0061] <2. Detailed Structure of the Heating Unit>

[0062] Next, refer to Figures 2-6 The heating unit 121 of the suction device 100 of this embodiment will be described in more detail. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the heating section 121 in this embodiment. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the heating unit body 1250 of the heating unit 121 shown. Figure 4 This is a top view showing an example of the detailed structure of the heating element 1210. Figure 5 This is a top view showing another example of the detailed structure of the heating element 1210. Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A top view of the fixing part 1260 included in the heating part 121 shown.

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, the heating unit 121 includes a heating unit body 1250 and a fixing part 1260. The heating unit body 1250 is held by the fixing part 1260 and is fixed to the housing of the suction device 100 via the fixing part 1260.

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, the heating element body 1250 includes a heating element 1210, a first metal plate 1220, and a second metal plate 1230. The heating element body 1250 can internally heat the rod-shaped substrate 150 by the heat generated by the heating element 1210, which is energized via the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230.

[0065] Here, in Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 In this context, the direction in which the heating element body 1250 is inserted into the interior of the rod-shaped substrate 150 is called the upward direction, and the direction opposite to the upward direction is called the downward direction. Furthermore, the direction in which the first metal plate 1220, the heating element 1210, and the second metal plate 1230 are attached is called the front-back direction, and the direction orthogonal to both the upward / downward and front-back directions is called the left-right direction.

[0066] The heating element 1210 is a long strip-shaped component that heats up by resistance heating. Specifically, the heating element 1210 can also be a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater that heats up by energizing the space between the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230.

[0067] A PTC heater is a heater that uses a resistive element with the characteristic that the resistance value rises sharply and no current flows when a predetermined temperature (called the Curie temperature) is reached (PTC characteristic). By utilizing the PTC characteristic, the current flow can be controlled even without a control device, thus allowing the heating temperature to be controlled below the Curie temperature. Therefore, a PTC heater can heat an object below the Curie temperature. For example, the heating element 1210 can also be a PTC heater using barium titanate (BaTiO3), which has PTC characteristics, as the resistive element. In this case, the heating element 1210 can set the Curie temperature of the barium titanate to 350°C, thus allowing the rod-shaped substrate 150 to be heated at a temperature below 350°C.

[0068] In the heating section 121 of this embodiment, the heating section 1210 includes at least two regions with different heat outputs. The at least two regions with different heat outputs are arranged, for example, along the length direction of the elongated shape of the heating section 1210.

[0069] Accordingly, the heating element 1210 can heat the rod-shaped substrate 150 while controlling the temperature distribution along its length, thus enabling more precise control over the aerosol or fragrance generated from the rod-shaped substrate 150. For example, by reducing the heat generated in the area near the user's mouth (i.e., the front end where the heating element 121 is inserted into the rod-shaped substrate 150), the heating element 1210 can lower the temperature of the aerosol inhaled by the user. Therefore, the inhalation device 100 can prevent the user from inhaling hot aerosol, thus providing a more comfortable fragrance experience.

[0070] Specifically, the heating section 1210 may also include multiple heating elements (e.g., PTC heaters) that are separate from each other and have different heat outputs in order to form multiple regions with different heat outputs.

[0071] For example, Figure 4 As shown, the heating element 1210 may also include a first heating element 1211, a second heating element 1212, and a third heating element 1213 arranged in a vertical direction. The first heating element 1211, the second heating element 1212, and the third heating element 1213 are PTC heaters whose heat output differs due to at least one difference in size, shape, or characteristics. The first heating element 1211, the second heating element 1212, and the third heating element 1213 are arranged separately from each other along the length of the elongated shape of the heating element 1210.

[0072] Accordingly, the heating element 1210 can be energized in parallel to each of the first heating element 1211, the second heating element 1212, and the third heating element 1213 via the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230. Therefore, the heating element 1210 can generate heat with different amounts of heat in the regions where the first heating element 1211, the second heating element 1212, and the third heating element 1213 are respectively provided.

[0073] In addition, when the heating element 1210 includes multiple heating elements that are separated from each other, the heating element 1210 can also prevent the heating element from breaking or peeling off from the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 due to the expansion or contraction of the heating element.

[0074] Here, when the heating element 1210 includes multiple heating elements, marking portions indicating the arrangement of the multiple heating elements may be provided on the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 that hold the heating element 1210. For example, when the heating element 1210 includes a first heating element 1211, a second heating element 1212, and a third heating element 1213, marking portions 1220A and 1230A may be provided on the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 that hold the heating element 1210.

[0075] Marking portions 1220A and 1230A are notches or the like on the left and right sides of the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230. Marking portions 1220A and 1230A are provided to indicate the arrangement of the separately separated first heating element 1211, second heating element 1212, and third heating element 1213. By providing marking portions 1220A and 1230A, the arrangement of the first heating element 1211, second heating element 1212, and third heating element 1213 can be more precisely controlled during the manufacturing of the heating unit 121. Therefore, the heating unit 121 can heat the rod-shaped substrate 150 with a more precisely controlled temperature distribution.

[0076] Or, such as Figure 5 As shown, the heating element 1210 may also include a heating element 1214 and a non-heating element 1216. The heating element 1214 is a PTC heater, and the non-heating element 1216 is an organic or inorganic insulator. The heating element 1214 and the non-heating element 1216 are arranged separately from each other along the length of the elongated shape of the heating element 1210.

[0077] Accordingly, the heating element 1210 can use the area where the heating element 1214 is disposed as the area that generates heat, and the area where the non-heating element 1214 is disposed as the area that does not generate heat. For example, the heating element 1210 can also use the area on the front end side where the heating element 121 is inserted into the rod-shaped substrate 150 as the area where the non-heating element 1216 is disposed and does not generate heat, and use the area on the rear end side opposite to the front end side as the area where the heating element 1214 is disposed and generates heat.

[0078] Alternatively, a region may be provided on the heating element 1214 of the heating section 1210 where a mask material 1215 is attached. The mask material 1215 is an organic or inorganic insulator with patterned openings. The mask material 1215 is provided to control the electrical current supplied to the heating element 1214 from the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 that hold the heating section 1210. The mask material 1215 may also be made of, for example, liquid crystal polymer, insulating ceramic, silicone resin, or various types of glass.

[0079] Specifically, in the region where the mask material 1215 is attached, the current supply from the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 to the heating element 1214 is restricted to the region formed in the opening of the mask material 1215. Therefore, by attaching the mask material 1215 to the heating element 1214, the heating element 1210 can reduce the current supply in the region where the mask material 1215 is attached, thereby reducing the heat generation in that region. Accordingly, the heating element 1210 can vary the heat generation according to each region even without including multiple heating elements 1214. Furthermore, the pattern of the opening formed in the mask material 1215 is arbitrary and not particularly limited.

[0080] Furthermore, the heating element 1214 of the heating section 1210 may have a region where a resistive element for generating resistive heating is attached. In the region where the resistive element is attached, if the current flowing from the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 is the same, the heat generation in that region increases due to resistive heating from the resistive element. Accordingly, by attaching the resistive element to the heating element 1214, the heating section 1210 can increase the heat generation in the region where the resistive element is attached. Therefore, even without including multiple heating elements 1214, the heating section 1210 can vary the heat generation according to each region.

[0081] The heating element 1210 can also be constructed as a single, elongated plate extending in the vertical direction, encompassing multiple regions. That is, the heating element 1210 can also be configured as an elongated plate extending in the vertical direction, connecting multiple regions with different heat outputs while ignoring gaps in the vertical direction. The length direction of the elongated shape of the heating element 1210 corresponds to the vertical direction, and the short side direction corresponds to the horizontal direction. By constructing it as a plate, the cross-section of the heating element 1210 perpendicular to the length direction (i.e., the vertical direction) of the elongated shape is rectangular. Therefore, compared to a circular cross-section, the perimeter of the cross-section of the heating element 1210 can be further increased even for the same cross-sectional area. Consequently, the heating element 1210 can further increase the contact area between the heating element 121 and the rod-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the heating element 121, thus enabling more efficient heating of the rod-shaped substrate 150. For example, the thickness of the flat plate shape of the heating element 1210 can be less than 1 / 4 of the width of the short side (i.e., the left-right direction) of the strip shape.

[0082] Furthermore, the heating element 1210 inserted into the interior of the rod-shaped substrate 150 at its front end can also be shaped to protrude at an angle towards the front end (i.e., upward direction). The shape of the angle towards the front end can be an acute angle, a right angle, or an obtuse angle. By making the front end (i.e., upward direction) of the heating element 1210 into the interior of the rod-shaped substrate 150 as sharp as a pointed tip, it is easier to insert the heating element 121 into the interior of the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0083] The first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 are a pair of electrode plates that clamp the heating element 1210. Specifically, the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 may also be provided on two opposing main surfaces in the front-rear direction of the flat heating element 1210. The first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 are arranged apart from each other to prevent short circuits.

[0084] The first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 are bonded to the heating element 1210 using a conductive adhesive, thereby enabling the heating element 1210 to be energized. As a conductive adhesive, for example, an anisotropic conductive adhesive, in which conductive particles are uniformly dispersed in an epoxy-based adhesive, can be used.

[0085] The first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 can also be made of metals with low coefficients of thermal expansion. For example, the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 can also be made of nickel-iron alloys with low coefficients of thermal expansion, such as Invar alloy (registered trademark). Accordingly, the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 can suppress the adhesion peeling between themselves and the heating element 1210 caused by the thermal expansion of the heating element 1210 when it is heated.

[0086] The first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 may also be configured to cover the heating element 1210 in a shape corresponding to the shape of the heating element 1210. Specifically, the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 may also be configured to further elongate the elongated shape of the heating element 1210 in the length direction (i.e., the vertical direction). For example, the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 may also be the same as the heating element 1210, configured as a pentagonal flat plate with a vertex on the front end side (i.e., the upper side) inserted into the rod-shaped substrate 150 and elongated in the vertical direction. In addition, the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 may be configured with the same shape or with different shapes.

[0087] The first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 on the rear end side (i.e., the downward side) opposite to the front end side may also be provided to extend further downward than the end of the rear end side of the heating part 1210. For example, a fixing part 1260 may be provided on the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 in the region extending downward than the end of the rear end side of the heating part 1210.

[0088] The fixing part 1260 is a structural component that fixes the heating part body 1250 to the housing of the suction device 100. Specifically, the fixing part 1260 is provided with an insertion part 1261 having a slit-shaped concave structure or a through hole structure. By inserting the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 into the insertion part 1261, the fixing part 1260 can hold the heating part body 1250.

[0089] The fixing part 1260 can also be made of engineering plastics. Engineering plastics have high heat resistance and mechanical strength, and can be inexpensively formed into desired shapes through injection molding, making them suitable as structural materials. For example, the fixing part 1260 can also be made of PEEK (Poly Ether Ether Ketone), which is an engineering plastic. PEEK is a thermoplastic resin with very high heat resistance and high dimensional stability. Therefore, when the fixing part 1260 is made of PEEK, the fixing part 1260 is less susceptible to the effects of heat generated by the heating part 1210.

[0090] For example, fixing part 1260 Figure 6 As shown, it can also be configured as a circular flat plate. Alternatively, the fixing part 1260 can have an insertion part 1261 with two recessed structures or through holes. The first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 are respectively inserted into the two recessed structures or through holes, so that the fixing part 1260 can hold the heating part body 1250. Alternatively, the fixing part 1260 can have an insertion part 1261 with one recessed structure or through hole. The first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 are concentratedly inserted into one recessed structure or through hole, so that the fixing part 1260 can hold the heating part body 1250.

[0091] In the heating section 121 of the suction device 100 of this embodiment, the fixing section 1260 holds the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 instead of the heating section 1210, thereby fixing the heating section body 1250 to the outer casing of the suction device 100. Thus, the fixing section 1260 can further reduce the possibility of heat emitted by the heating section 1210 spreading to the outer casing of the suction device 100.

[0092] Furthermore, when the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 are provided on the rear end side (i.e., the downward side) opposite to the front end side, extending downward from the rear end side end of the heating part 1210, the fixing part 1260 can also hold the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 in the region extending downward from the rear end side end of the heating part 1210. By holding the heating part body 1250 away from the heating part 1210, the fixing part 1260 is less susceptible to the effects of heat generated by the heating part 1210. Accordingly, the fixing part 1260 can be made of materials with greater flexibility, taking into account not only heat resistance but also processability and cost. For example, the fixing part 1260 can be made of a resin with a melting point or glass transition temperature lower than that of metals.

[0093] Based on the above configuration, the heating unit 121 of this embodiment can heat the rod-shaped substrate 150 while controlling the temperature distribution of the heating unit 1210, thus enabling more precise control over the aerosol or fragrance generated from the rod-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, the inhalation device 100 of this embodiment can provide the user with a more precisely controlled fragrance experience.

[0094] <3. Variations>

[0095] Reference Figures 7-12 The first to fourth modifications of the heating section body 1250 of this embodiment will be described.

[0096] (First variation)

[0097] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the heating element body 1250A of the first modified example. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The top view of the heating element body 1250A shown.

[0098] exist Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 In, also with Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 Similarly, the up-down direction, the front-back direction, and the left-right direction are defined. Specifically, the direction in which the heating element body 1250A is inserted into the interior of the rod-shaped substrate 150 is called the up direction, and the direction opposite to the up direction is called the down direction. In addition, the direction in which the first metal plate 1220, the heating element 1210, and the second metal plate 1230 are attached is called the front-back direction, and the direction orthogonal to the up-down direction and the front-back direction is called the left-right direction.

[0099] like Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, in the heating element body 1250A of the first modified example, a rib 1240 is provided on at least one of the first metal plate 1220 or the second metal plate 1230. Regarding the heating element 1210, see reference... Figures 2-6 Therefore, the explanation here is omitted.

[0100] Specifically, the rib 1240 is formed by bending the two edges of the first metal plate 1220 along the short side direction (i.e., the left-right direction) of the elongated shape along the outline of the heating part 1210. For example, if the first metal plate 1220 is provided in a pentagonal shape that is elongated in the vertical direction, the rib 1240 can also be formed by bending the two elongated edges of the first metal plate 1220 in the left-right direction respectively.

[0101] By providing the rib 1240, the strength of the first metal plate 1220 in the front-back direction (normal direction of the main surface of the first metal plate 1220) of the bending rib 1240 is further improved, thus suppressing deformation in this normal direction. Accordingly, the heating part body 1250A is less likely to deform in the normal direction (i.e., the front-back direction) of the main surface of the first metal plate 1220, thus reducing the possibility of the heating part body 1250A bending in this normal direction. According to the heating part body 1250A of the first modified example, the heating part 121 can improve its strength in the front-back direction, which is lower than its strength in other vertical and horizontal directions, thus reducing the possibility of the heating part 121 bending when inserted into the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0102] (Second variation)

[0103] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of the heating section body 1250B of the second modified example. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The top view of the heating element body 1250B shown.

[0104] exist Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 In, also with Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 Similarly, the up-down direction, the front-back direction, and the left-right direction are defined. Specifically, the direction in which the front end of the heating element body 1250B is inserted into the rod-shaped substrate 150 is called the up direction, and the direction opposite to the up direction is called the down direction. In addition, the direction in which the first metal plate 1220, the heating element 1210, and the second metal plate 1230 are attached is called the front-back direction, and the direction orthogonal to the up-down direction and the front-back direction is called the left-right direction.

[0105] like Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, in the heating element body 1250B of the second modified example, a first rib 1241 is provided on the first metal plate 1220, and a second rib 1242 is provided on the second metal plate 1230. Regarding the heating element 1210, see reference... Figures 2-6 Therefore, the explanation here is omitted.

[0106] Specifically, the first rib 1241 can also be formed by bending one edge of the elongated shape of the first metal plate 1220 along the short side direction (i.e., left-right direction) along the outline of the heating part 1210. Similarly, the second rib 1242 can be formed by bending the other edge of the elongated shape of the second metal plate 1230 along the short side direction (i.e., left-right direction) along the outline of the heating part 1210. For example, if the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 are arranged in a pentagonal shape that is elongated in the vertical direction, the first rib 1241 can also be formed by bending the elongated right edge of the first metal plate 1220. Furthermore, the second rib 1242 can also be formed by bending the elongated left edge of the second metal plate 1230.

[0107] By providing the first rib 1241 and the second rib 1242, the bending strength of the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 in the front-back direction of the first rib 1241 and the second rib 1242 is further improved, thus suppressing deformation in the normal direction. Accordingly, the heating part body 1250B is less likely to deform along the normal direction (i.e., the front-back direction) of the main surface of the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230, thus reducing the possibility of the heating part 121 bending along the normal direction.

[0108] That is, the first rib 1241 and the second rib 1242 can also be provided on both sides of the pair of electrode plates (the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230). In this case, the heating part body 1250B of the second modification is the same as the heating part body 1250A which only has the rib 1240 on the first metal plate 1220, which can reduce the possibility of the heating part 121 bending when inserted into the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0109] (Third variation)

[0110] Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view of the heating element body 1250C of the third modified example.

[0111] exist Figure 11 In, also with Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 Similarly, the up-down direction, the front-back direction, and the left-right direction are defined. Specifically, the direction in which the heating element body 1250C is inserted into the interior of the rod-shaped substrate 150 is called the up direction, and the direction opposite to the up direction is called the down direction. In addition, the direction in which the first metal plate 1220, the heating element 1210, and the second metal plate 1230 are attached is called the front-back direction, and the direction orthogonal to the up-down direction and the front-back direction is called the left-right direction.

[0112] like Figure 11 As shown, in the heating element body 1250C of the third modified example, in addition to the rib 1240, a front rib 1243 is provided in a shape that forms an angle and protrudes along the front end side (i.e., the upward direction) of the heating element 1210. Regarding the heating element 1210, as shown in the reference... Figures 2-6 Therefore, the explanation here is omitted.

[0113] Specifically, the front rib 1243 can also be formed by bending the edges of each side of the upper side (i.e., the front end side of the heating part 1210) of the first metal plate 1220 along the outline of the heating part 1210. For example, if the first metal plate 1220 is provided in a pentagonal shape that is elongated in the vertical direction, the front rib 1243 can also be formed by bending the edges of the two sides of the upper side of the first metal plate 1220. In this case, the first metal plate 1220 forms ribs 1240 or front ribs 1243 on the four sides of the pentagonal shape other than the lower side.

[0114] By providing the front rib 1243, the first metal plate 1220 can cover the sharp shape of the tip formed on the front end side (i.e., the upward side) of the heating element 1210. Accordingly, when the heating element 121 is inserted into the rod-shaped substrate 150, stress is applied between the heating element 1210, the first metal plate 1220, and the second metal plate 1230 in the heating element body 1250C, thereby preventing the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 from peeling off from the heating element 1210. Therefore, the heating element body 1250C can further improve the durability of the heating element 121 when inserted into the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0115] (Fourth variation)

[0116] Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view of the heating element body 1250D of the fourth modified example.

[0117] exist Figure 12 In, also with Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 Similarly, the up-down direction, the front-back direction, and the left-right direction are defined. Specifically, the direction in which the front end of the heating element body 1250D is inserted into the rod-shaped substrate 150 is called the up direction, and the direction on the opposite side of the up direction is called the down direction. In addition, the direction in which the first metal plate 1220, the heating element 1210, and the second metal plate 1230 are attached is called the front-back direction, and the direction orthogonal to the up-down direction and the front-back direction is called the left-right direction.

[0118] like Figure 12 As shown, in the heating part body 1250D of the fourth modified example, a first rib 1241 is provided on the first metal plate 1220, and a second rib 1242 is provided on the second metal plate 1230.

[0119] Specifically, the first rib 1241 can also be formed by bending the edges of the elongated shape of the first metal plate 1220 along its short side (i.e., left-right direction) along the outline of the heating part 1210. Similarly, the second rib 1242 can be formed by bending the edges of the elongated shape of the second metal plate 1230 along its short side (i.e., left-right direction) along the outline of the heating part 1210. For example, if the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 are arranged in a rectangular shape that is elongated in the vertical direction, the first rib 1241 can also be formed by bending the edges of the first metal plate 1220 along its short side. Furthermore, the second rib 1242 can also be formed by bending the edges of the second metal plate 1230 along its short side.

[0120] In this case, the heating element 1210 may also be provided with a thicker shape to prevent short circuit between the first rib 1241 and the second rib 1242. For example, the heating element 1210 may also be provided with a prism shape extending in the vertical direction. In addition, the heating element 1210 inserted into the front end side of the rod-shaped substrate 150 may also be provided to protrude with a ridge line forming towards the front end side (i.e., towards the upward direction).

[0121] By providing the first rib 1241 and the second rib 1242, the bending strength of the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230 in the front-back direction of the first rib 1241 and the second rib 1242 is further improved, thus suppressing deformation in the normal direction. Accordingly, the heating part body 1250D is less likely to deform along the normal direction (i.e., the front-back direction) of the main surface of the first metal plate 1220 and the second metal plate 1230, thus reducing the possibility of the heating part body 1250D bending along the normal direction. Therefore, the heating part body 1250D of the fourth modified example is the same as the heating part body 1250A of the first modified example, and the possibility of the heating part 121 bending when inserted into the rod-shaped substrate 150 can be reduced.

[0122] The above is in reference to the attached appendix. Figure 1 The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Anyone skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will readily conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the technical concept set forth in the claims, and these modifications and alterations naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0123] Furthermore, the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of this invention. (1)

[0125] An aerosol generation system, comprising:

[0126] A long, strip-shaped heating element that generates heat by passing electricity, heating the aerosol from within to create a substrate; and

[0127] A pair of metal plates, configured to cover the opposing surfaces of the heating element along the elongated shape.

[0128] The heating element comprises at least two regions with different heat outputs. (2)

[0130] According to the aerosol generation system described in (1) above, it also includes an aerosol generation substrate into which the heating element covered by the pair of metal plates is inserted. (3)

[0132] According to the aerosol generation system described in (1) or (2) above, the length of the pair of metal plates in the longitudinal direction of the elongated shape is longer than the length of the heating element. (4)

[0134] According to the aerosol generation system described in (3) above, on the root side opposite to the front end side inserted inside the aerosol generation substrate, the pair of metal plates are arranged to extend further in the length direction than the heating element. (5)

[0136] According to any one of (1) to (4) above, the aerosol generation system is energized between the pair of metal plates. (6)

[0138] According to the aerosol generation system described in (5) above, an insulating part is further provided between the heating part and at least one of the pair of metal plates to restrict the flow of electricity from the pair of metal plates to the heating part. (7)

[0140] According to any one of (1) to (6) above, the aerosol generation system includes a plurality of heating elements.

[0141] The plurality of heating elements are arranged separately from each other according to the different regions of the heat generation. (8)

[0143] According to the aerosol generation system described in (7) above, the plurality of heating elements have different sizes, shapes, or characteristics. (9)

[0145] According to the aerosol generation system described in (7) or (8) above, the plurality of heating elements are arranged separately from each other along the length direction of the strip shape. (10)

[0147] According to any one of (1) to (9) above, the shape of the heating element inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating substrate is such that it protrudes at an angle toward the front end. (11)

[0149] According to the aerosol generation system described in (10) above, at least one of the pair of metal plates further includes a front rib formed by bending the edge along the front end side of the heating element. (12)

[0151] According to any one of (1) to (11) above, at least one of the pair of metal plates includes a rib formed by bending one side of the edge of at least one of the elongated strips along the short side direction of the heating element. (13)

[0153] According to the aerosol generation system described in (12) above, the ribs are located on both sides of the short side direction of at least one of the pair of metal plates. (14)

[0155] According to any one of the aerosol generation systems described in (1) to (13) above, the heating element is in the shape of a flat plate.

[0156] The thickness of the flat plate shape is less than 1 / 4 of the width of the flat plate shape. (15)

[0158] According to the aerosol generation system described in (14) above, the pair of metal plates are disposed on the two opposing main surfaces of the flat plate shape of the heating part. (16)

[0160] According to any one of (1) to (15) above, the aerosol generating system is used to bond the heating element to the pair of metal plates using a conductive adhesive paste. (17)

[0162] According to any one of (1) to (16) above, the pair of metal plates are formed of a nickel-iron alloy. (18)

[0164] According to any one of (1) to (17) above, the aerosol generation system is a PTC heater. (19)

[0166] According to the aerosol generation system described in (18) above, the PTC heater contains barium titanate. (20)

[0168] According to the aerosol generation system described in (18) or (19) above, the heating temperature of the heating element is less than 350°C.

[0169] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0170] 100 suction device

[0171] 111 Power Supply Section

[0172] 112 Sensor Department

[0173] 113 Notification Department

[0174] 114 Storage Department

[0175] 115 Ministry of Communications

[0176] 116 Control Department

[0177] 121 Heating section

[0178] 140 Containment Department

[0179] 141 Interior Space

[0180] 142 Opening

[0181] 143 Bottom

[0182] 150 rod-shaped substrate

[0183] 151 Substrate Section

[0184] 152 Suction nozzle

[0185] 1210 Fever Section

[0186] 1211 First heating element

[0187] 1212 Second heating element

[0188] 1213 Third heating element

[0189] 1214 heating element

[0190] 1215 mask material

[0191] 1216 non-fever body

[0192] 1220 First Metal Plate

[0193] 1230 Second Metal Plate

[0194] 1220A and 1230A marking sections

[0195] 1240 ribs

[0196] 1241 First Rib

[0197] 1242 Second rib

[0198] 1243 Front Rib

[0199] Heating unit main body of 1250, 1250A, 1250B, 1250C, 1250D

[0200] 1260 Fixing Part

[0201] 1261 Insertion Section

Claims

1. An aerosol generation system, characterized in that, have: A long, strip-shaped heating element that generates heat by passing electricity, heating the aerosol from within to create a substrate; and A pair of metal plates, configured to cover the opposing surfaces of the heating element along the elongated shape. The heating element is energized between the pair of metal plates. An insulating portion is further provided between the heating element and at least one of the pair of metal plates to restrict the flow of electricity from the pair of metal plates to the heating element. The heating element comprises at least two regions with different heat outputs.

2. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an aerosol generating substrate into which the heating element covered by the pair of metal plates is inserted.

3. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the pair of metal plates in the longitudinal direction of the elongated shape is longer than the length of the heating element.

4. The aerosol generation system according to claim 3, characterized in that, On the root side, opposite to the front end side inserted inside the aerosol generating substrate, the pair of metal plates are arranged to extend further along the length direction than the heating element.

5. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The heating element comprises multiple heating elements. The plurality of heating elements are arranged separately from each other according to the different regions of the heat generation.

6. The aerosol generation system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The multiple heating elements have different sizes, shapes, or positive temperature coefficients.

7. The aerosol generation system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The plurality of heating elements are arranged separately from each other along the length of the strip shape.

8. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The heating element, inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating substrate, is shaped to form an angle and protrude towards the front end.

9. The aerosol generation system according to claim 8, characterized in that, At least one of the pair of metal plates further includes a front rib formed by bending an edge along the front end side of the heating element.

10. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, At least one of the pair of metal plates includes a rib formed by bending one side of the edge of at least one of the plates along the short side direction of the elongated shape of the heating element.

11. The aerosol generation system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The ribs are located on both sides of the short side of at least one of the pair of metal plates.

12. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The heating element is flat. The thickness of the flat plate shape is less than 1 / 4 of the width of the flat plate shape.

13. The aerosol generation system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The pair of metal plates are disposed on the two opposing main surfaces of the flat plate shape of the heating element.

14. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The heating element is bonded to the pair of metal plates using a conductive adhesive paste.

15. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The pair of metal plates are formed of a nickel-iron alloy.

16. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The heating element is a PTC heater.

17. The aerosol generation system according to claim 16, characterized in that, The PTC heater contains barium titanate.

18. The aerosol generation system according to claim 16, characterized in that, The heating element has a heating temperature of less than 350°C.

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