Aerosol generating system

Abstract

To provide a method for generating an aerosol and a device for the same.SOLUTION: An aerosol generating system includes: a holder for heating a cigarette to generate an aerosol; and a cradle including an internal space into which the holder is inserted, where the holder is inserted into the internal space of the cradle, and then is tilted to generate an aerosol.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for generating an aerosol, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating substance in a cigarette. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for methods that generate aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating material in a cigarette, rather than by burning a cigarette. As a result, research into heated cigarettes or heated aerosol generators has been actively conducted. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for generating an aerosol. It also provides a computer-readable recording medium having a program for executing the method on a computer. The technical problems to be solved are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems exist. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to one aspect, the aerosol generating system includes a holder that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette, and a cradle having an internal space into which the holder is inserted, and the holder is inserted into the internal space of the cradle and then tilted to generate the aerosol. [Effects of the Invention]

[0005] The holder can generate aerosol by heating the cigarette, either independently or when tilted in a cradle, and the heater is also heated by the cradle's battery power, especially when the holder is tilted.

[0006] In addition, the heater has a slippery surface to facilitate smooth insertion of the cigarette, and the heater is not damaged by friction during the insertion process.

[0007] In addition, the operation of the holder can be continuously monitored even when the holder is connected to the cradle and tilted, or when the holder device is separated from the cradle.

[0008] In addition, the cooling structure included in the cigarette can cool the aerosol passing through the cooling structure. In particular, the cooling structure has uniformly distributed channels, which can enhance the cooling effect of the aerosol while facilitating the flow of the aerosol.

[0009] In addition, the cooling structure has the effect of filtering specific substances contained in aerosols, and since the cooling structure is made of pure polylactic acid, the generation of specific substances can be prevented when the aerosol passes through the cooling structure.

[0010] Furthermore, vortexes are generated as the aerosol passes through the cooling structure, which has the effect of improving the cooling of the aerosol and filtering of specific substances.

[0011] Also provided is an aerosol generator in which a holder and a cradle are combined (integrated). With this aerosol generator, a user can insert a cigarette into the aerosol generator by pushing it along the storage passage of the storage section. After using a cigarette, the user can easily separate the cigarette from the aerosol generator by simply separating the cigarette from the storage section of the case, making it convenient to use.

[0012] Furthermore, since the container can be separated from the case, tobacco substances that are generated during smoking and adhere to the periphery of the cigarette can be easily discharged to the outside of the case together with the container.

[0013] Furthermore, when the container is separated from the case, the protruding tube and the heater are exposed to the outside, allowing the user to directly check and easily perform cleaning work.

[0014] Furthermore, when a cigarette is inserted into the storage section of the aerosol generator, the cigarette is stably supported by contact with the protrusion protruding from the storage passage and the cigarette support protrusion of the cover. Therefore, the cigarette is stably maintained in the aerosol generator while in use, allowing the user to enjoy the aerosol generator safely.

[0015] Furthermore, since the protrusion comes into contact with a portion of the outer surface of the cigarette, an oil layer through which air can pass is formed between the storage passage and the cigarette, and therefore external air to assist in aerosol generation can be supplied sufficiently and smoothly into the interior of the aerosol generating device.

[0016] Furthermore, by reducing the contact area between the cigarette and the inner surface of the storage passage, the heat conduction area through which heat is transferred from the cigarette to the case can be narrowed.

[0017] In addition, since the cigarette and the receiving passage are spaced apart from each other, even if the cigarette expands when the heater is inserted inside the cigarette, the cigarette can be easily inserted into the receiving passage of the receiving part. If there is no space between the cigarette and the receiving part, the outer wall of the cigarette will expand during the process of inserting the heater into the cigarette, increasing the friction between the cigarette and the receiving part, making it difficult to insert the cigarette into the receiving part.

[0018] In addition, the storage section can be cooled by allowing an external airflow to flow into the space formed between the outer surface of the cigarette and the storage passage.

[0019] Furthermore, the configuration of the aerosol generating device in which the above-mentioned storage passage and protrusion are provided makes it possible to preheat the air that is to be introduced into the cigarette.

[0020] Furthermore, since no mechanism is used to move the storage unit relative to the aerosol generating device when the storage unit is not separated from the aerosol generating device, the number of components is reduced, the overall configuration of the aerosol generating device is simplified, and problems such as breakdowns that frequently occur with portable storage units can be prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a heater. [Figure 3] 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a staircase plane shown in FIG. 2; [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electrically conductive track. [Figure 5] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a heater, a battery, and a control unit shown in FIG. 1 are connected to each other; [Figure 6a] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a holder from various sides. [Figure 6b]1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a holder from various sides. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a cradle. [Figure 8a] 1A-1C are diagrams illustrating various aspects of an example cradle. [Figure 8b] 1A-1C are diagrams illustrating various aspects of an example cradle. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a holder is inserted into a cradle. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the holder is tilted while inserted into the cradle; [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation of smoking using a tilted holder in a cradle. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart of a method for counting the number of puffs when the holder is tilted and separated. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart of a method for counting operation time when the holder is tilted and separated. [Figure 14] 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of counting the number of puffs using a holder. [Figure 15] 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of counting the number of puffs using a holder. [Figure 16] 10 is a diagram for explaining yet another example of counting the number of puffs using a holder. [Figure 17] 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for counting operation time using a holder. [Figure 18a] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a holder is inserted into a cradle. [Figure 18b] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a holder is inserted into a cradle. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the holder and the cradle. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the holder. [Figure 21]10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the cradle. [Figure 22] 1 is a view illustrating an example in which a cigarette is inserted into a holder; [Figure 23a] 1 is a structural diagram illustrating an example of a cigarette. [Figure 23b] 1 is a structural diagram illustrating an example of a cigarette. [Figure 24a] 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a fiber bundle. [Figure 24b] 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a fiber bundle. [Figure 25] 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a fiber bundle. [Figure 26a] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cooling structure including a single vertical channel. [Figure 26b] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cooling structure including a single vertical channel. [Figure 27a] 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a cooling structure including a single vertical channel. [Figure 27b] 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a cooling structure including a single vertical channel. [Figure 27c] 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a cooling structure including a single vertical channel. [Figure 28a] 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of a cooling structure including a single vertical channel. [Figure 28b] 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of a cooling structure including a single vertical channel. [Figure 29] 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a cooling structure whose interior is filled; [Figure 30a] 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a cooling structure whose interior is filled; [Figure 30b] 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a cooling structure whose interior is filled; [Figure 31]10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of a cooling structure whose interior is filled; [Figure 32a] 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a cooling structure including a plurality of channels. [Figure 32b] 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a cooling structure including a plurality of channels. [Figure 33] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the inside of a cooling structure including a plurality of channels is filled; [Figure 34a] 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of a cooling structure including a plurality of channels. [Figure 34b] 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of a cooling structure including a plurality of channels. [Figure 34c] 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of a cooling structure including a plurality of channels. [Figure 34d] 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of a cooling structure including a plurality of channels. [Figure 34e] 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of a cooling structure including a plurality of channels. [Figure 35] 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a sheet-type cooling structure. [Figure 36a] 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of a sheet-type cooling structure. [Figure 36b] 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of a sheet-type cooling structure. [Figure 37] 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a granular cooling structure. [Figure 38a] 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a cooling structure made of a molded object. [Figure 38b] 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a cooling structure made of a molded object. [Figure 38c] 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a cooling structure made of a molded object. [Figure 39] FIG. 10 is a side view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 40a] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 39. [Figure 40b] FIG. 40B is a perspective view exemplarily illustrating the operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 40A. [Figure 41a] FIG. 40B is a side view exemplarily illustrating another operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 40A. [Figure 41b] FIG. 40B is a side view exemplarily illustrating yet another operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 40A. [Figure 42] FIG. 40B is a side view exemplarily illustrating yet another operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 40A. [Figure 43] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 42, shown at another angle. [Figure 44] FIG. 44 is a top view of some components of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 43. [Figure 45] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 42, shown at another angle. [Figure 46] FIG. 42 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a cross section of a portion of some components of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 41. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 is an enlarged view of a portion of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 46, illustrating the air flow. [Figure 48] FIG. 48 is an enlarged view of a portion of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 47. [Figure 49] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 50] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 51] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 52] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 53] FIG. 10 is a perspective view exemplarily illustrating an operating state of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 54] FIG. 54 is a perspective view illustrating the operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 53, with some components removed. [Figure 55] FIG. 55 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating some components of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 54. [Figure 56] This is a perspective view illustrating the operating state in which some components of the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 53 are separated. [Figure 57] FIG. 55 is a bottom perspective view of some components of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 54. [Figure 58] FIG. 58 is an explanatory diagram exemplarily illustrating the operating state when some of the components shown in FIG. 57 are used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] According to one aspect, the aerosol generating system includes a holder that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette, and a cradle having an internal space into which the holder is inserted, and the holder is inserted into the internal space of the cradle and then tilted to generate the aerosol.

[0023] In the above-described aerosol generating system, the holder is tilted by 5° to 90° with respect to the state where it is inserted into the cradle.

[0024] In the above-described aerosol generating system, when the holder is tilted, the holder uses power supplied from a battery included in the cradle to heat a heater included in the holder.

[0025] According to another aspect, the heater includes a heating portion including a tubular base and a needle tip formed at one end of the base; a first sheet having electrically conductive tracks formed on each side and covering at least a portion of the outer periphery of the base; a second sheet having rigidity and covering at least a portion of the first sheet; and a coating layer for flattening a stepped surface formed by a laminate structure including the heating portion, the first sheet, and the second sheet.

[0026] In the heater described above, the coating layer includes a heat-resistant composition.

[0027] In the heater described above, the plurality of electrically conductive tracks include a first electrically conductive track formed on a first one of both end surfaces of the first sheet and having a temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic used to sense the temperature of the heating portion, and a second electrically conductive track formed on a second one of both end surfaces of the first sheet and configured to heat the heating portion by flowing a current therethrough.

[0028] According to yet another aspect, the aerosol generating system includes a holder that generates an aerosol by heating an inserted cigarette when the cigarette is inserted, and a cradle that has an internal space for accommodating the holder and tilts the holder together with the internal space so that the cigarette can be inserted into the holder when the holder is accommodated in the internal space, wherein the holder cumulatively monitors smoking patterns in a first state in which the holder is tilted in the cradle and a second state in which the holder is separated from the cradle, and determines whether the cumulatively monitored smoking pattern satisfies a smoking restriction condition.

[0029] In the above-mentioned aerosol generating system, when smoking is proceeding in the first state and then in the second state, the holder accumulates the smoking pattern monitored in the second state with the smoking pattern monitored in the first state, and when the accumulated smoking pattern meets the smoking restriction condition, controls a heater provided in the holder so that heating of the inserted cigarette is discontinued.

[0030] In the above-mentioned aerosol generating system, when smoking is being performed in the second state and then in the first state, the holder accumulates the smoking pattern monitored in the first state with the smoking pattern monitored in the second state, and when the accumulated smoking pattern satisfies the smoking restriction condition, controls a heater provided in the holder so that heating of the inserted cigarette is discontinued.

[0031] According to yet another aspect, an aerosol generating device includes a case, a hollow protrusion tube protruding from one end of the case and having an opening open to the outside, a heater provided in the case with an end positioned inside the protrusion tube and generating heat when an electric signal is applied, side walls forming a storage passage for storing cigarettes, an insertion hole opened from one end of the storage passage to the outside so that the cigarette can be inserted, and a bottom wall closing the other end of the storage passage and having a heater hole through which the end of the heater can pass, and a storage unit that is inserted into the protrusion tube through the opening of the protrusion tube or is separated from the protrusion tube.

[0032] The above-mentioned aerosol generating device further includes an external hole that can expose the insertion hole of the storage unit to the outside, and a cover that can be attached to one side end of the case to cover the storage unit and is detachable from the case.

[0033] In the above-described aerosol generating device, an external air inlet gap is formed at the joint between the cover and the case, which allows air outside the cover to flow into the inside of the cover; the storage section further includes an outer wall that surrounds the side wall and is spaced radially outward from the side wall; the storage section and the protruding tube are joined by inserting the protruding tube between the outer wall and the side wall; an air circulation gap is formed at the joint between the outer wall of the storage section and the protruding tube, which allows air outside the storage section to flow into the inside of the storage section; and the protruding tube further includes an air hole that passes air toward the end of the cigarette stored in the storage section.

[0034] According to yet another aspect, there is provided an aerosol product for generating an aerosol in combination with an aerosol generating device, the aerosol product including a tobacco rod and a cooling structure manufactured by weaving at least one fiber bundle.

[0035] In the aerosol product, the fiber bundle is manufactured using a biodegradable polymer material, and the biodegradable polymer material includes at least one of polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyric acid (PHB), cellulose acetate, poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polyhydroxyalkanoic acids (PHAs), and starch-based thermoplastic resins.

[0036] In the aerosol product described above, the fiber bundle is produced by weaving the at least one fiber strand.

[0037] The terms used in this embodiment are currently widely used and commonly used terms, taking into consideration the functions of the present invention. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of engineers in the field, legal precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this invention must be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply by their names.

[0038] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, it does not mean that it excludes other components and may further include other components, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "... unit" and "... module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and may be realized by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device.

[0042] 1, the aerosol generating device 1 (hereinafter referred to as "holder") includes a battery 110, a control unit 120, and a heater 130. The holder 1 also includes an internal space formed by a case 140. A cigarette is inserted into the internal space of the holder 1.

[0043] 1 shows only components related to the present embodiment, and therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that other general components may be included in the holder 1 in addition to the components shown in FIG.

[0044] When a cigarette is inserted into the holder 1, the holder 1 heats the heater 130. The aerosol-generating substance in the cigarette is heated by the heated heater 130, thereby generating an aerosol. The generated aerosol is delivered to the user through the cigarette's filter. However, the holder 1 can also heat the heater 130 when a cigarette is not inserted into the holder 1.

[0045] The case 140 is separated from the holder 1. For example, the user can separate the case 140 from the holder 1 by turning the case 140 clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0046] In addition, the diameter of the hole formed by the end 141 of the case 140 is made narrower than the diameter of the space formed by the case 140 and the heater 130, in which case it can act as a guide for the cigarette inserted into the holder 1.

[0047] The battery 110 supplies power used for operating the holder 1. For example, the battery 110 can supply power to heat the heater 130 and can supply power necessary for operating the control unit 120. The battery 110 can also supply power necessary for operating a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. provided in the holder 1.

[0048] The battery 110 may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, but is not limited to the above example. For example, the battery 110 may be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, or the like.

[0049] The battery 110 may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 37 mm, but is not limited thereto. The battery 110 may have a capacity of 120 mAh or more and may be a rechargeable battery or a single-use battery. For example, if the battery 110 is rechargeable, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 110 may be 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be 16C to 20C, but is not limited thereto. For stable use, the battery 110 is manufactured to maintain 80% or more of its total capacity even after 8,000 charge / discharge cycles.

[0050] Here, whether the battery 110 is fully charged or fully discharged can also be determined based on the level of power stored in the battery 110 compared to the total capacity of the battery 110. For example, if the power stored in the battery 110 is 95% or more of the total capacity, the battery 110 is determined to be fully charged. Also, if the power stored in the battery 110 is 10% or less of the total capacity, the battery 110 is determined to be fully discharged. However, the criteria for determining whether the battery 110 is fully charged or fully discharged are not limited to the above examples.

[0051] The heater 130 is heated by power supplied from the battery 110. When a cigarette is inserted into the holder 1, the heater 130 is located inside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 130 can increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material inside the cigarette.

[0052] The heater 130 may have a shape that combines a cylinder and a cone. The diameter of the heater 130 may be an appropriate size in the range of 2 mm to 3 mm. Preferably, the heater 130 may be manufactured to have a diameter of 2.15 mm, but is not limited to this. The length of the heater 130 may be an appropriate size in the range of 20 mm to 30 mm. Preferably, the heater 130 may be manufactured to have a length of 19 mm, but is not limited to this. The end 131 of the heater 130 may be finished with a sharp angle, but is not limited to this. In other words, the heater 130 may be in any shape that is inserted into the cigarette. The heater 130 may also be heated only in part. For example, if the heater 130 is 19 mm long, only 12 mm from the end 131 of the heater 130 is heated, and the remaining portion of the heater 130 is not heated.

[0053] The heater 130 may also be an electrically resistive heater, for example, the heater 130 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 130 may be heated by passing an electric current through the electrically conductive track.

[0054] For stable use, the heater 130 is supplied with power according to the specifications of 3.2V, 2.4A, and 8W, but this is not limited to this. For example, when power is supplied to the heater 130, the surface temperature of the heater 130 rises to 400°C or more. Within 15 seconds after power is first supplied to the heater 130, the surface temperature of the heater 130 rises to approximately 350°C.

[0055] The structure of the heater 130 will be specifically described below with reference to FIGS.

[0056] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a heater.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 2, the heater 130 may include a heating portion 1315, a first sheet 1325 that envelops a portion of the heating portion 1315, a second sheet 1335 that protects the first sheet 1325, and a coating layer 1345.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the heating portion 1315 has a needle shape (e.g., a shape that combines a cylinder and a cone). The heating portion 1315 may also include a base portion and a needle tip. For example, the base portion of the heating portion 1315 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto. The needle tip of the heating portion 1315 may also be formed at one end of the base portion to facilitate insertion into the aerosol-forming substrate. In this case, the base portion and the needle tip may be integrally formed. Alternatively, the base portion and the needle tip may be joined together after being fabricated separately.

[0059] The heating unit 1315 may include a thermally conductive material, such as, but not limited to, ceramics including alumina or zirconia, anodized metals, coated metals, polyimide (PI), and the like.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the first sheet 1325 can encase at least a portion of the heating portion 1315. For example, the first sheet 1325 can encase at least a portion of the outer periphery of the base of the heater 130. An electrically conductive track is formed on each of the opposite end surfaces of the first sheet 1325.

[0061] The first electrically conductive track formed on one of both end surfaces of the first sheet 1325 is supplied with power from a battery. As current flows through the first electrically conductive track, the temperature of the electrically conductive track increases. As the temperature of the electrically conductive track increases, heat is transferred to the heating element 1315 adjacent to the electrically conductive track, causing the heating element 1315 to heat up.

[0062] The power dissipation of the resistor of the first electrically conductive track determines the heating temperature of the first electrically conductive track, and the resistance value of the first electrically conductive track is set based on the power dissipation of the resistor of the first electrically conductive track.

[0063] For example, the resistance of the first conductive track may be, but is not limited to, between 0.5 ohms and 1.2 ohms at room temperature (25° C.), and the resistance of the first conductive track is also determined by the material, length, width, thickness, and pattern of the first conductive track.

[0064] The first electrically conductive track may have a temperature coefficient of resistance, and the internal resistance of the first electrically conductive track may increase as the temperature increases. For example, within a certain temperature range, the temperature and resistance of the first electrically conductive track may be proportional to each other.

[0065] For example, a predetermined voltage is applied to the first electrically conductive track, and the current flowing through the first electrically conductive track is measured via a current sensor. The resistance of the first electrically conductive track is calculated based on the ratio of the measured current to the applied voltage. Based on the calculated resistance, the temperature of the first electrically conductive track or the heating element 1315 is estimated using the resistance temperature coefficient characteristics of the first electrically conductive track.

[0066] For example, the first electrically conductive track may comprise tungsten, gold, platinum, silver copper, nickel palladium, or a combination thereof, and may also be doped with a suitable doping material and comprise an alloy.

[0067] One or the other of the two end surfaces of the first sheet 1325 may include a second electrically conductive track having a temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic used to sense the temperature of the heating unit 1315. Due to the temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic, the second electrically conductive track has an internal resistance that increases as the temperature rises. For example, within a predetermined temperature range, the temperature and resistance of the second electrically conductive track are proportional to each other.

[0068] The second electrically conductive track is also positioned adjacent to the heating element 1315. As a result, when the temperature of the heating element 1315 increases, the temperature of the adjacent second electrically conductive track also increases. A predetermined voltage is applied to the second electrically conductive track, and the current flowing through the second electrically conductive track is measured via a current sensor. The resistance of the second electrically conductive track is determined from the ratio of the measured current to the applied voltage. Based on the determined resistance, the temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic of the second electrically conductive track is used to determine the temperature of the heating element 1315.

[0069] The resistance of the second conductive track changes depending on the temperature. Therefore, the temperature change of the second conductive track can be measured based on the change in the resistance of the second conductive track. For example, the resistance of the second conductive track may be between 7 ohms and 18 ohms at room temperature (25°C), but is not limited thereto. The resistance of the second conductive track is also determined by the material, length, width, thickness, and pattern of the second conductive track.

[0070] For example, the second electrically conductive track may comprise tungsten, gold, platinum, silver copper, nickel palladium, or a combination thereof, or may be doped with a suitable doping material or comprise an alloy.

[0071] The first electrically conductive track is also coupled to a battery via an electrical connection, and as previously mentioned, the temperature of the first electrically conductive track increases when power is supplied from the battery.

[0072] The second electrically conductive track may include an electrical connection to which a direct current (DC) voltage is applied, the electrical connection of the second electrically conductive track being separated from the electrical connection of the first electrically conductive track, and the magnitude of the current flowing through the second electrically conductive track is determined based on the resistance of the second electrically conductive track when a DC voltage is applied to the second electrically conductive track.

[0073] The second electrically conductive track is connected to an OP Amp (operating amplifier). The OP Amp may include a power supply that receives DC power from an external source, an input that is electrically connected to the second electrically conductive track and receives a DC voltage and / or current, and an output that outputs a signal based on the DC voltage and / or current applied to the input.

[0074] The OP Amp receives a DC voltage via the power supply and via the input, where the magnitude of the DC voltage applied via the input of the OP Amp and the magnitude of the DC voltage applied via the power supply of the OP Amp are the same, and the DC voltage applied to the input of the OP Amp is the same as the DC voltage applied to the electrical connection of the second electrically conductive track.

[0075] The electrical connection of the second electrically conductive track and the input of the OP Amp are also isolated from the electrical connection of the first electrically conductive track.

[0076] As the temperature of the second electrically conductive track changes, the resistance of the second electrically conductive track also changes. Therefore, the second electrically conductive track functions as a variable resistor with temperature as the control variable. As the resistance of the second electrically conductive track changes, the current flowing into the input of the operational amplifier electrically connected to the second electrically conductive track changes. As the resistance of the second electrically conductive track increases, the current flowing into the input of the operational amplifier electrically connected to the second electrically conductive track decreases. At this time, even if the resistance of the second electrically conductive track changes, the DC voltage applied to the input of the operational amplifier remains constant.

[0077] As the current flowing into the input of the OP amp changes, the voltage and / or current of the signal output from the output of the OP amp also changes. For example, as the input current of the OP amp increases, the output voltage of the OP amp increases. As another example, as the input current of the OP amp increases, the output voltage of the OP amp decreases.

[0078] Furthermore, when a constant DC voltage is applied to the input of the OP Amp, the relationship between the temperature and resistance of the second electrically conductive track, the relationship between the resistance of the second electrically conductive track and the input current applied to the OP Amp, and the relationship between the input current and output voltage of the OP Amp can be experimentally obtained or set. Thus, the output voltage of the OP Amp and / or changes in the output voltage can be measured to sense the temperature of the second electrically conductive track and / or changes in the temperature.

[0079] For example, an OP amp may have a characteristic in which the voltage at its output increases as the input current flowing into its input increases. In this case, when power is supplied to a first electrically conductive track, the temperature of the heater increases, which in turn increases the temperature of the second electrically conductive track. At this time, the resistance of the second electrically conductive track increases, reducing the magnitude of the input current applied to the OP amp's input. Consequently, the voltage at the output of the OP amp decreases. Conversely, when power is cut off to the first electrically conductive track or the power supplied to the first electrically conductive track decreases, the temperature of the heater decreases, which in turn increases the voltage at the output of the OP amp.

[0080] As another example, an OP amp may have a characteristic in which the voltage at its output decreases as the input current flowing into its input increases. In this case, when power is supplied to the first electrically conductive track, the temperature of the heater increases, which in turn increases the temperature of the second electrically conductive track. At this time, the resistance of the second electrically conductive track increases, reducing the magnitude of the input current applied to the input of the OP amp. Consequently, the voltage at the output of the OP amp increases. Conversely, when power is cut off to the first electrically conductive track or the power supplied to the first electrically conductive track decreases, the temperature of the heater decreases, which in turn reduces the voltage at the output of the OP amp.

[0081] The output of the OP Amp is coupled to a processor, which may be, for example, a microcontroller unit (MCU). The processor can sense the temperature of the second electrically conductive track or the heating element based on the output voltage of the OP Amp. The processor can also adjust the supply voltage provided to the first electrically conductive track based on the temperature of the heating element.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the first and second electrically conductive tracks are also formed on both end surfaces of the first sheet 1325. For example, the first electrically conductive track may be included on one of the end surfaces of the first sheet 1325 that contacts the heating unit 1315, and the second electrically conductive track may be included on the other end surface. As another example, the second electrically conductive track may be included on one of the end surfaces of the first sheet 1325 that contacts the heating unit 1315, and the first electrically conductive track may be included on the other end surface.

[0083] According to another embodiment, the first and second electrically conductive tracks may be included on the same side of both end surfaces of the first sheet 1325. For example, the first and second electrically conductive tracks may be included on one of both end surfaces of the first sheet 1325 that contacts the heating unit 1315. As another example, the first and second electrically conductive tracks may be included on one of both end surfaces of the first sheet 1325 that does not contact the heating unit 1315.

[0084] For example, the first sheet 1325 may be a green sheet made of a ceramic composite material, which may include, but is not limited to, compounds such as alumina and zirconia.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the second sheet 1335 can encase at least a portion of the first sheet 1325. Additionally, the second sheet 1335 can be rigid.

[0086] Thus, the second sheet 1335 protects the first sheet 1325 and the electrically conductive tracks when the heater 130 is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0087] For example, the second sheet 1335 may be a green sheet made of a ceramic composite, which may include, but is not limited to, compounds such as alumina and zirconia.

[0088] The second sheet 1335 is also coated with a glaze to facilitate insertion of the heater 130 into the cigarette 3 and to improve the durability of the heater 130. Coating the second sheet 1335 with a glaze increases the rigidity of the second sheet 1335.

[0089] The heating portion 1315, the first sheet 1325 and the second sheet 1335 are each selectively made of the same material group, for example, ceramics that are compounds such as alumina and zirconia.

[0090] Alternatively, the first and second conductive tracks may be made of the same material, such as tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium, or a combination thereof. Even if the first and second conductive tracks are made of the same material, the resistances of the first and second conductive tracks may differ depending on the length, width, or pattern of the tracks.

[0091] According to one embodiment, a first electrically conductive track for heating the heating unit 1315 may be included in the heating unit 1315, the first sheet 1325, or the second sheet 1335. Also, like the first electrically conductive track, a plurality of electrically conductive tracks for heating the heating unit 1315 may be included in at least one of the heating unit 1315, the first sheet 1325, and the second sheet 1335.

[0092] According to one embodiment, a second electrically conductive track for sensing the temperature of the heating unit 1315 may be included in the heating unit 1315, the first sheet 1325, or the second sheet 1335. Also, like the second electrically conductive track, a plurality of electrically conductive tracks for sensing the temperature of the heating unit 1315 may be included in at least one of the heating unit 1315, the first sheet 1325, and the second sheet 1335.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the first electrically conductive track for heating the heating unit 1315 and the second electrically conductive track for sensing the temperature of the heating unit 1315 may be included in the same portion of the heating unit 1315, the first sheet 1325, and the second sheet 1335. Alternatively, the first electrically conductive track for heating the heating unit 1315 and the second electrically conductive track for sensing the temperature of the heating unit 1315 may be included in different portions of the heating unit 1315, the first sheet 1325, and the second sheet 1335.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the heater 130 is provided with a coating layer 1345 to flatten the stepped surface formed by the laminated structure including the heating portion 1315, the first sheet 1325, and the second sheet 1335. For example, a stepped surface 1355 is formed when the edges of the first sheet 1325 and the second sheet 1335 do not match, or due to the thickness of the first sheet 1325 and the second sheet 1335. For example, the stepped surface 1355 increases friction when the heater 130 is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate. Furthermore, if deposits or residues produced by the aerosol-forming substrate adhere to the stepped surface 1355, the heater 130 may become contaminated, thereby reducing the heater's thermal conductivity and, therefore, reducing its performance. Therefore, the coating layer 1345 is formed on the outer surface of the heater 130 to flatten the stepped surface 1355.

[0095] The outer surface of the heater 130 formed in the coating layer 1345 may include a tip of the coating layer 1345 corresponding to the tip of the heating portion 1315, and a base of the coating layer 1345 corresponding to the base of the heating portion 1315, the first sheet 1325, and the second sheet 1335. In this case, the portion connecting the tip of the coating layer 1345 to the base of the coating layer 1345 may have a stepped plane 1355 or a smooth outer surface without any unevenness.

[0096] The coating layer 1345 may include a heat-resistant composition. For example, the coating layer 1345 may include, but is not limited to, a single coating layer selected from a glass film coating layer, a Teflon coating layer, and a Thermolon coating layer. Alternatively, the coating layer 1345 may include, but is not limited to, a composite coating layer formed by combining two or more of the glass film coating layer, the Teflon coating layer, and the Thermolon coating layer.

[0097] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the staircase plane shown in FIG.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 3, a stepped plane 1355 is formed by the base of the heater 130 and the first and second sheets 1325 and 1335 that encase the base.

[0099] For example, a terrace 1321 is formed by the thickness of the first sheet 1325. Also, a terrace 1331 is formed by the thickness of the second sheet 1335.

[0100] Furthermore, the boundary line between the needle tip and base of the heating part does not match the edge of the first sheet 1325, forming a step 1311. Furthermore, the edge of the first sheet 1325 does not match the edge of the second sheet 1335, forming a step 1322.

[0101] At that time, deposits or residue of the aerosol-forming substance may be deposited in the space formed by the step plane 1355, contaminating the heater 130. As described with reference to Figure 2, the coating layer 1345 fills the gaps created by the step plane 1355 and flattens the step plane 1355.

[0102] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electrically conductive track.

[0103] A first surface 1351 of the first sheet 225 may include a first electrically conductive track 1352 and a second surface 1353 may include a second electrically conductive track 1354 .

[0104] The first electrically conductive track 1352 can heat the heating portion 1315 of the heater 130 by passing an electric current therethrough. The electrically conductive track is also connected to an external power source via a connection. When power is supplied to the electrically conductive track from the external power source, an electric current can flow through the electrically conductive track. This heats the electrically conductive track and transfers the heat to the adjacent heating portion 1315, thereby heating the heating portion 1315.

[0105] For example, the first electrically conductive tracks 1352 on the first surface 1351 may be formed in various patterns such as a curved pattern, a mesh pattern, and the like.

[0106] The second surface 1353 of the first sheet 1325 may include a second electrically conductive track 1354 having a temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic used to sense the temperature of the heating unit 1315. As described above, the second electrically conductive track 1354 may have an internal resistance that increases as the temperature increases due to the temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic. For example, within a certain temperature range, the temperature and resistance of the second electrically conductive track 1354 may be proportional to each other.

[0107] The second electrically conductive track 1354 is also positioned adjacent to the heating element 1315. For example, when the heating element 1315 is heated, heat is transferred from the heating element 1315 to the second electrically conductive track 1354. When the temperature of the heating element 1315 increases, the temperature of the second electrically conductive track 1354 also increases, increasing the resistance of the second electrically conductive track 1354. Conversely, when the temperature of the heating element 1315 decreases, the temperature of the second electrically conductive track 1354 also decreases, decreasing the resistance of the second electrically conductive track 1354.

[0108] The second electrically conductive track 1354 is also coupled to a controller via a connection, for example, a processor that controls the temperature of the heating element 1315. The second electrically conductive track 1354 is also coupled to a controller. Using the relationship between the resistance and temperature of the second electrically conductive track 1354, the resistance of the second electrically conductive track 1354 is determined from the voltage and current of the second electrically conductive track 1354, and the temperature of the heating element 1315 is determined from the determined resistance. The power supplied to the first electrically conductive track 1352 is adjusted based on the temperature determined using the second electrically conductive track 1354.

[0109] The second electrically conductive track 1354 is also disposed adjacent to the heating unit 1315 to receive the heat from the heating unit 1315. The first electrically conductive track 1352 on the second surface 1353 may also be formed in various patterns such as a curved pattern or a mesh pattern.

[0110] The first surface 1351 including the first electrically conductive track 1352 is one of the two end surfaces of the first sheet 1325 that contacts the heating element 1315, and the second surface 1353 including the second electrically conductive track 1354 is the other surface that does not contact the heating element 1315. Conversely, the second surface 1353 including the second electrically conductive track 1354 is one surface that contacts the heating element 1315, and the first surface 1351 including the first electrically conductive track 1352 is the other surface that does not contact the heating element 1315.

[0111] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which a first electrically conductive track 1352 and a second electrically conductive track 1354 are arranged on each of both end surfaces of the first sheet 1325, and as described above, the first electrically conductive track 1352 and the second electrically conductive track 1354 are also formed on the same surface of the first sheet 1325.

[0112] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the heater, the battery, and the control unit shown in FIG. 1 are connected to each other.

[0113] 5, the holder 1 may include a heater 130, a battery 110, and a control unit 120. The heater 130 in FIG. 5 is the same as the heater 130 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, and therefore, a detailed description of the heater 130 will be omitted.

[0114] The battery 110 is also coupled to the heater 130 via a first connector 1361. For example, the battery 110 may be electrically coupled to a first electrically conductive track on a first sheet of the heater 130 and supply power to the first electrically conductive track.

[0115] The battery 110 may include a power source and circuitry for supplying power. For example, the battery 110 may provide a supply voltage to the first electrically conductive track via the first connector 1361. The supply voltage may be, but is not limited to, a DC voltage or an AC voltage, a pulse voltage having a constant period, or a pulse voltage with a variable period.

[0116] The control unit 120 may include a processor, for example, but not limited to, an MCU.

[0117] The controller 120 is also connected to the heater 130 via the second connector 1362. For example, the controller 120 is electrically connected to the second electrically conductive track of the first sheet of the heater 130 and can determine the temperature of the heater 130. The controller 120 can also adjust the temperature of the heater 130 based on the determined temperature of the heater 130. For example, the controller 120 can determine whether to adjust the temperature of the heater 130 based on the determined temperature of the heater 130. The controller 120 can adjust the power supplied from the battery 110 to the heater 130 based on the decision to adjust the temperature of the heater 130. For example, the controller 120 can adjust the magnitude or period of the pulse voltage supplied from the battery 110 to the heater 130.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the control unit 120 may include an OP Amp.

[0119] The second electrically conductive track is also connected to the OP Amp via a second connector 1362. The OP Amp may include a power supply that receives DC power from an external source, an input that is electrically connected to the second electrically conductive track and to which a DC voltage and / or current is applied, and an output that outputs an electrical signal based on the DC voltage and / or current applied to the input.

[0120] The OP Amp receives a DC voltage via the power supply. The OP Amp also receives a DC voltage via the input. The magnitude of the DC voltage applied via the OP Amp's input and the magnitude of the DC voltage applied via the OP Amp's power supply are the same. The DC voltage applied to the OP Amp's input is also the same as the DC voltage applied to the second connector 1362 of the second electrically conductive track.

[0121] The second connector 1362 of the second electrically conductive track and the input of the OP Amp is also separated from the first connector 1361 of the first electrically conductive track.

[0122] As the temperature of the second electrically conductive track changes, the resistance of the second electrically conductive track also changes. Therefore, the second electrically conductive track functions as a variable resistor with temperature as the control variable. As the resistance of the second electrically conductive track changes, the current flowing into the input of the operational amplifier electrically connected to the second electrically conductive track changes. As the resistance of the second electrically conductive track increases, the current flowing into the input of the operational amplifier electrically connected to the second electrically conductive track decreases. At this time, even if the resistance of the second electrically conductive track changes, the DC voltage applied to the input of the operational amplifier remains constant.

[0123] As the current flowing into the input of the OP amp changes, the voltage and / or current of the signal output from the output of the OP amp may change. For example, as the input current of the OP amp increases, the output voltage of the OP amp may increase. As another example, as the input current of the OP amp increases, the output voltage of the OP amp may decrease.

[0124] Furthermore, when a constant DC voltage is applied to the input of the OP Amp, the relationship between the temperature and resistance of the second electrically conductive track, the relationship between the resistance of the second electrically conductive track and the input current applied to the OP Amp, and the relationship between the input current and output voltage of the OP Amp can be experimentally obtained or set. Thus, the output voltage and / or changes in the output voltage of the OP Amp can be measured, and the temperature and / or changes in the temperature of the second electrically conductive track can be sensed.

[0125] For example, an OP amp may have a characteristic in which the voltage at its output increases as the input current flowing into its input increases. In this case, when power is supplied to a first electrically conductive track, the temperature of the heater increases, which in turn increases the temperature of the second electrically conductive track. At that time, the resistance of the second electrically conductive track increases, which reduces the magnitude of the input current applied to the OP amp's input. Therefore, the voltage at the output of the OP amp decreases. Conversely, when power is cut off to the first electrically conductive track or the power supplied to the first electrically conductive track decreases, the temperature of the heater decreases, which in turn increases the voltage at the output of the OP amp.

[0126] As another example, an OP amp may have a characteristic in which the voltage at its output decreases as the input current flowing into its input increases. In this case, when power is supplied to the first electrically conductive track, the heater temperature increases, which in turn increases the temperature of the second electrically conductive track. At this time, the resistance of the second electrically conductive track increases, reducing the magnitude of the input current applied to the OP amp's input. Consequently, the voltage at the output of the OP amp increases. Conversely, when power is cut off to the first electrically conductive track or the power supplied to the first electrically conductive track decreases, the heater temperature decreases, which in turn reduces the voltage at the output of the OP amp.

[0127] The output of the OP Amp is also coupled to a processor, which may be, for example, an MCU. The processor can sense the temperature of the second electrically conductive track or the heating element based on the output voltage of the OP Amp. The processor can also adjust the supply voltage provided to the first electrically conductive track based on the temperature of the heating element.

[0128] 1 again, the holder 1 may be provided with a separate temperature sensor. Alternatively, the holder 1 may not be provided with a temperature sensor, and the heater 130 may function as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the heater 130 of the holder 1 may function as the temperature sensor, and the holder 1 may further be provided with a separate temperature sensor. In order for the heater 130 to function as the temperature sensor, the heater 130 may include at least one electrically conductive track for generating heat and sensing temperature. The heater 130 may also include a second electrically conductive track for sensing temperature in addition to the first electrically conductive track for generating heat.

[0129] For example, if the voltage across the second electrically conductive track and the current through the second electrically conductive track are measured, the resistance R is determined. Then, the temperature T of the second electrically conductive track can be determined using Equation 1 below.

number

[0130] In Equation 1, R represents the current resistance of the second electrically conductive track, R represents the resistance at temperature T (e.g., 0°C), and α represents the temperature coefficient of resistance of the second electrically conductive track. Conductive materials (e.g., metals) have their own inherent temperature coefficients of resistance, and α is determined in advance by the conductive material that constitutes the second electrically conductive track. Therefore, once the resistance R of the second electrically conductive track is determined, the temperature T of the second electrically conductive track can be calculated using Equation 1.

[0131] The heater 130 also comprises at least one electrically conductive track (a first electrically conductive track and a second electrically conductive track). For example, but not limited to, the heater 130 may comprise two first electrically conductive tracks and one or two second electrically conductive tracks.

[0132] The electrically conductive tracks comprise an electrically resistive material. In one example, the electrically conductive tracks are made of a metal material. In another example, the electrically conductive tracks are made of an electrically conductive ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.

[0133] The holder 1 may also include both an electrically conductive track that acts as a temperature sensor and a temperature sensor.

[0134] The control unit 120 controls the overall operation of the holder 1. Specifically, the control unit 120 controls the operation of not only the battery 110 and the heater 130 but also other components included in the holder 1. The control unit 120 can also check the state of each component of the holder 1 and determine whether the holder 1 is in an operable state.

[0135] The control unit 120 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the control unit 120 may also be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0136] For example, the control unit 120 can control the operation of the heater 130. The control unit 120 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 130 and the time for which power is supplied so that the heater 130 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature. The control unit 120 can also check the status of the battery 110 (e.g., the remaining charge of the battery 110) and generate a notification signal if necessary.

[0137] In addition, the control unit 120 can check whether the user has puffed and the strength of the puff, and can count the number of puffs. The control unit 120 can also continuously check the time that the holder 1 is operating. The control unit 120 can also check whether a cradle 2 (described later) is connected to the holder 1, and control the operation of the holder 1 according to the connection or disconnection of the cradle 2 and the holder 1.

[0138] Meanwhile, the holder 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 110, the control unit 120, and the heater .

[0139] For example, the holder 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information or a motor for outputting tactile information. For example, if the holder 1 includes a display, the control unit 120 may transmit to the user, via the display, information related to the status of the holder 1 (e.g., whether the holder is usable, etc.), information related to the heater 130 (e.g., pre-heating start, pre-heating progress, pre-heating completion, etc.), information related to the battery 110 (e.g., remaining capacity of the battery 110, whether it is usable, etc.), information related to resetting the holder 1 (e.g., reset time, reset progress, reset completion, etc.), information related to cleaning the holder 1 (e.g., cleaning time, cleaning required, cleaning progress, cleaning completion, etc.), information related to charging the holder 1 (e.g., charging required, charging progress, charging completion, etc.), information related to puffs (e.g., the number of puffs, a puff end warning, etc.), or information related to safety (e.g., elapsed usage time, etc.). As another example, if the holder 1 includes a motor, the control unit 120 can communicate the above information to the user by using the motor to generate a vibration signal.

[0140] The holder 1 may also include at least one input device (e.g., a button) that allows a user to control the functions of the holder 1, and / or a terminal coupled to the cradle 2. For example, a user can use the input device of the holder 1 to perform various functions. The user can perform a desired function from among the multiple functions of the holder 1 by adjusting the number of times (e.g., once, twice, etc.) that the input device is pressed or the duration (e.g., 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds) that the input device is pressed. When the user operates the input device, the holder 1 may perform functions such as preheating the heater 130, adjusting the temperature of the heater 130, cleaning the space into which the cigarette is inserted, checking whether the holder 1 is in an operable state, displaying the remaining capacity (available power) of the battery 110, and resetting the holder 1. However, the functions of the holder 1 are not limited to the above examples.

[0141] For example, the holder 1 can clean the space into which a cigarette is inserted by controlling the heater 130 as follows. For example, the holder 1 can clean the space into which a cigarette is inserted by heating the heater 130 to a sufficiently high temperature. Here, a sufficiently high temperature means a temperature appropriate for cleaning the space into which a cigarette is inserted. For example, the holder 1 can heat the heater 130 to the highest temperature between a temperature range in which aerosols can be generated in the inserted cigarette and a temperature range for preheating the heater 130, but is not limited thereto.

[0142] Furthermore, the holder 1 can maintain the temperature of the heater 130 at a sufficiently high temperature for a predetermined time period. Here, the predetermined time period refers to a time period sufficient for the space into which the cigarette is inserted to be cleaned. For example, the holder 1 can maintain the temperature of the heated heater 130 for an appropriate time period between 10 seconds and 10 minutes, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the holder 1 can maintain the temperature of the heated heater 130 for an appropriate time period selected from the range of 20 seconds to 1 minute. Also, preferably, the holder 1 can maintain the temperature of the heated heater 130 for an appropriate time period selected from the range of 20 seconds to 1 minute 30 seconds.

[0143] The holder 1 heats the heater 130 to a sufficiently high temperature and maintains the heated temperature of the heater 130 for a predetermined time period, thereby volatilizing the substance deposited on the surface of the heater 130 and / or the space into which the cigarette is inserted, thereby achieving a cleaning effect.

[0144] The holder 1 may also include a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, and / or a cigarette insertion detection sensor. For example, the puff detection sensor may be implemented as a general pressure sensor. The holder 1 may also detect puffs based on a change in resistance of an electrically conductive track included in the heater 130, without being provided with a separate puff detection sensor. Here, the electrically conductive track includes an electrically conductive track for heat generation and / or an electrically conductive track for temperature detection. The holder 1 may also include a puff detection sensor in addition to detecting puffs using the electrically conductive track included in the heater 130.

[0145] The cigarette insertion sensor may be realized by a general capacitance sensor or a resistance sensor. The holder 1 may also be fabricated in a structure that allows external air to flow in and out even when a cigarette is inserted.

[0146] 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating various sides of an example holder.

[0147] 6A is a view illustrating an example of the holder 1 viewed from a first direction. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the holder 1 may be cylindrical, but is not limited thereto. The case 140 of the holder 1 is separated by a user's action, and a cigarette is inserted into the end 141 of the case 140. The holder 1 also includes buttons 150 that allow the user to control the holder 1, and a display 160 on which an image is output.

[0148] 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of the holder 1 viewed from a second direction. The holder 1 may include a terminal 170 to be coupled to the cradle 2. When the terminal 170 of the holder 1 is coupled to the terminal 260 of the cradle 2, the battery 110 of the holder 1 is charged by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2. Furthermore, the holder 1 can be operated by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2 via the terminal 170 and the terminal 260, and communication (transmission and reception of signals) between the holder 1 and the cradle 2 is possible. For example, the terminal 170 may be configured by four micro pins, but is not limited to this.

[0149] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cradle.

[0150] 7, the cradle 2 includes a battery 210 and a control unit 220. The cradle 2 also includes an internal space 230 into which the holder 1 is inserted. For example, the internal space 230 is also formed on one side of the cradle 2. Therefore, even if the cradle 2 does not include a separate cover, the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 and fixed therein.

[0151] Only components related to this embodiment are shown in the cradle 2 in Fig. 7. Therefore, it would be understood by those skilled in the art that other general components may also be included in the cradle 2 in addition to the components shown in Fig. 7.

[0152] The battery 210 supplies power used for operating the cradle 2. The battery 210 can also supply power to charge the battery 110 of the holder 1. For example, when the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 and the terminal 170 of the holder 1 and the terminal 260 of the cradle 2 are mated, the battery 210 of the cradle 2 can supply power to the battery 110 of the holder 1.

[0153] Furthermore, when the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are coupled, the battery 210 can supply power used to operate the holder 1. For example, when the terminal 170 of the holder 1 and the terminal 260 of the cradle 2 are coupled, the holder 1 can operate using the power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2, regardless of whether the battery 110 of the holder 1 has been discharged.

[0154] For example, battery 210 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium-ion battery. Also, the capacity of battery 210 may be greater than that of battery 110, for example, the capacity of battery 210 may be 3,000 mAh or more, but the capacity of battery 210 is not limited to the above example.

[0155] The control unit 220 controls the overall operation of the cradle 2. The control unit 220 can control the operation of all components of the cradle 2. In addition, the control unit 220 can determine whether the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are connected or not, and control the operation of the cradle 2 according to the connection or separation of the cradle 2 and the holder 1.

[0156] For example, when the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are connected, the control unit 220 can charge the battery 110 or heat the heater 130 by supplying power from the battery 210 to the holder 1. Therefore, even when the remaining charge of the battery 110 is low, the user can connect the holder 1 and the cradle 2 and continue smoking.

[0157] The control unit 220 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the controller 220 may also be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0158] Meanwhile, the cradle 2 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 210 and the control unit 220. For example, the cradle 2 may include a display capable of outputting visual information. For example, if the cradle 2 includes a display, the control unit 220 may generate a signal to be displayed on the display, thereby transmitting to the user information related to the battery 210 (e.g., remaining capacity of the battery 210, usable status, etc.), information related to resetting the cradle 2 (e.g., reset time, reset progress, reset completion, etc.), information related to cleaning of the holder 1 (e.g., cleaning time, cleaning required, cleaning progress, cleaning completion, etc.), information related to charging of the cradle 2 (e.g., charging required, charging progress, charging completion, etc.), etc.

[0159] The cradle 2 may also include at least one input device (e.g., a button) that allows a user to control the functions of the cradle 2, a terminal 260 that couples with the holder 1, and / or an interface (e.g., a USB port, etc.) for charging the battery 210.

[0160] For example, a user can perform various functions using the input device of the cradle 2. The user can perform a desired function from among the multiple functions of the cradle 2 by adjusting the number of times or the duration of pressing the input device. When the user operates the input device, the cradle 2 can perform functions such as preheating the heater 130 of the holder 1, adjusting the temperature of the heater 130 of the holder 1, cleaning the space in the holder 1 where the cigarette is inserted, checking whether the cradle 2 is in an operable state, displaying the remaining capacity (available power) of the battery 210 of the cradle 2, and resetting the cradle 2. However, the functions of the cradle 2 are not limited to the above examples.

[0161] 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating various aspects of an example cradle.

[0162] 8A is a view showing an example of the cradle 2 viewed from a first direction. One side of the cradle 2 has a space 230 into which the holder 1 is inserted. Even if the cradle 2 does not include a separate fixing means such as a lid, the holder 1 is inserted and fixed in the cradle 2. The cradle 2 also includes buttons 240 that allow a user to control the cradle 2 and a display 250 that outputs an image.

[0163] 8B is a diagram illustrating an example of the cradle 2 as viewed from a second direction. The cradle 2 may include a terminal 260 that is coupled to the inserted holder 1. When the terminal 260 is coupled to the terminal 170 of the holder 1, the battery 110 of the holder 1 is charged by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2. Furthermore, the holder 1 can be operated by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2 via the terminal 170 and the terminal 260, and signals can be transmitted and received between the holder 1 and the cradle 2. For example, the terminal 260 may be configured by four micro pins, but is not limited to this.

[0164] 1 to 8B, the holder 1 is inserted into the internal space 230 of the cradle 2. The holder 1 is also completely inserted into the cradle 2 and tilted while inserted into the cradle 2. An example of inserting the holder 1 into the cradle 7 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0165] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the holder is inserted into the cradle.

[0166] 9 shows an example in which the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2. Since the space 230 into which the holder 1 is inserted exists on one side of the cradle 2, the inserted holder 1 is not exposed to the outside through the other side of the cradle 2. Therefore, the cradle 2 does not need to include any other structure (e.g., a lid) for preventing the holder 1 from being exposed to the outside.

[0167] The cradle 2 may include at least one binding member 271, 272 to increase the strength of the binding with the holder 1. The holder 1 may also include at least one binding member 181. Here, the binding members 181, 271, 272 may be magnets, but are not limited thereto. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 5 illustrates the holder 1 as including one binding member 181 and the cradle 2 as including two binding members 271, 272, but the number of binding members 181, 271, 272 is not limited thereto.

[0168] The holder 1 may include a binding member 181 at the first position, and the cradle 2 may include binding members 271 and 272 at the second and third positions, respectively. In this case, the first and third positions are also positions that face each other when the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2.

[0169] Since the holder 1 and the cradle 2 include the connecting members 181, 271, and 272, the holder 1 and the cradle 2 can be more firmly connected to each other even when the holder 1 is inserted into one side of the cradle 2. In other words, the holder 1 and the cradle 2 can be more firmly connected to each other because the holder 1 and the cradle 2 further include the connecting members 181, 271, and 272 in addition to the terminals 170 and 260. Therefore, even if the cradle 2 does not have a separate structure (e.g., a lid), the inserted holder 1 will not easily separate from the cradle 2.

[0170] Furthermore, if the terminals 170, 260 and / or the binding members 181, 271, 272 determine that the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2, the control unit 220 can use the power of the battery 210 to charge the battery 110 of the holder 1.

[0171] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the holder is tilted while inserted into the cradle.

[0172] 10, the holder 1 is tilted inside the cradle 2. Here, the tilt means that the holder 1 is inclined at a certain angle from the state where it is inserted into the cradle 2.

[0173] 9, when the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2, the user cannot smoke. In other words, when the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2, no cigarette is inserted into the holder 1. Therefore, when the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2, the user cannot smoke.

[0174] As shown in FIG. 10 , when the holder 1 is tilted, the end 141 of the holder 1 is exposed to the outside. Therefore, a user can insert a cigarette into the end 141 and inhale (smoke) the generated aerosol. The tilt angle θ is set to a sufficient angle so that the cigarette is not bent or damaged when inserted into the end 141 of the holder 1. For example, the holder 1 may be tilted to a minimum angle at which the entire cigarette insertion hole included in the end 141 is exposed to the outside, or to an angle greater than this. For example, the tilt angle θ may range from 0° to 180°, and preferably from 5° to 90°. More preferably, the tilt angle θ may range from 5° to 20°, from 5° to 30°, from 5° to 40°, from 5° to 50°, or from 5° to 60°. More preferably, the tilt angle θ may be 10°.

[0175] Furthermore, even when the holder 1 is tilted, the terminal 170 of the holder 1 and the terminal 260 of the cradle 2 are connected to each other. Therefore, the heater 130 of the holder 1 is also heated by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2. Therefore, even when the remaining charge of the battery 110 of the holder 1 is low or is gone, the holder 1 can generate aerosol using the battery 210 of the cradle 2.

[0176] 10 illustrates an example in which the holder 1 includes one binding member 182 and the cradle 2 includes two binding members 273 and 274. For example, the positions of the binding members 182, 273, and 274 are as described with reference to FIG. 5. If the binding members 182, 273, and 274 are assumed to be magnets, the magnetic strength of the binding member 274 is greater than the magnetic strength of the binding member 273. Therefore, even if the holder 1 is tilted, the binding members 182 and 274 prevent the holder 1 from being completely separated from the cradle 2.

[0177] Furthermore, if the terminals 170, 260 and / or the binding members 182, 273, 274 determine that the holder 1 is tilted, the control unit 220 can use the power of the battery 210 to heat the heater 130 of the holder 1 or charge the battery 110.

[0178] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation for smoking using a tilted holder in a cradle.

[0179] 11 , the cradle 2 has an internal space for accommodating the holder 1. When the holder 1 is accommodated in the internal space, the holder 1 is tilted together with the internal space so that a cigarette 3 can be inserted into the holder 1. The holder 1 can be tilted to any tilt angle θ while coupled to the cradle 2. As described above, the tilt angle θ can range from 0° to 180°, and preferably from 5° to 90°. More preferably, the tilt angle θ can range from 5° to 20°, from 5° to 30°, from 5° to 40°, from 5° to 50°, or from 5° to 60°. More preferably, the tilt angle θ can be 10°. A user can insert a cigarette 3 into one end of the holder 1 and smoke while holding the cradle 2 in their hand. An aerosol generating system is constructed including at least one of the holder 1, the cradle 2, and the cigarette 3.

[0180] When the holder 1 performs a smoking operation while tilted on the cradle 2, the holder 1 can generate aerosol from the cigarette 3 by heating the heater 130 (FIG. 1) using power supplied from the battery 210 of the cradle 2. Meanwhile, even when the holder 1 is tilted, the holder 1 is still connected to the cradle 2, so the battery 110 of the holder 1 is charged by power supplied from the battery 210 of the cradle 2. Meanwhile, the battery 110 of the holder 1 is used to heat the heater 130 (FIG. 1) only when the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2, but is not limited to this.

[0181] The control unit 220 of the cradle 2 can determine whether the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are coupled together and whether the holder 1 is tilted. When the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are coupled together, the control unit 220 can control charging of the battery 110 by the battery 210. When the holder 1 is tilted, the control unit 220 can control heating of the heater 130 (FIG. 1) of the holder 1 using power supplied from the battery 210, i.e., the temperature of the heater 130 (FIG. 1). As described above, when the holder 1 is tilted, the holder 1 can smoke several times in succession using power from the battery 210. In this case, one smoking session may be set to, for example, 14 puffs.

[0182] The control unit 120 of the holder 1 can cumulatively monitor the smoking pattern in a first state in which the holder 1 is tilted by the cradle 2 and in a second state in which the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2, and determine whether the cumulatively monitored smoking pattern satisfies the smoking restriction conditions.

[0183] Specifically, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can detect whether or not a puff has been made and count the number of puffs. The control unit 120 of the holder 1 can also count the operating time during which the heater 130 (FIG. 1) is continuously heated. Furthermore, the control unit 120 can determine whether the holder 1 is connected to, tilted from, or separated from the cradle 2.

[0184] When the holder 1 is tilted and a cigarette 3 is inserted into the holder 1, the control unit 120 determines whether the number of puffs by the user reaches the puff limit or whether the operating time of the holder 1 reaches the operating time limit. When the number of puffs or the operating time reaches the puff limit or the operating time limit while the holder 1 is tilted, the control unit 120 can control the heater 130 (FIG. 1) to stop heating. At that time, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can stop heating of the heater 130 (FIG. 1) by instructing the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 to stop the power supply from the battery 210.

[0185] The holder 1 is also operated based on a smoking pattern and a smoking restriction condition. The smoking pattern may include, for example, the number of puffs associated with the inserted cigarette 3. The smoking restriction condition may include a puff limit. Accordingly, the holder 1 can control the heater 130 (FIG. 1) provided within the holder 1 so that heating of the inserted cigarette 3 is stopped when the cumulative number of puffs monitored in the first and second states reaches the puff limit. Furthermore, the smoking pattern may include an operating time of the holder 1 (e.g., a heating time of the heater 130 (FIG. 1)), and the smoking restriction condition may include an operating time limit. In this case, the holder 1 can control the heater 130 (FIG. 1) provided within the holder 1 so that heating of the inserted cigarette 3 is stopped when the cumulative operating time monitored in the first and second states reaches the operating time limit.

[0186] As mentioned above, the control unit 120 can interrupt heating of the heater 130 (FIG. 1) when the holder 1 is tilted and the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2 by the user, at which point the user can start the next cigarette by further connecting the holder 1 to the cradle 2.

[0187] Meanwhile, even if the holder 1 is tilted and separated by the user, the control unit 120 can accumulate and add up the number of puffs counted while the holder 1 is tilted and the number of puffs counted while the holder 1 is separated, and then compare the total number of puffs with the puff limit number to determine whether the heater 130 (FIG. 1) is heating. That is, even if the holder 1 is tilted or separated, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 continues to monitor the number of puffs. As with the number of puffs, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 continues to monitor the operating time of the holder 1, even if the holder 1 is tilted or separated. Ultimately, the end of the operation of the holder 1, i.e., the end of heating by the heater 130 (FIG. 1), depends on the determination of the control unit 120 of the holder 1.

[0188] FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a method for counting the number of puffs when the holder is tilted and separated.

[0189] In step 5110, the holder 1 or the cradle 2 receives a request to start smoking from the user. The request to start smoking may also be received from the user via an input device provided in the holder 1 or the cradle 2. The control unit 120 of the holder 1 or the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 may determine that a request to start smoking has been received if there is a user input. Meanwhile, smoking is possible when the holder 1 is tilted or separated from the cradle 2. However, when the holder 1 is not separated from the cradle 2 and is not tilted, the holder 1 may operate to prevent the user from smoking, and may not operate the heater, or may heat the heater to a temperature or for a time that is insufficient for the user to smoke. Hereinafter, the operation of the holder 1 will be described assuming that the holder 1 is tilted or separated from the cradle 2.

[0190] In step 5120, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 determines whether the holder 1 coupled to the cradle 2 has been tilted. Meanwhile, the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 can also determine whether the holder 1 has been tilted. If the holder 1 has been tilted, the process proceeds to step 5130. However, if the holder 1 has been separated, the process proceeds to step 5170.

[0191] In step 5130, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 counts the number of puffs in the tilted state.

[0192] In step 5140, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 sums the number of puffs in the tilted state and the number of puffs in the separated state. If the user puffs on the cigarette 3 only in the tilted state, the number of puffs in the separated state is 0.

[0193] In step 5150, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 compares the total number of puffs with a preset puff limit. For example, the puff limit may be 14, but is not limited to this. If the total number of puffs is less than the puff limit, the process proceeds to step 5120. However, if the total number of puffs reaches the puff limit, the process proceeds to step 5160.

[0194] In step 5160, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 controls the heater 130 (FIG. 1) to stop heating. On the other hand, if the holder 1 is still tilted, the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 may also control the heater 130 to stop heating.

[0195] In step 5170, when the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 counts the number of puffs in the separated state. As a result, in step 5140, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can count the total number of puffs by adding up the number of puffs counted in the separated state and the number of puffs counted in the tilted state.

[0196] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method for counting the operation time when the holder is tilted and separated.

[0197] In step 5210, the holder 1 or the cradle 2 receives a request to start smoking from the user.

[0198] In step 5220, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 determines whether the holder 1 coupled to the cradle 2 has been tilted. Meanwhile, the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 can also determine whether the holder 1 has been tilted. If the holder 1 has been tilted, the process proceeds to step 5230. However, if the holder 1 has been separated, the process proceeds to step 5270.

[0199] In step 5230, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 counts the operation time in the tilted state.

[0200] In step 5240, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 sums the operating time in the tilted state and the operating time in the detached state. If the user operates the holder 1 only in the tilted state, the operating time in the detached state is 0 hours.

[0201] In step 5250, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 compares the summed total operating time with a preset operating time limit. For example, the operating time limit may be 10 minutes, but is not limited to this. If the summed total operating time is less than the operating time limit, the process proceeds to step 5220. However, if the summed total operating time reaches the operating time limit, the process proceeds to step 5260.

[0202] In step 5260, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 controls the heater 130 (FIG. 1) to stop heating. On the other hand, if the holder 1 is still tilted, the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 can also control the heater 130 to stop heating.

[0203] In step 5270, when the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 counts the operation time in the separated state. As a result, in step 5240, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can count the total operation time by adding up the operation time counted in the separated state and the operation time counted in the tilted state.

[0204] Meanwhile, the holder 1 can control the heater 130 (FIG. 1) to stop heating when at least one of the number of puffs described in FIG. 12 and the operating time described in FIG. 13 meets a preset limiting condition.

[0205] Specifically, when smoking is in progress in the first state and then smoking is in progress in the second state, the holder 1 accumulates the smoking pattern monitored in the second state with the smoking pattern monitored in the first state, and if the accumulated smoking pattern satisfies the smoking restriction condition, controls the heater 130 (FIG. 1) provided within the holder 1 so as to interrupt heating of the inserted cigarette. Also, when smoking is in progress in the second state and then smoking is in progress in the first state, the holder 1 accumulates the smoking pattern monitored in the first state with the smoking pattern monitored in the second state, and if the accumulated smoking pattern satisfies the smoking restriction condition, controls the heater 130 (FIG. 1) provided within the holder 1 so as to interrupt heating of the inserted cigarette.

[0206] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of counting the number of puffs using a holder.

[0207] 14, smoking begins with the holder 1 tilted on the cradle 2 and the cigarette 3 inserted into the holder 1. With the holder 1 tilted, the user puffs the cigarette 3 from the first puff to the sixth puff, and then separates the holder 1 from the cradle 2. The control unit 120 of the holder 1 cumulatively counts the number of puffs while the six puffs are being performed.

[0208] The user can take eight more puffs using the separated holder 1. In this case, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can cumulatively count the first puff taken with the separated holder 1 as the seventh puff following the sixth puff in the tilted state. That is, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can cumulatively count all puffs taken from when the holder 1 is tilted to when it is separated. The control unit 120 of the holder 1 can control the operation of the holder 1 to end when the total number of accumulated puffs reaches the puff limit (i.e., when the 14th puff is completed).

[0209] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining another example of counting the number of puffs using a holder.

[0210] Referring to Figure 15, the opposite case to Figure 14 is described. With the holder 1 separated from the cradle 2, smoking begins after a cigarette 3 is inserted into the holder 1. The user puffs the cigarette 3 from the first puff to the fourth puff using the separated holder 1, and then connects the holder 1 to the cradle 2 and tilts it. The control unit 120 of the holder 1 cumulatively counts the number of puffs while the four puffs are being performed.

[0211] The user can take 10 more puffs using the tilted holder 1. In this case, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can cumulatively count the first puff taken with the tilted holder 1 as the fifth puff following the fourth puff taken when the holder 1 was separated. That is, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can cumulatively count all puffs taken from when the holder 1 was separated to when it was tilted. The control unit 120 of the holder 1 can control the operation of the holder 1 to end when the total number of accumulated puffs reaches the puff limit (i.e., when the 14th puff is completed).

[0212] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining yet another example of counting the number of puffs using a holder.

[0213] 16(a), even if a user uses the holder 1 in a tilted state, separates the holder 1 from the cradle 2, and then tilts the holder 1 again, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can cumulatively count the puffs made since the user started smoking (i.e., the first puff). Similarly, with reference to FIG. 16(b), even if a user uses the holder 1 in a separated state, tilts the holder 1, and then separates the holder 1 again, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can cumulatively count the puffs made since the user started smoking (i.e., the first puff).

[0214] That is, after smoking has begun, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can cumulatively count the number of puffs taken, regardless of whether the holder 1 is tilted or separated, and control the operation of the holder 1 based on the total number of puffs accumulated.

[0215] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a method for counting the operation time with a holder.

[0216] 17, smoking begins with the holder 1 tilted on the cradle 2 and the cigarette 3 inserted into the holder 1. The user puffs the cigarette 3 for six minutes with the holder 1 tilted, and then separates the holder 1 from the cradle 2. The control unit 120 of the holder 1 counts the operating time while the holder 1 is tilted.

[0217] If the operating time in the tilted state has not yet reached the operating time limit, the user can puff further using the separated holder 1. In the example of FIG. 20, the user can puff further for four minutes. At that time, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can consider the operating time before separation as the operating time that has already elapsed. That is, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can cumulatively count all the operating time that has elapsed since the holder 1 was tilted to the time it was separated. The control unit 120 of the holder 1 can control the operation of the holder 1 to end when the accumulated total operating time reaches the operating time limit (i.e., when 10 minutes have elapsed).

[0218] 18A and 18B are diagrams illustrating an example in which the holder is inserted into the cradle.

[0219] 18A shows an example in which the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2. When the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2, the cradle 2 is designed to have a sufficient internal space 230 to minimize the user's contact with the holder 1. When the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2, the control unit 220 supplies power from the battery 210 to the holder 1 so that the battery 110 of the holder 1 is charged.

[0220] 18B illustrates an example in which the holder 1 is tilted while inserted into the cradle 2. When the holder 1 is tilted, the control unit 220 supplies power from the battery 210 to the holder 1 so that the battery 110 of the holder 1 is charged or the heater 130 of the holder 1 is heated.

[0221] FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the holder and the cradle.

[0222] The method of generating an aerosol shown in Figure 19 is comprised of steps that are processed in chronological order in the holder 1 or cradle 2 shown in Figures 1 to 18B. Therefore, even if omitted below, it should be understood that the content described above regarding the holder 1 and cradle 2 shown in Figures 1 to 18B also applies to the method of Figure 19.

[0223] In step 5310, it is determined whether the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2. For example, the control unit 120 may determine whether the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 based on whether the terminals 170 and 260 of the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are connected to each other and / or whether the connecting members 181, 271, and 272 are operating.

[0224] If the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2, the process proceeds to step 5320, and if the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2, the process proceeds to step 5330.

[0225] In step 5320, the cradle 2 determines whether the holder 1 is tilted. For example, the control unit 220 can determine whether the holder 1 is tilted by determining whether the terminals 170 and 260 of the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are connected to each other and / or whether the connecting members 182, 273, and 274 are operating.

[0226] Although it has been described that the cradle 2 determines whether the holder 1 is tilted in step 5320, the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the tilt of the holder 1 can also be determined by the control unit 120 of the holder 1.

[0227] If the holder 1 is tilted, the process proceeds to step 5340, and if the holder 1 is not tilted (ie, the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2), the process proceeds to step 5370.

[0228] In step 5330, the holder 1 determines whether the use conditions of the holder 1 are satisfied. For example, the control unit 120 can determine whether the use conditions are satisfied by checking the remaining charge of the battery 110 and whether other components of the holder 1 are operating normally.

[0229] If the conditions for using the folder 1 are satisfied, the procedure proceeds to step 5340; otherwise, the procedure ends.

[0230] In step 5340, the holder 1 notifies the user that it is ready for use. For example, the control unit 120 may output an image on the display of the holder 1 to notify the user that it is ready for use, or may control the motor of the holder 1 to generate a vibration signal.

[0231] In step 5350, the heater 130 is heated. As an example, when the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2, the heater 130 may be heated by the power of the battery 110 of the holder 1. As another example, when the holder 1 is tilted, the heater 130 may be heated by the power of the battery 210 of the cradle 2.

[0232] The control unit 120 of the holder 1 or the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 can check the temperature of the heater 130 in real time and adjust the amount of power supplied to the heater 130 and the time for which power is supplied to the heater 130. For example, the control units 120 and 220 can check the temperature of the heater 130 in real time via a temperature sensor included in the holder 1 or an electrically conductive track of the heater 130.

[0233] In step 5360, the holder 1 performs an aerosol generating mechanism. For example, the controller 120, 220 can check the temperature of the heater 130, which changes as the user puffs, and adjust the amount of power supplied to the heater 130 or cut off the supply of power to the heater 130. The controller 120, 220 can also count the number of puffs the user has performed, and when a certain number of puffs (e.g., 1,500 puffs) is reached, output information informing the user that the holder needs to be cleaned.

[0234] In step 5370, the cradle 2 charges the holder 1. For example, the control unit 220 can charge the holder 1 by supplying power from the battery 210 of the cradle 2 to the battery 110 of the holder 1.

[0235] Meanwhile, the control units 120 and 220 can also stop the operation of the holder 1 based on the number of puffs by the user or the operation time of the holder 1. Hereinafter, an example in which the control units 120 and 220 stop the operation of the holder 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 20 .

[0236] FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the operation of the holder.

[0237] The method of generating an aerosol shown in Figure 20 is composed of steps that are processed in time sequence in the holder 1 and cradle 2 shown in Figures 1 to 18B. Therefore, even if the content is omitted below, it should be understood that the content described above regarding the holder 1 or cradle 2 shown in Figures 1 to 18B also applies to the method of Figure 20.

[0238] In operation 5410, the controller 120, 220 determines whether the user has puffed. For example, the controller 120, 220 may determine whether the user has puffed using a puff detection sensor included in the holder 1. The controller 120, 220 may also determine whether the user has puffed using a resistance change of an electrically conductive track included in the heater 130. Here, the electrically conductive track may include an electrically conductive track for generating heat and / or an electrically conductive track for sensing temperature. The controller 120, 220 may also determine whether the user has puffed using both the resistance change of the electrically conductive track included in the heater 130 and the puff detection sensor.

[0239] In step 5420, aerosol is generated by the user's puff. As described with reference to Fig. 19, the control unit 120, 220 can adjust the power supplied to the heater 130 depending on the user's puff and the temperature of the heater 130. The control unit 120, 220 also counts the number of puffs by the user.

[0240] In step 5430, the control unit 120, 220 determines whether the number of puffs taken by the user is equal to or greater than the puff limit. For example, if the puff limit is set to 14, the control unit 120, 220 determines whether the counted number of puffs is equal to or greater than 14. However, the puff limit is not limited to 14. For example, the puff limit may be set to an appropriate number between 10 and 16.

[0241] On the other hand, if the number of puffs by the user approaches the puff limit (for example, if the user puffs 12 times), the controller 120, 220 can output a warning signal via a display or a vibration motor.

[0242] If the number of puffs by the user is equal to or greater than the puff limit, proceed to step 5450; if the number of puffs by the user is less than the puff limit, proceed to step 5440.

[0243] In step 5440, the control unit 120, 220 determines whether the time during which the holder 1 has operated is equal to or greater than the operation time limit. Here, the operation time of the holder 1 refers to the accumulated time from when the holder started operating to the present. For example, if the operation time limit is set to 10 minutes, the control unit 120, 220 determines whether the holder 1 has operated for 10 minutes or more.

[0244] On the other hand, when the operating time of the holder 1 approaches the operating time limit (for example, when the holder 1 has been operating for 8 minutes), the control unit 120, 220 can output a warning signal via a display or a vibration motor.

[0245] If the holder 1 has been operating for more than the operation time limit, the process proceeds to step 5450, and if the operation time of the holder 1 is less than the operation time limit, the process proceeds to step 5420.

[0246] In step 5450, the controller 120, 220 aborts the operation of the holder. In other words, the controller 120, 220 stops the aerosol generation mechanism of the holder. For example, the controller 120, 220 may abort the operation of the holder by cutting off the power supplied to the heater 130.

[0247] FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the cradle.

[0248] The flowchart shown in Figure 21 is composed of steps that are processed in chronological order in the cradle 2 shown in Figures 7 to 18B. Therefore, it will be understood that the content described above regarding the cradle 2 shown in Figures 7 to 18B also applies to the flowchart of Figure 21, even if it is omitted below.

[0249] Although not shown in FIG. 21, the operation of the cradle 2 described below can be performed regardless of whether the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 or not.

[0250] In step 5510, the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 determines whether the button 240 is pressed. If the button 240 is pressed, the process proceeds to step 5520. If the button 240 is not pressed, the process proceeds to step 5530.

[0251] In operation 5520, the cradle 2 displays the battery status. For example, the control unit 220 may output information on the current status (e.g., remaining capacity) of the battery 210 to the display 250.

[0252] In step 5530, the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 determines whether a cable is connected to the cradle 2. For example, the control unit 220 determines whether a cable is connected to an interface (e.g., a USB port) included in the cradle 2. If a cable is connected to the cradle 2, the process proceeds to step 5540; otherwise, the process ends.

[0253] In step 5540, the cradle 2 performs a charging operation. For example, the cradle 2 charges the battery 210 using power supplied via the connected cable.

[0254] 1, a cigarette is inserted into the holder 1. The cigarette contains an aerosol-generating substance, and when heated by the heater 130, an aerosol is generated.

[0255] Examples of cigarettes to be inserted into the holder 1 will be described below with reference to Figs. 22 to 38C.

[0256] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cigarette inserted into a holder.

[0257] 11, the cigarette 3 is inserted into the holder 1 via the end 141 of the case 140. Once the cigarette 3 is inserted, the heater 130 is positioned inside the cigarette 3. Thus, the aerosol-generating material in the cigarette 3 is heated by the heated heater 130, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0258] The cigarette 3 is similar to a typical combustion cigarette. For example, the cigarette 3 is divided into a first portion 310 containing an aerosol-generating material and a second portion 320 containing a filter or the like. Meanwhile, the cigarette 3 according to one embodiment may contain the aerosol-generating material in the second portion 320. For example, the aerosol-generating material in the form of granules or capsules may also be inserted into the second portion 320.

[0259] The entire first portion 310 is inserted into the holder 1, and the second portion 320 is exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first portion 310 may be inserted into the holder 1, and portions of the first portion 310 and the second portion 320 may be inserted.

[0260] A user can inhale aerosol while holding the second portion 320 in their mouth, where the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first portion 310, and the generated aerosol passes through the second portion and is delivered to the user's mouth.

[0261] External air is introduced (1120) through at least one air passage formed in the holder 1. For example, the opening and / or closing of the air passage formed in the holder 1 and / or the size of the air passage can be adjusted by the user, thereby allowing the amount of atomization, smoking sensation, etc. to be adjusted by the user.

[0262] Alternatively, the outside air may also be introduced through at least one hole formed in the surface of the cigarette 3 (1110).

[0263] 23A and 23B are structural diagrams illustrating an example of a cigarette.

[0264] 23A and 23B, the cigarette 3 includes a tobacco rod 310, a first filter segment 321, a cooling structure 322, and a second filter segment 323. The first portion 310 described with reference to FIG. 11 includes the tobacco rod 310, and the second portion 320 includes the first filter segment 321, the cooling structure 322, and the second filter segment 323.

[0265] Referring to Figure 23A, the cigarette 3 is also wrapped by a total of five wrappers 341, 342, 343, 344, and 345. Meanwhile, referring to Figure 23B, the cigarette 3 is also wrapped by a total of six wrappers 341, 342, 343, 344, 346, and 347. The tobacco rod 310 is wrapped by the first wrapper 341, and the first filter segment 321 is wrapped by the second wrapper 342. Furthermore, the cooling structure 322 is wrapped by the third wrapper 343, and the second filter segment 323 is wrapped by the fourth wrapper 344.

[0266] 23A is also wrapped around the outer shells of the first wrapper 341, the second wrapper 342, the third wrapper 343 and the fourth wrapper 344. In other words, the entire cigarette 3 is double-wrapped by the fifth wrapper 345.

[0267] On the other hand, the sixth wrapper 346 in Fig. 23B is also wrapped around the outer shells of the first wrapper 341, the second wrapper 342, and the third wrapper 343. In other words, the tobacco rod 310, the first filter segment 321, and the cooling structure 322 of the cigarette 3 are double-wrapped by the sixth wrapper. In addition, the seventh wrapper 347 in Fig. 23B is also wrapped around at least a portion of the third wrapper 343 and the outer shell of the fourth wrapper 344. In other words, at least a portion of the cooling structure 322 of the cigarette 3 and the second filter segment 323 are also re-wrapped by the seventh wrapper 347.

[0268] The first wrapper 341 and the second wrapper 342 may be made of general filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 341 and the second wrapper 342 may be porous or non-porous wrapping paper. The first wrapper 341 and the second wrapper 342 may also be made of oil-resistant paper or aluminum laminated paper wrapping material.

[0269] The third wrapper 343 is also made of hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 343 is 90 g / m 2 However, it is not limited to this.

[0270] The fourth wrapper 344 is also made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 344 is 92 g / m 2 The thickness is 125 μm, but is not limited to this.

[0271] The fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 may also be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 is 60 g / m 2The thickness is 67 μm, but is not limited to these. The tensile strength of the fifth, sixth, and seventh trumpets 345, 346, and 347 is within a range of 8 kgf / 15 mm to 11 kgf / 15 mm on a dry basis, and 1.0 kgf / 15 mm on a wet basis, but is not limited to these.

[0272] A predetermined material may be added to the fifth, sixth, and seventh wrappers 345, 346, and 347. Examples of the predetermined material include, but are not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance (i.e., small changes due to temperature), oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any material having the above properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth, sixth, and seventh wrappers 345, 346, and 347 without limitation.

[0273] The fifth trumpet 345, the sixth trumpet 346, and the seventh trumpet 347 can prevent the cigarette 3 from burning. For example, if the tobacco rod 310 is heated by the heater 130, the cigarette 3 may burn. Specifically, if the temperature of any one of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 310 rises above the ignition point, the cigarette 3 will burn. Even in such a case, the fifth trumpet 345, the sixth trumpet 346, and the seventh trumpet 347 contain a non-combustible substance, so the cigarette 3 can be prevented from burning.

[0274] In addition, the fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 can prevent the holder 1 from being contaminated by substances produced in the cigarette 3. A liquid substance may also be produced within the cigarette 3 when the user puffs. For example, a liquid substance (e.g., moisture) may also be produced when the aerosol produced in the cigarette 3 is cooled by external air. The fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 encase the tobacco rod 310 and / or the first filter segment 321, thereby preventing the liquid substance produced within the cigarette 3 from leaking outside the cigarette 3. Therefore, the case 140 of the holder 1 and other components from being contaminated by the liquid substance produced in the cigarette 3 can be prevented.

[0275] The cigarette 3 has a diameter ranging from 5 mm to 9 mm and a length of approximately 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the cigarette 3 has a diameter of 7.2 mm, but is not limited thereto. The tobacco rod 310 has a length of approximately 12 mm, the first filter segment 321 has a length of approximately 10 mm, the cooling structure 322 has a length of approximately 14 mm, and the second filter segment 323 has a length of approximately 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0276] 23A and 23B are merely examples, and some components may be omitted. For example, the cigarette 3 does not include one or more of the first filter segment 321, the cooling structure 322, and the second filter segment 323.

[0277] The tobacco rod 310 includes an aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol-forming material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropyl glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol.

[0278] The tobacco rod 310 may also contain other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. For example, flavoring agents may include licorice, sucrose, fructose syrup, isosweet, cocoa, lavender, cinnamon, cardamom, celery, fenugreek, cascarilla, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, mint oil, cinnamon, caraway, cognac, jasmine, chamomile, menthol, cinnamon, ylang-ylang, salvia, spearmint, ginger, coriander, or coffee. The humectant may also include glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0279] As an example, the tobacco rod 310 is also filled with tobacco shreds, which may also be produced by shredding a tobacco sheet.

[0280] In order to fill a wide tobacco sheet into a narrow space of the tobacco rod 310, a special process is additionally required to allow the tobacco sheet to be easily folded. Therefore, compared to filling the tobacco rod 310 with a tobacco sheet, it is easier to fill the tobacco rod 310 with tobacco shreds, and the productivity and efficiency of the process for producing the tobacco rod 310 are further increased.

[0281] As another example, the tobacco rod 310 may be filled with multiple tobacco strands formed by cutting a tobacco sheet into strips. For example, the tobacco rod 310 may be formed by combining multiple tobacco strands in the same direction (parallel) or randomly. Specifically, the tobacco rod 310 is formed by combining multiple tobacco strands to form multiple longitudinal channels through which the heater 130 can be inserted or through which aerosols can pass. In this case, the longitudinal channels may be uniform or non-uniform depending on the size and arrangement of the tobacco strands.

[0282] For example, tobacco sinews can also be produced by the following process: First, tobacco raw material is ground and mixed with an aerosol-generating substance (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.), flavoring liquid, binder (e.g., guar gum, xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), etc.), water, etc. to form a slurry, and then the slurry is used to form a sheet. When forming the slurry, natural pulp or cellulose is added to modify the physical properties of the tobacco sinew, and one or more binders may also be mixed in. The sheet is then dried, and the dried sheet is then chopped or shredded to form the tobacco sinews.

[0283] Tobacco raw materials may include tobacco flakes, tobacco stems, and / or tobacco fines produced during tobacco processing. Tobacco sheets may also contain other additives, such as wood cellulose fibers.

[0284] The slurry is loaded with 5% to 40% aerosol-forming material, with 2% to 35% of the aerosol-forming material remaining in the finished tobacco sinews. Preferably, 10% to 25% of the aerosol-forming material remains in the finished tobacco sinews.

[0285] In addition, before the tobacco rod 310 is wrapped by the first wrapper 341, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant can be added by spraying it onto the center of the tobacco rod 310.

[0286] The tobacco strands may also be manufactured in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with a width of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, a length of 5 mm to 50 mm, and a thickness (height) of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, but are not limited thereto. Preferably, the tobacco strands are manufactured in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with a width of 0.9 mm, a length of 20 mm, and a thickness (height) of 0.2 mm. Furthermore, a single tobacco strand has a weight of 100 g / m. 2 or 250g / m 2 Preferably, the tobacco strands have a basis weight of 180 g / m2 or more, but are not limited to this. 2It is also manufactured to be

[0287] Compared to a tobacco rod 310 filled with tobacco sheets, a tobacco rod 310 filled with tobacco fibers can generate a larger amount of aerosol. Assuming they are filled in the same space, tobacco fibers ensure a larger surface area than tobacco sheets. The larger surface area means that the aerosol-generating material has more opportunities to come into contact with the outside air. Therefore, when a tobacco rod 310 is filled with tobacco fibers, more aerosol is generated than when it is filled with tobacco sheets.

[0288] Furthermore, when separating the cigarette 3 from the holder 1, a tobacco rod 310 filled with tobacco ribs is more easily separated than one filled with tobacco sheets. In other words, when the tobacco rod 310 is filled with tobacco ribs, it is more easily separated from the holder 1 than one filled with tobacco sheets.

[0289] The first filter segment 321 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first filter segment 321 may be a tube-shaped structure having a hollow interior. The length of the first filter segment 321 may be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first filter segment 321 is 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0290] The diameter of the hollow included in the first filter segment 321 may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 3 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0291] When manufacturing the first filter segment 321, the hardness of the first filter segment 321 can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the plasticizer.

[0292] To prevent the size of the first filter segment 321 from decreasing over time, the outer shell of the first filter segment 321 can be manufactured to be wrapped with a wrapper, which allows the first filter segment 321 to be easily combined with other components (e.g., other filter segments).

[0293] The first filter segment 321 can also be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube made of the same or different material inside (for example, hollow).

[0294] The first filter segment 321 is also manufactured using cellulose acetate, which can prevent the inner material of the tobacco rod 310 from being pushed back when the heater 130 is inserted, and can also produce a cooling effect on the aerosol.

[0295] The second filter segment 323 is also a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the second filter segment 323 may be made of a recess filter, but is not limited thereto. The length of the second filter segment 323 is suitably within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the second filter segment 323 may be approximately 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0296] In the process of manufacturing the second filter segment 323, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the second filter segment 323 to produce a flavor. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid may be inserted into the second filter segment 323. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 310 is cooled by passing through the cooling structure 322, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user via the second filter segment 323. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the second filter segment 323, the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user may be improved.

[0297] The second filter segment 323 also includes at least one capsule 324. The capsule 324 has a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a coating. For example, the capsule 324 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0298] The coating of the capsule 324 may also be made of gums such as agar, pectin, sodium alginate, carrageenan, gelatin, or guar gum. A gelling aid may also be used as a material for forming the coating of the capsule 324. Examples of the gelling aid include calcium chloride. A plasticizer may also be used as a material for forming the coating of the capsule 324. Examples of the plasticizer include glycerin and / or sorbitol. A colorant may also be used as a material for forming the coating of the capsule 324.

[0299] For example, the flavoring agent contained in the capsule's liquid may be menthol or plant essential oil. Furthermore, the solvent for the flavoring agent contained in the liquid may be heavy-chain fatty acid triglyceride (MCT). The liquid may also contain other additives such as colorants, emulsifiers, and thickeners.

[0300] The cooling structure 322 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 130 heating the tobacco rod 310. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol that has been cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0301] The cooling structure 322 can cool the aerosol through a phase change. For example, the material forming the cooling structure 322 can undergo a phase change, such as melting or glass transition, which requires the absorption of thermal energy. Such endothermic reactions occur at the temperature at which the aerosol enters the cooling structure 322, resulting in a lower temperature of the aerosol passing through the cooling structure 322.

[0302] The length or diameter of the cooling structure 322 may vary depending on the shape of the cigarette 3. For example, the length of the cooling structure 322 may be suitably set within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the cooling structure 322 is approximately 14 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0303] The cooling structure 322 can be manufactured using a polymeric or biodegradable polymeric material, including, but not limited to, gelatin, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), and combinations thereof. Biodegradable polymeric materials include, but are not limited to, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyric acid (PHB), cellulose acetate, poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polyhydroxyalkanoic acids (PHAs), and starch-based thermoplastic resins.

[0304] Preferably, the cooling structure 322 is made solely of pure polylactic acid. For example, the cooling structure 322 may be a three-dimensional structure manufactured using one or more fibrous muscles (hereinafter referred to as "fibrous muscles") made of pure polylactic acid. Here, the thickness and length of the fibrous muscles, the number of fibrous muscles constituting the cooling structure 322, and the shape of the fibrous muscles may vary. Because the cooling structure 322 is made of pure polylactic acid, the generation of specific substances is prevented when aerosols pass through the cooling structure 322.

[0305] The cooling structure 322 may also be produced by one or more processes, including the step of wrapping the exterior of the cooling structure 322 with a wrapper made of paper or a polymeric material, including, but not limited to, gelatin, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), and combinations thereof.

[0306] Examples of fiber muscles and fiber bundles formed by multiple fiber muscles will be described below with reference to FIGS. 24A to 25.

[0307] 24A and 24B are diagrams for explaining an example of a fiber bundle.

[0308] 24A and 24B show examples of fiber bundles forming a cooling structure. Referring to Fig. 24A, a cooling structure 3100 is manufactured by weaving at least one fiber bundle 3110. Referring to Fig. 24B, one fiber bundle 3120 is also formed by at least one fiber fiber 3130. For example, one fiber bundle 3120 can be formed by twisting multiple fiber fibers (e.g., 40 fibers).

[0309] The cooling structure 322 can also be produced by weaving at least one fiber bundle 3110, 3120. If necessary, fiber bundles 3110, 3120 can be formed using fiber fibers coated with a fragrance liquid. Alternatively, fiber bundles 3110, 3120 can be formed using a combination of separate fiber fibers coated with a fragrance liquid and fiber fibers 3130 made from polylactic acid. Alternatively, fiber fibers 3130 can be dyed with a predetermined color and then used to form fiber bundles 3110, 3120.

[0310] The advantages of producing the cooling structure 3100 using the fiber bundles 3110 and 3120 are as follows.

[0311] The first advantage is that the aerosol flows between the fiber ribs 3130, and vortexes are formed due to the shape of the cooling structure 3100. The formed vortexes increase the area with which the aerosol comes into contact with the cooling structure 3100, and extend the time the aerosol remains within the cooling structure 3100. Therefore, the heated aerosol is cooled effectively.

[0312] As a second advantage, the fibrous muscle 3130 is produced using a raw material (e.g., polylactic acid), and the cooling structure 3100 produced using the fibrous muscle has a higher manufacturing yield than a general prosthesis. In other words, the cooling structure 3100 produced from the fibrous muscle 3130 is easier to cut than a general prosthesis. Therefore, since a single cooling rod can be cut to obtain multiple cooling structures 3100, the manufacturing yield is higher than that of a process for producing a prosthesis.

[0313] Furthermore, when the cooling structure is manufactured by extrusion molding or the like, the process efficiency is reduced due to the additional steps of cutting the structure, and there is also a limit to the variety of shapes that can be manufactured for the cooling structure.

[0314] As a third advantage, the cooling structure 3100 manufactured using the fiber ribs 3130 is easier to insert into the cigarette production process than a film-type cooling structure. In other words, a film-type cooling structure is fragile and difficult to insert into the cigarette 3, which has a small volume. In contrast, the cooling structure 3100 manufactured using the fiber ribs is easier to insert into the cigarette 3.

[0315] Furthermore, when the film-type cooling structure is inserted into the cigarette 3, the film-type cooling structure may be shattered by an external impact, which reduces the effectiveness of the cooling structure in cooling the aerosol.

[0316] According to one embodiment, the cooling structure 3100 is fabricated (e.g., woven) using polylactic acid fiber, which reduces the risk of the cooling structure being deformed or losing its function due to external impact. Also, by changing the method of combining the fiber bundles 3110 and 3120, the cooling structure 3100 can be fabricated in a variety of shapes.

[0317] Furthermore, by using the cooling fiber 3130 to fabricate the cooling structure 3100, the surface area that comes into contact with the aerosol is enlarged, and therefore the aerosol cooling effect of the cooling structure 3100 is further improved.

[0318] FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining another example of a fiber bundle.

[0319] 25, a fiber bundle 3200 may include one main stream 3210 and multiple substreams 3220. Here, the main stream 3210 may have a braided form of multiple fiber strands. Furthermore, the substream 3220 is at least one fiber strand connected to the space formed in the main stream 3210, and the fiber bundle 3200 may have a shape similar to a bird's wing.

[0320] There is no limit to the number of fibers forming the main stream 3210 or the substream 3220. Therefore, the thickness of the main stream 3210 or the substream 3220 can be varied in various ways depending on the number of fibers.

[0321] In addition, the sub-streams 3220 connected to the main stream 3210 are not aligned in any one direction. In other words, if the main stream 3210 includes multiple sub-streams 3220, the directions of the sub-streams 3220 may be different from each other, or some of the sub-streams 3220 may be aligned in different directions.

[0322] 23A and 23B, the cross section of the cooling structure 322 may include at least one channel. The channel functions as a passage through which the aerosol can pass. However, the direction of the channel is not limited to the vertical direction (i.e., the axial direction of the cooling structure 322), and the channel may be formed in various directions.

[0323] The channel diameter is determined in various ways depending on the manufacturing process of the cooling structure 322. For example, the channel diameter is adjusted depending on the thickness and / or number of fiber bundles constituting the cooling structure 322, and also depending on the weaving pattern of the cooling structure 322.

[0324] In addition, the cooling structure 322 has uniformly distributed channels. In other words, the cooling structure 322 is fabricated so that the channels are uniformly distributed across the entire cross section. Therefore, the flow of aerosols passing through the cooling structure 322 is smooth.

[0325] An example of a cooling structure 322 including a single vertical channel will now be described with reference to Figures 26A-28B.

[0326] 26A and 26B are diagrams for explaining an example of a cooling structure including a single vertical channel.

[0327] Referring to Fig. 26A, the cooling structure 3300 may also have a cylindrical shape. For example, the cooling structure 3300 may have a cylindrical shape including a filter with a single channel 3310. Fig. 26B shows a cross-sectional view of the cooling structure 3300 shown in Fig. 26A. In Fig. 26B, a hollow 3320 of the cooling structure 3300 corresponds to the channel.

[0328] 27A to 27C are diagrams for explaining another example of a cooling structure including a single vertical channel.

[0329] Figures 27A to 27C show an example of a cooling structure 3400 manufactured by weaving a plurality of fiber bundles. Here, the fiber bundle refers to at least one woven or bundled fiber strand. Specifically, Figures 27A to 27C show cross sections of the cooling structure 3400 shown in Figure 27A at different positions. Hollows 3410 shown in Figure 27B and hollows 3420 shown in Figure 27C correspond to channels.

[0330] For example, the number of fiber bundles constituting the cooling structure 3400 can be two or more, but there is no limit to the number. Also, the number of fiber fibers included in a single fiber bundle can be one or more, but there is no limit to the number. Also, the number of fiber fibers included in each fiber bundle can be the same or different.

[0331] 27B, the cooling structure 3400 is illustrated as being manufactured using eight fiber bundles, but is not limited thereto. For example, the cooling structure 3400 may be manufactured using six or nine fiber bundles.

[0332] 28A and 28B are diagrams for explaining yet another example of a cooling structure including a single vertical channel.

[0333] 28A and 28B show another example of a cooling structure 3500 manufactured by weaving a plurality of fiber bundles. Specifically, FIG. 28B shows a cross section of the cooling structure 3500 shown in FIG. 28A. For example, the cooling structure 3500 shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B and the cooling structure 1600 shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B may have different hardnesses. Also, the hollow 3510 shown in FIG. 28B corresponds to a channel.

[0334] Meanwhile, the inside of the channels of the cooling structures 3300, 3400, and 3500 shown in Figures 26A to 28B may also be filled with a predetermined material (e.g., a sheet made using polylactic acid, other structures made from fiber, crimped fiber, etc.). Also, the degree to which the predetermined material is filled into the channels (filling rate) may vary depending on the manufacturing process of the cooling structures 3300, 3400, and 3500.

[0335] The number of fiber ribs filled inside the cooling structures 3300, 3400, and 3500 can be adjusted for various purposes, and the structure shapes can also be produced in various variations. For example, various shapes of cooling structures 3300, 3400, and 3500 can be produced by changing the total fiber area or the fiber rib arrangement.

[0336] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 29 to 31, an example in which the insides of the cooling structures 3300, 3400, and 3500 are filled with a predetermined substance (for example, another cooling structure) will be described.

[0337] FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining an example of a cooling structure whose interior is filled.

[0338] 29 shows an example of a cooling structure 3600 in which a second substructure 3620 is filled inside a first substructure 3610. Here, the first substructure 3610 is also a cooling structure including at least one channel. For example, the first cooling structure 3610 may be, but is not limited to, the cooling structures 3300, 3400, and 3500 described with reference to FIGS. 26A to 28B. In other words, the first substructure 3610 may be produced by weaving at least one fiber barb or at least one fiber bundle.

[0339] At least one channel formed in the first substructure 3610 is also filled in the second substructure 3620. For example, Figure 29 illustrates a crimped sheet-type filter as the second substructure 3620, which will be described below with reference to Figure 35.

[0340] 30A and 30B are diagrams for explaining another example of a cooling structure whose interior is filled.

[0341] 30A and 30B illustrate an example of a cooling structure 3700 in which a second substructure 3720 is filled inside a first substructure 3710. FIG. 30B shows a cross section of the cooling structure 3700 illustrated in FIG. 30A. The first substructure 3710 is also a cooling structure including at least one channel. For example, the first cooling structure 3710 may be, but is not limited to, the cooling structures 3300, 3400, and 3500 described with reference to FIGS. 26A through 28B.

[0342] The second substructure 3720 filled in the channel of the first substructure 3710 may be a structure manufactured by weaving multiple fiber bundles. For example, the second substructure 3720 may have the same diameter as the channel of the first substructure 3710, and the second substructure 3720 may also be filled in the channel of the first substructure 3710. Also, although FIGS. 30A and 30B illustrate one second substructure 3720, this is not limiting. In other words, multiple second substructures 3720 may be filled in the channel of the first substructure 3710 depending on the diameter of the second substructure 3720.

[0343] FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining still another example of a cooling structure whose interior is filled.

[0344] The cooling structure 3900 shown in Fig. 31 has the same structure as the cooling structures 3600 and 3700 shown in Figs. 29 to 30B. In other words, the cooling structure 3900 may have a form in which the channel 3910 of the first substructure is filled with another material. For example, the channel 3910 may be filled with a plurality of fiber streaks. In this case, the filled fiber streaks may have an irregularly clumped shape (e.g., a cotton-like shape), but is not limited thereto.

[0345] As described with reference to Figures 26A to 31, the cooling structure may include a single vertical channel, but is not limited thereto. In other words, to increase the surface area per unit area (i.e., the surface area in contact with the aerosol), the cooling structure may include multiple channels, but the number of channels is not limited thereto. Below, a cooling structure including multiple channels will be described with reference to Figures 32A to 34E.

[0346] 32A and 32B are diagrams for explaining an example of a cooling structure including a plurality of channels.

[0347] Referring to Fig. 32A, the cooling structure 4100 is also cylindrical and includes a plurality of channels 4110. In Figs. 32A and 32B, the cooling structure 4100 is illustrated as including 13 channels 4110, but the number of channels is not limited thereto. Fig. 32B also illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cooling structure 4100 illustrated in Fig. 32A. In Fig. 32B, each of the plurality of hollows 4120 in the cooling structure 4100 corresponds to a channel.

[0348] For example, the cooling structure 4100 can be produced by grouping a plurality of the cooling structures 3300 shown in Figures 26A and 26B together. That is, the number of channels 4110 included in the cooling structure 4100 is determined by the number of cooling structures 3300. However, the method for producing the cooling structure 4100 is not limited to the above.

[0349] Since the cooling structure 4100 is manufactured by grouping a plurality of cooling structures 4100, the spaces 4130 between adjacent cooling structures 3300 can also function as channels. Therefore, even if any channel of the plurality of cooling structures 3300 becomes clogged due to phase change, the aerosol can easily pass through the cooling structure 4100.

[0350] FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the inside of a cooling structure including a plurality of channels is filled.

[0351] 33, the cooling structure 4200 may be formed by grouping a plurality of cooling structures 4210. For example, the cooling structure 4210 may include one channel, and by grouping a plurality of cooling structures 4210, the cooling structure 4200 may include a plurality of channels.

[0352] For example, the cooling structure 4210 may be manufactured using the fiber bundle 3200 shown in Fig. 25. In other words, the cooling structure 4210 is manufactured by weaving a plurality of fiber bundles 3200, and substreams 3220 of the fiber bundles 3200 may be located in the channels of the cooling structure 4210. In this case, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cooling structure 4210 that comes into contact with the aerosol is increased by the substreams 3220, thereby further improving the aerosol cooling effect.

[0353] As described with reference to Figures 32A to 33, the cooling structure may include a plurality of channels of the same shape in the vertical direction. However, the plurality of channels formed in the cooling structure is not limited to those shown in Figures 32A to 33. Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 34A to 34E, another example of a cooling structure including a plurality of channels will be described.

[0354] 34A to 34E are diagrams for explaining another example of a cooling structure including a plurality of channels.

[0355] Figures 34A-34E illustrate examples of a cooling structure 4300 including multiple channels. Specifically, Figures 34B-34E illustrate cross sections of various variations of the cooling structure 4300 illustrated in Figure 34A.

[0356] Referring to Fig. 34A, each cross section of cooling structure 4300 may include multiple channels 4310. Referring to Figs. 34B to 34D, the positions and / or sizes of the multiple channels 4320, 4330, and 4340 may vary depending on the manufacturing process of cooling structure 4300. Referring to Fig. 34E, depending on the positions of the multiple channels, cooling structure 4300 as a whole may be manufactured to include one continuous airflow passage 4350.

[0357] 26A-34E, the cooling structure may also be fabricated to include at least one hollow channel, but the cooling structure may also be fabricated in a variety of shapes other than those including a hollow channel.

[0358] For example, the cooling structure can also be made in a sheet form. An example of a cooling structure made in a sheet form will be described below with reference to FIGS. 35 to 36B. The cooling structure can also be made in a granule form. An example of a cooling structure made in a granule form will be described below with reference to FIG. 37. The cooling structure can also be made using a moldable material made from polylactic acid (PLA). An example of a cooling structure made from a moldable material will be described below with reference to FIGS. 38A to 38C.

[0359] Furthermore, the cooling structure 322 can be produced with various hardnesses through a heat curing process.

[0360] FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining an example of a sheet-type cooling structure. The cooling structure 4400 may also be produced in a sheet form (hereinafter referred to as a "sheet-type cooling structure"). For example, the sheet-type cooling structure 4400 may be produced by compressing fibers in a dense arrangement without any particular direction, but is not limited thereto.

[0361] Also, a predetermined substance (e.g., activated carbon granules) is inserted inside the sheet-type cooling structure 4400. For example, a predetermined substance is applied to a first sheet-type cooling structure, and a second sheet-type cooling structure is placed on the first sheet-type cooling structure and compressed, thereby inserting the predetermined substance inside the compressed sheet-type cooling structure 4400. However, the manufacturing process of the sheet-type cooling structure 4400 is not limited to the above example.

[0362] 36A and 36B are diagrams for explaining another example of the sheet-type cooling structure.

[0363] Figures 36A and 36B show an example of a filled cooling structure 4500. Specifically, Figure 36B shows a cross section of the cooling structure 4500 shown in Figure 36A. For example, the cooling structure 4500 of Figure 36A can also be produced by wrapping the outer shell of a crimped sheet-type cooling structure with another sheet-type cooling structure.

[0364] FIG. 37 is a diagram for explaining an example of a granular cooling structure.

[0365] An example of a granular cooling structure 4600 manufactured using at least one fiber rib or at least one fiber bundle is shown in Figure 37. For example, the cooling structure 4600 may be manufactured by bundling or randomly weaving at least one fiber rib or at least one fiber bundle.

[0366] 38A to 38C are diagrams for explaining examples of cooling structures made of a molded object.

[0367] 38A, the cooling structure 4710 may be filled with granules made of polylactic acid, shredded tobacco, or charcoal. Alternatively, the granules may be made of a mixture of polylactic acid, shredded tobacco, and charcoal. Meanwhile, the granules may further contain elements other than polylactic acid, shredded tobacco, and / or charcoal that can increase the cooling effect of the aerosol.

[0368] Referring to FIG. 38B, the cooling structure 4720 may include a first cross section 4721 and a second cross section 4722.

[0369] The first cross section 4721 may be adjacent to the first filter segment 321 shown in Figures 23A and 23B and may include a void through which the aerosol flows in. The second cross section 4722 may be adjacent to the second filter segment 323 shown in Figures 23A and 23B and may include a void through which the aerosol flows out. For example, the first cross section 4721 and the second cross section 4722 may include a single void having the same diameter, but the diameter and number of voids included in the first cross section 4721 and the second cross section 4722 are not limited thereto.

[0370] Additionally, cooling structure 4720 may include third cross section 4723 including multiple voids between first cross section 4721 and second cross section 4722. For example, the diameter of the multiple voids included in third cross section 4723 is shorter than the diameter of the voids included in first cross section 4721 and second cross section 4722. Furthermore, the number of voids included in third cross section 4723 is greater than the number of voids included in first cross section 4721 and second cross section 4722.

[0371] 38C, cooling structure 4730 may include a first cross section 4731 that abuts first filter segment 321 and a second cross section 4732 that abuts second filter segment 323. Cooling structure 4730 may also include one or more channels 4733. Channels 4733 may also be wrapped with a microporous wrapping material and filled with a filler material (e.g., granules described with reference to FIG. 38A) that can increase the cooling effect of the aerosol.

[0372] As described above, the holder 1 can generate aerosol by heating the cigarette 3. The holder 1 can also generate aerosol independently or when the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 and tilted. In particular, when the holder 1 is tilted, the heater 130 is also heated by the battery power of the cradle 2.

[0373] Hereinafter, the aerosol generation device 10000 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 39 to 58 is an example of an integrated aerosol generation device in which the holder 1 and cradle 2 are combined in the above-mentioned embodiment. Therefore, the respective embodiments of the holder 1 and cradle 2 described in Figures 1 to 21 can also be applied to the aerosol generation device described in Figures 39 to 58. Furthermore, the cigarette 3 described in Figures 22 to 38C can be inserted into the aerosol generation device 10000 described in Figures 39 to 58, and the aerosol generation device can generate aerosol by heating the cigarette 3 described in Figures 22 to 38C. Furthermore, the heater 10300 of the aerosol generation device 10000 described in Figures 39 to 58 is also the heater 130 described in Figures 1 to 5. In other words, the holder 1 (particularly the heater 130 employed in the holder 1) and cigarette 3 (particularly the cooling structure 322 employed in the cigarette 3) described in Figures 1 to 38C also apply to the embodiments described in Figures 39 to 58.

[0374] The numbers designating components in Figures 39 through 58 are used independently and without any relation to the numbers used in Figures 1 through 38C. Therefore, it should be understood that the numbers designating components in Figures 1 through 38C and the numbers designating components in Figures 39 through 58 are independent of each other and are used to designate different components.

[0375] Figure 39 is a side view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, Figure 40A is an oblique view of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 39, and Figure 40B is an oblique view illustratively illustrating the operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 40A.

[0376] The aerosol generating device 10000 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 39, 40A, and 40B may include a case 10010 and a cover 10020. The cover 10020 is coupled to one side end of the case 10010, and together with the case 10010, the cover 10020 forms the exterior of the aerosol generating device 10000.

[0377] The case 10010 forms the exterior of the aerosol generating device 10000 and functions to house and protect various components in the space formed inside.

[0378] The cover 10020 and the case 10010 may be made of a plastic material that does not conduct heat well or a metal material coated with a heat-blocking material. The cover 10020 and the case 10010 may also be made by, for example, injection molding, 3D printing, or assembling small parts made by injection molding.

[0379] A locking device for maintaining the coupled state of the cover 10020 and the case 10010 may be provided between the cover 10020 and the case 10010. The locking device may include, for example, a protrusion and a groove. The coupled state of the cover 10020 and the case 10010 is maintained by maintaining the protrusion inserted into the groove, and a structure is utilized in which the protrusion is moved by an operation button that can be pressed by the user, and the protrusion is separated from the groove.

[0380] The locking device may also include, for example, a magnet and a metal member that sticks to the magnet. When a magnet is used in the locking device, the magnet can be provided on one of the cover 10020 and the case 10010, and the metal member that sticks to the magnet can be provided on the other, or the magnet can be provided on both the cover 10020 and the case 10010.

[0381] In the aerosol generating device 10000 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 39 and 40A, the cover 10020 is not an essential component, and if necessary, the cover 10020 may be omitted.

[0382] An outer hole 10020p, into which a cigarette 3 is inserted, is formed on the upper surface of the cover 10020 coupled to the case 10010. A rail 10030r is also formed on the upper surface of the cover 10020 at a position adjacent to the outer hole 10020p. A door 10030, which is slidable along the upper surface of the cover 10020, is provided on the rail 10030r. The door 10030 can slide linearly along the rail 10030r.

[0383] 40B along the rail 10030r, the door 10030 functions to expose to the outside an external hole 10020p and an insertion hole 10040p, which allow the cigarette 3 to pass through the cover 10020 and be inserted into the case 10010. The external hole 10020p of the cover 10020 functions to expose to the outside an insertion hole 10040p of the storage passage 10040h, in which the cigarette 3 can be stored.

[0384] When the external hole 10020p is exposed to the outside by the door 10030, the user can insert the end 3b of the cigarette 3 into the external hole 10020p and the insertion hole 10040p, and attach the cigarette 3 to the storage passage 10040h formed inside the cover 10020.

[0385] In one embodiment, the door 10030 is configured to move linearly relative to the cover 10020. However, this embodiment is not limited by the structure by which the door 10030 is coupled to the cover 10020. For example, the door 10030 may be rotatably mounted to the cover 10020 via a hinge assembly. When using the hinge assembly, the door 10030 can rotate to the side of the external hole 10020p along the extension direction of the top surface of the cover 10020, or the door 10030 can rotate in a direction away from the top surface of the cover 10020.

[0386] Although the rail 10030r has a concave groove shape, an embodiment is not limited by the shape of the rail 10030r. For example, the rail 10030r may have a convex shape, and may extend in a curved shape instead of a straight shape.

[0387] The case 10010 is provided with a button 10090. By operating the button 10090, the operation of the aerosol generation device 1000 is controlled.

[0388] When the cover 10020 is coupled to the case 10010, an external air inflow gap 10020g that allows air to flow into the inside of the cover 10020 is formed at the portion where the cover 10020 and the case 10010 are coupled.

[0389] FIG. 41A is a side view exemplarily illustrating another operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 40A.

[0390] As shown in FIG. 41A, with the cigarette 3 inserted into the aerosol generating device, a user can hold the cigarette 3 in their mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0391] After using the cigarette 3, when separating the cigarette 3 from the aerosol generating device, the user can pinch and turn the cigarette 3 with their hands to remove the cigarette 3 from the heater inside the aerosol generating device that is inserted into the cigarette 3.

[0392] FIG. 41B is a side view exemplarily illustrating yet another operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 40A.

[0393] After separating the cigarette 3 from the aerosol generating device, the user can perform a cleaning operation to remove any remaining tobacco material inside the aerosol generating device.

[0394] The cleaning of the aerosol generating device can also be performed by a user separating the cover 10020 from the case 10010 of the aerosol generating device 10000, and then separating the receiving part 10040 from the case 10010 to expose the internal space and heater of the aerosol generating device to the outside, and then removing the tobacco material. The cover 10020 can be connected to one end 10010a of the case 10010 so as to cover the receiving part 10040 connected to one end 10010a of the case 10010, and can be separated from the case 10010 as needed.

[0395] Figure 42 is a side view illustratively illustrating yet another operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 40A, Figure 43 is an oblique view of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 42 from another angle, Figure 44 is a top view of some components of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 43, and Figure 45 is an oblique view of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 42 from yet another angle.

[0396] 42 to 45, the aerosol generating device comprises a case 10010, a hollow protruding tube 10200 protruding from one side end 10010a of the case 10010 and having an opening 10200p open to the outside, a heater 10300 provided in the case 10010 so as to be positioned inside the protruding tube 10200, a storage section 10040 connected to the protruding tube 10200 and separated from the protruding tube 10200, and a protruding section 10050 protruding from the inside of the protruding tube 10200 and penetrating the storage section 10040 to support a cigarette 3 inserted in the storage section 10040.

[0397] As shown in FIG. 42, in a state where the housing portion 10040 is coupled to the case 10010, the user takes the housing portion 10040 by hand and separates the housing portion 10040 from the case 10010.

[0398] The protrusion tube 10200 surrounds and protects the heater 10300, and supports the receiving part 10040 when the receiving part 10040 is coupled thereto. The protrusion tube 10200 has a hollow shape with an open interior, and is provided with a coupling passage 10200h therein into which at least a portion of the receiving part 10040 is inserted. The upper end of the coupling passage 10200h is connected to an opening 10200p that opens toward the exterior of the aerosol generating device.

[0399] The case 10010 is provided with a heater 10300 that heats the cigarette 3. The heater 10300 is provided in the case 10010 so that one end 10310 is located inside the protruding tube 10200. When the cigarette 3 is accommodated in the accommodating section 10040 with the accommodating section 10040 coupled to the protruding tube 10200, the end 10310 of the heater 10300 is inserted into the bottom surface of the end of the cigarette 3.

[0400] The lower end of the heater 10300 is electrically connected to an electricity supply device 10700 disposed inside the case 10010 via an electrical wiring 10710. When electricity is supplied from the electricity supply device 10700 to the heater 10300 with the cigarette 3 inserted into the end 10310 of the heater 10300, the heater 10300 heats up, thereby heating the cigarette 3.

[0401] 43 and 45, the accommodating portion 10040 includes a side wall 10040w that forms an accommodating passage 10040h that is inserted into the connecting passage 10200h inside the protruding tube 10200 through the opening 10200p of the protruding tube 10200 and can accommodate a cigarette 3, an insertion hole 10040p that opens to the outside from one end of the accommodating passage 10040h so that the cigarette 3 can be inserted, and a bottom wall 10040b that closes the other end of the accommodating passage 10040h and has a heater hole 10040c that allows the end 10310 of the heater 10300 to pass through.

[0402] The size of the heater hole 10040c formed in the bottom wall 10040b of the housing portion 10040 corresponds to the thickness of the end portion 10310 of the heater 10300. For example, if the end portion 10310 of the heater 10300 has a circular cross section, the heater hole 10040c also has a circular cross section, and the inner diameter of the heater hole 10040c is formed to correspond to the outer diameter of the end portion 10310 of the heater 10300.

[0403] One embodiment is not limited by the size of the inner diameter of the heater hole 10040c, for example, the inner diameter of the heater hole 10040c is formed larger than the outer diameter of the end 10310 of the heater 10300, and the inner surface of the heater hole 10040c is also spaced from the outer surface of the end 10310 of the heater 10300.

[0404] The receiving portion 10040 includes an outer wall 10040t that surrounds the side wall 10040w and is spaced radially outward from the side wall 10040w. When the receiving portion 10040 is coupled to the protruding tube 10200, the protruding tube 10200 is inserted between the outer wall 10040t and the side wall 10040w, thereby stably maintaining the coupled state between the receiving portion 10040 and the protruding tube 10200.

[0405] When the accommodation portion 10040 is coupled to the protrusion tube 10200, the side wall 10040w of the accommodation portion 10040 is inserted into the coupling passage 10200h of the protrusion tube 10200. While the side wall 10040w of the accommodation portion 10040 moves downward along the coupling passage 10200h of the protrusion tube 10200, the end portion 10310 of the heater 10300 located inside the protrusion tube 10200 passes through the heater hole 10040c of the accommodation portion 10040.

[0406] When the accommodating portion 10040 is coupled to the protruding tube 10200, the end 10310 of the heater 10300 passes through the heater hole 10040c of the accommodating portion 10040 and is positioned inside the accommodating passage 10040h of the accommodating portion 10040. Therefore, when the accommodating portion 10040 is coupled to the protruding tube 10200 and the cigarette 3 is accommodated in the accommodating passage 10040h of the accommodating portion 10040, the end 10310 of the heater 10300 is inserted into the cigarette 3.

[0407] When a user of the aerosol generation device inserts a cigarette 3 into the storage passage 10040h, the cigarette 3 moves along the storage passage 10040h, and when the end of the cigarette 3 reaches the bottom wall 10040b of the storage section 10040, the user's hand holding the cigarette 3 feels the bottom wall 10040b come into contact with the end of the cigarette 3. Therefore, the user can easily load the cigarette 3 into the aerosol generation device by taking the cigarette 3 in his or her hand and performing the simple action of pushing the cigarette 3 into the insertion hole 10040p of the storage passage 10040h.

[0408] When the user wants to separate the cigarette 3 from the storage section 10040, the user can pinch and rotate the cigarette 3 with their hands, and extract the cigarette 3 to the outside of the storage section 10040. While the user pinches and rotates the cigarette 3 with their hands, the cigarette 3 and the heater 10300, which are bonded to each other by the tobacco substance, are completely separated.

[0409] After separating the cigarettes 3 from the storage unit 10040, the user can clean the inside of the storage unit 10040. When the user separates the storage unit 10040 from the case 20010 to perform the cleaning, the user can grasp the storage unit 10040 with their hands and pull the storage unit 10040 out of the case 20010.

[0410] A plurality of protrusions 10050 for supporting the cigarettes 3 are provided on the inner wall surface of the connecting passage 10200h of the protrusion tube 10200. The protrusions 10050 penetrate the side wall 10040w of the accommodating portion 10040 connected to the protrusion tube 10200, and come into contact with the outer surface of the cigarette 3 inserted in the accommodating portion 10040.

[0411] The protrusion tube 10200 can also perform the function of directly supplying external air to the end of the cigarette 3. To this end, the protrusion tube 10200 has air holes 10200g connecting the inside and outside of the protrusion tube 10200. The air holes 10200g are spaced apart in the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal center of the protrusion tube 10200, and a plurality of air holes 10200g may be provided. The air holes 10200g form an air flow passage so that air outside the protrusion tube 10200 can flow into the inside of the protrusion tube 10200.

[0412] Figure 46 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section of a portion of some components of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 41, Figure 47 is an enlarged view of a portion of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 46 and illustrating the air flow, and Figure 48 is an enlarged view of a portion of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 47.

[0413] When the accommodation portion 10040 is coupled to the protruding tube 10200, an air circulation gap 10040g is formed at the coupling portion between the accommodation portion 10040 and the protruding tube 10200, i.e., between the outer wall 10040t of the accommodation portion 10040 and the protruding tube 10200, allowing air outside the accommodation portion 10040 to flow into the inside of the accommodation portion 10040. Therefore, as shown in Figures 39, 40A and 40B, when the cover 10020 is coupled to the case 10010, air outside the cover 10020 flows into the inside of the cover 10020 through the external air inflow gap 10020g between the cover 10020 and the case 10010, and then flows into the inside of the accommodation portion 10040 through the air circulation gap 10040g.

[0414] Referring to Figure 47, the first flow 10000f of air that passes through the external air inlet gap 10020g and the air circulation gap 10040g in sequence passes through the air hole 10200g of the protruding tube 10200 and reaches the outer surface of the end of the cigarette 3 stored in the storage section 10040.

[0415] The cigarette 3 has a cylindrical shape, and the storage passage 10040h of the storage unit 10040 also has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the cigarette 3. The diameter of the storage passage 10040h of the storage unit 10040 is formed to be larger than the diameter of the cigarette 3. Therefore, when the cigarette 3 is stored in the storage unit 10040, the outer surface of the cigarette 3 and the storage passage 10040h of the storage unit 10040 are spaced apart from each other. That is, in Figure 47, external air flows through the insertion hole 10040p into the space formed between the outer surface of the cigarette 3 and the storage passage 10040h of the storage unit 10040, thereby forming a second air flow 10000g.

[0416] The storage section 10040 also includes a through-hole 10040d formed through the side wall 10040w to allow the protruding portion 10050 to pass through. The protruding portion 10050 is formed to protrude from the surface of the storage passage 10040h toward the cigarette 3 so as to come into contact with the outer surface of the cigarette 3.

[0417] The protrusions 10050 are arranged on the outer surface of the cigarette 3 so as to be spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction about the center of the cigarette 3, thereby forming a flow path through which a second flow 10000g of air passes between the protrusions 10050. A plurality of through holes 10040d are also formed corresponding to the number of protrusions 10050. The protrusions 10050 support the outer surface of the cigarette 3, but because adjacent protrusions 10050 are spaced apart from one another, air can flow freely inside the storage passage 10040h of the storage section 10040.

[0418] Although the number of protrusions 10050 and the number of through holes 10040d shown in the drawings are four, one embodiment is not limited by the number of protrusions 10050 and through holes 10040d. The number of protrusions 10050 and the number of through holes 10040d can be modified in various ways.

[0419] Furthermore, the installation positions and shapes of the protrusions 10050 and the through-holes 10040d can be modified in various ways. For example, the protrusions 10050 can extend in a peripheral direction, i.e., a circumferential direction, with respect to the center of the cigarette 3 so as to contact a part of the outer surface of the cigarette 3 along the circumferential direction of the cigarette 3. Even when the protrusions 10050 extend in the circumferential direction, adjacent protrusions 10050 can be spaced apart from each other to form a flow path through which air passes inside the storage passage 10040h.

[0420] The end surface of the protrusion 10050 that comes into contact with the outer surface of the cigarette 3 is also formed by a concavely curved cylindrical surface so as to correspond to the shape of the outer surface of the cigarette 3 .

[0421] 46 and 47, when the receiving portion 10040 is coupled to the protruding tube 10200, the protruding portion 10050 is positioned above the bottom wall 10040b of the receiving portion 10040 and spaced apart by a predetermined height. Therefore, in order to accommodate the protruding portion 10050 while the receiving portion 10040 is coupled to the protruding tube 10200, the through-hole 10040d of the receiving portion 10040 is formed to extend along the longitudinal direction of the receiving passage 10040h to correspond to the position of the protruding portion 10050.

[0422] An alignment inclined surface 10040y is provided at the end of the upper surface of the bottom wall 10040b of the storage section 10040 facing the storage passage 10040h, which functions to align the position of the cigarette 3 stored in the storage section 10040 to the center of the storage section 10040 by guiding the end of the cigarette 3.

[0423] 47 and 48, the protrusion 10050 has an inclined surface 10050d that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the storage passage 10040h so as to guide the movement of the cigarette 3 when the cigarette 3 is inserted into the storage passage 10040h.

[0424] The inclined surface 10050d of the protrusion 10050 functions to guide the movement of the cigarette 3 so that after the cigarette 3 is inserted into the storage passage 10040h, it moves through the storage passage 10040h and when the end of the cigarette 3 reaches the position of the protrusion 10050 protruding from the storage passage 10040h, the end of the cigarette 3 is inserted into the protrusion 10050.

[0425] While the accommodating portion 10040 is coupled to the protruding tube 10200 and a cigarette 3 is inserted into the accommodating passage 10040h of the accommodating portion 10040, the accommodating passage 10040h is connected to the outside via the insertion hole 10040p, so that a second flow 10000g of external air flows into the accommodating passage 10040h of the accommodating portion 10040 through the insertion hole 10040p. In addition, a first flow 10000f of air that has passed through the air circulation gap 10040g passes through the air hole 10200g of the protruding tube 10200 and reaches the outer surface of the end of the cigarette 3 accommodated in the accommodating portion 10040.

[0426] The cigarette 3 is supported by the protrusion 10050, and no components come into contact with the outer surface of the end of the cigarette 3, so that the outer surface of the end of the cigarette 3 is surrounded by air. When the heater 10300 heats the cigarette 3 and aerosol particles are generated from the cigarette 3, if a user holds the cigarette 3 in their mouth and inhales, the air on the outer surface of the end of the cigarette 3 passes through the cigarette 3, and an airflow containing the aerosol particles is transmitted to the user.

[0427] In the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figures 39 to 48, the user can easily attach the cigarette 3 to the aerosol generating device by simply opening the external hole 10020p of the cover 10020, inserting the cigarette 3 into the insertion hole 10040p of the storage section 10040, and then pushing the cigarette 3 along the storage passage 10040h.

[0428] Furthermore, after finishing using the cigarette 3, the user can pick up and turn the cigarette 3 with his / her hand, and remove the cigarette 3 from the case 10010.

[0429] Furthermore, for cleaning purposes, the user can separate the cover 10020 from the case 10010 and separate the storage section 10040 from the case 10010.

[0430] Furthermore, after the storage section 10040 is completely separated to the outside of the case 10010, the protruding tube 10200 and the heater 10300 are exposed to the outside, so the user can directly check the protruding tube 10200 and the heater 10300 and easily perform cleaning work.

[0431] Furthermore, when a cigarette 3 is inserted into the storage passage 10040h of the storage unit 10040 attached to the case 10010 of the aerosol generation device, the protruding portion 10050 protruding from the inside of the storage passage 10040h comes into contact with the outer surface of the cigarette 3, thereby stably supporting the cigarette 3. Therefore, while the aerosol generation device is in use, the cigarette 3 does not separate from the aerosol generation device, and the cigarette 3 is stably maintained in the storage passage 10040h of the aerosol generation device, allowing the user to enjoy the aerosol generation device safely.

[0432] In addition, since the protrusion 10050 of the storage passage 10040h of the storage section 10040 comes into contact with a portion of the outer surface of the cigarette 3, a flow path through which air can pass is formed between the storage passage 10040h and the cigarette 3, and external air to assist in generating aerosol can be supplied sufficiently and smoothly into the interior of the aerosol generating device.

[0433] FIG. 49 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment.

[0434] In the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 49, a plurality of protrusions 10050, 10050b are arranged on the outer surface of the cigarette 3 so as to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 3.

[0435] 49, the lower region in the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 3 is supported by the lower protruding portion 10050. The upper region in the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 3 is supported by the upper protruding portion 10050b.

[0436] A plurality of lower protrusions 10050 are arranged on the outer surface of the cigarette 3 so as to be spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction relative to the center of the cigarette 3.

[0437] A plurality of upper protrusions 10050b are also arranged on the outer surface of the cigarette 3 so as to be spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction relative to the center of the cigarette 3.

[0438] The through hole 10040d formed in the side wall 10040w of the storage section 10040 is formed to extend long along the longitudinal direction of the storage passage 10040h so as to accommodate both the upper protrusion 10050b and the lower protrusion 10050.

[0439] In this way, the multiple protrusions 10050, 10050b are arranged on the outer surface of the cigarette 3 so as to be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction relative to the center of the cigarette 3, and are also arranged on the outer surface of the cigarette 3 so as to be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 3, so that a flow path through which air can pass is formed between adjacent protrusions 10050, 10050b.

[0440] FIG. 50 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment.

[0441] 50, when a cigarette 3 is inserted into the storage section 10040, a concave connecting passage 10040f is formed at the outer edge of the upper surface facing the storage passage 10040h of the bottom wall 10040b of the storage section 1004, which contacts the end of the cigarette 3. The connecting passage 10040f connects the space between the outer surface of the cigarette 3 and the storage passage 10040h, so that air in the storage passage 10040h is supplied to the bottom surface of the end of the cigarette 3 via the connecting passage 10040f of the bottom wall 10040b, and sufficient air to assist aerosol generation is smoothly supplied to the cigarette 3.

[0442] FIG. 51 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment.

[0443] The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 51 includes a bottom protrusion 10040k that protrudes from the upper surface of the bottom wall 10040b of the accommodating portion 10040, toward the accommodating passage 10040h, which comes into contact with the end of the cigarette 3 when the cigarette 3 is inserted into the accommodating portion 10040. The bottom protrusion 10040k protrudes from the bottom wall 10040b toward the internal space of the accommodating passage 10040h, thereby performing the function of supporting the bottom surface of the end of the cigarette 3. The bottom protrusion 10040k has an approximately hemispherical shape.

[0444] A plurality of bottom protrusions 10040k are arranged at intervals from each other along the circumferential direction of the bottom wall 10040b around the center of the heater hole 10040c formed in the bottom wall 10040b. Therefore, air can pass through the spaces between adjacent bottom protrusions 10040k, and the air flowing from the outside into the receiving passage 10040h through the insertion holes 10040p of the receiving passage 10040h is supplied to the bottom surface of the end of the cigarette 3 through the spaces between the bottom protrusions 10040k.

[0445] In the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 51, the protruding portion 10050 protruding from the storage passage 10040h of the storage section 10040 comes into contact with a portion of the outer surface of the cigarette 3, thereby forming a flow path through which air can pass between the storage passage 10040h and the cigarette 3, and the air in the flow path is supplied to the bottom surface of the end of the cigarette 3 through the space between the bottom protrusions 10040k of the bottom wall 10040b, so that sufficient air to assist in aerosol generation is smoothly supplied to the cigarette 3.

[0446] FIG. 52 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment.

[0447] The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 52 comprises a case 20010, a hollow protrusion tube 20200 that protrudes from one side end 20010a of the case 20010 and has an opening 20200p that is open to the outside, a heater 10300 that is provided in the case 20010 so that the end 10310 is located inside the protrusion tube 20200, a storage section 20040 that is connected to the protrusion tube 20200 and separated from the protrusion tube 20200, a protrusion 20050 that protrudes from the inside of the protrusion tube 20200 and penetrates the storage section 20040 to support a cigarette 3 inserted in the storage section 20040, and a cover 20020 that is integrally connected to the storage section 20040 and has a door 20030 that can expose the insertion hole 20040p to the outside.

[0448] A movable door 20030 is provided on the top surface of the cover 20020 to expose the insertion hole 20040p of the receiving portion 20040 to the outside. The door 20030 is connected to the cover 20020 using a rail assembly so as to be slidably movable, or is connected to the cover 20020 using a hinge assembly so as to be rotatable.

[0449] When the door 20030 exposes the insertion hole 20040p to the outside, the user can insert the end of the cigarette 3 into the insertion hole 10040p and attach the cigarette 3 to the storage passage 20040h formed inside the storage section 20040.

[0450] When the cover 20020 is coupled to the case 20010, an external air inflow gap 20020g that allows air to flow into the inside of the cover 20020 is formed at the portion where the cover 20020 and the case 20010 are coupled.

[0451] After smoking, when the cigarette 3 is separated from the aerosol generation device and then cleaning work is performed, the cover 20020 and the accommodating portion 20040 are both separated from the case 20010. That is, when the user takes the cover 20020 by hand and separates the cover 20020 and the accommodating portion 20040 from the case 20010, the cover 20020 and the accommodating portion 20040 are both separated from the case 20010.

[0452] The protrusion tube 20200 surrounds and protects the heater 10300, and when the receiving part 20040 is coupled to the protrusion tube 20200, it supports the receiving part 20040 and the cover 20020. Since the protrusion tube 20200 has a hollow shape with an open interior, the protrusion tube 20200 has a coupling passage 20200h into which at least a portion of the receiving part 20040 is inserted. The upper end of the coupling passage 20200h is connected to an opening 20200p that opens toward the exterior of the aerosol generating device.

[0453] The protrusion tube 20200 can also perform the function of directly supplying external air to the end of the cigarette 3. To this end, the protrusion tube 20200 has air holes 20200g connecting the inside and outside of the protrusion tube 20200. A plurality of air holes 20200g may be provided, spaced apart in the circumferential direction about the longitudinal center of the protrusion tube 20200. The air holes 20200g form an air flow passage so that air outside the protrusion tube 20200 can flow into the inside of the protrusion tube 20200.

[0454] The storage section 20040 includes a storage passage 20040h that is inserted into the connecting passage 20200h inside the protruding tube 20200 through the opening 20200p of the protruding tube 20200 and can store the cigarette 3, an insertion hole 20040p that opens from one end of the storage passage 20040h toward the outside so that the cigarette 3 can be inserted, and a bottom wall 20040b that closes the other end of the storage passage 20040h and has a heater hole 20040c that allows the end 10310 of the heater 10300 to pass through.

[0455] The receiving portion 20040 is formed integrally with the cover 20020. For example, the cover 20020 and the receiving portion 20040 may be integrally molded using a material such as plastic by injection molding or by three-dimensional printing. Alternatively, the cover 20020 and the receiving portion 20040 may be manufactured separately and then joined together by screws or by fastening means such as bolts or adhesive.

[0456] When the accommodating portion 20040 is coupled to the protruding tube 20200, the end 10310 of the heater 10300 passes through the heater hole 20040c of the accommodating portion 20040 and is positioned inside the accommodating passage 20040h of the accommodating portion 20040. Therefore, when the accommodating portion 20040 is coupled to the protruding tube 20200 and the cigarette 3 is accommodated in the accommodating passage 20040h of the accommodating portion 20040, the end 10310 of the heater 10300 is inserted into the cigarette 3.

[0457] A plurality of protrusions 20050 for supporting the cigarettes 3 are provided on the inner wall surface of the connecting passage 20200h of the protrusion tube 20200. The protrusions 20050 penetrate the storage portion 20040 connected to the protrusion tube 20200, and come into contact with the outer surface of the cigarette 3 inserted in the storage portion 20040.

[0458] When the cover 20020 is coupled to the case 20010, air outside the cover 20020 flows into the inside of the cover 20020 through the external air inlet gap 20020g between the cover 20020 and the case 20010. The first flow of air generated through the external air inlet gap 20020g passes through the air hole 20200g of the protruding tube 20200 and reaches the outer surface of the end of the cigarette 3 accommodated in the accommodation portion 20040.

[0459] Furthermore, while the accommodating portion 20040 is connected to the protruding tube 20200 and a cigarette 3 is inserted into the accommodating passage 20040h of the accommodating portion 20040, the accommodating passage 20040h is connected to the outside via the insertion hole 20040p, so that outside air flows into the accommodating passage 20040h of the accommodating portion 20040 via the insertion hole 20040p, thereby forming a second air flow.

[0460] In the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in Figure 52, the user can easily attach the cigarette 3 to the aerosol generating device by simply opening the cover 20020, inserting the cigarette 3 into the insertion hole 20040p of the storage section 20040, and then pushing the cigarette 3 along the storage passage 20040h.

[0461] Furthermore, when the user has finished using the cigarette 3 and wishes to separate the cigarette 3 from the case 20010, the user can separate the cigarette from the aerosol generating device by simply pinching the upper end of the cigarette 3 with his / her hand, rotating it, and pulling the cigarette 3 outside the storage passage 20040h.

[0462] Furthermore, when performing cleaning work, the user can separate the cover 20020 and the storage section 20040 from the case 20010, thereby separating the storage section 20040 and the cover 20020 from the case 20010.

[0463] Figure 53 is an oblique view illustratively illustrating the operating state of an aerosol generating device relating to yet another embodiment, and Figure 54 is an oblique view illustrating the operating state of the aerosol generating device relating to the embodiment shown in Figure 53 with some components removed.

[0464] The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 53 and 54 includes a case 10010 and a cover 10020.

[0465] The cover 10020 coupled to one side end of the case 10010, together with the case 10010, forms the exterior of the aerosol generating device 10000. The case 10010 forms the exterior of the aerosol generating device 10000, and houses various components in the space formed inside.

[0466] A locking device for maintaining the coupled state of the cover 10020 and the case 10010 may be provided between the cover 10020 and the case 10010. The locking device may include, for example, a magnet and a metal member that adheres to the magnet. When a magnet is used for the locking device, the magnet may be provided on one of the cover 10020 and the case 10010, and the metal member that adheres to the magnet may be provided on the other; otherwise, the magnet may be provided on either the cover 10020 or the case 10010.

[0467] An external hole 10020p into which the cigarette 3 is inserted is formed on the top surface of the cover 10020. When the door 10030 slides linearly along the rail 10030r on the top surface of the cover 10020, the external hole 10020p into which the cigarette 3 is inserted and the insertion hole 10040p are exposed to the outside. The external hole 10020p of the cover 10020 exposes to the outside the insertion hole 10040p of the storage passage 10040h that can store the cigarette 3.

[0468] When the external hole 10020p is exposed to the outside by the door 10030, the user can insert the end 3b of the cigarette 3 into the external hole 10020p and the insertion hole 10040p, and attach the cigarette 3 to the storage passage 10040h formed inside the cover 10020.

[0469] The outer hole 10020p of the cover 10020 is provided with a plurality of cigarette support protrusions 10020m that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction along the inner surface of the outer hole 10020p and protrude toward the center of the outer hole 10020p. The cigarette support protrusions 10020m pass through the outer hole 10020p and come into contact with the outer surface of the cigarette 3 inserted into the insertion hole 10040p and the storage passage 10040h, thereby supporting the cigarette 3.

[0470] The case 10010 is provided with a button 10090. By operating the button 10090, the operation of the aerosol generation device 10000 is controlled.

[0471] When the cover 10020 is coupled to the case 10010, an external air inflow gap 10020g that allows air to flow into the inside of the cover 10020 is formed at the location where the cover 10020 and the case 10010 are coupled.

[0472] When removing the cigarette 3 from the aerosol generating device after using it, the user can remove the cigarette 3 from the case 10010 by pinching and rotating the cigarette 3 with their hands, as shown in Fig. 54. Furthermore, if the user pulls the cover 10020 after rotating the cigarette 3, the cover 10020 will be separated from the case 10010 together with the cigarette 3. By separating the cigarette 3 from the case 10010 while rotating it, the cigarette 3 is no longer attached to the heater, and the tobacco substance attached to the cigarette 3 can be expelled to the outside of the case 10010 together with the cigarette 3.

[0473] If the cover 1002 is pulled without rotating the cigarette 3, the cigarette 3 will be separated from the case 10010, but the tobacco portion of the cigarette 3 (i.e., the first portion 310 in Figures 23A and 23B) will not be ejected from the case 10010 and will remain on the heater side. In this case, the user can separate the cover 1002 from the case 1001, and then separate the storage portion 1004 from the case 1001. At that time, the tobacco portion remaining on the heater side will be separated from the case 1001 together with the storage portion 1004. The user can then remove the tobacco portion remaining in the separated storage portion 1004.

[0474] FIG. 55 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating some components of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG.

[0475] The aerosol generating device comprises a case 10010, a hollow protruding tube 10200 that protrudes from one side end 10010a of the case 10010 and has an opening that is open to the outside, a heater 10300 that is provided in the case 10010 so as to be located inside the protruding tube 10200, and a storage section 10040 that is connected to the protruding tube 10200 and separated from the protruding tube 10200.

[0476] FIG. 56 is a perspective view illustrating an operating state in which some components of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 53 are separated.

[0477] After separating the cigarette 3 from the aerosol generation device, the user can perform a cleaning operation to remove any tobacco material remaining inside the aerosol generation device. As shown in Fig. 56, the cleaning operation of the aerosol generation device can also be performed by the user separating the cover 10020 from the case 10010 of the aerosol generation device 10000, and then separating the storage section 10040 from the case 10010 to expose the internal space and heater of the aerosol generation device to the outside, thereby removing the tobacco material.

[0478] The protrusion tube 10200 surrounds and protects the heater 10300, and supports the receiving part 10040 when the receiving part 10040 is coupled thereto. The protrusion tube 10200 has a hollow shape with an open interior, and thus includes a coupling passage 10200h into which at least a portion of the receiving part 10040 is inserted. The upper end of the coupling passage 10200h forms an opening that opens toward the exterior of the aerosol generating device.

[0479] The protruding tube 10200 has a guide groove 10020n extending linearly along the longitudinal direction of the protruding tube 10200 for coupling with the receiving portion 10040.

[0480] The protrusion tube 10200 can also perform the function of directly supplying external air to the end of the cigarette 3. To this end, the protrusion tube 10200 has an air hole 10200g connecting the inside and outside of the protrusion tube 10200. The air hole 10200g is arranged to be connected to the end of the guide groove 10020n. A plurality of air holes 10200g may be provided, spaced apart in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal center of the protrusion tube 10200. The air holes 10200g form an air flow passage so that air outside the protrusion tube 10200 can flow into the inside of the protrusion tube 10200.

[0481] The case 10010 is provided with a heater 10300 that heats the cigarette 3. The heater 10300 is provided in the case 10010 such that one end of the heater 10300 is located inside the protruding tube 10200. When the cigarette 3 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 10040 with the accommodating portion 10040 coupled to the protruding tube 10200, the end of the heater 10300 is inserted into the bottom surface of the end of the cigarette 3.

[0482] Figure 57 is a bottom perspective view of some components of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 54, and Figure 58 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operating state of some components shown in Figure 57 when they are used.

[0483] 57 and 58, the accommodating portion 10040 includes a side wall 10040w that forms an accommodating passage 10040h that is inserted into the connecting passage 10200h inside the protruding tube 10200 and can accommodate the cigarette 3, an insertion hole 10040p that opens to the outside from one end of the accommodating passage 10040h so that the cigarette 3 can be inserted, and a bottom wall 10040b that closes the other end of the accommodating passage 10040h and has a heater hole 10040c that allows the end of the heater 10300 to pass through.

[0484] The heater holes 10040c formed in the bottom wall 10040b of the receiving portion 10040 include outer holes 10040j that are concave outward from the heater 10300. The outer holes 10040j are arranged in a plurality at intervals along the circumferential direction around the heater hole 10040c, so that the overall shape of the heater holes 10040c resembles a star. The outer holes 10040j allow air present around the heater 10300 outside the receiving portion 10040 to be concentrated toward the cigarette 3 through the heater holes 10040c, and function as air flow passages that allow air to easily flow into the receiving portion 10040.

[0485] The receiving portion 10040 includes an outer wall 10040t that surrounds the side wall 10040w and is spaced radially outward from the side wall 10040w. When the receiving portion 10040 is coupled to the protruding tube 10200, the protruding tube 10200 is inserted between the outer wall 10040t and the side wall 10040w, thereby stably maintaining the coupled state between the receiving portion 10040 and the protruding tube 10200.

[0486] A guide rib 10040n is provided inside the outer wall 10040t. The guide rib 10040n is inserted into the guide groove 10020n of the protruding tube 10200 when the receiving portion 10040 is inserted into the protruding tube 10200.

[0487] When the accommodating portion 10040 is coupled to the protruding tube 10200, the end of the heater 10300 passes through the heater hole 10040c of the accommodating portion 10040 and is positioned inside the accommodating passage 10040h of the accommodating portion 10040. Therefore, when the accommodating portion 10040 is coupled to the protruding tube 10200 and the cigarette 3 is accommodated in the accommodating passage 10040h of the accommodating portion 10040, the heater 10300 is inserted into the cigarette 3.

[0488] A plurality of lower bottom protrusions 10040e are provided on the underside of the bottom wall 10040b of the receiving portion 10040. The lower protrusions 10040e protrude from the bottom wall 10040b and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction outside the heater holes 10040c. When the receiving portion 10040 is installed in an aerosol generation device, the lower bottom protrusions 10040e maintain a gap between the bottom wall 10040b and the aerosol generation device, thereby ensuring an air flow passage.

[0489] The lower bottom protrusions 10040e extend radially from the outer surface of the bottom wall 10040b toward the heater hole 10040c, so that the lower bottom protrusions 10040e allow the air outside the bottom wall 10040b to flow smoothly along the spaces between adjacent lower bottom protrusions 10040e toward the outer holes 10040j of the heater holes 10040c.

[0490] Due to the action of such lower bottom protrusion 10040e, the air outside the bottom wall 10040b is uniformly supplied to the heater holes 10040c, and a uniform and constant amount of air is supplied to the cigarette 3, so that the aerosol generation action is smooth and stable, and an aerosol with optimal taste and aroma can be provided to the user.

[0491] An air guide groove 10040r extending from the outer edge of the bottom wall 10040b to the heater hole 10040c is formed on the underside of the bottom wall 10040b of the accommodating portion 10040. The air guide groove 10040r provides a passage for the main stream of air supplied to the cigarettes 3 accommodated in the accommodating portion 10040.

[0492] The end of the air guide groove 10040r located at the outer end of the bottom wall 10040b is located at a position corresponding to the air hole 10200g shown in Fig. 31. With this arrangement, air outside the protrusion tube 10200 flows into the inside of the protrusion tube 10200 through the air hole 10200g and also flows directly into the heater hole 10040c along the air guide groove 10040r, so that a sufficient amount of air necessary for aerosol generation is directly and smoothly supplied to the cigarette 3.

[0493] A plurality of air guide grooves 10040r may be provided to correspond to the number of air holes 10200g formed in the protruding tube 10200.

[0494] The storage section 10040 includes an outlet 10040a formed by cutting a portion of the side wall 10040w to expose and open the storage passage 10040h to the outside of the side wall 10040w. Because the outlet 10040a is formed in the side wall 10040w, the overall shape of the side wall 10040w is approximately semi-cylindrical. In other words, if the side wall 10040w is cut in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the side wall 10040w, the cross-sectional shape of the side wall 10040w will be approximately semi-circular.

[0495] 57, the size of the outlet 10040a formed extends over a range of approximately 180° along the circumferential direction from the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the side wall 10040w, but one embodiment is not limited by such a size of the outlet 10040a. That is, the size of the outlet 10040a can extend over or less than 180° along the circumferential direction from the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the side wall 10040w.

[0496] By providing a discharge port 10040a that exposes the storage passage 10040h in the side wall 10040w of the storage section 10040, cleaning work can be performed more easily.

[0497] The side wall 10040w of the accommodating portion 10040 is provided with a plurality of slits 10040s formed through the side wall 10040w to connect the accommodating passage 10040h with the outside of the accommodating portion 10040. The slits 10040s function to allow air remaining in the empty space formed between the outer wall 10040t and the side wall 10040w to come into contact with a portion of the outer surface of the cigarette 3 accommodated in the accommodating portion 10040.

[0498] The air remaining in the empty space formed between the outer wall 10040t and the side wall 10040w becomes heated by the cigarette 3 heated by the heater 10300, and is then further flowed into the storage passage 10040h along the heater hole 10040c of the storage section 10040, or through the slit 10040s into the cigarette 3 side, thereby performing the function of assisting in the aerosol generation action.

[0499] In addition, the air remaining in the empty space formed between the outer wall 10040t and the side wall 10040w can absorb part of the heat of the cigarette 3, thereby performing an insulating function of blocking the heat of the cigarette 3 from being directly transmitted to the user through the storage section 10040.

[0500] 58, the sidewalls 10040w forming the receiving passage 10040h of the receiving part 10040 that receives the cigarettes 3 may be inclined along the longitudinal direction of the cigarettes 3. The sidewalls 10040w may be inclined so as to gradually incline in a direction away from the cigarettes 3 from the lower end of the cigarettes 3 received inside the receiving passage 10040h toward the upper end of the cigarettes 3.

[0501] As such, the inclination of the side wall 10040w allows the size of the storage passage 10040h of the storage unit 10040 to vary along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 3. That is, the diameter D1 of the storage passage 10040h, in which the middle portion of the cigarette 3 is stored, is formed larger than the diameter D2 of the storage passage 10040h, in which the lower end of the cigarette 3 is stored. Such a variable diameter structure of the storage passage 10040h allows the center position of the cigarette 3 to be accurately aligned with the center position of the heater 10300 while the cigarette 3 is being stored in the storage unit 10040. Furthermore, when the cigarette 3 is fully inserted into the storage passage 10040h, the lower end of the cigarette 3 is strongly pressed by the side wall 10040w, so that the cigarette 3 inserted inside the storage passage 10040h is stably supported.

[0502] After a user has smoked using the cigarette 3 stored in the storage section 10040, the user can directly remove the cigarette from the storage section 10040. That is, the user can pick up the cigarette stored in the storage section 10040 with their hands, rotate it, and then remove the cigarette 3 from the storage section 10040.

[0503] After the cigarette 3 has been separated from the storage portion 10040, the user can separate the storage portion 10040 from the aerosol generation device for cleaning.

[0504] When the storage unit 10040 is separated from the aerosol generating device, the storage passage 10040h is exposed to the outside through the outlet 10040a, as shown in Fig. 53, and the tobacco substance can be discharged to the outside of the storage unit 10040 through the outlet 10040a. In addition, the user can directly and conveniently clean various parts of the storage passage 10040h and the side wall 10040w while checking with the naked eye.

[0505] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned method can be written as a computer-executable program and can be implemented in a general-purpose digital computer that runs the program using a computer-readable recording medium. The data structures used in the above-mentioned method can also be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium by various means. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic recording media (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), universal serial bus (USB), floppy disks, hard disks, etc.) and optically readable media (e.g., compact discread-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc (DVD), etc.).

[0506] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be embodied in various modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the above description. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered from an illustrative rather than a restrictive perspective. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and all variations within the scope of the claims should be construed as being within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0507] 1. Aerosol generator 2 Cradle 3 cigarettes 3b end 7. Cradle 10. Gas Turbine Engine 12 Centerline axis 14 Core Gas Turbine Engine 16 Fan Area 20 or more 110 battery 120 control section 130 Heater 131 Terminal 140 cases 141 Terminal 150 buttons 160 display 170 terminals 181 Binding material 182 Binding material 210 Battery 220 Control Unit 225 Sheet 1 230 Space 230 Interior Space 240 buttons 250 displays 260 terminals 271 Binding material 272 Binding material 273 Binding material 274 Binding material 310 Part 1 320 Part 2 321 First Filter Segment 322 Cooling structures 323 Second Filter Segment 324 capsules 341 First Trumpet 342 Second Trumpet 343 Third Trumpet 344 Fourth Trumpet 345 5th Trumpet 346 6th Trumpet 347 7th Trumpet 1000 Aerosol Generator 1001 cases 1002 Cover 1004 Storage unit 1315 Heating section 1321 Terrace 1325 Sheet 1 1331 Terrace 1335 2nd Sheet 1345 coating layer 1351 Page 1 1352 No. 1 Electrically Conductive Track 1353 2nd page 1354 Second Electrically Conductive Track 1355 Stair plane 1361 First Connector 1362 Second Connector 1600 Cooling Structure 3100 Cooling Structure 3110 Fiber Bundle 3120 Fiber Bundle 3130 Fiber Reinforcement 3130 Cooling Fiber 3200 Fiber Bundle 3210 Main Stream 3220 Sub-stream 3300 Cooling Structure 3310 Single Channel 3320 Hollow 3400 Cooling Structure 3410 Hollow 3420 Hollow 3500 Cooling Structure 3510 Hollow 3600 Cooling Structure 3610 First Sub-structure 3620 Second Sub-structure 3700 Cooling Structure 3710 First Sub-structure 3720 Second Sub-structure 3900 Cooling Structure 3910 Channel 4100 Cooling Structure 4110 Channel 4120 Hollow 4130 Space 4200 Cooling Structure 4210 Cooling Structure 4300 Cooling Structure 4310 Channel 4320 Channel 4330 Channel 4340 Channel 4350 Air Flow Path 4400 Cooling Structure 4500 Cooling Structure 4600 Cooling Structure 4710 Cooling Structure 4720 Cooling Structure 4721 1st section 4722 2nd cross section 4723 Third section 4730 Cooling Structure 4731 1st section 4732 2nd cross section 4733 channels 10000 Aerosol Generator 10010 Case 10010a One end 10020 Cover 10020m cigarette support protrusion 10020n Guide groove 10020p external hole 10030 Door 10030r rail 10040 Storage unit 10040a Outlet 10040b Bottom wall 10040c Heater hole 10040d Through hole 10040e Lower bottom protrusion 10040f Connecting passage 10040g Air circulation interval 10040h Storage passage 10040j Outer Hall 10040k bottom protrusion 10040n Guide rib 10040p insertion hole 10040r Air guide groove 10040s Slit 10040t External wall 10040w side wall 10040y aligned inclined surface 10050 Protrusion 10050b Protrusion 10050d Slope 10090 Button 10200 Projection tube 10200g air hole 10200h Combined passage 10200p aperture 10300 Case Heater 10310 End 10700 Electrical Supply Equipment 10710 Electrical wiring 20010 Case 20010a One end 20020 Cover 20020g External air intake gap 20030 Door 20040 Storage unit 20040b Bottom wall 20040c Heater hole 20040h Storage passage 20040p insertion hole 20050 Protrusion 20200 Projection pipe 20200g Air Hole 20200h Combined passage 20200p aperture

Claims

1. Case and a hollow protruding tube protruding from one side end of the case and having an opening open to the outside; a heater, the heater being mounted in the case so that an end of the heater is positioned inside the projection tube, and generating heat when an electrical signal is applied; a storage section including: a side wall that is inserted into the inside of the protrusion tube through the opening of the protrusion tube and forms a storage passage that stores cigarettes; an insertion hole that opens from one end of the storage passage toward the outside so that the cigarettes can be inserted; and a bottom wall that closes the other end of the storage passage and has a heater hole through which the end of the heater passes; a protrusion that protrudes from the protrusion tube, penetrates the side wall of the storage portion, and supports the cigarette inserted in the storage portion.

2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a cover that has an external hole that can expose the insertion hole of the storage portion to the outside, can be attached to the one side end of the case to cover the storage portion, and can be separated from the case.

3. An external air inlet gap is formed at a joining portion between the cover and the case, allowing air outside the cover to flow into the inside of the cover; The housing portion further includes an outer wall that surrounds the side wall and is spaced radially outward from the side wall, The protruding pipe is inserted between the outer wall and the side wall, thereby connecting the receiving portion and the protruding pipe, an air circulation gap is formed at a joining portion between the outer wall of the receiving portion and the protruding pipe, allowing air outside the receiving portion to flow into the inside of the receiving portion; The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 , wherein the protruding tube further comprises an air hole for passing air toward the end of the cigarette housed in the housing.

4. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a door that can expose the insertion hole of the storage unit to the outside, and a cover connected to the storage unit, wherein the storage unit is connected to the case together with the cover and separated from the case together with the cover.

5. An external air inlet gap is formed at a joining portion between the cover and the case, allowing air outside the cover to flow into the inside of the cover; The aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , wherein the protruding tube further comprises an air hole for passing air toward the end of the cigarette housed in the housing.

6. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the storage passage of the storage section is formed larger than the diameter of the cigarette stored in the storage passage, the side wall has a through hole formed therethrough to allow the protrusion to pass through, and the protrusion protrudes from the surface of the storage passage toward the cigarette so as to contact the outer surface of the cigarette.

7. The aerosol generating device of claim 6, wherein the protrusions are arranged in a plurality so as to be spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction from the outer surface of the cigarette to the center of the cigarette, thereby forming a flow path through which air passes between adjacent protrusions, and the through holes are formed in a plurality corresponding to the protrusions.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the protrusions are arranged in a plurality on the outer surface of the cigarette so as to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the cigarette, and the through-hole extends along the longitudinal direction of the storage passage so as to allow the plurality of protrusions to pass through.

9. 7. The aerosol generating device of claim 6, wherein the protrusion extends in a circumferential direction relative to the center of the cigarette so as to contact a portion of the outer surface of the cigarette along the circumferential direction relative to the center of the cigarette, thereby forming a flow path through which air passes.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the protrusion has an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the storage passage so as to guide the movement of the cigarette when the cigarette is inserted into the storage passage.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the bottom wall further includes a bottom protrusion that protrudes to support a bottom surface of the end of the cigarette.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the bottom wall further comprises a connecting passage connected to a space between an outer surface of the cigarette and the receiving passage.

Images