Aerosol generator

Abstract

The aerosol generating device may include a first housing and a second housing located in the first housing and configured to accommodate an aerosol-generating article, the second housing may include a first frame having a first circumference and a first width, a first layer including a plurality of first airflow passages formed in the first frame, a second frame coupled to the first frame, and a second layer including a second airflow passage formed in the second frame, the second airflow passage being fluidly connected to the plurality of first airflow passages, and the second frame may have a second circumference and a second width.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] In order to provide atomization performance, techniques have been developed for allowing an air flow to flow into an aerosol generating article. For example, an aerosol generating device of a type that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating article in a non-combustion manner has been developed.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] One aspect of the present disclosure can provide an aerosol generating device that controls the inflow of an air flow suitable for various types of aerosol generating articles and improves flavor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] According to one aspect of an embodiment, there is provided an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device including a first housing and a second housing located in the first housing and configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article, the second housing being a first layer including a first frame and a plurality of first air flow passages formed in the first frame, the first frame having a first circumference and a first width, the first layer, a second frame connected to the first frame, and a second layer including a second air flow passage formed in the second frame, the second air flow passage being fluidly connected to the plurality of first air flow passages, the second frame having a second circumference and a second width, and may include the second layer.

[0005] The plurality of first air flow passages can be recessed and formed at the first width of the first frame.

[0006] The plurality of first air flow passages can be arranged at substantially the same intervals along the first circumference of the first frame.

[0007] The second air flow path can be a single air flow path.

[0008] The second layer further includes a susceptor, the susceptor is located within the second frame, forms the second air flow path together with the second frame, and can be configured to at least partially accommodate the aerosol generating article.

[0009] The second housing further includes a third layer, the third layer includes a third frame connected to the second frame and a plurality of third air flow paths formed in the third frame, the third frame has a third circumference and a third width, and the plurality of third air flow paths can be in fluid connection with the second air flow path.

[0010] The plurality of third air flow paths can be formed by recessing at the third width of the third frame.

[0011] The plurality of third air flow paths can be arranged at substantially the same intervals along the third circumference of the third frame.

[0012] The third layer further includes a plurality of recesses, the plurality of recesses are located between a pair of adjacent third air flow paths, the plurality of recesses are respectively formed in the thickness direction of the third frame, and the thickness direction can intersect the third circumferential direction and the third width direction.

[0013] The second layer further includes a first bottom, the first bottom is connected to the second frame and can be configured to support the third frame.

[0014] The first bottom can include a plurality of first air flow holes in fluid connection with the plurality of third air flow paths.

[0015] The second layer can further include a wall portion connected to the first bottom and including a plurality of second air flow holes, and a second bottom connected to the wall portion and configured to guide air flow to the aerosol generating article.

[0016] The second housing may further include an article insertion portion and a plurality of air flow channels for the insertion portion, the article insertion portion may include a plurality of fixing portions connected to the first frame, the plurality of fixing portions are configured to fix the aerosol generating article, and the plurality of air flow channels for the insertion portion are fluidly connected to the plurality of first air flow channels and can be formed between the plurality of fixing portions.

[0017] The first housing can be configured to be sealed so that air flows into the second housing only through the plurality of air flow channels for the insertion portion.

[0018] According to an aspect of an embodiment, a housing for an aerosol generating device is provided. The housing includes a first layer including a first frame and a plurality of first air flow channels formed in the first frame. The first frame has a first circumference and a first width. The first layer, a second layer including a second frame connected to the first frame and a second air flow channel formed in the second frame. The second air flow channel is fluidly connected to the plurality of first air flow channels. The second frame has a second circumference and a second width. The second layer, a third layer including a third frame connected to the second frame and a plurality of third air flow channels formed in the third frame. The third frame has a third circumference and a third width. The plurality of third air flow channels are fluidly connected to the second air flow channel. The third layer can be included.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to an embodiment, the air flow inlet direction and / or the air flow rate can be controlled. According to an embodiment, flavors suitable for various types of aerosol generating articles can be provided. The effects of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0020] The above, other aspects, features and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] The terms used in the embodiments are chosen to be as general as possible while taking into account the functions in the embodiments. However, this may change depending on the intentions or precedents of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant. In this case, the meaning thereof is described in detail in the description part of the corresponding invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based not on just the names of the terms but on the meaning the terms have and the overall content of the present invention.

[0023] Throughout the specification, when a certain part "includes" a certain component, this means that, unless otherwise stated to the contrary, it does not exclude other components but may further include other components. Furthermore, terms such as "part" and "module" described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0024] As used in this specification, when an expression such as "at least any one of" is placed before the components arranged, it modifies all the components arranged rather than each of the arranged components. For example, the expression "at least any one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0025] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can be a device that electrically heats an aerosol generating article (for example, a cigarette) housed in an internal space to generate an aerosol.

[0026] The aerosol generating device can include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater can be an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater can include an electrically conductive track, and when an electric current flows through the electrically conductive track, the heater can be heated.

[0027] The heater can include heating elements of various shapes, for example, but not limited to, one or more of a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and can heat the inside or outside of the cigarette according to the pattern of the heating element.

[0028] The cigarette can include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod can be made of a sheet, a strand, or shredded tobacco made by finely cutting a tobacco sheet. Also, the tobacco rod can be surrounded by a heat-conductive material. For example, the heat-conductive material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

[0029] The filter rod can be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod can be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod can include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained in the aerosol.

[0030] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge holding an aerosol generating substance.

[0031] The aerosol generating device can include a cartridge holding an aerosol generating substance and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge can be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge can be integrally formed or assembled with the body and can also be fixed so as not to be detached by the user. The cartridge can be attached to a body in which the aerosol generating substance is housed. However, it is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating substance can be injected into the cartridge coupled to the body.

[0032] The cartridge can hold an aerosol product substance having any one of various states such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, a gel state, etc. The aerosol product substance can include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0033] The cartridge can perform a function of converting the phase of the aerosol product substance inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase to generate an aerosol by being activated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body. The aerosol can mean a gas in a state where vaporized particles generated from the aerosol product substance and air are mixed.

[0034] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be transmitted to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition can move along the air flow path of the aerosol generating device, and the air flow path can be configured such that the aerosol passes through the cigarette and is transmitted to the user.

[0035] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol product substance using an ultrasonic vibration method. At this time, the ultrasonic vibration method can mean a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol product substance with ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

[0036] The aerosol generating device can include a vibrator, and the vibrator can generate vibrations with a short period to atomize the aerosol product substance. The vibrations generated from the vibrator can be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations can include, but is not limited to, a frequency band of about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz.

[0037] The aerosol generating device can further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol generating substance. For example, the wick is arranged to surround at least one region of the vibrator and / or is arranged to contact at least one region of the vibrator.

[0038] When a voltage (e.g., an alternating voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations can be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator can be transmitted to the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the wick. The aerosol generating substance absorbed by the wick can be converted into a gaseous phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, and as a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0039] For example, the heat generated from the vibrator can lower the viscosity of the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the wick, and the aerosol generating substance with reduced viscosity is atomized by the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol, but is not limited thereto.

[0040] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can be a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device by an induction heating method.

[0041] The aerosol generating device can include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil can apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor can include a magnetic material that generates heat by an external magnetic field. The aerosol generating article can be heated by the susceptor generating heat when located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied. Also, optionally, the susceptor can be located inside the aerosol generating article.

[0042] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can further include a cradle.

[0043] The aerosol generating device can be configured with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can charge the battery of the aerosol generating device. Or the heater can be heated with the cradle and the aerosol generating device coupled together.

[0044] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field can easily implement them. The present disclosure can be implemented in a form realizable by the aerosol generating devices of the various different embodiments described above or implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 can include a control unit 110, a detection unit 120, an output unit 130, a battery 140, a heater 150, a user input unit 160, a memory 170, and a communication unit 180. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1. That is, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that according to the design of the aerosol generating device 100, a part of the configuration shown in FIG. 1 can be omitted, modified, or a new configuration can be further added.

[0047] The detection unit 120 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 100 or the state around the aerosol generating device 100 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 can control the aerosol generating device 100 based on the sensed information so that operations of the heater 150 are controlled, smoking is restricted, it is determined whether an aerosol generating article (for example, a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.) is inserted, notification is displayed, and / or other functions are performed.

[0048] The detection unit 120 can include, but is not limited to, at least one of the temperature sensor 122, the insertion detection sensor 124, and the puff sensor 126.

[0049] The temperature sensor 122 can sense the temperature at which the heater 150 (or the aerosol generating substance) is heated. The aerosol generating device 100 can include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 150, or the heater 150 itself can serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 122 may be disposed around the battery 140 to monitor the temperature of the battery 140.

[0050] The insertion detection sensor 124 can detect whether an aerosol generating article is inserted into or removed from the aerosol generating device (e.g., the article insertion portion 220 as shown in FIG. 3). For example, the insertion detection sensor 124 can include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article.

[0051] The puff sensor 126 can sense the user's puff based on various physical changes in the air flow path or air flow channel. For example, the puff sensor 126 can sense the user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0052] In addition to the sensors 122 to 126 described above, the detection unit 120 can further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an ordinary technician from its name, specific descriptions can be omitted.

[0053] The output unit 130 can output information regarding the state of the aerosol generator 100 and provide it to the user. The output unit 130 can include at least one of a display unit 132, a haptic unit 134, and an acoustic output unit 136, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 132 and the touch pad form a layer structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit 132 can also be used as an input device in addition to the output device.

[0054] The display unit 132 can visually provide information regarding the aerosol generator 100 to the user. For example, the information regarding the aerosol generator 100 can mean various information such as the charge / discharge state of the battery 140 of the aerosol generator 100, the preheating state of the heater 150, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 100 is restricted (e.g., abnormal article detection), and the display unit 132 can output the above information to the outside. The display unit 132 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. Also, the display unit 132 can be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0055] The haptic unit 134 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and tactually provide information regarding the aerosol generator 100 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 134 can include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0056] The acoustic output unit 136 can aurally provide information regarding the aerosol generator 100 to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit 136 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0057] The battery 140 can supply the power used for the aerosol generator 100 to operate. The battery 140 can supply power so that the heater 150 is heated. Also, the battery 140 can supply the power necessary for the operation of other components (for example, the detection unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180) provided in the aerosol generator 100. The battery 140 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 140 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0058] The heater 150 can be supplied with power from the battery 140 to heat the aerosol generating substance. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generator 100 can further include a power conversion circuit (for example, a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to the heater 150. Also, when the aerosol generator 100 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 100 can further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power source of the battery 140 into an AC power source.

[0059] The control unit 110, the detection unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180 can be supplied with power from the battery 140 to perform functions. Although not shown in FIG. 1, it can further include a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to each component.

[0060] In one embodiment, the heater 150 can include a predetermined electrically resistive material suitable for heating. For example, the electrically resistive material can include, but is not limited to, metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Also, the heater 150 can be realized by, but is not limited to, a metal wire, a metal plate with an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0061] In one embodiment, the heater 150 can be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 150 can include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol product substance.

[0062] The user input unit 160 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 160 can include, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (capacitive touch type, pressure resistive film type, infrared sensing type, surface acoustic wave conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Also, although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 can further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can be connected to other external devices via a connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 140.

[0063] The memory 170 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 100, and can store the data processed by the control unit 110 and the data to be processed. The memory 170 can include at least one type of storage medium such as a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (random access memory), an SRAM (static random access memory), a ROM (read-only memory), an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), a PROM (programmable read-only memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. The memory 170 can store various information related to the operation of the aerosol generator, such as, for example, but not limited to, the operation time of the aerosol generator 100, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

[0064] The communication unit 180 can include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 180 can include a short-range communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184.

[0065] The short-range wireless communication unit 182 can include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra-wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0066] The wireless communication unit 184 can include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 184 can also confirm and authenticate the aerosol generator 100 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0067] The control unit 110 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 100. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a large number of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by this microprocessor. Also, those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs can understand that it may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0068] The control unit 110 can control the temperature of the heater 150 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 140 to the heater 150. For example, the control unit 110 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 140 and the heater 150. As another example, according to the control command of the control unit 110, the direct heating circuit can also control the power supply to the heater 150.

[0069] The control unit 110 can analyze the results sensed by the detection unit 120 and control the subsequent processes. For example, based on the results sensed by the detection unit 120, the control unit 110 can control the power supplied to the heater 150 so that the operation of the heater 150 starts or ends. As another example, based on the results sensed by the detection unit 120, the control unit 110 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 150 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater 150 is heated to a predetermined temperature or can maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0070] The control unit 110 can control the output unit 130 based on the results sensed by the detection unit 120. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 126 reaches a preset number, the control unit 110 can notify the user that the aerosol generator (e.g., aerosol generator 200) will end soon through at least one of the display unit 132, the haptic unit 134, and the acoustic output unit 136.

[0071] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can control the power supply time and / or the power supply amount to the heater 150 according to the state of the aerosol generating article sensed by the detection unit 120. For example, when the aerosol generating article (e.g., aerosol generating article 201) is in an over-wet state, the control unit 110 can control the power supply time to the induction coil and increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol generating article is in a normal state.

[0072] Figures 2 to 9 show various views of an aerosol generation system according to an embodiment.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 9, the aerosol generation system 20 can include an aerosol generator 200 and an aerosol generating article 201. The aerosol generator 200 can accommodate the aerosol generating article 201 in an internal space and electrically heat it to generate an aerosol.

[0074] The aerosol generator 200 can include a first housing 210 configured to at least partially accommodate the aerosol generating article 201 and accommodate various electronic / mechanical components. The first housing 210 can include, for example, a first face 210A (e.g., a front face), a second face 210B (e.g., a rear face) opposite the first face 210A, and at least one third face 210C (e.g., a side face) between the first face 210A and the second face 210B.

[0075] In one embodiment, the first housing 210 can include a flap 212 configured to at least partially cover the first face 210A, and the flap 212 can be configured to open or close a passage (e.g., an article insertion portion 220) through which the aerosol generating article 201 is inserted into or removed from the aerosol generator 200. The flap 212 can be rotatably connected to the third face 210C, for example.

[0076] In one embodiment, the first housing 210 can include an opening / closing mechanism configured to open or close a passage (e.g., an article insertion portion 220) through which the aerosol generating article 201 is inserted or removed. The opening / closing mechanism can include, for example, a guide slot 213B formed on the first face 210A around the article insertion portion 220, and a door 213A configured to open or close the article insertion portion 220 along the guide slot 213B. In some embodiments, the door 213A and the guide slot 213B can be covered by the flap 212.

[0077] In one embodiment, the first housing 210 may include a connection terminal 214 formed on the second surface 210B. The connection terminal 214 may include a connector configured such that the aerosol generating device 200 is physically connected to an external device via the connection terminal 214. The connection terminal 214 may include, for example, an HDMI (registered trademark) connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0078] The aerosol generating device 200 may include an article insertion portion 220 including an insertion space into which the aerosol generating article 201 is inserted and from which the aerosol generating article 201 is removed. In one embodiment, the article insertion portion 220 may include a plurality (e.g., four) of fixing portions 222 configured to fix the aerosol generating article 201, and a plurality (e.g., four) of insertion portion air flow passages 224 formed between the plurality of fixing portions 222. In one embodiment, air can be caused to flow into the first housing 210 (e.g., into the second housing 230 within the first housing 210) only through the insertion portion air flow passages 224. The first housing 210 can be sealed so that no air flow occurs between the outside and the inside of the first housing 210 in the remaining portion excluding the insertion portion air flow passages 224.

[0079] The aerosol generating device 200 may include a second housing 230 configured to at least partially accommodate the aerosol generating article 201 and heat the aerosol generating article 201. The second housing 230 may be located within the first housing 210. The second housing 230 may be in fluid communication with the article insertion portion 220.

[0080] In one embodiment, the second housing 230 can include a plurality of layers 232, 234, 236 including one or more air flow channels. In one embodiment, the plurality of layers 232, 234, 236 can integrally form the second housing 230. In some embodiments, any one of the plurality of layers 232, 234, 236 can be formed as a separate component from another one of the layers 232, 234, 236. In one embodiment, the plurality of layers 232, 234, 236 can be seamlessly formed integrally.

[0081] In one embodiment, the second housing 230 can include a first layer 232, a second layer 234, and a third layer 236.

[0082] The first layer 232 can include a first frame 232A having a first circumference (e.g., a first circumferential portion), a first width (e.g., a first radial portion), and a first thickness (e.g., a first thickness portion), and a plurality (e.g., four) of first air flow channels 232B formed in the first frame 232A. The plurality of first air flow channels 232B can be connected to fluidly communicate with the plurality of insertion part air flow channels 224.

[0083] In one embodiment, the first frame 232A can be positioned spaced apart from the plurality of fixing parts 222. In one embodiment, the first frame 232A can extend circumferentially to form a substantially annular structure.

[0084] In one embodiment, the inner surface of the first frame 232A can form a first clearance distance with one surface (e.g., a side surface) of the aerosol generating article 201 when the aerosol generating article 201 is inserted. In one embodiment, the inner surface of the first frame 232A can also contact one surface (e.g., a side surface) of the aerosol generating article 201 when the aerosol generating article 201 is inserted. In one embodiment, an airtight seal may be formed between the inner surface of the first frame 232A and one surface (e.g., a side surface) of the aerosol generating article 201.

[0085] In one embodiment, the plurality of first air flow channels 232B can be formed by being recessed in the width direction of the first frame 232A. In one embodiment, the plurality of first air flow channels 232B may be formed within the first frame 232A. In one embodiment, the plurality of first air flow channels 232B can be arranged at substantially the same intervals in the circumferential direction of the first frame 232A. In one embodiment, the interval between any pair of adjacent first air flow channels 232B among the plurality of first air flow channels 232B may be different from the interval between another pair of adjacent first air flow channels 232B.

[0086] The second layer 234 can include a second frame 234A having a second circumference (for example, a second circumferential portion), a second width (for example, a second radial portion), and a second thickness (for example, a second thickness direction portion), and second air flow channels 234B formed by the second frame 234A. The second air flow channels 234B can be connected to communicate fluidly with the plurality of first air flow channels 232B.

[0087] The second frame 234A can be connected to the first frame 232B. For example, the second frame 234A can be connected to the first frame 232B by other mechanical components. As another example, the second frame 234A can be directly connected to the first frame 232B. In one embodiment, the second frame 234A can extend in the circumferential direction to form a substantially annular structure.

[0088] In one embodiment, the dimension of the inner surface of the second frame 234A (for example, the diameter of the second thickness direction portion) may be larger than the dimension of the inner surface of the first frame 232A (for example, the diameter of the first thickness direction portion). In one embodiment, the dimension of the inner surface of the second frame 234A (for example, the diameter of the second thickness direction portion) may be substantially the same as the dimension of the inner surface of the first frame 232A (for example, the diameter of the first thickness direction portion). In one embodiment, the dimension of the inner surface of the second frame 234A (for example, the diameter of the second thickness direction portion) may be smaller than the dimension of the inner surface of the first frame 232A (for example, the diameter of the first thickness direction portion).

[0089] In one embodiment, the inner surface of the second frame 234A can form a second clearance distance with one surface (e.g., a side surface) of the aerosol-generating article 201 when the aerosol-generating article 201 is inserted. In one embodiment, the second clearance distance may be greater than the first clearance distance. In one embodiment, the second clearance distance may be substantially the same as the first clearance distance. In one embodiment, the second clearance distance may be smaller than the first clearance distance.

[0090] In one embodiment, the second air flow passage 234B may be formed within the second frame 234A. In some embodiments, the second air flow passage 234B can be defined by one surface (e.g., the second thickness direction portion) of the second frame 234A. In some embodiments, the second air flow passage 234B can also be defined by one surface (e.g., a side surface) of the aerosol-generating article 201 when the aerosol-generating article 201 is inserted.

[0091] In one embodiment, the second air flow passage 234B may be a single air flow passage. In one embodiment, the second layer 234 can include a plurality of second air flow passages 234B. As an example, the number of the second air flow passages 234B may be the same as the number of the first air flow passages 234A. As another example, the number of the second air flow passages 234B may be different from the number of the first air flow passages 234A.

[0092] In one embodiment, the second housing 230 can include a susceptor 238 configured to at least partially receive the aerosol-generating article 201 and support one surface (e.g., a side surface) of the aerosol-generating article 201. The susceptor 238 can be located in the second frame 234A and can be configured to form the second frame 234A and the second air flow passage. The susceptor 238 can be located on the third layer 236 and can extend along the side portion (e.g., the width direction portion of the second frame 234A) of the second layer 234.

[0093] In one embodiment, the third layer 236 can include a third frame 236A. The third frame 236A can include a third frame 236A having a third circumference (e.g., a third circumferential portion), a third width (e.g., a third radial portion), and a third thickness (e.g., a third thickness portion), and a plurality (e.g., four) of third air flow channels 236B formed by the third frame 236A. The plurality of third air flow channels 236B can be connected to be in fluid communication with the second air flow channel 234B.

[0094] The third frame 236A can be connected to the second frame 234A. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the third frame 236A can face the inner surface of the second frame 234A. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the third frame 236A can contact the second frame 234A. In some embodiments, an airtight seal can be formed between the outer surface of the third frame 236A and the inner surface of the second frame 234A. In one embodiment, the third frame 236A can extend circumferentially and can form a substantially annular structure.

[0095] In one embodiment, the dimension of the inner surface of the third frame 236A (e.g., the diameter of the third thickness portion) can be larger than the dimension of the inner surface of the first frame 232A (e.g., the diameter of the first thickness portion). In one embodiment, the dimension of the inner surface of the third frame 236A (e.g., the diameter of the third thickness portion) can be substantially the same as the dimension of the inner surface of the first frame 232A (e.g., the diameter of the first thickness portion). In one embodiment, the dimension of the inner surface of the third frame 236A (e.g., the diameter of the third thickness portion) can be smaller than the dimension of the inner surface of the first frame 232A (e.g., the diameter of the first thickness portion).

[0096] In one embodiment, the dimension of the inner surface of the third frame 236A (e.g., the diameter of the third thickness portion) can be larger than the dimension of the inner surface of the second frame 234A (e.g., the diameter of the second thickness portion). In one embodiment, the dimension of the inner surface of the third frame 236A (e.g., the diameter of the third thickness portion) can be substantially the same as the dimension of the inner surface of the second frame 234A (e.g., the diameter of the second thickness portion). In one embodiment, the dimension of the inner surface of the third frame 236A (e.g., the diameter of the third thickness portion) can be smaller than the dimension of the inner surface of the second frame 234A (e.g., the diameter of the second thickness portion).

[0097] In one embodiment, the inner surface of the third frame 236A can form a third clearance distance with one surface (e.g., a side surface) of the aerosol-generating article 201 when the aerosol-generating article 201 is inserted. In one embodiment, the third clearance distance may be smaller than the first clearance distance. In one embodiment, the third clearance distance may be substantially the same as the first clearance distance. In one embodiment, the third clearance distance may be larger than the first clearance distance. In one embodiment, the third clearance distance may be smaller than the second clearance distance. In one embodiment, the third clearance distance may be substantially the same as the second clearance distance. In one embodiment, the third clearance distance may be larger than the second clearance distance.

[0098] In one embodiment, the inner surface of the third frame 236A can also contact one surface (e.g., a side surface) of the aerosol-generating article 201 when the aerosol-generating article 201 is inserted. In one embodiment, an airtight seal may be formed between the inner surface of the third frame 236A and one surface (e.g., a side surface) of the aerosol-generating article 201.

[0099] In one embodiment, the plurality of third air flow channels 236B can be formed by recesses in the width direction of the third frame 236A. In one embodiment, the plurality of third air flow channels 236B may be formed within the third frame 236A. In one embodiment, the plurality of third air flow channels 236B may be arranged at substantially the same intervals in the circumferential direction of the third frame 236A. In one embodiment, the interval between any pair of adjacent third air flow channels 236B among the plurality of third air flow channels 236B may be different from the interval between another pair of adjacent third air flow channels 236B.

[0100] In one embodiment, the third layer 236 can include a plurality (e.g., four) of first recesses 236C formed in the thickness direction of the third frame 236A. The plurality of first recesses 236C can be configured to support at least one component (e.g., susceptor 238) within the second housing 230, for example. The plurality of first recesses 236C can be formed respectively between a pair of adjacent third air flow channels 236B.

[0101] In one embodiment, the second layer 234 can include a first bottom portion 234C configured to support the third frame 236A. The first bottom portion 234C can be connected to the second frame 234A and can contact the third frame 236A. The first bottom portion 234C can extend from the second frame 234A in a direction intersecting the thickness direction of the second frame 234A (e.g., the radial direction). The first bottom portion 234C can have a width greater than the second width of the second frame 234A.

[0102] In one embodiment, the first bottom portion 234C can include a plurality of first air flow holes H1. The plurality of first air flow holes H1 are configured to communicate with the plurality of third air flow passages 236B and can cause the air flow passing through the plurality of third air flow passages 236B to flow outside the second frame 234A. In one embodiment, the plurality of first air flow holes H1 can be arranged at substantially the same intervals along the circumferential direction of the first bottom portion 234C. In one embodiment, the interval between any pair of the plurality of first air flow holes H1 may be different from the interval between another pair of the plurality of first air flow holes H1.

[0103] In one embodiment, the first bottom portion 234C can include a second recess 234D formed in the thickness direction of the first bottom portion 234C. The second recess 234D can support one surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the aerosol generating article 201 when the aerosol generating article 201 is inserted, for example. In one embodiment, the second recess 234D may be formed between the inner edge and the outer edge of the first bottom portion 234C. In some embodiments, the second recess 234D may be at least partially formed from the inner edge to the outer edge of the first bottom portion 234C. In one embodiment, the second recess 234D may be formed between the inner edge of the first bottom portion 234C and the plurality of first air flow holes H1.

[0104] In one embodiment, the second layer 234 can include a second bottom 234E spaced apart from the first bottom 234C and a wall portion 234F connecting the first bottom 234C and the second bottom 234E. The wall portion 234F extends from the first bottom 234C in a direction (e.g., the thickness direction) intersecting the extension direction (e.g., the radial direction) of the first bottom 234C, and the second bottom 234E can expand in a direction (e.g., the radial direction) intersecting the extension direction of the wall portion 234F. In one embodiment, the second bottom 234E can be located in a substantially central region of the second frame 234A. The second bottom 234E and the wall portion 234F can form a flow space for air flow together with one surface (e.g., the lower surface) of the aerosol generating article 201 when the aerosol generating article 201 is inserted.

[0105] In one embodiment, the wall portion 234F can include a plurality of second air flow holes H2. The plurality of second air flow holes H2 are configured to communicate with the outside of the second frame 234A, and can allow the air flow outside the second frame 234A to flow into the flow space on the wall portion 234F and the second bottom 234E. For example, the plurality of second air flow holes H2 can allow the air flow passing through the plurality of third air flow passages 236B and the plurality of first air flow holes H1 to flow into the flow space. The air flow flowing in the flow space can be guided to one surface (e.g., the lower surface) of the aerosol generating article 201 along the second bottom 234E and the wall portion 234F.

[0106] The aerosol generating device 200 can include a pressure sensor 240 configured to sense the pressure of the airflow between the article insertion part 220 and the second housing 230. For example, when the airflow flows in through the article insertion part 220, the pressure sensor 240 can sense the pressure change of the airflow due to the change in the airflow velocity. In one embodiment, the pressure sensor 240 can be located on the flow stream between the article insertion part 220 and the second housing 230 and within the first housing 210. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 240 can be located adjacent to the first surface 210A. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 240 can be located on the flow stream between the plurality of insertion part air flow passages 224 and the plurality of first air flow passages 232B. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 200 can include a plurality of pressure sensors 240.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes a vaporizer 14. Also, an aerosol generating article 2 (for example, a cigarette) can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0108] The components related to this embodiment are shown in the aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIGS. 10 to 12. Therefore, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that, in addition to the components shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, other general components are further included in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0109] Furthermore, FIGS. 11 and 12 show that the aerosol generating device 1 includes a heater 13, but in one embodiment, the heater 13 may be omitted.

[0110] FIG. 10 shows that the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. Further, FIG. 11 shows that the battery 11, the control unit 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. Furthermore, FIG. 12 shows that the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 10 to 12. In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1, the arrangements of the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14 shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 may be changed.

[0111] When the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the aerosol generator 1 can operate the heater 13 and / or the vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or the vaporizer 14 passes through the aerosol generating article 2 and is transmitted to the user.

[0112] In one embodiment, even when the aerosol generating article 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the aerosol generator 1 can control the heater 13 so that the heater 13 performs a heating operation.

[0113] The battery 11 supplies the power used for the operation of the aerosol generator 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power so that the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14 is heated, and can supply the power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12. Further, the battery 11 can supply the power necessary for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. included in the aerosol generator 1.

[0114] The control unit 12 generally controls the operation of the aerosol generator 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 controls not only the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14, but also the operation of other components included in the aerosol generator 1. Further, the control unit 12 can also check the state of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is in an operable state.

[0115] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The at least one processor may be implemented by an array of a large number of logic gates, or may be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by this microprocessor. Also, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs can understand that the at least one processor may be implemented by different forms of hardware.

[0116] The heater 13 can be heated by the electric power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the heater 13 can be located outside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 13 can raise the temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the cigarette.

[0117] The heater 13 can be an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater 13 can be heated when an electric current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above-described example, and can be applicable without limitation as long as it can heat to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may already be set in the aerosol generator 1, or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0118] On the other hand, as another example, the heater 13 can be an induction heating type heater. In one embodiment, the heater 13 can include an electrically conductive coil for heating a cigarette by an induction heating method, and the cigarette can include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating type heater.

[0119] For example, the heater 13 can include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and can heat the inside or outside of the aerosol generating article 2 according to the pattern of the heating element.

[0120] In addition, a plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged in the aerosol generating device 1. At this time, the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted into the aerosol generating article 2, or may be arranged outside the aerosol generating article 2. Further, a part of the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted into the aerosol generating article 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the aerosol generating article 2. Also, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, and can be manufactured in various shapes.

[0121] The vaporizer 14 can generate an aerosol by heating a liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can be transmitted to the user through the aerosol generating article 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can move along the air flow path of the aerosol generating device 1, and the air flow path can be configured such that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 passes through the cigarette and is transmitted to the user.

[0122] For example, the vaporizer 14 can include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage part, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage part, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device 1 as independent modules.

[0123] The liquid storage part can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage part may be manufactured so as to be detachable from the vaporizer 14, or may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14.

[0124] For example, the liquid composition can include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The fragrance can include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. The flavoring agent can include components that can provide various fragrances or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. Further, the liquid composition can include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0125] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition in the liquid storage part to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means may be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0126] The heating element can be an element configured to heat the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited thereto. Further, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element can be heated by current supply and transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact therewith to heat the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0127] For example, the vaporizer 14 is called a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

[0128] The aerosol generating device 1 can further include a general configuration in addition to the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 can include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. Further, the aerosol generating device 1 can include at least one sensor (such as a puff sensing sensor, a temperature sensing sensor, a cigarette insertion sensing sensor, etc.). Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 1 can be manufactured with a structure in which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out even when the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted.

[0129] Although not shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the aerosol generating device 1 can also form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle is used for charging the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1. Or, the heater 13 can be heated in a state where the cradle and the aerosol generating device 1 are coupled.

[0130] The aerosol generating article 2 can be similar to a general combustible cigarette. For example, the aerosol generating article 2 can be divided into a first part containing an aerosol generating substance and a second part containing a filter or the like. Or, the second part of the aerosol generating article 2 may also contain an aerosol generating substance. For example, an aerosol generating substance made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

[0131] The entire first part can be inserted inside the aerosol generating device 1, and the second part can be exposed to the outside. Or, only a part of the first part may be inserted inside the aerosol generating device 1, or the entire first part and a part of the second part may be inserted. The user can inhale the aerosol with the second part bitten by the mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated when external air passes through the first part, and the generated aerosol is transmitted to the user's mouth through the second part.

[0132] As an example, the external air can flow into the aerosol generator 1 through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generator 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generator 1 and / or the size of the air passage can be adjusted by the user. Thereby, the atomization amount, the smoking feeling, etc. can be adjusted by the user. As another example, the external air can also flow into the interior of the aerosol generating article 2 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the aerosol generating article 2.

[0133] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating article according to an embodiment.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 13, the aerosol generating article 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first part 21 described above with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 includes the tobacco rod 21, and the second part 22 includes the filter rod 22.

[0135] In FIG. 13, the filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 can include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. Also, in one embodiment, the filter rod 22 can further include at least one segment for performing other functions.

[0136] The diameter of the aerosol generating article 2 is in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length may be about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0137] The aerosol generating article 2 can be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24. At least one hole can be formed in the wrapper 24 for external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out. As an example, the aerosol generating article 2 can be wrapped by one wrapper 24. As another example, the aerosol generating article 2 can also be superposed and wrapped by two or more wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be wrapped by the first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 can be wrapped by the wrappers 242, 243, 244. Also, the whole aerosol generating article 2 can be repackaged by a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment can be wrapped by the wrappers 242, 243, 244.

[0138] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made of a general filter paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous paper or non-porous paper. Also, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made of oil-resistant papers and / or aluminum laminated paper packaging agents.

[0139] The third wrapper 243 can be made of hard paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be included in the range of 88 g / m 2 ~96 g / m 2 and preferably may be included in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2 Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be included in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably may be 125 μm.

[0140] The fourth wrapper 244 can be made of oil-resistant hard paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be included in the range of 88 g / m 2 ~96 g / m 2 and preferably may be included in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2It may be included within the range. Also, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be included within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably may be 125 μm.

[0141] The fifth wrapper 245 can be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) means paper specially manufactured so that its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be included within the range of 57 g / m 2 ~63 g / m 2 and preferably may be 60 g / m 2 Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be included within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably may be 67 μm.

[0142] A predetermined substance may be added to the fifth wrapper 245. Here, as an example of the predetermined substance, silicon can be applicable, but it is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that does not oxidize, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, as long as it is a substance having the above-described properties, it can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

[0143] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the phenomenon of the aerosol generating article 2 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 13, the aerosol generating article 2 may burn. In one embodiment, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 31, the aerosol generating article 2 can burn. Even in such a case, since the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-combustible substance, the phenomenon of the aerosol generating article 2 burning can be prevented.

[0144] In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the holder from being contaminated by the substances generated by the aerosol generating article 2. Depending on the user's puff, a liquid substance can be generated within the aerosol generating article 2. For example, the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating article 2 is cooled by the external air, so that a liquid substance (such as moisture, etc.) can be generated. By wrapping the aerosol generating article 2 with the fifth wrapper 245, it is possible to prevent the liquid substance generated within the aerosol generating article 2 from leaking to the outside of the aerosol generating article 2.

[0145] The tobacco rod 21 contains an aerosol generating substance. For example, the aerosol generating substance can include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 can contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, wetting agents, and / or organic acids. Also, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant can be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0146] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of a sheet or a strand. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of shredded tobacco in which the tobacco sheet is finely cut. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 21 can be surrounded by a heat-conductive material. For example, the heat-conductive material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the heat-conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can evenly disperse the heat transmitted to the tobacco rod 21 and improve the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco flavor. Also, the heat-conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 can include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat-conductive material surrounding the outside.

[0147] The filter rod 22 can be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod or a tube-type rod including a hollow inside. Also, the filter rod 22 may be a recessed-type rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0148] The first segment of the filter rod 22 can be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment can be a tubular structure including a hollow inside. When the heater 13 is inserted by the first segment, it is also possible to prevent the phenomenon in which the internal substance of the tobacco rod 21 is pushed backward, and a cooling effect of the aerosol can also be generated. The diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may adopt an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0149] The length of the first segment 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 segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0150] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by regulating the content of the plasticizer during the manufacture of the first segment. Further, the first segment can be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or a tube made of the same or different materials inside (for example, hollow).

[0151] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 13 heating the tobacco rod 21. Accordingly, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0152] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined variously depending on the form of the aerosol generating article 2. For example, the length of the second segment can be appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0153] The second segment can be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a flavoring liquid can also be applied to the fibers made of the polymer. Or, the second segment can also be made by weaving together a separately provided fiber coated with a flavoring liquid and a fiber made of a polymer. Or, the second segment can be formed by a wound polymer sheet.

[0154] For example, the polymer can be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0155] By being formed of polymer fibers in which the second segment is woven or a wound polymer sheet, the second segment can include one or more channels extending in the longitudinal direction. Here, the channel means a passage through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0156] For example, the second segment made of a wound polymer sheet can be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, such as between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Also, the total surface area of the second segment can be between about 300 mm 2 / mm and about 1000 mm 2 / mm. Further, the aerosol cooling element can be formed from a material having a specific surface area between about 10 mm 2 / mg and about 100 mm 2 / mg.

[0157] The second segment can include a thread containing a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread can be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0158] The third segment of the filter rod 22 can be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately adopted within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0159] In the process of manufacturing the third segment, it can also be manufactured so that a fragrance is generated by injecting a flavoring liquid into the third segment. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid can be inserted into the interior of the third segment. The aerosol generated by the tobacco rod 21 is cooled by passing through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is transmitted to the user through the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, it is possible to produce an effect of enhancing the persistence of the fragrance transmitted to the user.

[0160] Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 can perform a function of generating a fragrance and can also perform a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 23 can have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0161] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 14, the aerosol-generating article 3 can include a shear plug 33, a tobacco rod 31, and a filter rod 32. The shear plug 33 can be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The shear plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching externally, and can prevent the aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol-generating device (for example, any one of the aerosol-generating devices 1 in FIGS. 10 to 12).

[0162] The filter rod 32 can include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 can correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 13, and the second segment 322 can correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 13.

[0163] The diameter and overall length of the aerosol generating article 3 can correspond to the diameter and overall length of the aerosol generating article 2 in FIG. 13. For example, the length of the shear plug 33 may be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 may be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0164] The aerosol generating article 3 can be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. At least one hole can be formed in the wrapper 35 for external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out. For example, the shear plug 33 can be wrapped by the first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 can be wrapped by the second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 can be wrapped by the third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 can be wrapped by the fourth wrapper 354. Also, the entire aerosol generating article 3 can be repackaged by the fifth wrapper 355.

[0165] Also, at least one perforation 36 can be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, the perforation 36 can be formed in the region surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. The perforation 36 can serve to transfer the heat generated by the heater 13 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

[0166] Furthermore, at least one capsule 34 may be included in the second segment 322. Here, the capsule 34 can also perform the function of generating a fragrance and the function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped by a film. The capsule 34 can have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0167] The first wrapper 351 may be one in which a metal foil such as aluminum foil is bonded to a general filter wrapping paper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be within the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably may be 50.3 μm. Also, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be within the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably may be 6.3 μm. Further, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 is 50 g / m 2 ~55 g / m 2 and may be within the range, and preferably may be 53 g / m 2 .

[0168] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can be made of a general filter wrapping paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper.

[0169] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and preferably may be 78 μm. Also, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 is 20 g / m 2 ~25 g / m 2 and may be within the range, and preferably may be 23.5 g / m 2 .

[0170] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be within the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and preferably may be 68 μm. Also, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 is 20 g / m 2 ~25 g / m 2 and may be within the range, and preferably may be 21 g / m 2 .

[0171] The fourth wrapper 354 can be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, PLA laminated paper means triple-layer paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be included within the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably may be 110 μm. Also, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be included within the range of 2 80 g / m 2 to 100 g / m 2 and preferably may be 88 g / m

[0172] The fifth wrapper 355 can be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) means paper specially manufactured so that its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be included within the range of 57 g / m 2 to 63 g / m 2 and preferably may be 60 g / m 2 Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be included within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably may be 67 μm.

[0173] A predetermined substance may be added to the fifth wrapper 355. Here, an example of the predetermined substance can be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, as long as it is a substance having the above-described properties, it can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

[0174] The shear plug 33 can be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the shear plug 33 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of the shear plug 33 may be 5.0. Also, the cross-section of the filaments constituting the shear plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug 33 may be included in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the shear plug 33 may be 28,000.

[0175] Also, in one embodiment, the shear plug 33 can include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel can be made in various ways.

[0176] The tobacco rod 31 can correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to FIG. 13. Therefore, the specific description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0177] The first segment 321 can be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure including a hollow inside. The first segment 321 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the mono denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as those of the shear plug 33.

[0178] The second segment 322 can be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be included within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably within the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. Also, the cross-section of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be included within the range of 20000 to 30000, preferably may be 25000.

[0179] One embodiment can also be realized in the form of a recording medium including computer-executable instructions such as program modules executed by a computer. A computer-readable medium can be any soluble medium accessible by a computer, including both volatile and non-volatile media, and both separable and non-separable media. Also, a computer-readable medium can include both computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage medium includes any volatile and non-volatile, separable and non-separable media implemented by any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. A communication medium typically includes modulated data signals such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transmission medium.

[0180] The above description of the embodiments is merely exemplary, and those with ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible based on this. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the content described in the claims should be construed as being included in the scope of protection determined by the claims.

[0181] The features and aspects of any of the above-described embodiments can be combined with the features and aspects of any other embodiment.

Claims

1. A first housing, a second housing positioned in the first housing and configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article, comprising: wherein the second housing is a first layer including a first frame and a plurality of first air flow passages formed in the first frame, the first frame having a first circumference and a first width, the first layer; is a second layer including a second frame connected to the first frame and a second air flow passage formed in the second frame, the second air flow passage being in fluid connection with the plurality of first air flow passages, the second frame having a second circumference and a second width, the second layer; comprising: wherein the second layer has a first bottom portion including at least one first air flow hole for flowing air outside the second frame, a second bottom portion spaced from the first bottom portion, and a wall portion connecting the first bottom portion and the second bottom portion, further comprising: wherein the second bottom portion and the wall portion form a flow space for air flow, and the wall portion includes at least one second air flow hole for flowing air outside the second frame into the flow space, an aerosol generating device.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first air flow passages are recessed and formed at the first width of the first frame.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first air flow passages are arranged at substantially the same intervals along the first circumference of the first frame.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the second air flow passage is a single air flow passage.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the second layer further comprises a susceptor, the susceptor being positioned in the second frame, forming the second air flow passage together with the second frame, and configured to at least partially accommodate the aerosol generating article.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the second housing further comprises a third layer, the third layer including a third frame connected to the second frame and a plurality of third air flow passages formed in the third frame, the third frame having a third circumference and a third width, and the plurality of third air flow passages being in fluid connection with the second air flow passage.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of third air flow passages are recessed and formed at the third width of the third frame.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of third air flow passages are arranged at substantially the same intervals along the third circumference of the third frame.

9. The third layer further includes a plurality of recesses, the plurality of recesses are located between a pair of adjacent third air flow passages, the plurality of recesses are respectively formed in the thickness direction of the third frame, and the thickness direction intersects the third circumferential direction and the third width direction. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6.

10. The first bottom is connected to the second frame and is configured to support the third frame. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6.

11. The second bottom is configured to guide an air flow to the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

12. The second housing further includes an article insertion portion and a plurality of insertion portion air flow passages. The article insertion portion includes a plurality of fixing portions connected to the first frame, and the plurality of fixing portions are configured to fix the aerosol generating article. The plurality of insertion portion air flow passages are in fluid connection with the plurality of first air flow passages and are formed between the plurality of fixing portions. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

13. The first housing is configured to be airtight such that air only flows into the second housing through the plurality of insertion portion air flow passages. The aerosol generating device according to claim 12.

14. A housing for an aerosol generating device, the housing includes: A first layer including a first frame and a plurality of first air flow passages formed in the first frame, the first frame having a first circumference and a first width, the first layer; A second layer including a second frame connected to the first frame and a second air flow passage formed in the second frame, the second frame having a second circumference and a second width, the second air flow passage being in fluid connection with the plurality of first air flow passages, the second layer; A third layer including a third frame connected to the second frame and a plurality of third air flow passages formed in the third frame, the third frame having a third circumference and a third width, the plurality of third air flow passages being in fluid connection with the second air flow passage, the third layer; Including The second layer includes: A first bottom portion including at least one first air hole for flowing air outside the second frame; A second bottom portion spaced apart from the first bottom portion; A wall portion connecting the first bottom portion and the second bottom portion; Further including The second bottom portion and the wall portion form a flow space for air flow, and the wall portion includes at least one second air flow hole that allows air outside the second frame to flow into the flow space, a housing.

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