aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating device according to various embodiments includes a plurality of pad units including a first end surface, a second end surface formed opposite the first end surface, a front surface formed between the first end surface and the second end surface, and a rear surface formed opposite the front surface, a heating unit arranged on the front surface of the pad unit, and a hinge unit arranged between the plurality of pad units, and the aerosol generating device can be deformed so that the front surface of each of the pad units is arranged toward a central axis.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The following examples relate to aerosol generating devices. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for alternatives to traditional cigarettes that overcome the drawbacks of traditional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for devices that generate aerosols by electrically heating cigarette sticks (e.g., cigarette-type electronic cigarettes). This has led to active research into electrically heated aerosol generators and the cigarette sticks (or aerosol-generating articles) used therewith. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0132823 discloses a non-combustion flavor inhaler, a flavor source unit, and an atomization unit. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device that can be stored in a flat shape when not in use and can be deformed (rolled) into a three-dimensional shape when in use, thereby increasing user convenience.

[0004] It is an object according to one embodiment to provide an aerosol generating device that is easy to store and carry, and that enhances aesthetic appeal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An aerosol generating device according to various embodiments includes a plurality of pad units each including a first end surface, a second end surface formed opposite the first end surface, a front surface formed between the first end surface and the second end surface, and a rear surface formed opposite the front surface, a heating unit arranged on the front surface of the pad unit, and a hinge unit arranged between the plurality of pad units, and the aerosol generating device can be deformed so that the front surface of each pad unit is arranged toward a central axis.

[0006] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a spread mode in which the multiple pad units are arranged side by side on one surface, and a rolling mode in which the front surfaces of the multiple pad units are deformed so as to be arranged toward a central axis, and the aerosol generating device can be activated in the rolling mode and deactivated in the spread mode.

[0007] In one embodiment, in the rolling mode, the aerosol generating device can be deformed so that the front faces of the multiple pad units are positioned toward a central axis, forming an elongated cavity that can accommodate an aerosol-generating article.

[0008] In one embodiment, the heating unit includes a heat generating portion that generates heat and a cover portion configured to open and close the heat generating portion, and the cover portion can be opened when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the elongated cavity.

[0009] In one embodiment, the cover portion of the heating unit is arranged parallel to the front surface of the pad unit, and the cover portion can be opened by inserting the aerosol-generating article into the elongated cavity and pushing the cover portion out from above the front surface of the pad unit.

[0010] In one embodiment, the heating unit may have an arch-like structure that allows the elongated cavity to be formed into a cylindrical shape in the rolling mode.

[0011] In one embodiment, the plurality of pad units may further include side surfaces formed between the first end surface and the second end surface and between the front surface and the rear surface, and the side surfaces may be arranged adjacent to each other between the plurality of pad units.

[0012] In one embodiment, the multiple pad units include edge pad units arranged at both corners and at least one center pad unit arranged between the edge pad units, and each of the edge pad units includes a magnetic material arranged on its side surface, and when the aerosol generating device is deformed so that the front surfaces of the multiple pad units are arranged toward the central axis, the edge pad units can be connected to each other by the attractive force between the magnetic materials.

[0013] In one embodiment, each side surface of the edge pad unit includes a first side surface positioned adjacent to the center pad unit and a second side surface positioned away from the center pad unit, and the angle between the second side surface and the front surface may be an obtuse angle.

[0014] In one embodiment, the two edge pad units can be coupled by the attractive force of the magnetic material facing each other in a rolling mode when the aerosol generating device is deformed so that the front surfaces of the multiple pad units are arranged toward the central axis.

[0015] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a battery disposed in at least one of the pad units and configured to supply power to the aerosol generating device.

[0016] In one embodiment, the heating device further includes an insulating member arranged adjacent to the rear surfaces of the plurality of pad units, and the insulating member can prevent heat generated in the heating unit from being transferred to the rear surface of each pad unit.

[0017] In one embodiment, the hinge unit may include a first hinge unit that connects the multiple pad units to each other and is arranged parallel to the first end surface of the pad unit, and a second hinge unit that is arranged parallel to the second end surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] The aerosol generating device according to one embodiment can be stored in a flat shape when not in use, and can be deformed (rolled) into a three-dimensional shape when in use, thereby increasing user convenience.

[0019] The aerosol generating device according to one embodiment is easy to store and carry, and can enhance aesthetic appeal.

[0020] The effects of the aerosol generating device and aerosol generating system according to one 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. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the spread mode state of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the spread mode state of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment in rolling mode. [Figure 4]1 is a diagram showing an aerosol generating system in which an aerosol-generating article is housed in a rolling mode of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5A] 1 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment in a state where no aerosol-generating article is inserted. FIG. [Figure 5B] 1 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment in a state where no aerosol-generating article is inserted. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state in which the cover part is peeled off in the spread mode of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The terms used in the examples are generally used as widely as possible, taking into consideration the functions of the present invention, but these may change depending on the intentions of engineers in the field, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, the meanings thereof will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply the names of the terms.

[0023] Throughout the specification, when a part "comprises" a certain element, this does not mean excluding other elements, but may further include other elements, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "module" and "unit" 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.

[0024] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one of" precedes an array of elements, it modifies all elements in the array, not each individual element. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, and c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0025] In the following examples, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article that contains a medium and through which an aerosol passes and transfers the medium. A typical example of an aerosol-generating article is a cigarette, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0026] In the following examples, "upstream" or "upstream direction" can mean a direction away from the mouth of the user (smoker), and "downstream" or "downstream direction" can mean a direction toward the mouth of the user. The terms upstream and downstream are used to describe the relative positions of elements that make up the aerosol-generating article.

[0027] In the following examples, "puff" refers to a user's inhalation, where inhalation refers to drawing in through the user's mouth or nose into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs.

[0028] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device may be a device that generates aerosol by electrically heating an aerosol-generating article contained in an interior space.

[0029] The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater may be heated when an electric current is passed through the electrically conductive track.

[0030] The heater may comprise a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element or a rod-shaped heating element, and depending on the shape of the heating element, the inside or outside of the aerosol-generating article may be heated.

[0031] The aerosol-generating article may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made of a sheet, a strand, or a shredded tobacco sheet. The tobacco rod may also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

[0032] The filter rod may be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained in the aerosol.

[0033] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates the aerosol using a cartridge that holds the aerosol generating substance.

[0034] The aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substance and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably connected to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed or assembled with the body, or may be fixed so that it cannot be detached by a user. The cartridge may be attached to the body with the aerosol-generating substance contained therein. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the aerosol-generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is connected to the body.

[0035] The cartridge can hold an aerosol-forming material in any of a variety of states, such as a liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel state. The aerosol-forming material can include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0036] The cartridge is activated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body, thereby converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge into a gas phase to generate an aerosol. The aerosol may refer to a gas mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material and air.

[0037] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device can heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user through the cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition can travel along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow passage can be configured to allow the aerosol to be delivered to the user through the cigarette.

[0038] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. Here, the ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol-generating material using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0039] The aerosol generator may include a vibrator that generates short-period vibrations to atomize the aerosol-generating material. The vibrations generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations may be, but is not limited to, about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz.

[0040] The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol-generating material. For example, the wick may be positioned to surround at least a region of the transducer or to be in contact with at least a region of the transducer.

[0041] When a voltage (e.g., an AC 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 transferred to the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-generating material absorbed in the wick can be converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transferred from the vibrator, resulting in the generation of an aerosol.

[0042] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the wick may be reduced by heat generated from the vibrator, and the aerosol-generating material with reduced viscosity may be broken down into fine particles by ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol, but this is not limited to these examples.

[0043] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol product contained in the aerosol generating device using induction heating.

[0044] The aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field may be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be a magnetic material that generates heat when an external magnetic field is applied. When the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied, the susceptor generates heat, thereby heating the aerosol product. Optionally, the susceptor may be located inside the aerosol product.

[0045] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device can further include a cradle.

[0046] The aerosol generating device may be configured as a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may charge the battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generating device are combined.

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating device of the various embodiments described above, or may be implemented and implemented in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0050] The aerosol generating device 100 may 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, it will be understood by a person skilled in the art related to this embodiment that some of the components shown in Fig. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0051] The detection unit 120 can detect the state of the aerosol generating device 100 or the state around the aerosol generating device 100 and transmit the detected information to the control unit 110. Based on the detected information, the control unit 110 can control the aerosol generating device 100 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 150, restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert an aerosol generating article (e.g., an aerosol generating article, cartridge, etc.), and displaying notifications.

[0052] The detection unit 120 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 122, an insertion detection sensor 124, and a puff sensor 126, but is not limited to these.

[0053] The temperature sensor 122 can sense the temperature to 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 function as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 122 can be disposed around the battery 140 to monitor the temperature of the battery 140.

[0054] The insertion detection sensor 124 can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 124 can include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a change in signal due to the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article.

[0055] The puff sensor 126 can sense a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, for example, the puff sensor 126 can sense a user's puff based on any of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0056] The detection unit 120 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor, in addition to the above-described sensors 122 to 126. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a skilled artisan from its name, so a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0057] The output unit 130 can output and provide to a user information regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 100. The output unit 130 can include, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 132, a haptic unit 134, and an audio output unit 136. When the display unit 132 and the touchpad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 132 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0058] The display unit 132 can visually provide a user with information about the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 100 can mean various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 140 of the aerosol generating device 100, the preheating status of the heater 150, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol-generating article, or a status in which use of the aerosol generating device 100 is restricted (e.g., abnormal article detection), and the display unit 132 can output the 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. The display unit 132 can also be in the form of an LED light-emitting element.

[0059] The haptic unit 134 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the haptic unit 134 can include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0060] The acoustic output unit 136 can audibly provide the user with information relating to the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the acoustic output unit 136 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0061] The battery 140 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 140 can supply power to heat the heater 150. The battery 140 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., the detection unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180). 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.

[0062] The heater 150 can heat the aerosol-generating material by receiving power from the battery 140. Although not shown in Fig. 1, the aerosol-generating device 100 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to the heater 150. Furthermore, if the aerosol-generating device 100 generates aerosol using an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 100 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 140 into AC power.

[0063] 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 perform their functions by receiving power from the battery 140. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the device may 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.

[0064] In one embodiment, the heater 150 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Additionally, the heater 150 may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0065] In another embodiment, heater 150 may be an induction heater. For example, heater 150 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0066] In one embodiment, heater 150 can include multiple heaters. For example, heater 150 can include a first heater for heating the aerosol-generating article and a second heater for heating the liquid.

[0067] The user input unit 160 can receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 160 can be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., a contact-type capacitance type, a pressure-type resistive film type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, a piezoelectric effect type), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. 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 to connect to another external device via the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 140.

[0068] The memory 170 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 100 and can store data that has been processed by the control unit 110 and data to be processed by the control unit 110. The memory 170 can include at least one type of storage medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory, hard disk, micro multimedia card, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 170 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0069] The communication unit 180 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 180 may include a short-range communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184.

[0070] The short-range wireless communication unit 182 may 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 IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra-wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0071] The wireless communication unit 184 may 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 may also use subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 100 within the communication network.

[0072] The control unit 110 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can include 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 that can be executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0073] 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 a switching element between the battery 140 and the heater 150. In another example, a heating direct circuit can control the power supply to the heater 150 according to a control command from the control unit 110.

[0074] The control unit 110 may analyze the results sensed by the detection unit 120 and then control the processing to be performed. For example, the control unit 110 may control the power supplied to the heater 150 so that the operation of the heater 150 starts or ends based on the results sensed by the detection unit 120. As another example, the control unit 110 may 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 maintains an appropriate temperature based on the results sensed by the detection unit 120.

[0075] The control unit 110 can control the output unit 130 based on the result 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 via at least one of the display unit 132, the haptic unit 134, and the audio output unit 136 that the aerosol generating device 100 will soon be shut down.

[0076] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may control the time and / or amount of power supplied to the heater 150 depending on the state of the aerosol-generating article sensed by the detection unit 120. For example, if the aerosol-generating article is in an overly humid state, the control unit 110 may control the time of power supply to the induction coil to increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol-generating article is in a normal state.

[0077] An embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer-readable media may be any available medium accessible by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, and both separate and non-separate media. Computer-readable media may also include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and non-volatile, separate and non-separate media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, or other transmission mechanism, and include any information delivery media.

[0078] 2A and 2B are diagrams showing the spread mode MS state of an aerosol generating device 200 according to one embodiment.

[0079] 2A and 2B, an aerosol generating device 200 according to one embodiment may include a pad unit 210, a heating unit 220, and a hinge unit 230.

[0080] In one embodiment, the pad unit 210 may be configured to house various electronic and mechanical components, such as a heating unit 220, a battery (not shown), and a controller (not shown).

[0081] 2A and 2B, the aerosol generating device 200 according to an embodiment may include a plurality of pad units 210, and preferably may include an edge pad unit 212 and a center pad unit 214. The edge pad units 212 according to an embodiment correspond to the pad units 210 arranged at both corners when a plurality of pad units 210 are arranged in parallel. The center pad unit 214 according to an embodiment corresponds to at least one pad unit 210 excluding the edge pad units 212. In the embodiments according to FIGS. 2A and 2B and the following drawings, the number of center pad units 214 is shown as one, but this is not necessarily limited thereto, and the aerosol generating device 200 may include two or more center pad units 214.

[0082] The edge pad unit 212 and the center pad unit 214 according to one embodiment may include first end surfaces 212a, 214a, second end surfaces 212b, 214b formed on the opposite side of the first end surfaces 212a, 214a, front surfaces 212c, 214c formed between the first end surfaces 212a, 214a and the second end surfaces 212b, 214b, and rear surfaces 212d, 214d formed on the opposite side of the front surfaces 212c, 214c. Hereinafter, the direction toward the first end surfaces 212a, 214a of the aerosol generation device 200 is defined as the upper or upper side of the aerosol generation device 200, and the direction toward the second end surfaces 212b, 214b of the aerosol generation device 200 is defined as the lower or lower side of the aerosol generation device 200.

[0083] Furthermore, the pad unit 210 according to an embodiment may include a pad cover 216. The pad cover 216 according to an embodiment forms the front surfaces 212c, 214c of the pad unit 210 and can protect various electronic / mechanical components housed inside each pad unit 212, 214 from external impacts and foreign objects.

[0084] 2A and 2B, the front surfaces 212c, 214c of the edge pad unit 212 and the center pad unit 214 may be arranged on one plane, and the rear surfaces 212d, 214d of the edge pad unit 212 and the center pad unit 214 may be arranged on another plane parallel to the plane on which the front surfaces 212c, 214c are arranged. The aerosol generation device 200 according to one embodiment may be modified so that the front surfaces 212c, 214c of the multiple pad units 210 are arranged toward one central axis (e.g., the central axis XX in FIG. 3). The aerosol generation device 200 corresponds to a spread mode MS (see FIG. 2A) when the multiple pad units 210 are arranged side by side on a plane, and the aerosol generation device 200 corresponds to a rolling mode MR when the front surfaces 212c, 214c of the multiple pad units 210 are arranged toward one central axis XX.

[0085] 2A and 2B, the heating unit 220 according to one embodiment may increase in temperature and generate heat when the aerosol generating device 200 is activated. In one embodiment, the heating unit 220 may be disposed on the front surfaces 212c, 214c of the pad units 212, 214. Preferably, the heating unit 220 according to one embodiment may be disposed adjacent to the first end surfaces 212a, 214a of the pad units 212, 214.

[0086] The heating unit 220 according to one embodiment may include a cover 224 and a heating unit 222. The cover 224 is configured to open and close the heating unit 222. The heating unit 222 generates heat when the aerosol-generating device 200 is activated. When the cover 224 covers the heating unit 222, the aerosol-generating device 200 can be maintained in an inactivated state. The cover 224 according to one embodiment can slide up and down on the front surfaces 212c, 214c of the pad unit 210 of the aerosol-generating device 200. When an aerosol-generating article (e.g., the aerosol-generating article 3 in FIG. 4) is inserted into the elongated cavity (e.g., the elongated cavity 240 in FIG. 3) of the aerosol-generating device 200, the aerosol-generating article 3 pushes one end of the cover 224 downward, opening the heating unit 222. As a result, the aerosol-generating device 200 can be activated.

[0087] The hinge unit 230 according to an embodiment is disposed between adjacent pad units 210 and can connect the edge pad unit 212 and the center pad unit 214 to each other. One or more hinge units 230 according to an embodiment may be disposed between each adjacent pad unit 210. Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the hinge unit 230 according to an embodiment may include a first hinge unit 232 and a second hinge unit 234. However, the number of hinge units 230 disposed between adjacent pad units 210 is not limited to this embodiment, and one or more additional hinge units 230 may be disposed between the first hinge unit 232 and the second hinge unit 234. In one embodiment, the first hinge unit 232 may be arranged parallel to the first end faces 212a, 214a of each pad unit 212, 214, and the second hinge unit 234 in one embodiment may be arranged parallel to the second end faces 212b, 214b of each pad unit 212, 214.

[0088] The hinge unit 230 according to one embodiment allows the aerosol generating device 200 to smoothly transform between the spread mode MS and the rolling mode MR. The hinge unit 230 according to one embodiment may be, but is not limited to, a fixed hinge, a cylinder hinge, a table hinge, a piano hinge, or a combination thereof.

[0089] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the state of the rolling mode MR of the aerosol generating device 200 according to one embodiment.

[0090] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 200 may be modified so that both corners of the edge pad units 212 contact each other. When the aerosol generating device 200 according to one embodiment is transformed into the rolling mode MR, the front surfaces 212c, 214c of the pad units 212, 214 may be modified so that they are disposed toward the central axis XX. When the aerosol generating device 200 according to one embodiment is transformed from the spread mode MS of FIG. 2A to the rolling mode MR of FIG. 3, the corner ends of the two edge pad units 212 may contact each other. In this case, the corner ends of the edge pad units 212 may be coupled using a magnetic coupling method, a snap-fit coupling method, a restraining engagement coupling method, a snap-and-slide coupling method, or the like. Preferably, the corners of the edge pad units 212 are coupled using a magnetic coupling method. However, the coupling of the corner ends of the edge pad units 212 is not limited to this coupling method and may include other coupling methods.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the pad units 212, 214 may further include side surfaces 212e, 214e formed between the first end surfaces 212a, 214a and the second end surfaces 212b, 214b, and between the front surfaces 212c, 214c and the rear surfaces 212d, 214d. The aerosol generating device 200 according to one embodiment is in a spread mode MS (see FIG. 2A ) in which the side surfaces 212e, 214e of the pad units 212, 214 are adjacent to each other, but can be transformed into a rolling mode MR (see FIG. 3 ) in which the side surfaces 212e, 214e of the pad units 212, 214 are spaced apart from each other.

[0092] The aerosol-generating device 200 according to an embodiment may be transformed into the rolling mode MR to form an elongated cavity 240. The elongated cavity 240 according to an embodiment may be a space in which an aerosol-generating article is accommodated. The aerosol-generating article may be accommodated inside the elongated cavity 240 and heated by the heating unit 220 of the aerosol-generating device 200. This will be described in further detail with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0093] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an aerosol generating system S in which an aerosol-generating article 3 is housed when the aerosol generating device 200 according to one embodiment is in the rolling mode MR.

[0094] In the aerosol-generating system S according to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 3 may be accommodated in the elongated cavity 240 of the aerosol-generating device 200 .

[0095] When the aerosol-generating article 3 according to one embodiment is accommodated in the elongated cavity 240 of the aerosol-generating device 200, the aerosol-generating article 3 can open the cover portion (e.g., the cover portion 224 in FIG. 2B ) of the heating unit 220 disposed on the front surfaces 212c, 214c of each of the pad units 212, 214 of the aerosol-generating device 200. The aerosol-generating article 3 can open the cover portion 224 of the heating unit 220 by pushing it downward during insertion into the elongated cavity 240. When the cover portion 224 of the heating unit 220 is opened, the heat generating portion 222 that was covered by the cover portion 224 can be exposed and positioned on the same plane as the front surfaces 212c, 214c of each of the pad units 212, 214. The heat generating element 222 according to one embodiment comes into contact with the aerosol-generating article 3 and heats the medium and other aerosol-generating materials disposed inside the aerosol-generating article 3, thereby enabling the aerosol to be transported toward the user's mouth. Hereinafter, the structure for efficiently heating the aerosol-generating article 3 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5A and 5B.

[0096] 5A and 5B are plan views of an aerosol-generating device 200 according to some embodiments, with no aerosol-generating article 3 inserted therein.

[0097] 5A, an aerosol-generating device 200 according to one embodiment may include a triangular-shaped elongated cavity 240 in rolling mode MR (see FIG. 3). As described above, an aerosol-generating article 3 may be inserted into the elongated cavity 240 of the aerosol-generating device 200, and the aerosol-generating article 3 may contact the heating part 222 by pushing the cover part 224 of the heating unit 220 downward. In this case, since the aerosol-generating article 3 has a circular cross section, it may be heated by line contact with each side of the elongated cavity 240 having a triangular cross section.

[0098] As the number of center pad units 214 among the pad units 210 included in the aerosol generator 200 increases, the number of angles of the elongated cavity 240 in the rolling mode MR increases. For example, the elongated cavity of an aerosol generator with two center pad units 214 may be rectangular, while the elongated cavity of an aerosol generator with four center pad units 214 may be hexagonal. That is, as the number of center pad units 214 increases, the elongated cavity formed by the aerosol generator in the rolling mode MR approaches a circle. The closer the elongated cavity approaches a circle, the greater the contact area between the aerosol-generating article 3 inserted inside the elongated cavity and the heating unit 222, enabling more efficient heating.

[0099] Referring to Fig. 5B, the aerosol-generating device 200 may include an elongated cavity 240 having a circular cross section in rolling mode MR (see Fig. 3). The cover part 224 and the heating part 222 of a heating unit according to another embodiment (e.g., the heating unit 220 of Fig. 2A and / or Fig. 2B) may have an arch-shaped structure. When the cover part 224 and the heating part 222 according to another embodiment have an arch-shaped structure, the aerosol-generating device 200 may form an elongated cavity 240 having a circular cross section in rolling mode MR, as shown in Fig. 5B. When the elongated cavity 240 is formed in a circular shape, the aerosol-generating article 3 inserted inside the elongated cavity 240 and the heating part 222 can come into surface contact, allowing for more efficient heating.

[0100] 5A and 5B, the side surface 212e included in the edge pad unit 212 may include a first side surface 212e-1 and a second side surface 212e-2. In one embodiment, the first side surface 212e-1 may correspond to the side surface disposed adjacent to the center pad unit 214, and the second side surface 212e-2 may correspond to the side surface disposed apart from the center pad unit 214.

[0101] In one embodiment, the angle a formed by the second side surface 212e-2 of the edge pad unit 212 with the front surface 212c may be greater than or equal to 90 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees, i.e., an obtuse angle. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 5A and / or 5B, the second side surfaces 212e-2 may face each other and be in close contact with each other in the rolling mode MR. The angles a formed by the second side surfaces 212e-2 of the two edge pad units 212 with the front surface 212c may be different as long as they are obtuse angles, but preferably have the same angle a as shown in FIGS. 5A and / or 5B. In one embodiment, the angle formed by the first side surface 212e-1 of the edge pad unit 212 with the front surface 212c and the angle formed by the side surface 214e of the center pad unit 214 with the front surface 214c may each be 90 degrees, but is not necessarily limited to this.

[0102] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the aerosol generating device 200 according to one embodiment with the pad cover 216 peeled off.

[0103] 6, various electronic / mechanical components may be included inside each pad unit 212, 214. In one embodiment, each pad unit 212, 214 may house magnetic materials M1, M2, a heat insulating member 250, a battery 260, and a control unit 270.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the magnetic bodies M1 and M2 may be arranged on the side surfaces of the edge pad unit 212. When the aerosol generation device 200 according to an embodiment is in the rolling mode MR (see FIG. 3), the corners of the edge pad units 212 arranged at both corners may come into contact with each other. In this case, the corners of the edge pad units 212 may be coupled preferably by a magnetic coupling method. The magnetic body M1 arranged on the side surface of the edge pad unit 212 arranged at one end of the aerosol generation device and the magnetic body M2 arranged on the side surface of the edge pad unit 212 arranged at the other end of the aerosol generation device are attached by forming an attractive force with each other, so that the aerosol generation device 200 can maintain the rolling mode MR.

[0105] The heat insulating member 250 according to one embodiment can prevent heat generated in the heat generating portion 222 of the heating unit 220 from being transferred to the rear surfaces of the pad units 212 and 214 (e.g., rear surfaces 212d and 214d in FIG. 2B ). As shown in FIG. 6 , the heat insulating member 250 according to one embodiment is arranged to surround at least one surface of the heat generating portion 222, preferably to surround at least three surfaces of the heat generating portion 222 except for the surfaces facing the front surfaces of the pad units 212 and 214 (e.g., front surfaces 212c and 214c in FIG. 2A ), and more preferably to surround all surfaces of the pad units 212 and 214 except for the surfaces facing the front surfaces of the pad units 212 and 214 (e.g., front surfaces 212c and 214c in FIG. 2A ). The heat insulating member 250 according to one embodiment can increase the heating efficiency of the aerosol-generating device 200 with respect to the aerosol-generating article 3 and reduce the heat transfer to the grip of the aerosol-generating device 200 when the user uses the aerosol-generating device 200.

[0106] In one embodiment, the battery 260 may be disposed in at least one of the plurality of pad units 210. When the battery 260 is disposed in only one of the plurality of pad units 210, the weight of the aerosol generating device 200 can be reduced and portability can be increased. When the battery 260 is disposed in two or more of the plurality of pad units 210, the total battery capacity of the aerosol generating device 200 can be increased and power efficiency and usage time can be improved.

[0107] In one embodiment, the control unit 270 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 200. In one embodiment, the control unit 270 can include at least one processor. The processor can be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the control unit 270 can also be implemented in other forms of hardware. In one embodiment, the control unit 270 can be disposed across two or more pad units 210. In this case, the control unit 270 can include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) to smoothly operate the aerosol generating device 200 in the spread mode MS and the rolling mode MR. In one embodiment, the control unit 270 can be controlled to maintain an inactive state when the aerosol generating device 200 is in the spread mode MS (see FIG. 2A) and to activate its operation when the aerosol generating device 200 is in the rolling mode MR (see FIG. 3).

[0108] As described above, although the embodiments have been described with limited drawings, those skilled in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described techniques may be performed in a different order than described, and / or the components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. may be combined or combined in a different manner than described, or may be replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents, and still achieve suitable results.

[0109] Therefore, other embodiments, other examples, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims below.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a plurality of pad units each including a first end surface, a second end surface formed opposite the first end surface, a front surface formed between the first end surface and the second end surface, and a rear surface formed opposite the front surface; a heating unit disposed on a front surface of the pad unit; a hinge unit disposed between the pad units; Including, The plurality of pad units include: Edge pad units disposed at both corners; At least one center pad unit disposed between the edge pad units; Including, The aerosol generating device can be deformed so that the front surface of each pad unit is arranged toward a central axis. Aerosol generator.

2. The aerosol generating device comprises: a spread mode in which the plurality of pad units are arranged side by side on one surface; a rolling mode in which the front surfaces of the pad units are arranged toward a central axis; Including, The aerosol generating device is activated in the rolling mode, and is deactivated in the spread mode. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

3. An aerosol generating device, a plurality of pad units each including a first end surface, a second end surface formed opposite the first end surface, a front surface formed between the first end surface and the second end surface, and a rear surface formed opposite the front surface; a heating unit disposed on a front surface of the pad unit; a hinge unit disposed between the pad units; Including, The aerosol generating device comprises: a spread mode in which the plurality of pad units are arranged side by side on one surface; a rolling mode in which the front surfaces of the pad units are arranged toward a central axis; Including, The aerosol generator is activated in the rolling mode, and is deactivated in the spreading mode; In the rolling mode, the aerosol generating device has the front surfaces of the pad units arranged toward a central axis to form an elongated cavity capable of accommodating an aerosol-generating article. Aerosol generator.

4. The heating unit comprises: a heat generating portion that generates heat; a cover configured to open and close the heat generating unit; Including, the cover portion is opened when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the elongated cavity; The aerosol generating device according to claim 3.

5. the cover portion of the heating unit is disposed parallel to the front surface of the pad unit; the cover portion is opened by inserting the aerosol-generating article into the elongated cavity and pushing the cover portion out from above the front surface of the pad unit. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4.

6. The heating unit has an arch-like structure that allows the elongated cavity to be formed into a cylindrical shape in the rolling mode. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3.

7. The plurality of pad units further include side surfaces formed between the first end surface and the second end surface and between the front surface and the rear surface, and the side surfaces of the plurality of pad units are arranged adjacent to each other. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

8. Each of the edge pad units includes a magnetic body disposed on the side surface, and when the aerosol generating device is deformed so that the front surfaces of the plurality of pad units are disposed toward the central axis, the edge pad units are coupled to each other by an attractive force between the magnetic bodies. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7.

9. Each side surface of the edge pad unit is a first side surface disposed adjacent to the center pad unit; a second side surface disposed apart from the center pad unit; Including, the angle between the second side surface and the front surface is an obtuse angle; The aerosol generating device according to claim 8.

10. the magnetic body is disposed on the second side surface of each of the edge pad units; When the aerosol generating device is deformed so that the front surfaces of the pad units are arranged toward the central axis, the two edge pad units face each other in a rolling mode and are coupled together by the attractive force of the magnetic material. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9.

11. and a battery disposed in at least one of the plurality of pad units to supply power to the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

12. Further, a heat insulating member is disposed adjacent to the rear surface of the plurality of pad units, The heat insulating member prevents heat generated in the heating unit from being transferred to the rear surface of each pad unit. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

13. the hinge unit connects the plurality of pad units to each other; a first hinge unit disposed parallel to the first end surface of the pad unit and a second hinge unit disposed parallel to the second end surface of the pad unit; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

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