Aerosol Generator

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a heater having a storage space for storing an aerosol product, and a coil that heats the heater by generating a magnetic field, the heater including a first region arranged to contact the aerosol product, and a second region arranged at at least one of both ends of the first region and extending in a direction away from the center of the storage space.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device into which an aerosol product can be smoothly inserted. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for methods of generating aerosols by heating an aerosol-generating material, rather than by burning a cigarette. As a result, research into heated aerosol generators has been actively conducted.

[0003] The methods by which aerosol generating devices heat aerosol product can be classified into electrical resistance heating and induction heating. An induction heating aerosol generating device includes a heater arranged around or inside the aerosol product, which generates heat in response to an external magnetic field. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The heater of an induction heating aerosol generating device that heats the periphery of an aerosol product includes a receiving space for receiving the aerosol product therein, and in this case, when the aerosol product is inserted into the receiving space of the heater, friction with the inner wall of the heater prevents smooth insertion into the heater or the aerosol product may be damaged.

[0005] Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device in which an aerosol product can be smoothly inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0006] The problems to be solved through the present embodiment are not limited to those described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present embodiment pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a heater having a storage space into which an aerosol product is inserted, and a coil that heats the heater by generating a magnetic field, and the heater includes a first region that contacts the aerosol product and a second region that extends from at least one of both ends of the first region in a direction away from the center of the storage space.

[0008] The means for solving the problem are not limited to the above, and the entire specification includes any matter that can be inferred by a person skilled in the art. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the aerosol generating device of this embodiment, even if the aerosol product is introduced at a slight angle with respect to the predetermined introduction direction, it can be smoothly inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0010] The effects of this embodiment are not limited to those described above, but also include any effects that can be inferred from the configurations described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heater and a heat insulating part of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a heater and a heat insulating part of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4A]3 is a cross-sectional view of a heater and a heat insulating part of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a heater and a heat insulating portion of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a heater of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the heater of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a heater of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a heater of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a heater of the aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol product. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of an aerosol product. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another example of an aerosol product. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a heater having a storage space for storing an aerosol product, and a coil that heats the heater by generating a magnetic field, and the heater includes a first region arranged to contact the aerosol product, and a second region arranged at at least one of both ends of the first region and extending in a direction away from the center of the storage space.

[0013] The first region also includes a protrusion protruding in a direction away from the center of the storage space. The first region also includes a protrusion protruding in a direction away from the center of the storage space, and the aerosol generation device further includes a temperature sensor disposed on the protrusion and detecting a temperature of the heater.

[0014] The heater may further include a heat insulating portion coupled to at least a portion of the second region to prevent heat from the heater from transferring to the outside.

[0015] The heat insulating portion may further include a heat insulating portion that is bonded to the second region so as to contact a portion of the end of the second region and not contact the remaining portion of the second region except for the portion of the end of the second region, and that blocks heat from the second region from transferring to the outside.

[0016] The surface of the second region also includes a material that blocks heat from the heater.

[0017] The second region is detachably coupled to the first region and includes a different material than the first region.

[0018] A plane defined by an edge of the end of the second region may be inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to an extension direction of the receiving space.

[0019] In one embodiment, a heater for an aerosol generating device includes a storage space for storing an aerosol product, and also includes a first region that contacts the aerosol product, and a second region that is arranged on at least one of both ends of the first region and extends in a direction away from the center of the storage space.

[0020] The first region also includes a protrusion that protrudes in a direction away from the center of the accommodation space.

[0021] The surface of the second region also includes a material that blocks heat from the heater.

[0022] The second region is detachably coupled to the first region and includes a different material than the first region.

[0023] A plane defined by an edge of the end of the second region may be inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to an extension direction of the receiving space.

[0024] The terms used in this embodiment are currently widely used and common terms that are selected as much as possible while taking into consideration the function of the present disclosure, but these terms may vary depending on the intentions of engineers in the field, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. 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 description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure must be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present disclosure, rather than simply by the names of the terms.

[0025] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain element, it does not mean excluding other elements, but also means including other elements, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "module" and "unit" used in the specification mean 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.

[0026] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one of" precedes an array of elements, it modifies the entire array and not each individual element in the array. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0027] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first" or "second," may be used in this specification to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0028] Throughout the specification, an "aerosol generating device" is also a device configured to utilize an aerosol producing article and generate an aerosol so that the aerosol can be inhaled directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs.

[0029] Throughout the specification, the term "aerosol product" refers to an article used for smoking. For example, the aerosol product may be a general combustion cigarette used in a manner in which it is lit and burned, or a heated cigarette used in a manner in which it is heated by an aerosol generating device. As another example, the aerosol product may be an article used in a manner in which a liquid contained in a cartridge is heated.

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0031] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0033] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generating device 100 also includes a control unit 110, a battery 120, a heater 130, a coil 140, a temperature sensor 150, and an insulating unit 160, but the components, arrangement, shape, etc. of the aerosol generating device 100 illustrated in Figure 1 are illustrative, and the various embodiments that can be applied to the aerosol generating device 100 are not limited to those disclosed in this specification.

[0034] The control unit 110 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 also includes at least one processor. The processor can be realized by an array of multiple logic gates, or by 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 can also be realized by other forms of hardware.

[0035] The control unit 110 can control the temperature of the heater 130 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 120 to the coil 140. For example, the control unit 110 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of switching elements between the battery 120 and the coil 140.

[0036] The control unit 110 may analyze the results sensed by the temperature sensor 150 and control subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 110 may control the power supplied to the coil 140 so that the operation of the coil 140 is started or stopped based on the results sensed by the temperature sensor 150. In another example, the control unit 110 may control the amount of power supplied to the coil 140 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater 130 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results sensed by the temperature sensor 150.

[0037] The battery 120 may provide power for the operation of the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 120 may provide power to the coil 140 so that the heater 130 can be heated. The battery 120 may also provide power necessary for the operation of other elements (e.g., the temperature sensor 150) provided within the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 120 may be a rechargeable battery or a single-use battery. For example, the battery 120 may be a lithium polymer (Lipoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0038] The heater 130 generates heat by an externally applied alternating magnetic field, thereby heating the aerosol product 200. The aerosol generation device 100 can heat the aerosol product 200 accommodated in the aerosol generation device 100 by an induction heating method.

[0039] Specifically, the induction heating method may refer to a method of applying an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically to a magnetic body that generates heat due to an external magnetic field.

[0040] When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic body, energy loss occurs in the magnetic body due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss, and the lost energy can be released from the magnetic body as thermal energy. The greater the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field applied to the magnetic body, the more thermal energy can be released from the magnetic body. By applying an alternating magnetic field to the magnetic body, thermal energy can be released from the magnetic body, and the thermal energy released from the magnetic body can be transferred to the aerosol product.

[0041] At least a portion of the heater 130 may be formed of a ferromagnetic substance. For example, the heater 130 may include a metal or carbon. The heater 130 may include at least one of ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). The heater 130 may also include at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, a nickel alloy, a metal film, a ceramic such as zirconia, a transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), or a semi-metal such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

[0042] The heater 130 includes a first region 131 and a second region 132. The first region 131 includes a storage space 131a that stores at least a portion of the aerosol product 200. The shape of the first region 131 is not limited as long as it includes the storage space 131a that can store the aerosol product 200. For example, the first region 131 may have a tubular shape, and the storage space 131a contained therein may also have a tubular shape.

[0043] As another example, both ends of the first region 131 may have a tubular shape, and the center of the first region 131 may have a shape that extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first region 131 so that both ends are connected while the multiple sheets remain spaced apart. Here, the longitudinal direction of the first region 131 refers to the direction in which the length of the first region 131 extends, and may refer to the direction in which the length is relatively long.

[0044] When the aerosol product product 200 is accommodated in the accommodation space 131a, the first region 131 may come into contact with the aerosol product product 200. For example, when a cylindrical aerosol product product 200 is accommodated in the accommodation space 131a, the first region 131 may have a shape that surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the aerosol product product 200, but is not limited to this. As another example, when the aerosol product product 200 is accommodated in the accommodation space 131a, the first region 131 may be arranged such that a portion of the first region 131 surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol product product 200, and the remainder of the first region 131 is separated from the aerosol product product 200.

[0045] The first region 131 also includes a protruding portion 133 that protrudes in a direction away from the center of the accommodation space 131a. For example, the first region 131 may have a tubular shape, and the protruding portion 133 may be a portion of the first region 131 that extends along the longitudinal direction of the first region 131 and may have a thickness greater than the remaining portion of the first region 131.

[0046] The protrusion 133 may be formed integrally with the first region 131. For example, the first region 131 may be manufactured using a single sheet containing a magnetic material, and a thicker portion of the single sheet may also serve as the protrusion 133. The protrusion 133 may be formed by removing a portion of the first region 131 of the single sheet using an etching process or mechanically removing it. This embodiment is not limited by the method by which the protrusion 133 is formed. For example, the protrusion 133 may be manufactured separately from the first region 131 and then attached to the outside of the first region 131. The protrusion 133 may be attached to the first region 131 by welding, adhesive, or a connecting means such as a bolt or rivet.

[0047] Because the protrusion 133 has a different thickness from the rest of the first region 131, magnetic field lines are not uniformly concentrated when a variable magnetic field penetrates the heater 130. As a result, the portion of the first region 131 where the protrusion 133 is located can be heated to a different temperature from the portion of the first region 131 where the protrusion 133 is not located. As a result, the heater 130 can heat the aerosol product 200 accommodated in the accommodation space 131a to different temperatures for each portion of the aerosol product 200, as needed.

[0048] The second region 132 may be disposed at an end of the first region 131 and extend away from the center of the receiving space 131a. Although the second region 132 is shown in Fig. 1 as being disposed at both ends of the first region 131, the second region 132 may be disposed only at one end of the first region 131 where the aerosol product 200 enters the receiving space 131a.

[0049] 1, the aerosol product 200 may be introduced into the receiving space 131a at an angle relative to the extension direction of the receiving space 131a. Here, the second region 132 extends away from the center of the receiving space 131a, thereby guiding the introduced aerosol product 200 so that it can be smoothly inserted into the center of the receiving space 131a.

[0050] The second region 132 may have a shape that is curved away from the center of the receiving space 131a to guide the smooth insertion of the aerosol product 200, but is not limited thereto. For example, the second region 132 may have a chamfer shape that is extended away from the center of the receiving space 131a.

[0051] The first region 131 and the second region 132 may be integrally formed. For example, the first region 131 and the second region 132 may be manufactured using a single sheet containing a magnetic material, but are not limited thereto. The first region 131 and the second region 132 may also be manufactured separately and then detachably coupled.

[0052] The coil 140 can apply an alternating magnetic field to the heater 130. When power is supplied to the coil 140, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil 140. When an alternating current is applied to the coil 140, the direction of the magnetic field formed inside the coil 140 can be continuously changed. When the heater 130 is positioned inside the coil 140 and exposed to an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically, the heater 130 generates heat, and the aerosol product 200 contained in the heater 130 can be heated.

[0053] The coil 140 may be positioned in a location suitable for applying an alternating magnetic field to the coil 140. For example, the heater 130 may be positioned facing the aerosol product 200, and the coil 140 may be positioned outside the heater 130. In this manner, the size and placement of the coil 140 may improve the efficiency with which the alternating magnetic field of the coil 140 is applied to the heater 130.

[0054] When the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field generated by the coil 140 is changed, the degree to which the heater 130 heats the aerosol product 200 can also be changed. Because the amplitude or frequency of the magnetic field generated by the coil 140 can be changed by the power applied to the coil 140, the aerosol generation device 100 can control the heating of the aerosol product 200 by adjusting the power applied to the coil 140. For example, the aerosol generation device 100 can control the amplitude and frequency of the alternating current applied to the coil 140.

[0055] As one example, the coil 140 may be embodied as a solenoid. The coil 140 may be a solenoid wound along the outer surface of the accommodation space 131a of the heater 130, and the heater 130 and the aerosol generator 200 may be located in the internal space of the solenoid. The material of the conductor constituting the solenoid may be copper (Cu). However, the material is not limited thereto, and the conductor constituting the solenoid may be any one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni), or an alloy containing at least one of them.

[0056] 1, the temperature sensor 150 may be in contact with the heater 130. The temperature sensor 150 may sense the temperature of the heater 130. The temperature sensor 150 may be connected to the control unit 110 and transmit the sensed result to the control unit 110. The temperature sensor 150 may be, for example, a thermocouple, but is not limited thereto. The temperature sensor 150 may also include a device capable of sensing the temperature of the heater 130.

[0057] As described above, the control unit 110 may control the amount of power supplied to the coil 140 and the time for which power is supplied based on the results sensed by the temperature sensor 150 so that the heater 130 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0058] For example, the temperature sensor 150 may be disposed on the protrusion 133 of the heater 130. To prevent the temperature sensor 150 from being separated from the surface of the heater 130, a portion of the temperature sensor 150 may be attached to the heater 130 by welding or other means. In this case, the protrusion 133 has a relatively large thickness and good durability, which can reduce the risk of the heater 130 being damaged during the attachment process.

[0059] The heat insulating portion 160 may be coupled to at least a portion of the second region 132. The heat insulating portion 160 may block heat from the heater 130 from transferring to the outside.

[0060] 1, the second region 132 may be disposed adjacent to the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 to guide the insertion of the aerosol product 200. The heat insulating portion 160 may be coupled to at least a portion of the second region 132, thereby effectively reducing the amount of heat transferred from the second region 132 to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100. This may provide a user with a stable environment for using the aerosol generating device 100.

[0061] Furthermore, the heat insulating section 160 can reduce the amount of power wasted by the coil 140 due to heat loss by blocking the heat in the second region 132 from moving to the outside.

[0062] The thermal insulation 160 will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 2 to 4B.

[0063] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the heater 130 and the heat insulating unit 160 of the aerosol generating device 100 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the heater 130 and the heat insulating unit 160 of the aerosol generating device 100 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2.

[0064] 2 and 3, the heat insulating portion 160 may be disposed along the entire periphery of the second region 132, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat insulating portion 160 may be disposed only partially around the periphery of the second region 132.

[0065] The heat insulating part 160 also includes a hole through which the aerosol product 200 can be introduced. The size of the hole is substantially the same as the size of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the receiving space 131a (i.e., perpendicular to the extension direction of the receiving space 131a) to allow for smooth introduction of the aerosol product 200.

[0066] 2 and 3, the insulating portions 160 arranged at both ends of the second region 132 are also shown to include holes, but this embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, only the insulating portion 160 arranged at the top may include holes for inserting the aerosol product 200.

[0067] The insulating portion 160 may include any material having insulating properties. For example, the insulating portion 160 may include a high-temperature resistant polymer material, such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), polycarbonate (PC), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).

[0068] As another example, the heat insulating portion 160 may include a metal material, such as stainless steel (SUS) or aluminum.

[0069] Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the heater 130 and the heat insulating section 160 of the aerosol generating device 100 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4B is a partially enlarged view of the cross-sectional view of the heater 130 and the heat insulating section 160 of the aerosol generating device 100 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3.

[0070] 4A and 4B, the heat insulating portion 160 may be coupled to the second region 132. Specifically, the heat insulating portion 160 may contact a portion of the end 132e of the second region 132 and be spaced apart from the remaining portion 132f of the end 132e of the second region 132. Generally, a heat insulating portion coupled to the end of a cylindrical heater contacts the entire area of ​​the heater end. In this case, the contact area between the heater and the heat insulating portion is relatively large. Therefore, the heat insulating portion may receive excessive heat from the heater and be heated to an excessively high temperature. If the temperature of the heat insulating portion itself becomes too high, it may not be possible to achieve a certain level of heat insulating performance expected from the heat insulating portion.

[0071] Furthermore, if the insulating part contains a polymeric material, the polymeric material may melt due to the high temperature of the insulating part. The melting of the polymeric material may deform the shape of the insulating part, reducing the insulating performance of the insulating part. Furthermore, the melted polymeric material may penetrate into other parts inside the aerosol generation device, causing the aerosol generation device to malfunction.

[0072] In one embodiment, the heater 130 of the aerosol generating device 100 includes a second region 132 extending away from the center of the accommodation space 131a, thereby minimizing the contact area between the heater 130 and the insulating portion 160.

[0073] Specifically, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, when the second region 132 is curved in a direction away from the center of the storage space 131a, the insulating portion 160 may be coupled to the second region 132 without contacting the entire area of ​​the end 132e of the second region 132.

[0074] That is, since the contact area between the heat insulating part 160 and the heater 130 is relatively reduced, the amount of heat transferred to the heat insulating part 160 is reduced, and it is possible to prevent an excessive rise in the temperature of the heat insulating part 160. As a result, it is possible to solve problems such as a decrease in heat insulating performance and a breakdown of the aerosol generating device 100 caused by an excessive rise in the temperature of the heat insulating part 160.

[0075] At least a portion of the surface of the second region 132 includes a material that blocks heat from the heater 130. The material that blocks heat from the heater 130 may be deposited or applied to the surface of the second region 132, but is not limited to these.

[0076] Since the surface of the second region 132 includes a material that blocks heat from the heater 130, the temperature of the surface of the second region 132 can be maintained relatively low, further improving the insulating performance that blocks the transfer of heat from the heater 130. When the temperature of the surface of the second region 132 located adjacent to the outer surface of the aerosol generation device 100 is maintained low, the stability of the aerosol generation device 100 can be ensured when the user uses the device.

[0077] The heat insulating material of the heater 130 may include a highly heat-resistant polymer material and a metal material. The heater 130 may use a highly heat-resistant polymer material and a metal material used in a heat insulating portion.

[0078] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the heater 130 of the aerosol generation device 100 according to another embodiment. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the heater 130 of the aerosol generation device 100 according to another embodiment shown in Fig. 5.

[0079] 5 and 6, the second region 132 may be detachably coupled to the first region 131. The second region 132 and the first region 131 may be manufactured separately and then coupled together. This allows mass production techniques to be applied to the manufacture of the second region 132 and the first region 131, ensuring ease of manufacture of the second region 132 and the first region 131.

[0080] The second region 132 and the first region 131 may contain different materials. For example, the second region 132 may contain a highly heat-resistant polymer material, and the first region 131 may contain a ferromagnetic material. In this case, the second region 132 does not participate in heating the aerosol product 200. The first region 131 can heat the aerosol product 200, and the second region 132 can block the heat generated from the first region 131. Since the second region 132 primarily blocks the heat generated from the first region 131, the heat insulation performance that blocks heat from moving from the heater 130 to the outside of the aerosol generation device 100 can be further improved.

[0081] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the heater 130 of the aerosol generating device 100 according to another embodiment shown in FIG.

[0082] 7, the second region 132 may be disposed along the periphery of the end of the first region 131. That is, the second region 132 is coupled to the entire end of the first region 131, thereby preventing heat from being transferred from the accommodation space 131a to the outside via the end of the first region 131.

[0083] In addition, the second region 132 may extend in the extension direction of the accommodating space 131a so as to contact the outer surface of the first region 131. The increased contact area between the second region 132 and the first region 131 may improve the bonding strength between the second region 132 and the first region 131. Here, the extension direction of the accommodating space 131a refers to the direction in which the length of the accommodating space 131a extends.

[0084] 7 illustrates the second region 132 extending in the direction in which the receiving space 131a extends so as to contact the outer surface of the first region 131, but is not limited thereto. The second region 132 may also extend in the direction in which the receiving space 131a extends so as to contact the inner surface of the first region 131, or may extend in the direction in which the receiving space 131a extends so as to contact both the inner and outer surfaces of the first region 131.

[0085] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a heater 130 of an aerosol generation device 100 according to yet another embodiment. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the heater 130 of the aerosol generation device 100 according to yet another embodiment shown in Fig. 8.

[0086] 8 and 9, a plane S defined by the edge of the end of the second region 132 may be inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the extension direction L of the receiving space 131a. That is, a certain region of the end 132e of the second region 132 may protrude in the extension direction of the receiving space 131a compared to other regions.

[0087] During repeated use of the aerosol generating device 100, a user generally habitually holds the aerosol generating device 100 so that the aerosol generating device 100 faces in a certain direction. For example, a user may hold the aerosol generating device 100 so that a switch disposed on the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 and controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 is located under the user's thumb.

[0088] Since the user holds the aerosol generation device 100 in a fixed position, the direction in which the user puts the aerosol product 200 into the containing space 131a is also fixed. In this case, by designing the second region 132 to have different shapes for each region, the aerosol product 200 can be inserted more smoothly into the containing space 131a.

[0089] That is, one region of the end 132e of the second region 132, which corresponds to a direction in which a user is expected to repeatedly throw the aerosol product 200, may be designed to protrude more in the extending direction L of the receiving space 131a than the other regions. As an example, the region of the end 132e of the second portion 132 where the receiving space 131a protrudes in the direction L may be arranged adjacent to the outer surface of the aerosol generation device 100 where the switch is arranged, but is not limited thereto. As a result, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 9 , the second region 132 can smoothly guide the aerosol product 200 into the receiving space 131a even if the aerosol product 200 is thrown in a direction that has a relatively large inclination with respect to the extending direction L of the receiving space 131a.

[0090] An example of an aerosol production product 200 will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0091] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic illustration of an example of an aerosol product 200.

[0092] 10, the aerosol production article 200 includes a tobacco rod 210 and a filter rod 220. The first section described with reference to FIG.

[0093] Although filter rod 220 is illustrated in Figure 10 as a single segment, this is not intended to be limiting. In other words, filter rod 220 may be comprised of multiple segments. For example, filter rod 220 may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a specific component contained in the aerosol. Optionally, filter rod 220 may also include at least one additional segment that performs another function.

[0094] The aerosol product 200 may be wrapped using at least one wrapper 240. The wrapper 240 may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air can enter or internal gas can escape. As an example, the aerosol product 200 may be wrapped using one wrapper 240. As another example, the aerosol product 200 may be wrapped using two or more wrappers 240 in a stacked manner. For example, the tobacco rod 210 may be wrapped using a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 220 may be wrapped using wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The entire aerosol product 200 may then be wrapped using a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 220 is composed of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped using a wrapper 242, 243, or 244.

[0095] The tobacco rod 210 includes an aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol-forming material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. The tobacco rod 210 may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. A flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, may also be added to the tobacco rod 210 by spraying it onto the tobacco rod 210.

[0096] The tobacco rod 210 can be made in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 210 can be made from a sheet or a strand. The tobacco rod 210 can also be made from shredded tobacco, which is a tobacco sheet that has been finely shredded. The tobacco rod 210 can also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to this. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 can evenly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 210 and improve the thermal conductivity of the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco taste. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 can also function as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 210 can also include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the exterior.

[0097] The filter rod 220 is also a cellulose acetate filter. The shape of the filter rod 220 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 220 may be a cylindrical rod or a tube-type rod with a hollow interior. The filter rod 220 may also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 220 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0098] The filter rod 220 may be manufactured to emit a flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 220, and a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 220.

[0099] The filter rod 220 also includes at least one capsule 230. The capsule 230 can generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 230 can be a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a coating. The capsule 230 can have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0100] If the filter rod 220 includes a segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment can be made of a polymeric or biodegradable polymeric material. For example, the cooling segment can be made of pure polylactic acid, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling segment can be made of a cellulose acetate filter with multiple holes. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the above examples and can be any material that performs the function of cooling the aerosol.

[0101] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic illustration of another example of an aerosol production product 200.

[0102] 11, the aerosol production product 200 may further include a front end plug 250. The front end plug 250 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 210 opposite the filter rod 220. The front end plug 250 may prevent the tobacco rod 210 from detaching to the outside and may prevent liquefied aerosol from flowing out of the tobacco rod 210 to the aerosol generating device during smoking.

[0103] Filter rod 220 also includes a first segment 221 and a second segment 222. Here, first segment 221 may correspond to the first segment of filter rod 220 in FIG. 10, and second segment 222 may correspond to the second segment of filter rod 220 in FIG.

[0104] The diameter and overall length of the aerosol product article 200 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the aerosol product article 200 of Figure 10. For example, but not limited to, the length of the front end plug 250 is about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 210 is about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 221 is about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 222 is about 14 mm.

[0105] The aerosol product 200 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 240. The wrapper 240 may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. For example, the front end plug 250 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 241, the tobacco rod 210 may be wrapped by a second wrapper 242, the first segment 221 may be wrapped by a third wrapper 243, and the second segment 222 may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper 244. The entire aerosol product 200 may then be wrapped by a fifth wrapper 245.

[0106] In addition, at least one perforation 246 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 245. For example, but not limited to, the perforation 246 may be formed in the area surrounding the tobacco rod 210. The perforation 246 may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater to the interior of the tobacco rod 210.

[0107] The second segment 222 also includes at least one capsule 230. The capsule 230 can generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 230 can have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a coating. The capsule 230 can have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0108] FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic illustration of yet another example of an aerosol product 200.

[0109] 12, aerosol production article 200 includes first portion 260, second portion 270, third portion 280, and fourth portion 290. Specifically, first portion 260, second portion 270, third portion 280, and fourth portion 290 include an aerosol-generating element, a tobacco element, a cooling element, and a filter element, respectively. As an example, first portion 260 includes an aerosol-generating material, second portion 270 includes a tobacco material and a humectant, third portion 280 can cool airflow passing through first portion 260 and second portion 270, and fourth portion 290 includes a filter material.

[0110] 12 , the first portion 260, the second portion 270, the third portion 280, and the fourth portion 290 may be aligned in order based on the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 200. Here, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 200 is also the direction in which the length of the aerosol product 200 extends. For example, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 200 is also the direction from the first portion 260 to the fourth portion 290. As a result, aerosol generated in at least one of the first portion 260 and the second portion 270 can pass through the first portion 260, the second portion 270, the third portion 280, and the fourth portion 290 in order to form an airflow, thereby allowing the smoker to inhale the aerosol from the fourth portion 290.

[0111] The first portion 260 may also include an aerosol-generating component, such as a flavorant, a humectant, and / or other additives, such as organic acids, or a flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, including at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol.

[0112] The first portion 260 may include a crimped sheet, and the aerosol-generating elements may be impregnated into the crimped sheet and contained in the first portion 260. Other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids, and flavoring liquids may also be absorbed into the crimped sheet and contained in the first portion 260.

[0113] The crimped sheet may be a sheet made of a polymeric material, for example, a polymeric material containing at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, and polylactic acid. For example, the crimped sheet may be a paper sheet that does not produce an unpleasant odor even when heated to a high temperature, but is not limited thereto.

[0114] The first portion 260 may extend from about 7 to about 20 mm from the end of the aerosol product 200, and the second portion 270 may extend from about 7 to about 20 mm from the end of the first portion 260. However, these numerical ranges are not necessarily limited, and the extension lengths of the first portion 260 and the second portion 270 may be appropriately adjusted within a range that can be easily changed by a skilled artisan.

[0115] The second portion 270 may also include tobacco elements. The tobacco elements may be tobacco materials in a particular form. For example, the tobacco elements may be in the form of cut tobacco, tobacco particles, tobacco sheets, tobacco beads, tobacco granules, tobacco powder, or tobacco extract. The tobacco materials may also include, for example, one or more of tobacco leaves, tobacco veins, expanded tobacco, cut tobacco, flat tobacco, and reconstituted tobacco.

[0116] The third portion 280 can cool the airflow passing through the first portion 260 and the second portion 270. The third portion 280 can be made of a polymeric material or a biodegradable polymeric material and have a cooling function. For example, the third portion 280 can be made of, but is not limited to, polylactic acid (PLA) fiber. Alternatively, the third portion 280 can be made of a cellulose acetate filter with multiple holes. However, the third portion 280 is not limited to the above examples and can be made of any material that performs the function of cooling the aerosol. For example, the third portion 280 can be a hollow tube filter or a paper tube filter.

[0117] The fourth portion 290 may also include a filter material. For example, the fourth portion 290 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The shape of the fourth portion 290 is not limited. For example, the fourth portion 290 may be a cylindrical rod, a tubular rod with a hollow interior, or a recessed rod. If the fourth portion 290 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be formed into a different shape.

[0118] The fourth portion 290 may be fabricated to produce a flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the fourth portion 290, and a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid may be inserted into the fourth portion 290.

[0119] The aerosol product 200 also includes a wrapper 240 that encases at least a portion of the first portion 260 to the fourth portion 290. The aerosol product 200 also includes a wrapper 240 that encases all of the first portion 260 to the fourth portion 290. The wrapper 240 is located at the outermost portion of the aerosol product 200, and the wrapper 240 may be a single wrapper or a combination of multiple wrappers.

[0120] By way of example, the first portion 260 of the aerosol product 200 may include a crinkled, wrinkled sheet containing an aerosol-generating material, the second portion 270 may include flat cut tobacco as the tobacco material and glycerin as a humectant, the third portion 280 may include a paper tube, and the fourth portion 290 may include cellulose acetate fibers, but is not necessarily limited to these examples.

[0121] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 100 according to another embodiment.

[0122] The aerosol generating device 100 also includes a control unit 110, a sensing unit 20, an output unit 30, a battery 120, a heater 130, a user input unit 60, a memory 70, and a communication unit 8. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 13. That is, a person having ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment would understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100, some of the components shown in Fig. 13 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0123] The sensing unit 20 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. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 110 can control the aerosol generating device 100 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 130, restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert an aerosol generating product (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.), and displaying notifications.

[0124] The sensing unit 20 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 150, an insertion sensor 24, and a puff sensor 26, but is not limited thereto.

[0125] The temperature sensor 150 can sense the temperature to which the heater 130 (or the aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 100 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 130, or the heater 130 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 150 may be disposed around the battery 120 to monitor the temperature of the battery 120.

[0126] The insertion detection sensor 24 can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product. For example, the insertion detection sensor 24 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 product.

[0127] The puff sensor 26 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel, such as a temperature change, a flow rate change, a voltage change, or a pressure change.

[0128] In addition to the above-mentioned sensors, the sensing unit 20 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (red-green-blue) sensor (illuminance sensor). The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person of ordinary skill in the art from its name, so detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0129] The output unit 30 can output information related to the status of the aerosol generating device 100 and provide it to a user. The output unit 30 may include at least one of a display unit 32, a haptic unit 34, and an audio output unit 36, but is not limited to these. When the display unit 32 and the touchpad have a layered structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit 32 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0130] The display unit 32 can visually provide a user with information related to the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the information related to the aerosol generating device 100 refers to various information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 120 of the aerosol generating device 100, the preheating status of the heater 130, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol generating product, or a status in which use of the aerosol generating device 100 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 32 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 32 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. Alternatively, the display unit 32 can be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0131] The haptic unit 34 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and can provide the user with tactile information related to the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the haptic unit 34 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0132] The acoustic output unit 36 ​​can audibly provide the user with information related to the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the acoustic output unit 36 ​​can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0133] The battery 120 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 120 may supply power so that the heater 130 can be heated. The battery 120 may also supply power necessary for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., the sensing unit 20, the output unit 30, the user input unit 60, the memory 70, and the communication unit 80). The battery 120 may be a rechargeable battery or a single-use battery. For example, the battery 120 may be a lithium polymer (Lipoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0134] The heater 130 is supplied with power from the battery 120 and can heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Fig. 13, the aerosol-generating device 100 also includes a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC (direct current) / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 120 and supplies it to the heater 130. Furthermore, when the aerosol-generating device 100 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 100 also includes a DC / AC (alternating current) converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 120 into AC power supply.

[0135] The control unit 110, the sensing unit 20, the output unit 30, the user input unit 60, the memory 70, and the communication unit 80 can perform their functions by receiving power from the battery 120. Although not shown in Fig. 13, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low drop out) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 120 and supplies it to each component.

[0136] In one embodiment, the heater 130 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material, such as, but not limited to, a metal or metal alloy, including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The heater 130 may also be embodied as, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with a conductive track, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0137] In another embodiment, heater 130 is an induction heater, for example, heater 130 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0138] The user input unit 60 can receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 60 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. 13 , the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, through which the aerosol generating device 100 can connect to another external device to send and receive information or charge the battery 120.

[0139] The memory 70 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. The memory 70 may include at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory, hard disk, micro multimedia card, card-type memory (e.g., SD memory 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 70 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.

[0140] The communication unit 80 also includes at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 80 also includes a short-range communication unit 82 and a wireless communication unit 84.

[0141] The short-range wireless communication unit 82 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth® communication unit, a Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN) (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee® communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and the like.

[0142] The wireless communication unit 84 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 84 may also use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generation device 100 within the communication network.

[0143] The control unit 110 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 also includes at least one processor. The processor can be realized by an array of multiple logic gates, or by 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 can also be realized by other forms of hardware.

[0144] The control unit 110 can control the temperature of the heater 130 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 120 to the heater 130. For example, the control unit 110 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of switching elements between the battery 120 and the heater 130. As another example, a heating direct circuit can control the power supply to the heater 130 in response to a control command from the control unit 110.

[0145] The control unit 110 may analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 20 and control subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 110 may control the power supplied to the heater 130 so that the operation of the heater 130 is started or stopped based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 20. In another example, the control unit 110 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 130 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater 130 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 20.

[0146] The control unit 110 may control the output unit 30 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 20. For example, if the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 26 reaches a preset number, the control unit 110 may notify the user via at least one of the display unit 32, the haptic unit 34, and the audio output unit 36 ​​that the aerosol generating device 100 will soon be shut down.

[0147] An embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer-readable media are any available media that can be accessed by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, and both detachable and non-detachable media. Computer-readable media also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, detachable and non-detachable media embodied in any method or technology for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal, such as a program module, or other transmission mechanism, and include any information delivery media.

[0148] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be embodied in various modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the above description. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered from an illustrative rather than a restrictive perspective. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and all differences within the scope of the claims should be construed as being within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. In the aerosol generating device, a heater including a receiving space for receiving an aerosol product; a coil that generates a magnetic field to heat the heater; The heater is a first region disposed in contact with the aerosol-producing article; a second region disposed on at least one of both ends of the first region and extending in a direction away from the center of the accommodation space, the first region has a tubular shape and includes a protrusion protruding from a portion extending along a longitudinal direction of the first region in a direction away from the center of the receiving space, the one portion has a thickness greater than that of the remaining portion excluding the one portion, An aerosol generating device, wherein the protrusion is formed integrally with the first region, and the portion of the first region where the protrusion is arranged is heated to a different temperature than the portion of the first region where the protrusion is not arranged.

2. In the aerosol generating device, a heater including a receiving space for receiving an aerosol product; a coil that generates a magnetic field to heat the heater; The heater is a first region disposed in contact with the aerosol-producing article; a second region disposed on at least one of both ends of the first region and extending in a direction away from the center of the accommodation space, The first region includes a protrusion protruding in a direction away from the center of the accommodation space, The aerosol generating device further includes a temperature sensor disposed on the protrusion for sensing a temperature of the heater.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a heat insulating portion coupled to at least a portion of the second region and blocking heat from the heater from transferring to the outside.

4. The aerosol generating device described in claim 1 or 2 further includes an insulating portion that is bonded to the second region so as to contact a portion of the end of the second region and not contact the remaining portion of the second region except for the portion of the end of the second region, and that blocks heat from the second region from transferring to the outside.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the surface of the second region includes a material that blocks heat from the heater.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second region is detachably connected to the first region and includes a material different from that of the first region.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plane defined by an edge of the end of the second region is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to an extension direction of the storage space.

8. In a heater for an aerosol generating device, a storage space for storing an aerosol product; a first region disposed in contact with the aerosol-producing article; a second region disposed on at least one of both ends of the first region and extending in a direction away from the center of the accommodation space, the first region has a tubular shape and includes a protrusion protruding from a portion extending along a longitudinal direction of the first region in a direction away from the center of the receiving space, the one portion has a thickness greater than that of the remaining portion excluding the one portion, The protrusion is formed integrally with the first region, and the portion of the first region where the protrusion is arranged is heated to a different temperature than the portion of the first region where the protrusion is not arranged.

9. The heater according to claim 8 , wherein the surface of the second region includes a material that insulates from the heat of the heater.

10. The heater of claim 8 , wherein the second region is releasably coupled to the first region and comprises a different material than the first region.

11. The surface defined by the edge of the second region is perpendicular to the extension direction of the receiving space.

9. The heater of claim 8, wherein the heater is tilted relative to the substrate.