Aerosol generation system

Abstract

[Problem] Provide a structure capable of preventing bending of the heating part. [Solution] An aerosol generating system comprising a power supply unit for supplying power, a heating unit for heating a substrate containing an aerosol source, and a holding unit for holding and supporting the heating unit, wherein the heating unit comprises an electric resistor that generates heat by power supplied from the power supply unit, a rigid body, and an electric insulator disposed between the electric resistor and the rigid body, and is inserted into the substrate, wherein the rigid body has a first portion extending in a first direction in which the substrate is inserted or removed, and a second portion extending in a second direction different from the first direction, and the holding unit holds the second portion of the rigid body.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system. Background Technology

[0002] Inhalation devices that generate substances inhaled by a user, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, are widely available. For example, an inhalation device generates an aerosol with flavor components by using a base material that includes an aerosol source for generating an aerosol and a flavor source for imparting flavor components to the generated aerosol. A user can taste the flavor by inhaling the aerosol with flavor components generated by the inhalation device. The action of a user inhaling the aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as a puff or puff action.

[0003] Recently, suction devices of the type using a material formed in a stick shape have become widely popularized, and technology regarding such suction devices is being actively developed. For example, the following patent document 1 discloses a technology in which, when a material formed in a stick shape is inserted into a suction device, a heating part formed in a blade shape is inserted into the material and the material is heated from the inside. Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 5854394 The problem to be solved

[0005] However, in suction devices using a heating element formed in a blade shape, there was a problem that the heating element was prone to bending.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problem, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a structure capable of preventing the heating part from bending. means of solving the problem

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided, comprising a power supply unit for supplying power, a heating unit for heating a substrate containing an aerosol source, and a holding unit for holding and supporting the heating unit, wherein the heating unit comprises an electric resistor that generates heat by power supplied from the power supply unit, a rigid body, and an electric insulator disposed between the electric resistor and the rigid body, and is inserted into the substrate, wherein the rigid body has a first portion extending in a first direction in which the substrate is inserted or removed and a second portion extending in a second direction different from the first direction, and the holding unit holds the second portion of the rigid body.

[0008] The above rigid body may form an L-shape with the above first part and the above second part.

[0009] The heating unit may include two rigid bodies, and the two rigid bodies may be arranged such that the electric resistor and the electric resistor are positioned between two first parts, and the two second parts face in opposite directions.

[0010] The heating member includes two electrical insulators, and the electrical resistor is fitted by the two electrical insulators, and the electrical resistor and the electrical insulator may be fitted by the first part of the two rigid bodies.

[0011] In the portion of the heating part that is inserted into the substrate, the electric resistor may be placed within the range fitted by the two electric insulators, and the two electric insulators may be placed within the range fitted by the first portion of the two rigid bodies.

[0012] In the portion of the heating part that is inserted into the substrate, the ends of the first portions of the two rigid bodies that do not come into contact with the electrical insulator may be joined together.

[0013] The above-mentioned retaining portion may retain the second portion of the rigid body while being spaced apart from the electrical insulator.

[0014] The aerosol generating system described above has an internal space and an opening communicating the internal space to the outside, and has a receiving portion for receiving the material inserted into the internal space from the opening, and the holding portion may support the heating portion such that the tip of the heating portion protrudes from the bottom of the receiving portion toward the opening.

[0015] The above aerosol generating system may further comprise a sealing part that seals a hole installed in the above-mentioned portion.

[0016] The above-mentioned retaining portion has a hole through which the electric resistor and the electric insulator pass, and the above-mentioned sealing portion is fixed to the retaining portion and may seal the hole.

[0017] The above-mentioned pouch portion may be positioned on the opposite side of the second portion of the rigid body with the above-mentioned pouch portion in between.

[0018] The above-mentioned bag portion may be placed in contact with the above-mentioned electrical insulator.

[0019] The above-mentioned packaging portion may be composed of silicone.

[0020] The above vaginal portion may be composed of PEEK.

[0021] The above rigid body may be composed of metal plates.

[0022] The above rigid body may be composed of SUS metal plates.

[0023] The above electrical insulator may be composed of polyimide.

[0024] The above electrical insulator may be composed of a film.

[0025] The above electric resistor may be made of SUS.

[0026] The above aerosol generating system may include the above material. Effects of the invention

[0027] As explained above, according to the present invention, a structure is provided that can prevent bending of the heating part. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] [Fig. 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a suction device. [Fig. 2] This is a perspective view of the heating unit related to the present embodiment. [Fig. 3] This is an exploded perspective view of the heating unit related to the present embodiment. [Fig. 4] This is a front view of the heating unit related to the present embodiment. [Fig. 5] This is a side view of the heating unit related to the present embodiment. [Fig. 6] This is a transparent perspective view of the portion where the heating part is arranged in the suction device related to the present embodiment. [Fig. 7] This is a cross-sectional view of the portion where the heating part is arranged in the suction device related to the present embodiment, at the AA cutting line. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] Suitable embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Furthermore, in this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are given the same reference numerals to avoid redundant descriptions.

[0030] <1. Example of Suction Device Configuration>

[0031] The suction device related to the present embodiment generates an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source from within the substrate. The present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 1.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating an example configuration of a suction device. As shown in FIG. 1, the suction device (100) related to the present example configuration includes a power supply unit (111), a sensor unit (112), a notification unit (113), a memory unit (114), a communication unit (115), a control unit (116), a heating unit (121), and a receiving unit (140). Suction by a user is performed while a stick-type material (150) is received in the receiving unit (140). Below, each component will be described in order.

[0033] The power supply unit (111) accumulates power. The power supply unit (111) supplies power to each component of the suction device (100). The power supply unit (111) may be composed of a rechargeable battery, for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery. The power supply unit (111) may be charged by connecting to an external power source via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, etc. Additionally, the power supply unit (111) may be charged without being connected to a device on the power transmission side by wireless power transmission technology. Furthermore, the power supply unit (111) may be separated from the suction device (100) and may be replaced with a new power supply unit (111).

[0034] The sensor unit (112) detects various information regarding the suction device (100). The sensor unit (112) outputs the detected information to the control unit (116). As an example, the sensor unit (112) is composed of a pressure sensor, such as a condenser microphone, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor. When the sensor unit (112) detects a value resulting from suction by a user, it outputs information indicating that suction by a user has been performed to the control unit (116). As another example, the sensor unit (112) is composed of an input device that receives input of information from a user, such as a button or a switch. In particular, the sensor unit (112) may include a button that instructs the start / stop of aerosol generation. The sensor unit (112) outputs the information input by the user to the control unit (116). As another example, the sensor unit (112) is composed of a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit (121). This temperature sensor detects the temperature of the heating unit (121) based, for example, on the electrical resistance value of the conductive track of the heating unit (121). The sensor unit (112) may also detect the temperature of the stick-type material (150) contained in the receiving unit (140) based on the temperature of the heating unit (121).

[0035] The notification unit (113) notifies the user of information. For example, the notification unit (113) is configured by a light-emitting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). In that case, the notification unit (113) emits light with a different light-emitting pattern when the state of the power supply unit (111) is in charge, when the power supply unit (111) is charging, and when an abnormality occurs in the suction device (100). The light-emitting pattern here is a concept that includes color and timing of turning on / off, etc. The notification unit (113) may be configured with, together with or instead of the light-emitting device, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, and a vibrating device. In addition, the notification unit (113) may notify information indicating that suction by the user has become possible. Information indicating that suction by the user has become possible is notified when the temperature of the stick-type material (150) heated by the heating unit (121) reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0036] The memory unit (114) stores various information for the operation of the suction device (100). The memory unit (114) is composed of a non-volatile storage medium, such as flash memory, for example. An example of information stored in the memory unit (114) is information regarding the OS (Operating System) of the suction device (100), such as the control contents of various components by the control unit (116). Another example of information stored in the memory unit (114) is information regarding suction by the user, such as the number of suctions, the time of suction, and the cumulative total of suction time.

[0037] The communication unit (115) is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the suction device (100) and another device. The communication unit (115) performs communication based on any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such communication standards may include wireless LAN (Local Area Network), wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark). As an example, the communication unit (115) transmits information regarding suction by a user to a smartphone in order to display information regarding suction by a user on the smartphone. As another example, the communication unit (115) receives information about a new OS from a server in order to update information about an OS stored in the memory unit (114).

[0038] The control unit (116) functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation within the suction device (100) according to various programs. The control unit (116) is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor, for example. In addition, the control unit (116) may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and calculation parameters to be used, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters that change appropriately. The suction device (100) executes various processes based on control by the control unit (116). Supplying power from the power supply unit (111) to other components, charging the power supply unit (111), detection of information by the sensor unit (112), notification of information by the notification unit (113), storage and reading of information by the memory unit (114), and transmission and reception of information by the communication unit (115) are examples of processing controlled by the control unit (116). Other processing executed by the suction device (100), such as inputting information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, is also controlled by the control unit (116).

[0039] The receiving portion (140) has an internal space (141) and holds the stick-shaped material (150) while receiving a part of the stick-shaped material (150) in the internal space (141). The receiving portion (140) has an opening (142) that communicates the internal space (141) to the outside and holds the stick-shaped material (150) inserted into the internal space (141) from the opening (142). For example, the receiving portion (140) is a cylindrical body with the opening (142) and the bottom (143) as bottom surfaces, and defines a column-shaped internal space (141). The receiving portion (140) is configured such that, in at least a portion of the height direction of the standard body, the inner diameter becomes smaller than the outer diameter of the stick-shaped material (150), and the stick-shaped material (150) inserted into the internal space (141) is compressed from the outer circumference to hold the stick-shaped material (150). The receiving portion (140) also has the function of defining a flow path for air passing through the stick-shaped material (150). An air inlet hole, which is the inlet of air into this flow path, is, for example, placed at the bottom portion (143). Meanwhile, an air outlet hole, which is the outlet of air from this flow path, is an opening (142).

[0040] The stick-type material (150) is a stick-type component. The stick-type material (150) includes a material portion (151) and a suction portion (152).

[0041] The material (151) includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized by heating, and an aerosol is produced. The aerosol source may be of tobacco origin, such as a processed product formed from tobacco or tobacco raw materials into granular, sheet, or powder form. Additionally, the aerosol source may include a non-tobacco origin made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint and herbs). As an example, the aerosol source may include flavoring components such as menthol. If the inhalation device (100) is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may include a drug for the patient to inhale. Additionally, the aerosol source is not limited to a solid, and may be a liquid, such as a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and water. At least a portion of the material part (151) is received in the internal space (141) of the receiving part (140) when the stick-type material (150) is held in the receiving part (140).

[0042] The suction part (152) is a component that is held by the user during suction. At least a portion of the suction part (152) protrudes from the opening (142) while the stick-shaped material (150) is held in the receiving part (140). Then, when the user holds the suction part (152) protruding from the opening (142) and sucks, air is introduced into the interior of the receiving part (140) through an air inlet hole not shown. The introduced air passes through the internal space (141) of the receiving part (140), that is, through the material part (151), and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the material part (151).

[0043] The heating unit (121) generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing it. The heating unit (121) is composed of any material such as metal or polyimide. For example, the heating unit (121) is configured in a blade shape and is positioned to protrude from the bottom (143) of the receiving unit (140) into the internal space (141) of the receiving unit (140). Therefore, when a stick-type substrate (150) is inserted into the receiving unit (140), the blade-shaped heating unit (121) is inserted into the substrate portion (151) of the stick-type substrate (150) and is inserted into the interior of the stick-type substrate (150). Then, when the heating unit (121) generates heat, the aerosol source contained in the stick-type substrate (150) is heated and atomized from the interior of the stick-type substrate (150), and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit (121) generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit (111). For example, when a predetermined user input is detected by the sensor unit (112), power is supplied and an aerosol may be generated. When the temperature of the stick-type material (150) heated by the heating unit (121) reaches a predetermined temperature, suction by the user becomes possible. After that, when a predetermined user input is detected by the sensor unit (112), power supply may be stopped. As another example, power is supplied and an aerosol may be generated during the period when suction by the user is detected by the sensor unit (112).

[0044] Here, the power supply unit (111) is an example of a power supply unit that supplies power. The stick-type material (150) is an example of a material containing an aerosol source.

[0045] The suction device (100) and the stick-type material (150) cooperate to generate an aerosol that is inhaled by the user. Therefore, the combination of the suction device (100) and the stick-type material (150) may be recognized as an aerosol generating system.

[0046] <2. Detailed Configuration of the Heating Unit>

[0047] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heating unit (121) related to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a heating unit (121) related to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front view of a heating unit (121) related to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a side view of a heating unit (121) related to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a transparent perspective view of a portion of a suction device (100) related to the present embodiment in which a heating unit (121) is placed. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view at the AA cutting line of a portion of a suction device (100) related to the present embodiment in which a heating unit (121) is placed.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the heating part (121) has an electric resistor (10), an electric insulator (20) (20A and 20B), and a rigid body (30) (30A and 30B). And, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the heating part (121) is positioned to protrude into the internal space (141) of the receiving part (140).

[0049] Additionally, in the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by attaching different alphabets after the same symbol. For example, multiple elements having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished as rigid bodies 30A and 30B as needed. However, if there is no need to specifically distinguish each of the multiple elements having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same symbol is attached. For example, if there is no need to specifically distinguish rigid bodies 30A and 30B, they are simply referred to as rigid bodies (30).

[0050] In these drawings, the direction in which the stick-shaped material (150) is inserted into the heating section (121) is also referred to as the lower direction. The direction in which the stick-shaped material (150) is removed from the heating section (121) is also referred to as the upper direction. Among the heating section (121), the upper end is also referred to as the leading end, and the lower end is also referred to as the trailing end. The upper and lower directions correspond to the longitudinal direction of the electric resistor (10), the electric insulator (20), and the rigid body (30) (particularly, the first part (31)). Additionally, the upper and lower directions correspond to the longitudinal direction of the heating section (121).

[0051] The direction in which the electric resistor (10), electric insulator (20), and rigid body (30) overlap is also referred to as the front-back direction. The front-back direction corresponds to the thickness direction of the electric resistor (10), electric insulator (20), and rigid body (30) (particularly, the first part (31)). Additionally, the front-back direction corresponds to the thickness direction of the heating part (121).

[0052] The direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-back direction is also called the left-right direction. The left-right direction corresponds to the short direction of the electric resistor (10), the electric insulator (20), and the rigid body (30). In addition, the left-right direction corresponds to the short direction of the heating part (121).

[0053] Below, each component of the heating unit (121) will be described in detail.

[0054] The electric resistor (10) generates heat from the power supplied from the power supply unit (111). The electric resistor (10) generates Joule heat when current flows. As an example, the electric resistor (10) is composed of thin wires and is wrapped to form a flat surface. The electric resistor (10) is composed of, for example, SUS (Steel Use Stainless). With this configuration, the electric resistor (10) can exhibit high heat resistance.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3, the electric resistor (10) is sandwiched between two electric insulators (20) (20A and 20B). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the electric resistor (10) from unintentionally coming into contact with another conductor and causing a short circuit. In addition, the shapes of the two electric insulators (20) are identical.

[0056] The electric insulator (20) is a member having electrical insulating properties. The electric insulator (20) is composed of any material having electrical insulating properties. For example, the electric insulator (20) is composed of polyimide. With this composition, the electric insulator (20) can exhibit high heat resistance.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, the electric insulator (20) is placed between the electric resistor (10) and the rigid body (30). Because of this, it is possible to prevent the electric resistor (10) and the rigid body (30) from coming into contact and causing a short circuit.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 4, the end of the electrical insulator (20) at the rear end (i.e., lower side) of the heating section (121) is located at the rear end (i.e., lower side) of the heating section (121) more than the end of the rigid body (30) at the rear end (i.e., lower side) of the heating section (121). That is, the electrical insulator (20) extends further down than the rigid body (30). With this configuration, it is possible to more reliably prevent the situation where the electrical resistor (10) and the rigid body (30) come into contact and short-circuit.

[0059] The electric insulator (20) is configured in the form of a film. Two electric insulators (20) configured in the form of a film and an electric resistor (10) fitted between these two electric insulators (20) constitute a so-called film heater. For example, a film heater is configured by bending and wrapping a wire around the film surface. The heat distribution on the film surface can be arbitrarily designed by the distribution (i.e., density) of the wire on the film surface.

[0060] The rigid body (30) is a member having a predetermined rigidity. With this configuration, the rigid body (30) exerts rigidity against the force applied to the heating part (121), making it possible to prevent the heating part (121) from bending.

[0061] The rigid body (30) is also a heat-conducting member. The rigid body (30) is heated by heat from the electric resistor (10). Therefore, the heat generated by the electric resistor (10) is transferred to the stick-type substrate (150) through the rigid body (30).

[0062] The rigid body (30) is formed in a plate shape. For example, the rigid body (30) is composed of a metal plate. As an example, the rigid body (30) is composed of a SUS metal plate. With this configuration, the rigid body (30) can exhibit high heat resistance.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 3, the rigid body (30) has a first part (31) and a second part (32). The first part (31) is a part of the rigid body (30) that extends in the vertical direction (corresponding to the first direction). The second part (32) is a member that extends in the front-rear direction (corresponding to the second direction), which is a different direction from the first part (31). The rigid body (30) may be constructed by bending a single metal plate. The second part (32) is supported by a support part (40) described later. According to this configuration, the second part (32) supported by the support part (40) can exhibit strong rigidity against a force applied in the front-rear direction to the first part (31). Therefore, the rigid body (30) can prevent the heating part (121) from bending in the front-rear direction.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the rigid body (30) may form an L-shape with a first part (31) and a second part (32). That is, the angle formed by the first part (31) and the second part (32) may be 90 degrees. With this configuration, the rigid body (30) can exhibit greater rigidity against a force applied in the front-rear direction. Therefore, it becomes possible to further prevent the heating part (121) from bending in the front-rear direction.

[0065] Additionally, the stick-shaped substrate (150) is inserted into the internal space (141) until the tip of the stick-shaped substrate (150) contacts the second part (32). Accordingly, the part fitted by the first part (31) of the heating part (121) is inserted into the stick-shaped substrate (150). That is, the first part (31) constitutes the outermost shell of the part of the heating part (121) that is inserted into the stick-shaped substrate (150).

[0066] As shown in FIG. 3, the electric resistor (10) and the electric insulator (20) are fitted together by two rigid bodies (30) (30A and 30B). More specifically, the electric resistor (10) and the electric insulator (20) are fitted together by first parts (31) (31A and 31B) of the two rigid bodies (30). With this configuration, it is possible to further prevent the heating unit (121) from bending in the forward and backward directions. Additionally, the shapes of the two rigid bodies (30) are identical.

[0067] In particular, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, two rigid bodies (30) are arranged such that the electric resistor (10) and the electric insulator (20) are placed between them by a first part (31), and the two second parts (32) face in opposite directions. More simply, the electric resistor (10) and the electric insulator (20) are fitted by the first part (31) of the two rigid bodies (30) that are placed back-to-back. According to this configuration, the two rigid bodies (30) form a T-shape with the electric resistor (10) and the electric insulator (20) in between, so they can exhibit greater rigidity against forces applied in the front-rear direction. Therefore, it becomes possible to further prevent the heating part (121) from bending.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 4, in the portion of the heating part (121) that is inserted into the stick-shaped substrate (150), the electric resistor (10) is placed within the range fitted by two electric insulators (20). Specifically, in the portion fitted by two first parts (31) of the heating part (121), the left and right ends of the electric resistor (10) are located further inward than the left and right ends of the electric insulators (20). Also, the top of the electric resistor (10) is located further down than the top of the electric insulators (20). Therefore, the two electric insulators (20) can place the electric resistor (10) between them without exposing the electric resistor (10) to the outside in the portion of the heating part (121) that is inserted into the stick-shaped substrate (150).

[0069] As shown in FIG. 4, in the portion of the heating unit (121) that is inserted into the stick-shaped substrate (150), two electrical insulators (20) are placed within the range fitted by two rigid bodies (30) (more specifically, the first part (31)). Specifically, in the portion of the heating unit (121) that is fitted by the two first parts (31), the left and right ends of the electrical insulators (20) are located further inward than the left and right ends of the first part (31). Also, the upper end of the electrical insulators (20) is located further downward than the upper end of the first part (31). Therefore, the first part (31) of the two rigid bodies (30) can place the electrical insulators (20) between them without exposing the electrical insulators (20) to the outside in the portion of the heating unit (121) that is inserted into the stick-shaped substrate (150).

[0070] In addition, in the part of the heating section (121) that is inserted into the stick-type substrate (150), the ends of the two rigid bodies (30) (more specifically, the first part (31)) that do not come into contact with the electrical insulator (20) are joined together. Specifically, the upper ends and left and right ends of the first part (31) of the two rigid bodies (30) that do not come into contact with the electrical insulator (20) are joined together without a gap. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the electrical resistor (10) and the electrical insulator (20) fitted into the two rigid bodies (30) are concealed from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to prevent defects such as a decrease in heating efficiency caused by foreign matter being mixed between the two rigid bodies (30).

[0071] The heating part (121) may be formed by hot-pressing an electric resistor (10), an electric insulator (20), and a rigid body (30). In particular, the heating part (121) may be formed by hot-pressing a first part (31) of an electric resistor (10), two electric insulators (20), and two rigid bodies (30). With this configuration, it is possible to improve the strength of the heating part (121) while realizing the gapless bonding described above.

[0072] The heating part (121) is inserted into the stick-shaped substrate (150) from the tip of the heating part (121). Thus, the tip of the heating part (121) is sharply configured. That is, the upper end of the rigid body (30) is sharply configured. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the tip of the first part (31) is configured in the same triangular shape and is joined with the apex facing upward. With this configuration, when the heating part (121) is inserted into the stick-shaped substrate (150), the resistance received by the heating part (121) from the stick-shaped substrate (150) can be reduced. Therefore, it becomes possible to further prevent the heating part (121) from bending.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 3, the electric resistor (10) forms a heating area (11) and a non-heating area (12). The heating area (11) is an area of ​​the electric resistor (10) where the amount of heat generated per unit area is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The heating area (11) is positioned on the front side (i.e., the upper side) of the heating section (121). The non-heating area (12) is an area of ​​the electric resistor (10) where the amount of heat generated per unit area is less than a predetermined value. The non-heating area (12) is positioned on the rear side (i.e., the lower side) of the heating section (121). With this configuration, at least the heating area (11) can be inserted into the interior of the stick-type substrate (150). Thus, it becomes possible to rapidly raise the temperature of the stick-type substrate (150).

[0074] As shown in FIG. 4, the boundary between the heating area (11) and the non-heating area (12) is located at the rear end (i.e., lower side) of the heating section (121) rather than at the end of the rigid body (30) at the rear end (i.e., lower side) of the heating section (121). That is, the heating area (11) is positioned to extend downward from the rigid body (30). By this, the heating area (11) can directly heat the first part (31) in the part that contacts the first part (31). In addition, the heating area (11) can indirectly heat the second part (32) and the holding part (40) in the part that extends downward from the rigid body (30). By this, it becomes possible to efficiently heat the stick-type substrate (150).

[0075] As shown in FIG. 4, the end of the electric insulator (20) at the rear end (i.e., lower side) of the heating section (121) is located at the rear end (i.e., lower side) of the heating section (121) more than the end of the rigid body (30) at the rear end (i.e., lower side) of the heating section (121). That is, the electric insulator (20) is positioned to protrude further down than the rigid body (30). By doing so, the electric insulator (20) can reliably insulate the electric resistor (10) and the rigid body (30).

[0076] The heating section (121) may heat unevenly in the direction from the front end to the rear end of the heating section (121) (i.e., the up and down direction). As an example, the heating area (11) and the non-heating area (12) of the electric resistor (10) may heat at different temperatures. As another example, among the heating area (11), multiple areas that heat at different temperatures may be divided and distributed in the up and down direction. In particular, among the heating area (11), in the part inserted into the stick-type substrate (150) (i.e., the part fitted into the first part (31) of the electric resistor (10), multiple areas that heat at different temperatures may be divided and distributed in the up and down direction. With this configuration, it is possible to heat the stick-type substrate (150) with an optimal temperature distribution.

[0077] The electric resistor (10) may be unevenly distributed in the direction from the front end to the rear end of the heating part (121) (i.e., the up-and-down direction). As an example, the electric resistor (10) may be unevenly distributed in the heating area (11) and the non-heating area (12) of the electric resistor (10). As another example, within the heating area (11), multiple areas with different distributions of the electric resistor (10) may be divided and distributed in the up-and-down direction. In particular, within the heating area (11), in the part inserted into the stick-type substrate (150) (i.e., the part fitted into the first part (31) of the electric resistor (10)), multiple areas with different distributions of the electric resistor (10) may be divided and distributed in the up-and-down direction. With this configuration, it is possible to heat the heating part (121) unevenly in the up-and-down direction.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 7, the receiving portion (140) has a holding portion (40), a sealing portion (50), an internal member (60), and an external member (70). The external member (70) is a member formed in a cylindrical shape. The external member (70) may form the outermost part of the suction device (100). The internal member (60) is a member that forms the inner wall (particularly, the side wall) of the receiving portion (140). The holding portion (40) and the sealing portion (50) form the bottom portion (143) of the receiving portion (140).

[0079] The holding portion (40) is a member that holds the heating portion (121). As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the holding portion (40) holds the heating portion (121) such that the tip of the heating portion (121) protrudes from the bottom portion (143) of the receiving portion (140) toward the opening (142). With this configuration, when a stick-shaped material (150) is inserted into the internal space (141) from the opening (142), the tip of the heating portion (121) is inserted into the stick-shaped material (150), and it becomes possible to insert the heating portion (121) into the interior of the stick-shaped material (150).

[0080] The holding portion (40) is made of a material having high heat resistance. For example, the holding portion (40) is made of PEEK (Poly Ether Ether Ketone). With this configuration, it is possible to keep the heating portion (121) from heating even if the heating portion (121) generates high heat.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the retaining portion (40) retains the second portion (32) of the rigid body (30). Specifically, the retaining portion (40) is configured in a plate shape. Then, the upper surface of the retaining portion (40) and the lower surface of the second portion (32) of the rigid body (30) are joined, and the side surface of the retaining portion (40) and the inner surface of the outer member (70) are joined.

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the retaining portion (40) retains the rigid body (30) while being spaced apart from the electric insulator (20). Specifically, a hole (41) is installed in the central part of the retaining portion (40), which is formed in a plate shape. Then, the retaining portion (40) and the heating portion (121) are positioned so that the electric insulator (20) with the electric resistor (10) in between passes through the hole (41). The cross-section of the hole (41) is formed wider than the cross-section of the electric insulator (20) with the electric resistor (10) in between. Therefore, the retaining portion (40) can retain the rigid body (30) without coming into contact with the electric insulator (20) with the electric resistor (10). According to this configuration, even if a misalignment occurs between the support member (40) and the rigid body (30), it is possible to prevent the electrical insulator (20) with the electrical resistor (10) in between from being pulled by the support member (40) and breaking.

[0083] The sealing portion (50) seals the hole installed in the holding portion (40). Specifically, the sealing portion (50) seals at least the hole (41). In addition, if there is a hole in the holding portion (40), the sealing portion (50) seals such hole. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the aerosol generated from the stick-type material (150) from leaking into the space (144) located below the bottom portion (143) of the outer member (70) that is normally configured. Considering that electronic devices such as a power supply unit (111) and a control unit (116) can be placed in the space (144), it is possible to prevent the suction device (100) from malfunctioning with this configuration.

[0084] Additionally, the sealing portion (40) may be provided with the aforementioned air inlet hole for introducing air into the internal space (141), separately from the hole (41). The air inlet hole communicates with the external space through an air passage configured independently of the space (144) where the electronic device is placed. In that case, the sealing portion (50) seals the holes excluding this air inlet hole.

[0085] The sealing portion (50) is fixed to the retaining portion (40). For example, the sealing portion (50) is positioned in close contact with the retaining portion (40) to seal the hole installed in the retaining portion (40). In particular, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the sealing portion (50) is positioned on the opposite side of the second portion (32) of the rigid body (30) with the retaining portion (40) in between. For example, the sealing portion (50) is positioned in close contact with the lower surface of the retaining portion (40). With this configuration, it is possible to seal the space (144) below the bottom portion (143) without hindering the retaining of the rigid body (30) by the retaining portion (40).

[0086] The sealing portion (50) is positioned in contact with the electrical insulator (20). For example, the sealing portion (50) is positioned so as to be in close contact with the electrical insulator (20) with the electrical resistor (10) in between. With this configuration, it is possible to securely seal the space (144) below the bottom portion (143).

[0087] The sealing portion (50) is made of a water-repellent material. As an example, the sealing portion (50) is made of silicone. With this configuration, the liquid formed by the condensation of the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped substrate (150) is prevented from leaking into the space (144) located below the bottom portion (143).

[0088] <3. Supplement>

[0089] Although suitable embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is evident that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may conceive of various modifications or variations within the scope of the technical concept described in the claims, and these are also naturally understood to fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0090] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which one rigid body (30) forms an L-shape and two rigid bodies (30) form a T-shape, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. As an example, one rigid body (30) may be bent at an obtuse angle and two rigid bodies (30) may form a Y-shape. As another example, one rigid body (30) may be bent to form a J-shape. Even if the rigid body (30) has these shapes, the rigid body (30) exhibits strong rigidity against a force applied in the front-rear direction, making it possible to prevent the heating part (121) from bending in the front-rear direction.

[0091] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the boundary between the heating area (11) and the non-heating area (12) is located at the rear end (i.e., lower side) of the heating section (121) rather than at the end of the rigid body (30) at the rear end (i.e., lower side) of the heating section (121), but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The boundary between the heating area (11) and the non-heating area (12) may be located at the same position as the end of the rigid body (30) at the rear end (i.e., lower side) of the heating section (121). That is, the lower end of the heating area (11) may coincide with the lower end of the first part (31). By doing so, the heating area (11) can directly heat the rigid body (30) in the part of the heating section (121) that is inserted into the stick-shaped substrate (150). In addition, since the heating area (11) does not protrude from the lower side of the rigid body (30), that is, the part of the heating section (121) that is not inserted into the stick-type substrate (150), heat transfer to other components such as the power supply (111) can be prevented more reliably. Therefore, it is possible to prevent failure of the suction device (100) caused by heat.

[0092] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the heating unit (121) generates heat unevenly in the vertical direction by distributing the electric resistors (10) unevenly in the vertical direction of the non-heating area (12), but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the heating unit (121) may include a plurality of electric resistors (10) separated in the vertical direction. And, the control unit (116) may be able to control the power supply to each of the plurality of electric resistors (10). In that case, the control unit (116) may generate heat unevenly in the vertical direction of the heating unit (121) by controlling the power supply to each of the plurality of electric resistors (10). Even with such a configuration, it is possible to generate heat unevenly in the vertical direction of the heating unit (121).

[0093] For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the internal space (141) is a square prism is described as shown in FIG. 6, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The internal space (141) may take any shape, such as a cylindrical shape. In addition, the shape of the second part (32) of the rigid body (30) may be adjusted to follow the shape of the bottom surface of the receiving part (140).

[0094] In addition, the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0095] (1)

[0096] A power supply unit that supplies power, and

[0097] A heating unit for heating a substrate containing an aerosol source, and

[0098] A retaining part that retains the above heating part,

[0099] Equipped with,

[0100] The heating unit comprises an electric resistor that generates heat by power supplied from the power supply unit, a rigid body, and an electric insulator disposed between the electric resistor and the rigid body, and is inserted into the substrate.

[0101] The above rigid body has a first portion extending in a first direction in which the above material is inserted or removed, and a second portion extending in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0102] The above-mentioned retaining portion retains the second portion of the above-mentioned rigid body,

[0103] Aerosol generation system.

[0104] (2)

[0105] The above rigid body forms an L-shape with the first part and the second part,

[0106] The aerosol generating system described in (1) above.

[0107] (3)

[0108] The heating unit comprises two of the rigid bodies,

[0109] The two rigid bodies are arranged such that the electric resistor and the electric resistor are positioned between the two first parts, and the two second parts face in opposite directions.

[0110] The aerosol generating system described in (2) above.

[0111] (4)

[0112] The heating unit comprises two of the electrical insulators, and

[0113] The above electric resistor is sandwiched between two of the above electric insulators, and

[0114] The electric resistor and the electric insulator are fitted by the first part of the two rigid bodies,

[0115] The aerosol generating system described in (3) above.

[0116] (5)

[0117] In the portion of the heating part inserted into the substrate, the electric resistor is placed within the range fitted by the two electric insulators, and the two electric insulators are placed within the range fitted by the first portion of the two rigid bodies.

[0118] The aerosol generating system described in (4) above.

[0119] (6)

[0120] In the portion of the heating part inserted into the substrate, the ends of the first portions of the two rigid bodies that do not come into contact with the electrical insulator are joined together.

[0121] The aerosol generating system described in (5) above.

[0122] (7)

[0123] The above-mentioned retaining portion retains the second portion of the rigid body while spaced apart from the electrical insulator.

[0124] An aerosol generating system described in any one of (1) to (6) above.

[0125] (8)

[0126] The above aerosol generating system is,

[0127] A receiving portion having an internal space and an opening communicating the internal space to the outside, and receiving the material inserted into the internal space from the opening.

[0128] Equipped with,

[0129] The above-mentioned retaining portion retains the heating portion such that the tip of the heating portion protrudes from the bottom of the receiving portion in a direction toward the opening.

[0130] An aerosol generating system described in any one of (1) to (7) above.

[0131] (9)

[0132] The above aerosol generating system further comprises a sealing part that seals a hole installed in the above vaginal part.

[0133] The aerosol generating system described in (8) above.

[0134] (10)

[0135] The above-mentioned portion has a hole through which the electric resistor and the electric insulator pass,

[0136] The above-mentioned bag portion is fixed to the above-mentioned vagina portion and seals the hole,

[0137] The aerosol generating system described in (9) above.

[0138] (11)

[0139] The above-mentioned pouch portion is positioned on the opposite side of the second portion of the rigid body with the above-mentioned pouch portion in between.

[0140] The aerosol generating system described in (10) above.

[0141] (12)

[0142] The above-mentioned pouch portion is positioned in contact with the above-mentioned electrical insulator,

[0143] An aerosol generating system described in any one of the above (9) to (11).

[0144] (13)

[0145] The above-mentioned pouch is composed of silicone,

[0146] An aerosol generating system described in any one of the above (9) to (12).

[0147] (14)

[0148] The above-mentioned vagina is composed of PEEK,

[0149] An aerosol generating system described in any one of the above (1) to (13).

[0150] (15)

[0151] The above rigid body is composed of metal plates,

[0152] An aerosol generating system described in any one of the above (1) to (14).

[0153] (16)

[0154] The above rigid body is composed of SUS metal plates,

[0155] The aerosol generating system described in (15) above.

[0156] (17)

[0157] The above electrical insulator is composed of polyimide,

[0158] Aerosol generating system described in (1) to (16) above.

[0159] (18)

[0160] The above electrical insulator is composed of a film,

[0161] An aerosol generating system described in any one of the above (1) to (17).

[0162] (19)

[0163] The above electric resistor is composed of SUS,

[0164] An aerosol generating system described in any one of the above (1) to (18).

[0165] (20)

[0166] The above aerosol generating system comprises the above material,

[0167] An aerosol generating system described in any one of the above (1) to (19). Explanation of the symbols

[0168] 100 suction devices 111 Power supply 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification Department 114 Memory Section 115 Communications Department 116 Control Unit 121 Heating part 140 units 141 Interior space 142 openings 143 Low 150 stick-type materials 151 Ministry of Economy and Finance 152 intake part 10 electric resistors 11 heating zones 12 non-heated zones 20 electrical insulators 30 rigid bodies 31 Part 1 32 Part 2 40 pussy 41 holes 50 bags 60 internal components 70 exterior parts

Claims

Claim 1 The apparatus comprises a power supply unit for supplying power, a heating unit for heating a substrate containing an aerosol source, a receiving unit having an internal space and an opening communicating the internal space to the outside, and receiving the substrate inserted into the internal space from the opening, and a holding unit installed at the bottom of the receiving unit and holding the heating unit such that the tip of the heating unit protrudes from the bottom of the receiving unit toward the opening. The heating unit includes an electric resistor that generates heat by power supplied from the power supply unit, a rigid body, and an electric insulator disposed between the electric resistor and the rigid body, and is inserted into the substrate. The rigid body has a first part extending in a first direction in which the substrate is inserted or removed, and a second part extending in a second direction different from the first direction from the end of the first part. The holding unit An aerosol generating system that supports the second part of the rigid body bonded to the surface of one side of the internal space, and through which the electric resistor and the electric insulator pass through a hole installed in the support part. Claim 2 The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the rigid body forms an L-shape with the first part and the second part. Claim 3 An aerosol generating system according to claim 2, wherein the heating member comprises two of the rigid bodies, and the two rigid bodies are arranged such that the two second parts face in opposite directions, with the electric resistor and the electric insulator positioned between the two first parts. Claim 4 An aerosol generating system according to claim 3, wherein the heating member comprises two electrical insulators, the electrical resistor is sandwiched between the two electrical insulators, and the electrical resistor and the electrical insulator are sandwiched between the first portions of the two rigid bodies. Claim 5 An aerosol generating system according to claim 4, wherein, in the portion of the heating part inserted into the substrate, the electric resistor is placed within a range fitted by two electric insulators, and the two electric insulators are placed within a range fitted by the first portion of two rigid bodies. Claim 6 An aerosol generating system according to claim 5, wherein, in the portion of the heating part inserted into the substrate, the ends of the first portions of the two rigid bodies that do not come into contact with the electrical insulator are joined together. Claim 7 An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the retaining portion retains the second portion of the rigid body while being spaced apart from the electrical insulator. Claim 8 The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating system further comprises a sealing part that seals a hole installed in the vaginal part. Claim 9 In claim 8, the aerosol generating system, wherein the sealing portion is fixed to the retaining portion and seals the hole. Claim 10 An aerosol generating system according to claim 9, wherein the sealing portion is disposed on the opposite side of the second portion of the rigid body with the sealing portion in between. Claim 11 An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the encapsulation portion is disposed in contact with the electrical insulator. Claim 12 An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the encapsulation portion is composed of silicone. Claim 13 In any one of claims 1 to 6, the aerosol generating system, wherein the retaining portion is composed of PEEK. Claim 14 An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rigid body is composed of a metal plate. Claim 15 In claim 14, the aerosol generating system, wherein the rigid body is composed of a SUS metal plate. Claim 16 An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the electrical insulator is composed of polyimide. Claim 17 An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the electrical insulator is formed in the form of a film. Claim 18 An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the electric resistor is composed of SUS. Claim 19 In any one of claims 1 to 6, the aerosol generating system comprises the above-mentioned material. Claim 20 delete

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