CN207836767U - Aerosol generates equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device comprising: a housing; a protruding tube having a hollow shape and an opening opened outward, the protruding tube protruding from an end of the housing; a heater installed in the housing such that the end part located in the protruding tube, the heater is configured to generate heat when an electric signal is applied; and an accommodating part, the accommodating part includes a side wall, an insertion hole, and a bottom wall, the side wall constitutes an accommodating path for accommodating cigarettes, the insertion hole Opened toward the outside at the end of the accommodating path to allow insertion of cigarettes, the bottom wall is configured to close the opposite end of the accommodating path and has a heater hole for the end of the heater to pass through, and the accommodating portion is configured to be inserted into or detached from the protruding tube through the opening of the protruding tube.

Description

Aerosol generating equipment

Cross References to Related Applications

This application requires filing with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 16, 2016, April 11, 2017, June 19, 2017, September 6, 2017, August 9, 2017, and November 6, 2017, respectively. Priority claims of Korean patent applications filed with application numbers 10-2016-0172889, 10-2017-0046938, 10-2017-0077586, 10-2017-0113954, 10-2017-0100888, and 10-2017-0146623, which The disclosure of the Korean patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

technical field

The utility model relates to an aerosol generating device, more specifically, relates to an aerosol generating device that is easy to clean and convenient to use, and the aerosol generating device can be connected with the aerosol generating device due to the accommodating part used to accommodate cigarettes isolation with improved durability and stability.

Background technique

Recently, there has been an increasing need for an alternative to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been increased demand for methods of generating aerosols by heating aerosol-generating materials in cigarettes rather than by burning cigarettes. Therefore, research into heated cigarettes and heated aerosol generating devices is actively being conducted.

When the aerosol generating device including the heater heats the cigarettes by using electricity, the cigarettes heated by the heater and generating smoke are isolated from the aerosol generating device and discarded, and then new cigarettes may be inserted into the aerosol generating device.

Korean Registered Patent No. 10-1667124 relates to an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol by heating a cigarette, and discloses a structure of a holder that supports the operation of inserting a cigarette into the aerosol generating device, or inserting Operations in which cigarettes are segregated from aerosol-generating equipment.

In such aerosol-generating devices, the holder may not be completely detached from the device since the holder is arranged to move relative to the device. Therefore, as the period of use of the aerosol generating device increases, the connection between the holder and the device may become loose, the holder may be bent or deformed, and thus the holder may not move relative to the device. When the retainer fails as described above, the aerosol generating device may not function properly.

In addition, in order to install the holder so as to move relative to the aerosol generating device, an additional mechanism such as a guide rail is necessary, so that the structure of the aerosol generating device is complicated and the number of parts increases.

Additionally, when the user removes the cigarette from the holder after smoking, only a portion of the holder protrudes from the device, and the entire portion of the holder may not completely separate from the device. Consequently, polluting material produced during smoking accumulates in the device coupled to the holder. Accumulated polluting materials can contaminate the aerosol-generating device so that the performance of the device is reduced and the user may experience discomfort and inconvenience.

Contents of the invention

One or more embodiments include easy-to-use aerosol generating devices and aerosol generating methods.

Additionally, one or more embodiments include separate aerosol-generating devices and integrated aerosol-generating devices.

Additionally, one or more embodiments include an aerosol-generating device having improved durability and stability, with an interior space that can be maintained clean and manageable.

In addition, one or more embodiments include a non-transitory computer readable recording medium having a program for executing the aerosol generating method thereon. Additional aspects will be set forth in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the proposed embodiments.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device, which includes: a housing; a protruding tube having a hollow shape and an opening opened outward, the protruding tube protruding from an end of the housing; a heating a heater installed in the housing such that an end portion thereof is located in the protruding pipe, the heater configured to generate heat when an electric signal is applied; and an accommodating portion including a side wall, an insertion hole, and a bottom wall , the side wall constitutes a storage path for accommodating cigarettes, the insertion hole is opened toward the outside at the end of the storage path to allow insertion of cigarettes, the bottom wall is configured to close the opposite end of the storage path and has an end for a heater The heater hole through which the portion passes, and the accommodating portion is configured to be inserted into or separated from the protruding tube through the opening of the protruding tube.

The aerosol generating device may further include a cover having an external hole exposing the insertion hole of the receiving part to the outside, the cover being coupled to an end of the case to cover the receiving part and separated from the case.

An external air introduction gap that allows air at the outside of the cover to be introduced into the inside of the cover may be provided at the coupling portion between the cover and the housing, and the accommodating portion may also include surrounding the side wall in the radial direction of the side wall And the outer wall separated from the side wall, when the protruding tube is inserted between the outer wall and the side wall, the accommodating part and the protruding tube can be coupled to each other, an air circulation gap can be provided at the coupling part between the outer wall of the accommodating part and the protruding tube , the air circulation gap allows air at the outside of the receiving part to be introduced into the receiving part, and the protruding tube may further comprise air holes through which air passes through the air hole.

The aerosol generating device may further include a cover including a door for exposing the insertion hole of the receiving part to the outside, and the cover is connected to the receiving part, wherein the receiving part may be coupled to the cover and detached from the case together with the cover.

An external air introduction gap that allows air at the outside of the cover to be introduced into the cover may be provided at a coupling portion between the cover and the case, and the protruding tube may further include an air hole through which the air passes toward the The ends of the cigarettes contained in the containing portion are passed.

The aerosol generating device may further include a protrusion part protruding from the protrusion tube and penetrating a side wall of the receiving part to support the cigarettes received in the receiving part.

The diameter of the accommodating path of the accommodating portion may be larger than that of the cigarettes accommodated in the accommodating path, the sidewall may include a through hole through which the protruding portion penetrates, and the protruding portion protrudes from the surface of the accommodating path toward the cigarette to contact the outer surface of the cigarette.

The protruding portion may include a plurality of protruding portions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction relative to the center of the cigarette at the outer surface of the cigarette to form a space for air to flow between adjacent protruding portions therealong. flow path, and the through hole may include a plurality of through holes corresponding to the protruding portion.

The protruding portion may include a plurality of protruding portions spaced apart from each other along the outer surface of the cigarette in the length direction of the cigarette, and the through hole may extend along the length direction of the accommodating path to allow the plurality of protruding portions to pass through. through it.

The protruding portion may extend in a circumferential direction relative to the center of the cigarette to partially contact an outer surface of the cigarette in the circumferential direction and form a flow path along which air flows.

The protruding portion may have an inclined surface in the length direction of the accommodating path to guide movement of the cigarette when the cigarette is moved to be inserted into the accommodating path.

The bottom wall may also include a bottom protrusion protruding so as to support the bottom surface at the end of the cigarette.

The bottom wall may also include a connection passage connected to the space between the outer surface of the cigarette and the containing path.

The bottom wall may further include a lower bottom protrusion protruding toward a lower surface of the protruding pipe to guide air at an exterior of the bottom wall toward the heater hole.

The aerosol generating device may further include: a cover having an external hole exposing the insertion hole of the accommodating part to the outside, the cover being coupled to the case to cover the accommodating part and separated from the case; The inner wall of the hole supports the cigarettes inserted into the insertion hole and the outer hole, wherein when the cover is separated from the case, the coupled state of the cigarette and the cover can be maintained.

The receiving part may further include a discharge hole formed by partially cutting the side wall so that the receiving path is exposed to and leads to the outside of the side wall and a cleaning operation is performed in the receiving part.

The aerosol generating device may further include a slit formed through the side wall to connect the receiving path to the outside of the receiving part, and the slit extends along a longitudinal direction of the side wall.

The diameter of the accommodating path may gradually decrease toward the end of the cigarettes accommodated in the accommodating path.

The protruding tube may further include an air hole penetrating the protruding tube to allow air to pass therethrough, and the bottom wall may further include an air guiding recess having one end connected to the air hole and an opposite end connected to the heater hole , to direct the air protruding outside the tube towards the heater hole.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a view showing the configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment;

2A and 2B are perspective views of a retainer from various angles, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a view showing the configuration of a bracket according to an embodiment;

4A and 4B are perspective views of a bracket from various angles, according to an embodiment;

5 is a view illustrating an example of inserting a holder into a bracket according to an embodiment;

6 is a view illustrating an example in which a holder inserted into a bracket is inclined according to an embodiment;

7A and 7B are views illustrating an example of inserting a holder into a bracket according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of holder and bracket operation according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an example of holder operation according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for illustrating an example of the operation of the cradle according to an embodiment;

11 is a view showing an example of inserting cigarettes into a holder according to an embodiment;

12A and 12B are views showing the configuration of a cigarette according to an embodiment;

13A to 13F are views of a cooling structure of a cigarette according to an embodiment;

Figure 14 is a side view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

Figure 15A is a perspective view of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 14;

FIG. 15B is a perspective view exemplarily showing an operating state of the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 15A;

16A is a side view exemplarily showing the operating state of the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 15A;

16B is a side view exemplarily showing another operating state of the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 15A;

17 is a side view exemplarily showing another operating state of the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 15A;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 17 seen from a different angle;

Figure 19 is a top view of some components of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 18;

Figure 20 is a perspective view of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 17 seen from a different angle;

Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of some components of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 16;

22 is an enlarged view of a portion of the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 21 configured to show air flow;

Figure 23 is an enlarged view of a portion of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 22;

24 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of a portion of an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment;

25 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of a portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

26 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of a portion of an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment;

27 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of a portion of an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment;

28 is a perspective view exemplarily showing an operating state of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

Fig. 29 is a perspective view showing the operational state after some components have been removed from the aerosol generating device of Fig. 28;

Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of some components of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 29;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view illustrating an operational state in which some components are separated from the aerosol generating device of FIG. 28;

Figure 32 is a bottom perspective view of some components of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 29; and

FIG. 33 is a view exemplarily showing an operation state when some components of FIG. 32 are used.

Detailed ways

All terms including descriptive or technical terms used herein should be interpreted to have meanings that are obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. However, these terms may have different meanings according to intentions of those of ordinary skill in the art, precedents, or appearance of new technologies. In addition, some terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant. In this case, the meaning of selected terms will be described in the detailed description. Therefore, the terms used herein must be defined based on the meanings of the terms together with the descriptions throughout the specification.

In addition, when a component “includes” or “includes” an element, unless there is a specific description to the contrary, the component may also include other elements, but other elements are not excluded. In the following description, terms such as "unit" and "module" denote a unit for processing at least one function or operation, where units and blocks may be realized as hardware or software, or may be implemented by a combination of hardware and software to fulfill.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various forms, and should not be limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

One or more embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a view showing the configuration of an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment.

Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol-generating device (hereinafter, referred to as "holder" or "holder device", "aerosol-generating device", holder and holder device are the same and therefore may be used interchangeably herein ”)1 includes a battery 110, a controller 120, and a heater 130. In addition, the holder 1 has an inner space defined by the housing 140 . Cigarettes can be inserted into the inner space of the holder 1 .

Only elements of the holder 1 that are relevant to the present embodiment are shown in FIG. 1 . Therefore, those of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that general-purpose elements other than those shown in FIG. 1 may also be included in the holder 1 .

When cigarettes are inserted into the holder 1 , the holder 1 heats the heater 130 . The temperature of the aerosol-generating material in the cigarette is increased by the heater 130 to generate an aerosol. The resulting aerosol is delivered to the user through the filter of the cigarette. However, the holder 1 can heat the heater 130 even when cigarettes are not inserted into the holder 1 .

The housing 140 can be separated from the holder 1 . For example, the user can detach the housing 140 from the holder 1 by turning the housing 140 clockwise or counterclockwise.

In addition, the diameter of the hole formed in the end 141 of the housing 140 may have a diameter smaller than that of the space formed by the housing 140 and the heater 130, and in this case, the cigarette inserted into the holder 1 may be guided. .

The battery 110 supplies electric power for operating the holder 1 . For example, the battery 110 may supply power to heat the heater 130 and may supply power required to operate the controller 120 . In addition, the battery 110 may supply electric power required to operate a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. provided in the holder 1 .

Battery 110 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. For example, the battery 110 may be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery or a lithium titanate battery.

In addition, the battery 110 may have, but is not limited to, a cylindrical shape having a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 37 mm. The capacity of the battery 110 may be equal to or greater than 120mAh, and the battery 110 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, when the battery 110 is a rechargeable battery, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 110 may be but not limited to 10C, and the discharge rate (C-rate) of the battery 110 may be but not limited to 20C. In addition, for stable use, the battery 110 may be manufactured to retain more than 80% of the total capacity even after 8000 charge/discharge cycles.

Whether the battery 110 is fully charged or fully discharged may be determined by the level of electrical energy stored in the battery 110 relative to the total capacity of the battery 110 . For example, when the electric energy stored in the battery 110 is equal to or greater than 95% of the total capacity, it may be determined that the battery 110 is fully charged. Also, when the electric energy stored in the battery 110 is equal to or less than 10% of the total capacity, it may be determined that the battery 110 is fully discharged. However, the criteria for determining whether the battery 100 is fully charged or fully discharged is not limited thereto.

The heater 130 is heated by electric energy supplied from the battery 110 . When a cigarette is inserted into the holder 1, the heater 130 is located in the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 130 can increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material in the cigarette.

The heater 130 may have a shape obtained by combining a cylindrical shape and a cone shape. The heater 130 may have a diameter ranging from about 2mm to about 3mm. Preferably, the heater 130 may be manufactured to have, but not limited to, a diameter of 2.15 mm. In addition, the heater 130 may have a length ranging from about 20 mm to about 30 mm. Preferably, the heater 130 may be manufactured to have, but not limited to, a length of 19 mm. In addition, the end portion 131 of the heater 130 may be processed to have, but not limited to, an acute angle. In other words, the heater 130 may have any shape as long as the heater 130 can be inserted into a cigarette. In addition, only a portion of the heater 130 may be heated. For example, when it is assumed that the length of the heater 130 is 19 mm, a portion extending from the end portion 131 of the heater 130 to a position 12 mm away from the end portion 131 of the heater 130 may be heated, and the remaining portion of the heater 130 may not be heated. .

The heater 130 may be a resistance heater. For example, heater 130 may include a conductive trace, and when current flows through the conductive trace, heater 130 may be heated.

For stable use, electric power may be supplied to the heater 130 under standard conditions of 3.2V, 2.4A, and 8W, but not limited thereto. For example, when power is supplied to the heater 130, the surface temperature of the heater 130 may increase to 400° C. or higher. The surface temperature of the heater 130 may increase to about 350° C. before 15 seconds elapse from power supply to the heater 130 .

A separate temperature sensor can be provided in the holder 1 . Alternatively, a temperature sensor may not be provided in the holder 1, and the heater 130 may be used as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the heater 130 of the holder 1 may be used as a temperature sensor, and a separate temperature sensor may be additionally provided in the holder 1 . In order for the heater 130 to function as a temperature sensor, at least one conductive trace may be included in the heater 130 for generating heat and sensing temperature. In addition, a first conductive trace for generating heat and a second conductive trace for sensing temperature may be respectively included in the heater 130 .

For example, the resistance R can be determined by measuring the voltage applied to the second conductive trace and the current flowing through the second conductive trace. In this case, the temperature T of the second conductive trace can be determined by using Equation 1 .

R＝R ₀ {1+α(TT ₀ )}…(1)

In Equation 1, R represents the current resistance value of the second conductive trace, R ₀ represents the resistance value at a temperature of T ₀ (eg, 0° C.), and α represents the temperature coefficient of resistance of the second conductive trace . Since conductive materials (eg, metals) have an inherent temperature coefficient of resistance, the temperature coefficient of resistance "α" of the second conductive trace may be predetermined according to the conductive material of the second conductive trace. Therefore, once the resistance R of the second conductive trace is determined, the temperature T of the second conductive trace can be calculated by using Equation 1 .

The heater 130 may include at least one conductive trace (eg, a first conductive trace and a second conductive trace). For example, heater 130 may include, but is not limited to, two first conductive traces and one or two second conductive traces.

The conductive traces include resistive material. For example, the conductive traces may be formed from metallic materials. Alternatively, the conductive traces may be formed from conductive ceramic materials, carbon, metal alloys, or composites of ceramic materials and metals.

Additionally, the holder 1 may comprise a temperature sensor and conductive traces acting as temperature sensors.

The controller 120 may control the overall operation of the holder 1 . In detail, the controller 120 not only controls the operations of the battery 110 and the heater 130 but also controls the operations of other elements included in the holder 1 . In addition, the controller 120 may determine whether the holder 1 is operable by checking the state of elements of the holder 1 .

Control 120 includes at least one processor. A processor may include an array of logic gates, or may include a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the controller 120 may include another type of hardware.

For example, the controller 120 may control the operation of the heater 130 . The controller 120 may control the power supplied to the heater 130 and the time to supply the power to the heater 130 so that the heater 130 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature. In addition, the controller 120 may check the state of the battery 110 (eg, the remaining charge of the battery 110 ), and if necessary, may generate a notification signal.

In addition, the controller 120 may check whether the user is puffing and the puffing strength, and may count the number of puffs. In addition, the controller 120 may continuously check when the holder 1 is operating. In addition, the controller 120 may check whether the bracket 2 to be described below is coupled to the holder 1 and may control the operation of the holder 1 according to whether the bracket 2 is coupled to or detached from the holder 1 .

The holder 1 may include general elements in addition to the battery 110, the controller 120, and the heater 130.

For example, the holder 1 may include a display for outputting visual information or a motor for outputting tactile information. For example, when the display is included in the holder 1, the controller 120 may send information to the user about the status of the holder 1 (for example, whether the holder 1 can be used), information about the heater 130 (for example, to start warming up). hot, warming up is being performed, or warming up is complete), information about the battery 110 (for example, the remaining charge of the battery 110 or whether the battery 110 can be used), information related to the reset of the holder 1 (for example, reset time , reset in progress or reset complete), information related to the cleaning of holder 1 (e.g. cleaning time, cleaning required, cleaning in progress or cleaning complete), information related to charging of holder 1 (e.g. charging, charging is being performed, or charging has been completed), puff-related information (such as the number of puffs or puff end notification), or safety-related information (such as usage time). Alternatively, when a motor is included in the holder 1, the controller 120 may generate a vibration signal by using the motor, and may transmit the above information to the user.

Additionally, the holder 1 may comprise at least one input device (eg a button) with which the user controls the functions of the holder 1 and/or a terminal coupled to the cradle 2 . For example, the user can perform various functions by using the input device of the holder 1 . Desired functions among the functions of the holder 1 can be performed by adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device (for example, once or twice) or the time for which the user presses the input device (for example, 0.1 second or 0.2 seconds). When the user operates the input device, the holder 1 can perform but not limited to the function of heating the heater 130, the function of adjusting the temperature of the heater 130, the function of cleaning the space where the cigarette is inserted, the function of checking whether the holder 1 is operable, displaying A function of the remaining amount (available electric power) of the battery 110 and a function of resetting the holder 1 .

For example, the holder 1 can clean a space where cigarettes are inserted by controlling the heater 130 as follows. For example, the holder 1 can clean the space where the cigarettes are inserted by heating the heater 130 to a sufficiently high temperature. A sufficiently high temperature means a sufficiently high temperature to clean the space in which the cigarette is inserted. For example, the holder 1 may heat the heater 130 to, but not limited to, the highest temperature within the temperature range of aerosols that may be generated in the inserted cigarette and the temperature range at which the heater 130 is preheated.

In addition, the holder 1 may maintain the temperature of the heater 130 at a sufficiently high temperature for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined period of time refers to a time long enough to clean the space into which the cigarette is inserted. For example, the holder 1 may maintain the temperature of the heated heater 130 for a predetermined period of time ranging from about 10 seconds to 10 minutes without limitation. Preferably, the holder 1 can maintain the temperature of the heated heater 130 for a predetermined period of time ranging from about 20 seconds to about 1 minute. In addition, preferably, the holder 1 can maintain the temperature of the heated heater 130 for a predetermined time ranging from about 20 seconds to about 1.5 minutes.

When the holder 1 heats the heater 130 to a sufficiently high temperature and maintains the temperature of the heated heater 130 for a predetermined period of time, deposits are deposited on the surface of the heater 130 and/or in the space where the cigarette is inserted. The material is evaporated, resulting in a cleaning effect.

Additionally, the holder 1 may comprise a puff sensor, a temperature sensor and/or a cigarette insertion sensor. For example, the puff sensor can be an ordinary pressure sensor. Alternatively, the holder 1 may sense draw based on a change in resistance of a conductive trace included in the heater 130, without including a separate draw sensor. The conductive traces include conductive traces for generating heat and/or conductive traces for sensing temperature. Alternatively, the holder 1 may include a separate suction sensor and be configured to sense suction in addition to the conductive traces included in the heater 130 .

The cigarette insertion sensor may be a general capacitive sensor or a resistive sensor. In addition, the holder 1 may have a structure that can introduce/exhaust outside air even in a state where cigarettes are inserted.

2A and 2B are perspective views of the holder 1 seen from various directions according to one embodiment.

Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the holder 1 seen in a first direction according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2A , the retainer 1 may be manufactured to have, but not limited to, a cylindrical shape. The housing 140 of the holder 1 can be detached by the user and a cigarette can be inserted into the end 141 of the housing 140 . In addition, a button 150 for the user to control the holder 1 and a display 160 to output an image may be included in the holder 1 .

Fig. 2B is a perspective view of the holder 1 seen in a second direction according to an embodiment. The holder 1 may include a terminal 170 coupled to the bracket 2 . When the terminal 170 of the holder 1 is coupled to the terminal 260 of the cradle 2 , the battery 110 of the holder 1 can be charged by electrical energy supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2 . In addition, the holder 1 can operate due to power supplied from the battery 210 of the cradle 2 through the terminal 170 and the terminal 260 , and can communicate (for example, signal transmission/reception) between the holder 1 and the cradle 2 . For example, terminal 170 may include, but is not limited to, three or four microneedles.

FIG. 3 is a view showing the configuration of the bracket 2 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the cradle 2 includes a battery 210 and a controller 220 . In addition, the bracket 2 includes an inner space 230 into which the holder 1 can be inserted. For example, the inner space 230 may be formed on one side of the bracket 2 . Therefore, even when the bracket 2 does not include a separate cover, the holder 1 can be fixedly inserted into the bracket 2 .

Only those elements of the bracket 2 that are relevant to the present embodiment are shown in FIG. 3 . Therefore, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that general elements other than those shown in FIG. 3 may also be included in the bracket 2 .

The battery 210 supplies electric power for operating the cradle 2 . In addition, the battery 210 can supply electrical energy to charge the battery 110 of the holder 1 . For example, when the holder 1 is to be inserted into the holder 2 and the terminal of the holder 1 is coupled to the terminal 260 of the holder 2, the battery 210 of the holder 2 may supply power to the battery 110 of the holder 1 .

In addition, the battery 210 may supply electric power for operating the holder 1 when the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are coupled to each other. For example, when the terminal 170 of the holder 1 and the terminal 260 of the cradle 2 are coupled to each other, the holder 1 can be operated by using electric energy supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2, regardless of whether the battery 110 of the holder 1 is discharged .

For example, battery 210 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium-ion battery. In addition, the capacity of the battery 210 may be greater than that of the battery 110 . For example, the capacity of the battery 210 may be equal to or greater than, but not limited to, 3000mAh.

The controller 220 controls the overall operation of the carriage 2 . The controller 220 may control operations of all elements of the carriage 2 . In addition, the controller 220 may determine whether the holder 1 and the bracket 2 are coupled to each other, and may control the operation of the bracket 2 according to whether the bracket 2 and the holder 1 are coupled or separated from each other.

For example, when the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are coupled to each other, the controller 220 may charge the battery 110 or heat the heater 130 by supplying power of the battery 210 to the holder 1 . Therefore, even when the remaining power of the battery 110 is small, the user can smoke continuously by coupling the holder 1 to the cradle 2 .

Control 220 includes at least one processor. A processor may include an array of logic gates, or may include a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the controller 220 may include another type of hardware.

The cradle 2 may include general elements in addition to the battery 210 and the controller 220 . For example, the cradle 2 may include a display for outputting visual information. For example, when the display is included in the cradle 2, the controller 220 may generate a signal to be displayed on the display, and may transmit information related to the battery 220 (for example, the remaining power of the battery 220 or whether the battery can be used) to the user. 220), information related to the reset of the carriage 2 (for example, reset time, performing reset or reset completed), information related to cleaning the holder 1 (for example, cleaning time, cleaning required, performing cleaning , or cleaning complete), or information related to charging of the cradle 2 (for example, charging required, charging in progress, or charging complete).

Additionally, the cradle 2 may include at least one input device (e.g., a button) for the user to control the functions of the cradle 2, a terminal 260 coupled to the holder 1, and/or an interface for charging the battery 210 (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) port).

For example, the user can perform various functions by using the input device of the cradle 2 . A desired function among the functions of the cradle 2 may be performed by adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device or the time the user presses the input device. When the user operates the input device, the tray 2 can perform, but not limited to, the function of preheating the heater 130 of the holder 1, the function of adjusting the temperature of the heater 130 of the holder 1, cleaning the space where the cigarettes of the holder 1 are inserted , a function of checking whether the cradle 2 is operable, a function of displaying the remaining power (available power) of the battery 210 of the cradle 2 , and a function of resetting the cradle 2 .

4A and 4B are perspective views of the bracket 2 seen in various directions, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the bracket 2 seen in a first direction according to an embodiment. A space 230 into which the holder 1 can be inserted is formed on one side of the bracket 2 . Also, even when the bracket 2 does not include a separate fixing unit such as a cover, the holder 1 can be fixedly inserted into the bracket 2 . In addition, a button 240 for the user to control the cradle 2 and a display 250 to output an image may be included in the cradle 2 .

Fig. 4B is a perspective view of the bracket 2 seen in a second direction according to an embodiment. A terminal 260 coupled to the holder 1 may be included in the bracket 2 . When the terminal 260 is coupled to the terminal 170 of the holder 1 , the battery 110 of the holder 1 can be charged with electrical energy supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2 . In addition, the holder 1 can operate due to power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2 and can transmit/receive signals between the holder 1 and the cradle 2 through the terminal 170 and the terminal 260 . For example, terminal 260 may include, but is not limited to, four microneedles.

As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4B , the holder 1 may be inserted into the inner space 230 of the bracket 2 . In addition, the holder 1 may be completely inserted into the bracket 2 , or may be inclined in a state where the holder 1 is inserted into the bracket 2 . An example in which the holder 1 is inserted into the bracket 2 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7B .

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of inserting the holder 1 into the bracket 2 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the holder 1 is inserted into the bracket 2 . Since the space 230 into which the holder 1 is inserted is formed on one side of the bracket 2 , the inserted holder 1 may not be exposed through the other side of the bracket 2 . Therefore, the bracket 2 may not include other elements (for example, a cover) for preventing the holder 1 from being exposed to the outside.

At least one adhesive member (for example, 271 and 272 ) for increasing the adhesive force between the bracket 2 and the holder 1 may be included in the bracket 2 . In addition, at least one adhesive member 181 may be included in the holder 1 . The adhesive members 181, 271, and 272 may be, but are not limited to, magnets. Although the holder 1 includes one adhesive member 181 and the bracket 2 includes two adhesive members 271 and 272 in FIG. 5 for convenience of explanation, the number of adhesive members is not limited thereto.

The holder 1 may include the adhesive member 181 at the first position, and the bracket 2 may include the adhesive members 271 and 272 at the second and third positions, respectively. In this case, when the holder 1 is inserted into the bracket 2, the first position and the third position may face each other.

Since the adhesive members 181, 271, and 272 are included in the holder 1 and the bracket 2, even when the holder 1 is inserted into one side of the bracket 2, the holder 1 and the bracket 2 can be more firmly connected to each other. In other words, since the adhesive members 181 , 271 , and 272 are further included in the holder 1 and the bracket 2 in addition to the terminals 170 and 260 , the holder 1 and the bracket 2 may be more firmly coupled to each other. Therefore, even when the cradle 2 does not include a separate element such as a cover, the inserted holder 1 is not easily separated from the cradle 2 .

In addition, when it is determined that the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2 due to the terminals 170 and 260 and/or the adhesive members 181, 271, and 272, the controller 220 may use the power of the battery 210 to power the battery 110 of the holder 1. Charge.

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example in which the holder 1 inserted into the bracket 2 is inclined according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the holder 1 is tilted in the bracket 2 . When the holder 1 is inclined, it means that the holder 1 inserted into the bracket 2 is inclined at a predetermined angle.

When the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2 as shown in FIG. 5 , the user cannot smoke. In other words, when the holder 1 is fully inserted into the tray 2, cigarettes cannot be inserted into the holder 1 . Therefore, the user cannot smoke a cigarette in a state where the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2 .

When the holder 1 is inclined as shown in FIG. 6 , the end portion 141 of the holder 1 is exposed to the outside. Therefore, the user can insert a cigarette into the end portion 141 and can smoke by inhaling the generated aerosol. The angle of inclination θ may be an angle at which the cigarette is not bent or damaged when the cigarette is inserted into the end portion 141 of the holder 1 . For example, the holder 1 may be inclined at a minimum angle larger than that at which the cigarette insertion hole of the end portion 141 is completely exposed to the outside. For example, the inclination angle θ may be greater than 0° and equal to or less than 180°, and may preferably be equal to or greater than 5° and equal to or less than 90°. More preferably, the inclination angle θ may be equal to or greater than 5° and equal to or less than 20°, equal to or greater than 5° and equal to or less than 30°, equal to or greater than 5° and equal to or less than 40°, equal to or greater than 5° and equal to Or less than 50°, or equal to or greater than 5° and equal to or less than 60°. More preferably, the inclination angle θ may be 10°.

In addition, even when the holder 1 is inclined, the terminal 170 of the holder 1 and the terminal 260 of the bracket 2 are coupled to each other. Accordingly, the heater 130 of the holder 1 can be heated by electric power supplied from the battery 210 of the cradle 2 . Therefore, even when the battery 110 of the holder 1 has little or no remaining power, the holder 1 can generate aerosol by using the battery 210 of the cradle 2 .

In FIG. 6 , the holder 1 includes one adhesive member 182 , and the bracket 2 includes two adhesive members 273 and 274 . For example, the positions of the bonding members 182, 273, and 274 are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 5 . When it is assumed that the adhesive parts 182, 273, and 274 are magnets, the magnetic field strength of the adhesive part 274 may be greater than that of the adhesive part 273. Therefore, even when the holder 1 is inclined, the holder 1 may not be completely separated from the bracket 2 due to the adhesive member 182 and the adhesive member 274 .

In addition, when it is determined that the holder 1 is inclined, the controller 220 may heat the heater 130 of the holder 1, or the battery may be heated by using the power of the battery 210 due to the terminals 170 and 260 and/or the adhesive members 182, 273 and 274. 110 charging.

7A and 7B are views showing an example of inserting the holder 1 into the bracket 2 according to an embodiment.

In FIG. 7A , the holder 1 is fully inserted into the bracket 2 . The inner space 230 of the bracket 2 may be large enough to minimize the user's contact with the holder 1 when the holder 1 is fully inserted into the bracket 2 . When the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2 , the controller 220 supplies power to the holder 1 to charge the battery 110 of the holder 1 .

In FIG. 7B, the holder 1 inserted into the bracket 2 is inclined. When the holder 1 is tilted, the controller 220 supplies power of the battery 210 to the holder 1 to charge the battery 110 of the holder 1 or heat the heater 130 of the holder 1 .

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operations of the holder 1 and the bracket 2 according to an embodiment.

The method of generating an aerosol of FIG. 8 includes operations sequentially performed by the holder 1 of FIG. 1 or the bracket 2 of FIG. 3 . Therefore, although a description of the holder 1 of FIG. 1 and the bracket 2 of FIG. 3 is omitted, it may be applied to the method of FIG. 8 .

In operation 810 , the holder 1 determines whether the holder 1 is inserted into the bracket 2 . For example, the controller 120 may determine whether the holder 1 is inserted into the bracket 2 according to whether the terminals 170 and 260 of the holder 1 and the bracket 2 are connected to each other and/or whether the adhesive members 181, 271, and 272 operate.

When it is determined in operation 810 that the holder 1 is inserted into the bracket 2 , the method proceeds to operation 820 . When it is determined in operation 810 that the holder 1 is separated from the bracket 2 , the method proceeds to operation 830 .

In operation 820, the bracket 2 determines whether the holder 1 is inclined. For example, the controller 220 may determine whether the holder 1 is tilted according to whether the terminals 170 and 260 of the holder 1 and the bracket 2 are connected to each other and/or whether the adhesive members 182, 273, and 274 are operated.

Although the bracket 2 determines whether the holder 1 is tilted in operation 820, the embodiment is not limited thereto. In other words, whether the holder 1 is inclined may be determined by the controller 120 of the holder 1 .

When it is determined in operation 820 that the holder 1 is inclined, the method proceeds to operation 840 . When it is determined in operation 820 that the holder 1 is not inclined (ie, when the holder 1 is fully inserted into the bracket 2 ), the method proceeds to operation 870 .

In operation 830, the holder 1 determines whether a condition for using the holder 1 is satisfied. For example, the controller 120 may determine whether the condition for using the holder 1 is satisfied by checking the remaining power of the battery 110 and whether other elements of the holder 1 can operate normally.

When it is determined in operation 830 that the condition for using the holder 1 is satisfied, the method proceeds to operation 840, otherwise the method ends.

In operation 840, the holder 1 notifies the user that the holder 1 can be used. For example, the controller 120 may output an image on the display of the holder 1 indicating that the holder 1 can be used, or may generate a vibration signal by controlling a motor of the holder 1 .

In operation 850, the heater 130 is heated. For example, when the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2, the heater 130 may be heated by electric energy of the battery 110 of the holder 1 . Alternatively, the heater 130 may be heated by the electric power of the battery 210 of the cradle 2 when the holder 1 is tilted.

The controller 120 of the holder 1 or the controller 220 of the bracket 22 may adjust the power supplied to the heater 130 and the time to supply power to the heater 130 by checking the temperature of the heater 130 in real time. For example, the controller 120 or 220 may check the temperature of the heater 130 in real time by using a temperature sensor included in the holder 1 or a conductive trace of the heater 130 .

In operation 860, the holder 1 implements the aerosol generating mechanism. For example, the controller 120 or 220 may adjust the power supplied to the heater 130 or cut off the power supply to the heater 130 by checking the temperature of the heater 130 which varies with the user's puff. In addition, the controller 120 or 220 may count the number of suctions, and when the number of suctions reaches a predetermined number (for example, 1500 times), may output information indicating that the holder 1 needs to be cleaned.

In operation 870 , the cradle 2 charges the holder 1 . For example, the controller 220 may charge the holder 1 by supplying power of the battery 210 of the cradle 2 to the battery 110 of the holder 1 .

The controller 120 or 220 may stop the operation of the holder 1 according to the number of puffs of the user or the operation time of the holder 1 . An example in which the controller 120 or 220 stops the operation of the holder 1 will now be described with reference to FIG. 9 .

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the holder 1 according to another embodiment.

The method of generating an aerosol of FIG. 9 includes operations sequentially performed by the holder 1 of FIG. 1 and the bracket 2 of FIG. 3 . Therefore, although the description of the holder 1 of FIG. 1 and the bracket 2 of FIG. 3 is omitted, it can be applied to the method of FIG. 9 .

In operation 910, the controller 120 or 220 determines whether the user takes a puff. For example, the controller 120 or 220 may determine whether the user takes a puff by using a puff sensor included in the holder 1 . Alternatively, the controller 120 or 220 may determine whether the user takes a puff by using a change in resistance of a conductive trace included in the heater 130 . The conductive traces include conductive traces for generating heat and/or conductive traces for sensing temperature. Alternatively, the controller 120 or 220 may determine whether the user puffs by using both a puff sensor and a change in resistance of a conductive trace included in the heater 130 .

In operation 920, an aerosol is generated when the user takes a breath. As described with reference to FIG. 8 , the controller 120 or 220 may adjust the power supplied to the heater 130 according to the user's puff and the temperature of the heater 130 . In addition, the controller 120 or 220 also counts the number of puffs performed by the user.

In operation 930, the controller 120 or 220 determines whether the number of puffs performed by the user is equal to or greater than the puff limit number. For example, when it is assumed that the limited number of puffs is set to 14, the controller 120 or 220 determines whether the calculated number of puffs is equal to or greater than 14 or not. However, the number of times of puff restriction is not limited to 14. For example, the puff limit number may be set to any suitable number ranging from ten to sixteen.

When the number of puffs performed by the user is close to the puff limit number (for example, when the number of puffs performed by the user is 12), the controller 120 or 220 may output a warning signal by using a display or a vibration motor.

When the number of puffs performed by the user is equal to or greater than the puff limit number, the method proceeds to operation 950 . When the number of puffs performed by the user is less than the puff limit number, the method proceeds to operation 940 .

In operation 940, the controller 120 or 220 determines whether the operation time of the holder 1 is equal to or greater than the operation limit time. The operation time of the holder 1 refers to a period of time accumulated from the time when the holder 1 starts operating to the current time. For example, when the operation limit time is set to 10 minutes, the controller 120 or 220 determines whether the holder 1 is operated for more than 10 minutes.

When the operation time of the holder 1 is close to the operation limit time (for example, when the holder 1 is operated for 8 minutes), the controller 120 or 220 may output a warning signal by using a display or a vibration motor.

When the operation time of the holder 1 is equal to or greater than the operation limit time, the method proceeds to operation 950 . When the operation time of the holder 1 is less than the operation limit time, the method proceeds to operation 920 .

In operation 950, the controller 120 or 220 forcibly terminates the operation of the holder 1 . In other words, the controller 120 or 220 stops the aerosol generating mechanism of the holder 1 . For example, the controller 120 or 220 may forcibly terminate the operation of the holder 1 by cutting off the power supply to the heater 130 .

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the carriage 2 according to an embodiment.

The method of FIG. 10 includes operations performed by the carriage 2 of FIG. 3 in chronological order. Therefore, the description of the bracket 2 of FIG. 3 may also be applied to the method of FIG. 10 although omitted.

Although the operation of the cradle 2 is not shown in FIG. 10 , it can be performed regardless of whether the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 or not.

In operation 1010, the controller 220 of the cradle 2 determines whether the button 240 is pressed. When it is determined in operation 1010 that the button 240 is pressed, the method proceeds to operation 1020 . When it is determined in operation 1010 that the button 240 is not pressed, the method proceeds to operation 1030 .

In operation 1020 , the cradle 2 displays the status of the battery 210 . For example, the controller 220 may output information on the current state (eg, remaining power) of the battery 210 to the display 250 .

In operation 1030 , the controller 220 of the cradle 2 determines whether a cable is connected to the cradle 2 . For example, the controller 220 determines whether a cable is connected to an interface (for example, a USB port) included in the cradle 2 . When it is determined in operation 1030 that the cable is connected to the bracket 2, the method proceeds to operation 1040, otherwise the method ends.

In operation 1040, the cradle 2 performs a charging operation. For example, the cradle 2 charges the battery 210 with power supplied through the connected cable.

Cigarettes can be inserted into the holder 1 as described with reference to FIG. 1 . The cigarette includes an aerosol generating material, and the aerosol is generated by the heater 130 being heated.

The cigarettes that may be inserted into the holder 1 will now be described with reference to Figures 11 to 13F.

Fig. 11 is a view showing an example of inserting cigarettes 3 into the holder 1 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11 , a cigarette 3 can be inserted into the holder 1 through the end 141 of the housing 140 . The heater 130 is located in the cigarette 3 when the cigarette 3 is inserted. Accordingly, the aerosol-generating material 3 of the cigarette is heated by the heated heater 130 to generate an aerosol.

Cigarette 3 may resemble a traditional combustible cigarette. For example, a cigarette 3 may include a first section 310 comprising an aerosol-generating material and a second section 320 comprising a filter, and so on. A cigarette 3 according to an embodiment may comprise an aerosol-generating material in the second section 320 . For example, an aerosol-generating material in the form of particles or capsules may be inserted into the second section 320 .

The entire first section 310 may be inserted into the holder 1, and the second section 320 may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first section 310 may also be inserted into the holder 1 , or a part of the first section 310 and the second section 320 may be inserted into the holder 1 .

The user may inhale the aerosol in a state where the user holds the second section 320 between the lips. In this case, aerosol is generated when external air passes through the first section 310 , and the generated aerosol is delivered into the user's mouth through the second section 320 .

External air may be introduced 1120 through at least one air passage formed in the holder 1 . For example, whether the air passage formed in the holder 1 is open or closed and/or whether the size of the air passage can be adjusted by the user. Thus, the amount of vapor and the sensation of smoking can be adjusted by the user.

Alternatively, external air may be introduced 1110 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the cigarette 3 .

12A and 12B are views showing the configuration of a cigarette 3 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B , the cigarette 3 includes a tobacco rod 310 , a first filter section 321 , a cooling structure 322 and a second filter section 323 . The first section 310 of FIG. 11 includes a tobacco rod 310 , and the second section 320 of FIG. 11 includes a first filter section 321 , a cooling structure 322 and a second filter section 323 .

Referring to FIG. 12A , the cigarette 3 may be covered by five wrappers, such as first to fifth wrappers 341 , 342 , 343 , 344 and 345 . Referring to FIG. 12B , the cigarette 3 may be covered by six wrappers, such as first to fourth wrappers 341 , 342 , 343 and 344 and sixth and seventh wrappers 346 and 347 . The tobacco rod 310 is covered by a first wrapper 341 and the first filter section 321 is covered by a second wrapper 342 . Additionally, the cooling structure 322 is covered by a third wrapper 343 and the second filter section 323 is covered by a fourth wrapper 344 .

The fifth wrapper 345 of FIG. 12A may surround the outer surface of the first wrapper 341 , the outer surface of the second wrapper 342 , the outer surface of the third wrapper 343 , and the outer surface of the fourth wrapper 344 . In other words, the cigarettes 3 can be covered by the fifth wrapper 345 in a double manner.

The sixth wrapper 346 of FIG. 12B may surround the outer surface of the first wrapper 341 , the outer surface of the second wrapper 342 , and the outer surface of the third wrapper 343 . In other words, the tobacco rod 310 , the first filter section 321 and the cooling structure 322 of the cigarette 3 may be covered by the sixth wrapper 346 in a double manner. In addition, the seventh wrapper 347 of FIG. 12B may surround at least a portion of the outer surfaces of the third wrapper 343 and the fourth wrapper 344 . In other words, at least a portion of the cooling structure 322 of the cigarette 3 and the second filter section 323 may be re-covered by the seventh wrapper 347 .

Each of the first wrapper 341 and the second wrapper 342 may be made by using a general-purpose filter wrapper. For example, each of the first wrapper 341 and the second wrapper 342 may be a porous wrapper or a non-porous wrapper. In addition, each of the first wrapper 341 and the second wrapper 342 may be made of greaseproof paper and aluminum-laminated paper.

The third wrapper 343 can be made of rigid wrapping paper. For example, the third wrapper 343 may have, but is not limited to, a basis weight of 90 g/m2.

The fourth wrapper 344 may be made of oil-proof rigid wrapping paper. For example, the fourth wrapper 344 may have a basis weight of, but not limited to, 92 g/m 2 and a thickness of, but not limited to, 125 μm.

Each of the fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 may be made of sterile paper (eg, MFW). Disinfection paper refers to special paper with higher tensile strength, water resistance and smoothness than ordinary paper. For example, each of the fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 may have a basis weight of, but not limited to, 60 g/m 2 , and a thickness of, but not limited to, 67 μm. In addition, each of the fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 may have, but not limited to, a tensile strength of about 8kgf/1/5mm to about 11kgf/15mm in a dry state, and at It has, but is not limited to, a tensile strength of 1.0kgf/15mm in a wet state.

Each of the fifth package 345, the sixth package 346 and the seventh package 347 may include a predetermined material. The predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. Silicon, for example, has almost constant heat resistance in terms of temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water resistance, and electrical insulation. However, any material other than silicon may be applied (or coated) on each of the fifth package 345, the sixth package 346, and the seventh package 347 as long as the material has the above-mentioned characteristics.

Each of the fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346 and the seventh wrapper 347 can prevent the cigarette 3 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 310 is heated by the heater 130, there is a risk that the cigarette 3 may burn. In detail, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any of the materials contained in the tobacco rod 310, the cigarette 3 may burn. Even in this case, since each of the fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 includes a non-combustible material, the cigarette 3 can be prevented from burning.

In addition, each of the fifth wrapper 345 , the sixth wrapper 346 and the seventh wrapper 347 can prevent the holder 1 from being contaminated by material from the cigarette 3 . Liquid material may be produced in the cigarette 3 when the user takes a puff. For example, when the aerosol generated in the cigarette 3 is cooled by the outside air, a liquid material (eg, water) may be generated. Since the fifth wrapper 345 , the sixth wrapper 346 and the seventh wrapper 347 cover the tobacco rod 310 and/or the first filter section 321 , liquid material generated in the cigarette 3 can be prevented from leaking out of the cigarette 3 . Therefore, the casing 140 and the like of the holder 1 can be prevented from being contaminated by the liquid material generated in the cigarette 3 .

The diameter of the cigarette 3 may range from, but is not limited to, about 5 mm to about 9 mm, and the length may be, but not limited to, about 48 mm. Preferably, the cigarette 3 can be manufactured with a diameter of but not limited to 7.2mm. In addition, the tobacco rod 310 may have but not limited to a length of about 12mm, the first filter section 321 may have but not limited to a length of about 10mm, the cooling structure 322 may have but not limited to a length of about 14mm, the second filter section 323 Can be, but is not limited to, a length of about 12 mm.

The structure of the cigarette 3 of FIGS. 12A and 12B is one example, and some elements may be omitted. For example, one or more of the first filter section 321 , the cooling structure 322 and the second filter section 323 may not be included in the cigarette 3 .

Tobacco rod 310 includes aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol.

Additionally, the tobacco rod 310 may include flavoring agents, humectants, and/or other additives such as organic acids. Examples of flavoring agents may include licorice, sucrose, fructose syrup, isosweet, cocoa powder, lavender, cinnamon, cardamom, celery, fenugreek, bittersweet, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, Lemon Oil, Orange Oil, Peppermint Oil, Coriander, Brandy, Jasmine, Chamomile, Menthol, Ylang-ylang, Sage, Spearmint, Ginger, Cardamom and Coffee. In addition, examples of humectants may include glycerin and propylene glycol.

For example, the tobacco rod 310 may be filled with tobacco leaves. Tobacco leaf can be produced by cutting tobacco flakes into fines.

In order to fill the narrow tobacco rod 310 with a wider tobacco sheet, a specific process for easily folding the wide tobacco sheet is additionally required. Therefore, filling the tobacco rod 310 with tobacco leaves is easier than filling the tobacco rod 310 with tobacco sheets, and the productivity and efficiency of the process of producing the tobacco rod 310 may be increased.

Alternatively, the tobacco rod 310 may be filled with a plurality of bundles of tobacco obtained by finely cutting sheets of tobacco. For example, the tobacco rod 310 may be formed by combining multiple tobacco bundles in the same direction (eg, in parallel) or randomly. In detail, the tobacco rod 310 may be formed by combining a plurality of tobacco bundles, and may form a plurality of longitudinal passages through which the heater 130 may be inserted or an aerosol may pass. In this case, the longitudinal channels may be uniform or non-uniform, depending on the size and arrangement of the tobacco bundles.

Tobacco bundles can be manufactured, for example, by using the following process. First, the tobacco raw material is pulverized to form an aerosol-generating material (for example, glycerin or propylene glycol), a flavoring liquid and a binder (for example, guar gum, xanthan gum or carboxymethylcellulose (CMS)) and A slurry of the water mixture is then formed into a sheet by using the slurry. When forming the slurry, in order to improve the physical properties of the tobacco bundle, natural pulp or cellulose may be added, and one or more binders may be mixed and used. The sheets are dried and then folded or finely chopped to create tobacco bundles.

Tobacco material may be tobacco shreds, tobacco stems and/or tobacco powder produced during tobacco processing. In addition, tobacco sheets may contain additional additives, such as lignocellulosic fibers.

The amount of aerosol-generating material added to the slurry may range from about 5% to 40%, and the amount of aerosol-generating material remaining in the tobacco bundle product obtained from the slurry may range from about 2% to about 35% In the range. Preferably, the amount of aerosol-generating material remaining in the tobacco bundle product obtained from the slurry may range from about 10% to about 25%.

In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the center of the tobacco rod 310 by spraying before the tobacco rod 310 is covered by the first wrapper 341 .

Each tobacco bundle can be made to have, but not limited to, a horizontal length ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm, and a vertical length ranging from, but not limited to, about 5 mm to about 50 mm, and having, but not limited to, a range of about 0.1 mm to about 0.3 mm The thickness (height) range. Preferably, each tobacco bundle can be made to have but not limited to 0.9 mm horizontal length, but not limited to 20 mm vertical length, and but not limited to 0.2 mm thickness (height). Additionally, a bundle of tobacco can be made, but is not limited to, to have a basis weight of about 100 g/m2 to about 250 g/m2. Preferably, the tobacco bundle may be made to have a basis weight of 180 g/m2.

The tobacco rod 310 filled with tobacco bundles may generate a greater amount of aerosol when compared to the case where the tobacco rod 310 is filled with tobacco sheets. Tobacco bundles ensure a greater surface area than tobacco sheets when assumed to fill the same space. A greater surface area means that the aerosol-generating material has a greater chance of coming into contact with the outside air. Accordingly, the amount of aerosol generated when the tobacco rod 310 is filled with tobacco bundles may be greater than when the tobacco rod 310 is filled with tobacco sheets.

In addition, when separating the cigarette 3 from the holder 1, the tobacco rod 310 filled with tobacco bundles may be separated more easily than the tobacco rod 310 filled with tobacco sheets. In other words, the tobacco rod 310 filled with tobacco bundles can be separated from the holder 1 more easily than the tobacco rod 310 filled with tobacco sheets.

The first filter section 321 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first filter section 321 may be a tubular structure having a hollow portion therein. The length of the first filter section 321 may be, but is not limited to, about 4mm to about 30mm. Preferably, the first filter section 321 may have, but is not limited to, a length of 10 mm.

A diameter of the hollow portion formed in the first filter section 321 may range, but is not limited, from about 3 mm to about 4.5 mm.

When the first filter section 321 is manufactured, the hardness of the first filter section 321 may be adjusted by adjusting the amount of the plasticizer.

In order to prevent the first filter section 321 from reducing in size over time, the first filter section 321 may be made such that the outer surface of the first filter section 321 is covered by a wrapper. Accordingly, the first filter section 321 may be easily attached to another element (eg another filter section).

In addition, the first filter section 321 may be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a tube or a film formed of the same material or a different material into the inside (for example, a hollow portion).

The first filter section 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. Accordingly, when the heater 130 is inserted, the inner material of the tobacco rod 3140 may be prevented from being pushed back, and an aerosol cooling effect may be provided.

The cooling structure 322 cools aerosols generated when the heater 130 heats the tobacco rod 310 . Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

The length or diameter of the cooling structure 322 may vary according to the shape of the cigarette 3 . For example, cooling structure 322 may have a length of about 7 mm to about 20 mm. Preferably, the cooling structure 322 may have, but is not limited to, a length of about 14 mm.

The cooling structure 322 may be made of pure polylactic acid (PLA) or a combination of other degradable polymers and PLA. For example, the cooling structure 322 may be manufactured by using an extrusion method or a fiber weaving method. The cooling structure 322 may be fabricated in various forms to increase the surface area per unit area (ie, the area of the surface in contact with the aerosol).

For example, the cooling structure 322 may be manufactured by weaving fibers made of PLA. In this case, the fibers made of PLA can be coated with flavored liquids. Alternatively, the cooling structure 322 may be manufactured by using fibers coated with a flavored liquid and fibers made of PLA. In addition, fibers made of PLA may be dyed in a predetermined color, and the cooling structure 322 may be manufactured by using the dyed fibers.

Various examples of the cooling structure 322 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 13A to 13F .

The second filter section 323 may also be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the second filter segment 323 may be, but is not limited to, a dimpled filter. The second filter section 323 may have a length ranging from about 4mm to about 20mm. For example, the second filter section 323 may have, but is not limited to, a length of about 12 mm.

The second filter section 323 may provide flavor by spraying the second filter section 323 with a flavored liquid. Alternatively, separated fibers coated with a flavored liquid may be inserted into the second filter section 323 . The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 310 is cooled while passing through the cooling structure 322 and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user through the second filter section 323 . Thus, when flavoring elements are added to the second filter section 323, the persistence of taste delivered to the user may be improved.

Additionally, at least one capsule 324 may be included in the second filter section 323 . The capsule 324 may have a structure in which a content liquid containing a flavoring substance is surrounded by a shell. For example, capsule 324 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape.

The shell of the capsule 324 may be made of agar, pectin, sodium alginate, carrageenan, gelatin, or a gum such as guar gum. Additionally, a gelling agent may also be used to form the shell of the capsule 324 . The gelling agent can be, for example, calcium chloride. Additionally, a plasticizer may also be used to form the shell of the capsule 324 . Plasticizers can be glycerin and/or sorbitol. In addition, a coloring substance may also be used to form the shell of the capsule 324 .

For example, the flavoring substance contained in the liquid content of the capsule 324 may be menthol or essential oil of a plant. In addition, the solvent of the flavoring substance contained in the content liquid may be, for example, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) having fatty acid. In addition, the content liquid may contain other additives such as pigments, emulsifiers and thickeners.

13A to 13F are views of a cooling structure of a cigarette according to an embodiment.

For example, the cooling structure of each of FIGS. 13A-13F can be fabricated by using fibers made of pure PLA.

For example, when a cooling structure is manufactured by filling a film (sheet), the film (sheet) may be crushed due to external impact. In this case, the aerosol cooling effect of the cooling structure is reduced.

Or, when the cooling structure is manufactured by using extrusion molding, a process of cutting the cooling structure and the like is added, thereby reducing process efficiency. In addition, there are limitations in fabricating cooling structures of various shapes.

Since the cooling structure according to an embodiment is manufactured by using (for example, braiding) fibers made of PLA, it is possible to reduce the risk of the cooling structure being deformed or malfunctioning due to external impact. In addition, cooling structures having any of various shapes can be manufactured by changing the method of combining fibers.

In addition, since the cooling structure is manufactured by using fibers, the area of the surface in contact with the aerosol is increased. Therefore, the aerosol cooling effect of the cooling structure can also be improved.

Referring to FIG. 13A , the cooling structure 1310 may be manufactured to have a cylindrical shape such that at least one air passage 1311 is formed in the cooling structure 1310 .

Referring to FIG. 13B , the cooling structure 1320 may be manufactured such that a plurality of fibers are entangled with each other. In this case, the aerosol may flow between the fibers, and may form a cyclone according to the shape of the cooling structure 1320 . The formed cyclone increases the contact area of the cooling structure 1320 with the aerosol, and increases the time that the aerosol stays in the cooling structure 1320 . Therefore, the heated aerosol can be efficiently cooled.

Referring to FIG. 13C , a cooling structure 1330 may be manufactured by aggregating a plurality of bundles 1331 .

Referring to FIG. 13D , the cooling structure 1340 may be filled with particles each made of PLA, tobacco leaves, or charcoal. Additionally, the pellets can each be made from a mixture of PLA, orchard, and charcoal. In addition to PLA, leaves and charcoal, the granules may also include elements for increasing the cooling effect of the aerosol.

Referring to FIG. 13E , the cooling structure 1350 may include a first section 1351 and a second section 1352 .

The first section 1351 may contact the first filter section 321 and may have a cavity into which an aerosol is introduced. The second section 1352 may contact the second filter section 323 and may have a cavity for discharging aerosol. For example, although each of the first section 1351 and the second section 1352 may have a cavity, and the cavities of the first section 1351 and the second section 1352 may have the same diameter, in the first section The diameter and number of cavities formed in section 1351 and second section 1352 are not limited thereto.

Additionally, the cooling structure 1350 may include a third section 1353 having a plurality of cavities and located between the first section 1351 and the second section 1352 . For example, the diameter of each of the plurality of cavities formed in the third section 1353 may be smaller than the diameter of the cavities formed in each of the first section 1351 and the second section 1352 . In addition, the number of cavities formed in the third section 1353 may be greater than the number of cavities formed in each of the first section 1351 and the second section 1352 .

Referring to FIG. 13F , the cooling structure 1360 may include a first section 1361 contacting the first filter section 321 and a second section 1362 contacting the second filter section 323 . Additionally, cooling structure 1360 may include one or more tubular elements 1363 . For example, tubular element 1363 may pass through first section 1362 and second section 1362 . Additionally, the tubular element 1363 may be covered with a microporous packing material and may be filled with a filler (eg, particles of FIG. 13D ) for enhanced aerosol cooling.

As mentioned above, the holder can generate an aerosol by heating the cigarette. Additionally, the holder can generate an aerosol independently or even after being inserted into the bracket and tilted. In particular, the heater can be heated by electric energy of the battery of the holder when the holder is tilted.

The aerosol generating device 1000 according to the embodiment shown with reference to FIGS. 14 to 33 is an example of an integrated aerosol generating device in which the receiving part is coupled with the bracket in the above-described embodiments. Therefore, the receiving part and the bracket according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 may be applied to the aerosol generating device shown with reference to FIGS. 14 to 33 . In addition, the cigarette shown above with reference to Figure 12 and Figure 13 can be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000 shown in Figure 14 to Figure 33, and the aerosol generating device can be heated by referring to the cigarette shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13 to generate aerosols.

Reference numerals for components in FIGS. 14-33 are used independently of the reference numerals used in FIGS. 1-13 . Therefore, it should be understood that the reference numerals of the components in FIGS. 1 to 13 and the reference numerals of the components in FIGS. 14 to 33 are used to independently denote components that are different from each other.

14 is a side view of an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment, FIG. 15A is a perspective view of the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 14 , and FIG. 15B exemplarily shows the operating state of the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 15A perspective view.

The aerosol generating device 1000 according to the embodiment shown with reference to FIGS. 14 , 15A and 15B may include a housing 1001 and a cover 1002 . When the cover 1002 is coupled to the end of the housing 1001 , the cover 1002 constitutes the appearance of the aerosol-generating device 1000 with the housing 1001 .

The case 1001 constitutes the appearance of the aerosol generating device 1000, and accommodates and protects various components in a space formed therein.

The cover 1002 and the housing 1001 may comprise a plastic material that conducts little heat or a metal material coated with a heat insulating material. The cover 1002 and the case 1001 may be manufactured by, for example, an injection molding method, a three-dimensional (3D) printing method, or by assembling small-sized elements manufactured in an injection molding method.

A locking device for maintaining the coupled state between the cover 1002 and the case 1001 may be installed between the cover 1002 and the case 1001 . The locking means may comprise, for example, protrusions and recesses. The coupled state between the cover 1002 and the housing 1001 can be maintained by maintaining a state where the protrusion is inserted into the recess, and when the user presses the manipulation button to move the protrusion, the protrusion can be separated from the recess.

In addition, the locking device may include, for example, a magnet and a metal member attracted by the magnet. When the locking device uses a magnet, the magnet may be installed in one of the cover 1002 and the housing 1001, and the metal member may be installed in the other of the cover 1002 and the housing 1001, or the magnet may be installed in the cover 1002 and the housing. in each of body 1001.

In the aerosol generating device 1000 according to the embodiment shown with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15A , the cover 1002 is not an essential element, ie, the cover 1002 may not be installed if necessary.

An external hole 1002p into which cigarettes 3 can be inserted is formed in the upper surface of the cover 1002 coupled with the case 1001 . In addition, a rail 1003r is provided near the outer hole 1002p on the upper surface of the cover. A door 1003 that slides along the upper surface of the cover 1002 is provided on the rail 1003r. The door 1003 can slide linearly along the rail 1003r.

When the door 1003 moves along the rail 1003r in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 15B, the external hole 1002p and the insertion hole 1004p allowing the cigarette 3 to be inserted into the housing 1001 through the cover 1002 are exposed. The external hole 1002p in the cover 1002 exposes the insertion hole 1004p of the storage path 1004h that can accommodate the cigarettes 3 to the outside.

When the external hole 1002p is exposed to the outside through the door 1003, the user can install the cigarette 3 in the accommodating path 1004h formed in the cover 1002 by inserting the end portion 3b of the cigarette 3 into the external hole 1002p and the insertion hole 1004p.

In this embodiment, the door 1003 is configured to move linearly relative to the cover 1002 . However, the embodiment is not limited to the structure in which the door 1003 is coupled to the cover 1002 . For example, door 1003 may be rotatably mounted to cover 1002 via a hinge assembly. When using a hinge assembly, the door 1003 may be rotated to the side surface of the external hole 1002p in the direction in which the upper surface of the cover 1002 extends, or may be rotated in a direction away from the upper surface of the cover 1002 .

The guide rail 1003r has a concave shape, but the embodiment is not limited to the shape of the guide rail 1003r. For example, the guide rail 1003r may have a convex shape, or may extend curved instead of straight.

Button 1009 is mounted on housing 1001 . When the button 1009 is manipulated, the operation of the aerosol generating device 1000 can be controlled.

In a state where the cover 1002 is coupled to the case 1001 , an external air introduction gap 1002 g allowing air to be introduced into the cover 1002 may be provided at a portion where the cover 1002 and the case 1001 are coupled to each other.

FIG. 16A is a side view exemplarily showing an operating state of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 15A .

As shown in FIG. 16A , the user can inhale the aerosol by holding the cigarette 3 between the lips in a state where the cigarette 3 is inserted into the aerosol generating device.

When the cigarette 3 should be separated from the aerosol generating device after using the cigarette 3, the user can pull the cigarette 3 out of the heater in the aerosol generating device by twisting the cigarette 3 with his/her hand.

Fig. 16B is a side view exemplarily showing another operating state of the aerosol generating device of Fig. 15A.

After separating the cigarettes 3 from the aerosol-generating device, the user may perform a cleaning operation for removing tobacco material that may remain in the aerosol-generating device.

The cleaning operation of the aerosol generating device can be performed in the following manner: the user separates the cover 1002 from the casing 1001 of the aerosol generating device 1000, and separates the accommodating part 1004 from the casing 1001 to clean the inner space of the aerosol generating device and heat The container is exposed to the outside, and the tobacco material is removed.

A cover 1002 may be coupled to the end 1001a of the housing 1001 to cover the receiving portion 1004 coupled to the end 1001a of the housing 1001, and if necessary, the cover 1002 may be separated from the housing 1001.

Fig. 17 is a side view exemplarily showing another operating state of the aerosol generating device of Fig. 15A, Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the aerosol generating device of Fig. 17 seen from different angles, Fig. 19 is A top view of some components of the aerosol-generating device, and Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the aerosol-generating device of Fig. 17 seen from a different angle.

17 to 20, the aerosol generating device includes: a housing 1001; a hollow-shaped protruding tube 1020 protruding from an end 1001a of the housing 1001 and having an opening 1020p opened outward; a heater 1030 mounted on In the housing 1001 and located in the protruding tube 1020; the receiving part 1004, which can be coupled to the protruding tube 1020 and can be separated from the protruding tube 1020; Cigarettes 3 in the receiving portion 1004.

As shown in FIG. 17 , in a state where the housing portion 1004 is coupled to the housing 1001 , the user can hold the housing portion 1004 by hand to separate the housing portion 1004 from the housing 1001 .

The protruding tube 1020 surrounds the heater 1030 to protect the heater 1030 and supports the receiving part 1004 when the receiving part 1004 is coupled to the protruding tube 1020 . Since the protruding tube 1020 has a hollow shape, the protruding tube 1020 includes a coupling path 1020h into which at least a part of the receiving part 1004 can be inserted. The upper end of the connection path 1020h is connected to the opening 1020p which opens upward outside the aerosol generating device.

A heater 1030 for heating the cigarette 3 is installed in the housing 1001 . The heater 1030 is installed in the housing 1001 such that its end 1031 can be located in the protruding tube 1020 . When the cigarette 3 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 1004 in a state where the accommodation portion 1004 is coupled to the protruding tube 1020 , the end 1031 of the heater 1030 is inserted into the bottom surface at the end of the cigarette 3 .

A power supply device 1070 arranged in the casing 1001 is electrically connected to a lower end portion of the heater 1030 via an electric wire 1071 . When the power supply device 1070 supplies power to the heater 1030 in a state where the cigarette 3 is inserted into the end portion 1031 of the heater 1030 , the heater 1030 is heated to heat the cigarette 3 .

18 and 20, the receiving part 1004 may include: a side wall 1004w, which can be inserted into a coupling path 1020h in the protruding tube 1020 via the opening 1020p of the protruding tube 1020, and form a containing path 1004h, in which the cigarettes 3 can be is accommodated in the receiving path 1004h; the insertion hole 1004p, which is opened outward at the end of the containing path 1004h, so that the cigarette 3 can be inserted therein; and the bottom wall 1004b, which closes the opening of the containing path. The other end also has a heater hole 1004c through which the end 1031 of the heater 1030 passes.

The heater hole 1004 c formed in the bottom wall 1004 b of the receiving part 1004 may have a size corresponding to the thickness of the end 1031 of the heater 1030 . For example, when the end 1031 of the heater 1030 has a circular cross section, the heater hole 1004 c also has a circular cross section, and the inner diameter of the heater hole 1004 c corresponds to the outer diameter of the end 1031 of the heater 1030 .

Embodiments are not limited to the inner diameter of the heater hole 1004c, for example, the inner diameter of the heater hole 1004c may be larger than the outer diameter of the end 1031 of the heater 1030, such that the inner surface of the heater hole 1004c may be aligned with the end 1031 of the heater 1030. The outer surface separates.

The accommodation portion 1004 includes an outer wall 1004t that surrounds the side wall 1004w and is separated from the side wall 1004w in the radial direction of the side wall 1004w. When the receiving part 1004 is coupled to the protruding tube 1020, the protruding tube 1020 is inserted between the outer wall 1004t and the side wall 1004w, so that the coupled state between the receiving part 1004 and the protruding tube 1020 can be stably maintained.

When coupling the receiving part 1004 to the protruding tube 1020 , the side wall 1004 w of the receiving part 1004 is inserted into the coupling path 1020 h of the protruding tube 1020 . When the side wall 1004w of the receiving part 1004 moves downward along the coupling path 1020h of the protruding tube 1020 , the end 1031 of the heater 1030 in the protruding tube 1020 passes through the heater hole 1004c of the receiving part 1004 .

In a state where the accommodation portion 1004 is coupled to the protruding pipe 1020 , the end portion 1031 of the heater 1030 is located in the accommodation path 1004h of the accommodation portion 1004 after passing through the heater hole 1004c of the accommodation portion 1004 . Therefore, the end 1031 of the heater 1030 is inserted into the cigarette 3 when the cigarette 3 is accommodated in the accommodation path 1004h of the accommodation portion 1004 in a state where the accommodation portion 1004 is coupled to the protruding tube 1020 .

When the user of the aerosol generating device inserts the cigarette 3 into the accommodating path 1004h, the cigarette 3 moves along the accommodating path 1004h, and when the end of the cigarette 3 reaches the bottom wall 1004b of the accommodating part 1004, the user can pass him/her The hand holding the cigarette 3 experiences the sensation that the end of the cigarette 3 touches the bottom wall 1004b. Therefore, the user can easily install the cigarette 3 in the aerosol generating device by simply pushing the cigarette 3 into the insertion hole 1004p of the containing path 1004h.

When the user wants to separate the cigarette 3 from the accommodating part 1004 , the user can twist the cigarette 3 with his/her hand to pull the cigarette 3 out of the accommodating part 1004 . When the user twists the cigarette 3, the cigarette 3 and the heater 1030 combined with each other via the tobacco material may be completely separated from each other.

After separating the cigarettes 3 from the containing portion 1004 , the user may perform a cleaning operation of the inner space of the containing portion 1004 . When the user separates the housing portion 1004 from the housing 1001 to perform a cleaning operation, the user holds the housing portion 1004 with a hand to draw the housing portion 1004 out of the housing 1001 .

A plurality of protruding portions 1005 for supporting the cigarettes 3 protrude from the inner wall of the coupling path 1020h of the protruding pipe 1020 . The protruding portion 1005 penetrates the side wall 1004w of the receiving portion 1004 coupled to the protruding tube 1020 to contact the outer surface of the cigarette 3 inserted into the receiving portion 1004 .

In addition, the protruding pipe 1020 may directly supply external air to the end of the cigarette 3 . For this, the protruding tube 1020 includes an air hole 1020g connecting the inside of the protruding tube 1020 to the outside of the protruding tube 1020 . A plurality of air holes 1020g may be disposed spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction with respect to the center in the length direction of the protruding tube 1020 . The air hole 1020 g forms a flow path of air so that the external air of the protruding tube 1020 may be introduced into the protruding tube 1020 .

Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of some components of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 16, Figure 22 is an enlarged view of a portion of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 21 to illustrate airflow, and Figure 23 is the aerosol-generating device of Figure 22 A magnified view of a portion of .

In a state where the housing portion 1004 is coupled to the protruding tube 1020, an air circulation gap 1004g is formed at the coupling portion between the housing portion 1004 and the protruding tube 1020 (ie, between the outer wall 1004t of the housing portion 1004 and the protruding tube 1020). , the air circulation gap 1004g allows the outside air of the accommodating portion 1004 to be introduced into the accommodating portion 1004 . Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 14 , 15A, and 15B, in a state where the cover 1002 is coupled to the case 1001, the outside air of the cover 1002 is introduced into the cover through the outside air introduction gap 1002g between the cover 1002 and the case 1001. 1002, and then introduced into the receiving part 1004 via the air circulation gap 1004g.

Referring to FIG. 22 , the first flow 1000f of air passing through the external air introduction gap 1002g and the air circulation gap 1004g sequentially reaches the outside of the end of the cigarette 3 accommodated in the accommodating portion 1004 after passing through the air hole 1020g of the protruding tube 1020. surface.

The cigarette 3 has a cylindrical shape, and the accommodation path 1004h of the accommodation portion 1004 also has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the cigarette 3 . The diameter of the accommodation path 1004h of the accommodation portion 1004 is larger than the diameter of the cigarette 3 . Therefore, when the cigarette 3 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 1004, the outer surface of the cigarette 3 and the accommodation path 1004h of the accommodation portion 1004 are spaced apart from each other. That is, in FIG. 22, external air is introduced into the space formed between the outer surface of the cigarette and the accommodating path 1004h of the accommodating portion 1004 through the insertion hole 1004p to form the second air flow 1000g.

In addition, the receiving portion 1004 includes a through hole 1004d penetrating the side wall 1004w such that the protruding portion 1005 passes through the through hole 1004d. The protruding portion 1005 protrudes toward the cigarette 3 from the surface of the accommodating path 1004h to contact the outer surface of the cigarette 3 .

At the outer surface of the cigarette 3, the protruding portions 1005 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction based on the center of the cigarette 3 to form a flow path through which the second air flow 1000g passes therethrough. A plurality of through holes 1004d are provided corresponding to the protruding portion 1005 . Although the protruding portions 1005 support the outer surfaces of the cigarettes 3 , adjacent protruding portions 1005 are spaced apart from each other, and thus air can freely flow in the accommodating path 1004 h of the accommodating portion 1004 .

In the drawing, the number of protrusions 1005 is four (4) and the number of through holes 1004d is four (4), but the embodiment is not limited to the number of protrusions 1005 and through holes 1004d described above. The number of protrusions 1005 and the number of through holes 1004d may vary.

In addition, the mounting positions and shapes of the protruding portion 1005 and the through hole 1004d may vary. For example, the protruding portion 1005 may extend in the circumferential direction relative to the center of the cigarette 3 (that is, in the circumferential direction of the cigarette 3) so as to partially contact the cigarette along the circumferential direction of the cigarette 3 relative to the center of the cigarette 3. 3 on the outer surface. When the protrusion portions 1005 extend in the circumferential direction, the protrusion portions 1005 adjacent to each other are spaced apart from each other to form a flow path in which air passes in the accommodation path 1004h.

The end surface of the protrusion portion 1005 that contacts the outer surface of the cigarette 3 may have a concave curved surface corresponding to the shape of the outer surface of the cigarette 3 .

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22 , when the receiving part 1004 is coupled to the protruding tube 1020 , the protruding parts 1005 are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined height above the bottom wall 1004 b of the receiving part 1004 . Therefore, the through hole 1004d of the receiving part 1004 extends along the length direction of the receiving path 1004h to a position corresponding to the protruding part 1005 so as to receive the protruding part while the receiving part 1004 is inserted into the protruding tube 1020 to be coupled to the protruding tube 1020 1005.

At the edge of the bottom wall 1004b of the accommodating portion 1004 facing the upper portion of the accommodating path 1004, an alignment slope 1004y is provided to align the cigarettes 3 accommodated in the accommodating portion 1004 with the accommodating portion by guiding the edge of the end of the cigarette 3 1004 Center.

22 and 23, the protruding portion 1005 includes an inclined surface 1005t inclined toward the length direction of the accommodating path 1004h so as to guide the movement of the cigarette 3 when the cigarette 3 is inserted into the accommodating path 1004h.

After the cigarette 3 is inserted into the accommodating path 1004h and moved along the accommodating path 1004h, when the end of the cigarette 3 reaches the position of the protruding portion 1005 protruding from the accommodating path 1004h, the inclined surface 1005t of the protruding portion 1005 guides the movement of the cigarette 3, This allows the end of the cigarette 3 to be aligned with the center of the containing path 1004h.

In the state where the accommodating portion 1004 is coupled to the protruding tube 1020, when the cigarettes 3 are inserted into the accommodating path 1004h of the accommodating portion 1004, the accommodating path 1004h communicates with the outside via the insertion hole 1004p, and therefore, the second external air flow 1000g can pass through the insertion The hole 1004p is introduced into the accommodation path 100h of the accommodation portion 1004 . In addition, the first air flow 1000f passing through the air circulation gap 1004g passes through the air hole 1020g of the protruding tube 1020 and reaches the outer surface at the end of the cigarette 3 accommodated in the accommodating portion 1004 .

Since the cigarette 3 is supported by the protruding portion 1005 and no part is in contact with the outer surface at the end of the cigarette 3, the outer surface at the end of the cigarette 3 is surrounded by air. When the heater 1030 heats the cigarette 3 and the cigarette 3 generates aerosol particles, the user inhales air while holding the cigarette 3 between the lips, and then the air around the outer surface at the end of the cigarette 3 passes through the cigarette and includes the aerosol An air stream of particles may be delivered to the user.

In the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown with reference to FIGS. The cigarette 3 is inserted into the insertion hole 1004p of the accommodating portion 1004, and then the cigarette 3 is pushed along the accommodating path 1004h.

In addition, after finishing using the cigarette 3, the user can pull the cigarette 3 out of the housing 1001 by twisting the cigarette 3 by hand.

In addition, in order to perform a cleaning operation, the user may separate the cover 1002 from the case 1001 and separate the accommodating portion 1004 from the case 1001 .

In addition, after the receiving part 1004 is completely separated from the case 1001, the protruding tube 1020 and the heater 1030 are exposed to the outside, and the user can directly recognize the state of the protruding tube 1020 and the heater 1030 and conveniently perform a cleaning operation.

In addition, in a state where the cigarette 3 is inserted into the accommodating path 1004h of the accommodating portion 1004 installed in the casing 1001 of the aerosol generating device, the protruding portion 1005 protruding in the accommodating path 1004h stably contacts the outer surface of the cigarette 3 Support cigarette3. Therefore, while using the aerosol generating device, the cigarette 3 may not be isolated from the aerosol generating device, and the storage state of the cigarette 3 in the aerosol generating device's containing path 1004h can be stably maintained. Therefore, the user can safely use the aerosol generating device.

In addition, since the protruding portion 1005 in the accommodating path 1004h of the accommodating portion 1004 partially contacts the outer surface of the cigarette 3, a flow path through which air flows is formed between the accommodating path 1004h and the cigarette 3, and external air can be sufficiently supplied. into an aerosol-generating device to support aerosol generation.

24 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of a part of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

In the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown with reference to FIG. 24, the plurality of protrusions 1005 and 1005b are separated from each other on the outer surface of the cigarette 3 in the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 3. As shown in FIG.

In FIG. 24 , the lower portion of the cigarette 3 in the length direction is supported by the protruding portion 1005 at the lower portion. In addition, the upper portion of the cigarette 3 in the length direction is supported by the protruding portion 1005b at the upper portion.

At the outer surface of the cigarette 3 , a plurality of protruding portions 1005 are arranged at a lower portion spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the center of the cigarette 3 .

At the outer surface of the cigarette 3 , a plurality of protruding portions 1005 b are arranged at an upper portion spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the center of the cigarette 3 .

The through hole 1004d formed in the side wall 1004w of the accommodation part 1004 is elongated along the length direction of the accommodation path 1004h to accommodate the protrusion part 1005b at the upper part and the protrusion part 1005 at the lower part.

As described above, the plurality of protruding portions 1005 and 1005b are spaced from each other in the circumferential direction at the outer surface of the cigarette 3 with respect to the center of the cigarette 3, and at the same time are spaced from each other at the outer surface of the cigarette 3 along the length direction of the cigarette 3 open, and thus a flow path through which air passes is formed between the adjacent protruding portions 1005 and 1005b.

25 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of a part of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

In the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 25, a concave connecting passage 1004f is formed in the outer edge of the upper surface of the bottom wall 1004b of the accommodating portion 1004, wherein when the cigarette 3 is inserted into the accommodating portion 1004 When the upper surface faces the containing path 1004h, and is in contact with the end of the cigarette 3 . Since the connecting passage 1004f is connected to the space between the outer surface of the cigarette 3 and the accommodating path 1004h, the air in the accommodating path 1004h is supplied to the bottom surface of the end of the cigarette 3 through the connecting passage 1004f of the bottom wall 1004b, and thus, Air can be supplied to the cigarette 3 sufficiently to support aerosol generation.

26 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of a part of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

The aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment shown with reference to FIG. 26 includes a bottom protrusion 1004k which, when a cigarette 3 is inserted into the receiving portion 1004, moves from the bottom wall 1004b of the receiving portion 1004 which contacts the end of the cigarette 3. The upper surface facing the accommodating path 1004h protrudes. The bottom protrusion 1004k protrudes from the bottom wall 1004b toward the inner space of the accommodating path 1004h to support the bottom surface at the end of the cigarette 3 . The bottom protrusion 1004k is roughly formed as a hemisphere.

A plurality of bottom protrusions 1004k are arranged on the bottom wall 1004b to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the center of the heater hole 1004c formed in the bottom wall 1004b. Therefore, since the air passes through the space between the adjacent bottom protrusions 1004k, the air introduced from the outside into the housing path 1004h through the insertion hole 1004p of the housing path 1004h is supplied to the ends of the cigarette 3 through the space between the bottom protrusions 1004k. bottom surface.

In the aerosol generating device of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 26 , since the protruding portion 1005 protruding from the accommodating path 1004h of the accommodating portion 1004 is in partial contact with the outer surface of the cigarette 3, a gap is formed between the accommodating path 1004h and the cigarette 3. There is a flow path through which air flows, and the air in this flow path is supplied to the bottom surface at the end of the cigarette 3 through the space between the bottom protrusions 1004k on the bottom wall 1004b, and thus, supports the aerosol-generating Air can be sufficiently supplied to the cigarette 3 .

27 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of a part of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 27 includes: a housing 2001; a hollow-shaped protruding tube 2020 protruding from an end 2001a of the housing 2001 and having an opening 2020p opened outward; a heater 1030, which Installed in the housing 2001 so that its end 1031 is located in the protruding tube 2020; the receiving part 2004, which can be coupled to the protruding tube 2020 and can be separated from the protruding tube 2020; the protruding part 2005, which protrudes from the protruding tube 2020 to penetrate the housing a portion 2004 to support the cigarettes 3 inserted into the accommodating portion 2004; and a cover 2002 including a door 2003 integrally connected with the accommodating portion 2004 to expose the insertion hole 2004p to the outside.

A door 2003 is installed on the upper surface of the cover 2002, which is movable to expose the insertion hole 2004p of the accommodation portion 2004 to the outside. Door 2003 may be coupled to cover 2002 to slide via a track assembly, or may be pivotally coupled to cover 2002 via a hinge assembly.

When the insertion hole 2004p is exposed to the outside via the door 2003, the user can insert the end of the cigarette 3 into the insertion hole 2004p so that the cigarette 3 can be installed in the accommodation path 2004h provided in the accommodation part 2004.

In a state where the cover 2002 is coupled to the housing 2001 , an external air introduction gap 2002g allowing air to be introduced into the cover 2002 may be provided at a portion where the cover 2002 and the housing 2001 are coupled to each other.

After the cigarette 3 is separated from the aerosol generating device when the use of the aerosol generating device is completed, the cover 2002 and the housing part 2004 together can be separated from the housing 2001 in order to perform a cleaning operation. That is, when the user holds the cover 2002 with a hand and separates the cover 2002 and the accommodation portion 2004 from the housing 2001 , the cover 2002 and the accommodation portion 2004 are separated from the housing 2001 together.

The protruding tube 2020 surrounds and protects the heater 1030 , and the protruding tube 2020 supports the receiving part 2004 and the cover 2002 when the receiving part 2004 is coupled to the protruding tube 2020 . Due to having a hollow shape in the protruding tube 2020, the protruding tube 2020 includes a coupling path 2020h into which at least a part of the receiving part 2004 can be inserted. The upper end of the connection path 2020h is connected to the opening 2020p opened upward at the exterior of the aerosol generating device.

In addition, the protruding tube 2020 may directly supply external air to the end of the cigarette 3 . For this, the protruding tube 2020 includes an air hole 2020g connecting the inside and the outside of the protruding tube 2020 . The plurality of air holes 2020g may also be provided so as to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the center of the protruding pipe 2020 in the length direction. The air hole 2020 g forms a flow path of air so that the external air of the protruding tube 2020 may be introduced into the protruding tube 2020 .

The accommodating portion 2004 includes: an accommodating path 2004h that can be inserted into the coupling path 2020h in the protruding tube 2020 through the opening 2020p of the protruding tube 2020 and accommodates the cigarettes 3; an insertion hole 2004p that is opened outward at one end of the accommodating path 2004h such that Cigarettes 3 can be inserted therein; and a bottom wall 2004b which closes the other end of the containing path 2004h and has a heater hole 2004c through which the end 1031 of the heater 1030 passes.

The receiving portion 2004 is integrally formed with the cover 2002 . For example, the cover 2002 and the receiving part 2004 may be integrally manufactured in an injection molding method by using a plastic material or the like, or may be integrally manufactured in a 3D printing method. Alternatively, the cover 2002 and the receiving portion 2004 may be manufactured separately and combined with each other by a screw coupling, or may be fixed to each other by a coupling unit such as a bolt, an adhesive, or the like.

In a state where the accommodation portion 2004 is coupled to the protruding pipe 2020 , the end portion 1031 of the heater 1030 is located in the accommodation path 2004h of the accommodation portion 2004 after passing through the heater hole 2004c of the accommodation portion 2004 . Accordingly, when the cigarette 3 is accommodated in the accommodation path 2004h of the accommodation portion 2004 in a state where the accommodation portion 2004 is coupled to the protruding tube 2020 , the end portion 1031 of the heater 1030 is inserted into the cigarette 3 .

A plurality of protruding portions 2005 for supporting the cigarettes 3 protrude from the inner wall of the coupling path 2020h of the protruding pipe 2020 . The protruding portion 2005 penetrates the accommodating portion 2004 coupled to the protruding tube 2020 to contact the outer surface of the cigarette 3 inserted into the accommodating portion 2004 .

In a state where the cover 2002 is coupled to the housing 2001 , the air outside the cover 2002 is introduced into the inside of the cover 2002 via the external air introduction gap 2002 g between the cover 2002 and the housing 2001 . The first air flow generated by the external air introduction gap 2002g passes through the air hole 2020g of the protruding tube 2020, and then reaches the outer surface at the end of the cigarette 3 accommodated in the accommodating portion 2004.

In addition, in the state where the accommodating portion 2004 is coupled with the protruding tube 2020, during the insertion of the cigarettes 3 into the accommodating path 2004h of the accommodating portion 2004, the accommodating path 2004h is connected to the outside via the insertion hole 2004p, so external air is introduced through the insertion hole 2004p into the accommodation path 2004h of the accommodation portion 2004 to generate the second air flow.

In the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 27, the user can easily install the cigarette 3 in the aerosol generating device by simple manipulation, that is, the user opens the cover 2002 to insert the cigarette 3 into the receiving portion. 2004 into the hole 2004p, and then push the cigarette 3 along the containing path 2004h.

In addition, after using the cigarette 3, when separating the cigarette 3 from the housing 2001, the user can easily separate the cigarette 3 from the aerosol generating device by simple manipulation, that is, holding and twisting the upper end of the cigarette 3 by hand, And the cigarette 3 is pulled out from the storage path 2004h.

In addition, when performing a cleaning operation, the user can separate the cover 2002 and the housing portion 2004 together from the housing 2001 , and can separate the housing 2004 and the cover 2002 from the housing 2001 .

Fig. 28 is a perspective view exemplarily showing an operating state of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, and Fig. 29 is a perspective view showing an operating state of the aerosol generating device of Fig. 28, wherein some parts.

The aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 includes a housing 1001 and a cover 1002 .

A cover 1002 coupled to an end of the housing 1001 constitutes the appearance of the aerosol generating device 1000 with the housing 1001 . The case 1001 forms the appearance of the aerosol generating device 1000 and accommodates various components in a space formed in the case 1001 .

A locking device for maintaining the coupled state between the cover 1002 and the case 1001 may be installed between the cover 1002 and the case 1001 . The locking means may include, for example, a magnet and a metal member attracted by the magnet. When the locking device uses a magnet, the magnet may be installed in one of the cover 1002 and the case 1001, and the metal member may be installed in the other of the cover 1002 and the case 1001, or the magnet may be installed in the cover 1002 and the case. in each of body 1001.

In the upper surface of the cover 1002 is formed an external hole 1002p into which a cigarette 3 can be inserted. When the door 1003 linearly slides along the rail 1003r on the upper surface of the cover 1002, the external hole 1002p and the insertion hole 1004p into which the cigarette 3 can be inserted are exposed to the outside. The external hole 1002p in the cover 1002 exposes the insertion hole 1004p of the accommodation path 1004h in which the cigarettes 3 can be accommodated to the outside.

When the external hole 1002p is exposed to the outside through the door 1003, the user can install the cigarette 3 in the accommodation path 1004h formed in the cover 1002 by inserting the end portion 3b of the cigarette 3 into the external hole 1002p and the insertion hole 1004p.

A plurality of cigarette supporting protrusions 1002m spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction protrude along the inner surface of the outer hole 1002p of the cover 1002 toward the center of the outer hole 1002p. The cigarette supporting protrusion 1002m contacts the outer surface of the cigarette 3 after passing through the outer hole 1002p to support the cigarette 3 inserted through the insertion hole 1004p and the accommodating path 1004h.

Button 1009 is mounted on housing 1001 . When the button 1009 is manipulated, the operation of the aerosol generating device 1000 can be controlled.

In a state where the cover 1002 is coupled to the case 1001 , an external air introduction gap 1002 g allowing air to be introduced into the cover 1002 may be provided at a portion where the cover 1002 and the case 1001 are coupled to each other.

As shown in FIG. 29 , after using the cigarette 3 , when removing the cigarette 3 from the aerosol generating device, the user can hold and twist the cigarette 3 by hand to pull the cigarette 3 out of the casing 1001 . Alternatively, when the user pulls the cover 1002 after twisting the cigarette 3, the cover 1002 may be separated from the housing 1001 together with the cigarette 3. When the cigarette 3 is separated from the housing 1001 after being twisted, the combined state between the cigarette 3 and the heater can be released, and at the same time, the tobacco material attached to the cigarette 3 can be discharged out of the housing 1001 .

If the user pulls the cover 1002 without twisting the cigarette 3, the cigarette 3 can be separated from the housing 1001, but the tobacco portion of the cigarette 3 (i.e., the first part 310 of FIGS. 12A and 12B ) may not separate from the housing 1001 Expelled and still at the heater side. In this case, the user can separate the cover 1002 from the case 1001 , and then can separate the accommodation portion 1004 from the case 1001 . Here, the tobacco portion remaining at the heater side is separated from the casing 1001 together with the housing portion 1004 . Thereafter, the user may remove the portion of tobacco remaining in the separate receiving portion 1004 .

30 is a cross-sectional view of some components of the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 29 .

The aerosol generating device includes: a housing 1001; a hollow-shaped protruding tube 1020 protruding from an end 1001a of the housing 1001 and having an opening opened to the outside; a heater 1030 installed in the housing 1001 and located in the protruding tube 1020 ; and the receiving portion 1004 , which can be coupled to/detached from the protruding tube 1020 .

FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing an operational state in which some components are detached from the aerosol generating device of FIG. 28 .

After separating the cigarettes 3 from the aerosol-generating device, the user may perform a cleaning operation for removing tobacco material that may remain in the aerosol-generating device. As shown in FIG. 31 , the cleaning operation of the aerosol generating device can be performed in the following manner: in the state where the cover 1002 is separated from the housing 1001 of the aerosol generating device 1000, the user separates the housing part 1004 from the housing 1001 to clean the The inner space of the aerosol generating device, heater, etc. is exposed to the outside and the tobacco material is removed.

The protruding tube 1020 surrounds the heater 1030 to protect the heater 1030 and supports the receiving part 1004 when the receiving part 1004 is coupled to the protruding tube 1020 . Since the protruding tube 1020 has a hollow shape, the protruding tube 1020 includes a coupling path 1020h into which at least a part of the receiving part 1004 can be inserted. The upper end of the coupling path 1020h forms an opening 1020p which opens upward at the exterior of the aerosol generating device.

The protruding tube 1020 includes a guide recess 1020 n linearly extending along the length direction of the protruding tube 1020 to be coupled with the receiving part 1004 .

In addition, the protruding pipe 1020 may directly supply external air to the end of the cigarette 3 . For this, the protruding tube 1020 includes an air hole 1020g connecting the inside and the outside of the protruding tube 1020 . An air hole 1020g is arranged to be connected to an end of the guide recess 1002n. A plurality of air holes 1020g may be disposed spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction with respect to the center in the length direction of the protruding tube 1020 . The air hole 1020 g forms a flow path of air so that the external air of the protruding tube 1020 may be introduced into the protruding tube 1020 .

A heater 1030 for heating the cigarette 3 is installed in the housing 1001 . The heater 1030 is installed in the housing 1001 such that the end can be located in the protruding tube 1020 . When the cigarette 3 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 1004 in a state where the accommodation portion 1004 is coupled to the protruding tube 1020 , the end of the heater 1030 is inserted into the bottom surface at the end of the cigarette 3 .

FIG. 32 is a bottom perspective view of some components in the aerosol generating apparatus of FIG. 29 , and FIG. 33 is a view exemplarily showing an operational state when some components of FIG. 32 are used.

Referring to Fig. 32 and Fig. 33, the accommodating part 1004 includes: a side wall 1004w, which forms an accommodating path 1004h, which can be inserted into a coupling path 1020h in the protruding tube 1020 and can accommodate a cigarette 3; an insertion hole 1004p, which is in and a bottom wall 1004b that closes the other end of the accommodating path 1004h and has a heater hole 1004c through which the end of the heater 1030 passes. 1004c.

The heater hole 1004c formed in the bottom wall 1004b of the accommodating portion 1004 includes an outer hole 1004j recessed from the heater 1030 toward the outer direction. Since the plurality of external holes 1004j are arranged spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the heater hole 1004c, the heater hole 1004c may be integrally formed in a star shape. The outer hole 1004j serves as an air flow path that concentrates air around the heater 1030 toward the cigarette 3 through the heater hole 1004c at the outside of the accommodating portion 1004 so that air can be easily introduced into the accommodating portion 1004 .

The accommodation portion 1004 includes an outer wall 1004t that surrounds the side wall 1004w and is separated from the side wall 1004w in the radial direction of the side wall 1004w. When the receiving part 1004 is coupled to the protruding tube 1020, the protruding tube 1020 is inserted between the outer wall 1004t and the side wall 1004w, so that the coupled state between the receiving part 1004 and the protruding tube 1020 can be stably maintained.

When the receiving portion 1004 is inserted into the protruding tube 1020, the guide rib 1004n inserted into the guide recess 1002n of the protruding tube 1020 is provided inside the outer wall 1004t.

In a state where the accommodation part 1004 is coupled to the protruding pipe 1020 , the end of the heater 1030 is located in the accommodation path 1004h of the accommodation part 1004 after passing through the heater hole 1004c of the accommodation part 1004 . Accordingly, the heater 1030 is inserted into the cigarette 3 when the cigarette 3 is accommodated in the accommodation path 1004h of the accommodation portion 1004 in a state where the accommodation portion 1004 is coupled to the protruding tube 1020 .

A plurality of lower bottom protrusions 1004e protrude from the lower surface of the bottom wall 1004b of the housing portion 1004, and are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction at the outside of the heater hole 1004c. When the receiving part 1004 is installed in the aerosol generating device, the lower bottom protrusion 1004e maintains a gap between the bottom wall 1004b and the aerosol generating device to ensure a flow path of air.

Since the lower bottom protrusions 1004e radially extend from the outer edge of the bottom wall 1004b toward the heater hole 1004c, the air at the outside of the bottom wall 1004b can move toward the heater hole 1004c along the space between adjacent lower bottom protrusions 1004e. The external holes 1004j flow.

Due to the bottom lower protrusion 1004e, the air at the outside of the bottom wall 1004b can be uniformly supplied to the heater hole 1004c, and the air can be uniformly and constantly supplied to the cigarette 3, so that generation of aerosol can be performed sufficiently and stably. Therefore, an aerosol with optimized taste and fragrance can be provided to the user.

In the lower surface of the bottom wall 1004b of the accommodating portion 1004, an air guide recess 1004r extending from the outer edge of the bottom wall 1004b to the heater hole 1004c is formed. The air guide recess 1004r provides a main flow path of air supplied to the cigarettes 3 housed in the accommodating portion 1004 .

Ends of the air guide recess 1004r at the outer edge of the bottom wall 1004b are arranged at positions corresponding to the air holes 1020g shown in FIG. 31 . According to the above arrangement, the air outside the air protruding pipe 1020 is introduced into the protruding pipe 1020 through the air hole 1020g while being directly introduced into the heater hole 1004c along the air guide recess 1004r, and thus the air can be directly and sufficiently supplied To cigarette 3 to generate aerosol.

A plurality of air guide recesses 1004 r may be provided to correspond to the number of air holes 1020 g formed in the protruding pipe 1020 .

The accommodating portion 1004 includes a discharge hole 1004a formed by partially cutting the side wall 1004w so as to expose the accommodating portion 1004 to the outside of the side wall 1004w. Since the discharge hole 1004a is formed in the side wall 1004w, the side wall 1004w may have a substantially hemispherical shape. That is, when the side wall 1004w is cut in a direction transverse to the length direction of the side wall 1004w, the cross-sectional shape of the side wall 1004w may have a hemispherical shape.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 32 , the discharge hole 1004a is formed to a size up to an angular range of about 180° in the circumferential direction based on the central axis in the length direction of the side wall 1004w, but is not limited thereto. That is, the angular range of the discharge hole 1004a may be an angle equal to or greater than 180° or an angle less than 180° in the circumferential direction based on the central axis in the length direction of the side wall 1004w.

By forming the discharge hole 1004a exposing the accommodation path 1004h in the side wall 1004w of the accommodation portion 1004, a cleaning operation can be easily performed.

A plurality of slits 1004s are formed in the side wall 1004w of the accommodating portion 1004 by penetrating the side wall 1004w to connect the accommodating path 1004h to the outside of the accommodating portion 1004 . The slit 1004s allows air to stay in the empty space provided between the outer wall 1004t and the side wall 1004w to contact a part of the outer surface of the cigarette 3 accommodated in the receiving portion 1004 .

The air staying in the empty space between the outer wall 1004t and the side wall 1004w is heated by the cigarette 3 heated by the heater 1030, and is introduced again into the accommodating path 1004h through the heater hole 1004c of the accommodating part or toward the Cigarette 3 guides to support aerosol production.

In addition, the air staying in the empty space between the outer wall 1004t and the side wall 1004w partially absorbs the heat of the cigarette 3 and prevents the heat of the cigarette 3 from being directly transmitted to the user via the receiving portion 1004 .

Referring to FIG. 33 , the side wall 1004w forming the accommodating path 1004h of the accommodating portion 1004 accommodating the cigarettes 3 may form an inclined surface along the length direction of the cigarettes 3 . The side wall 1004w may be inclined away from the cigarettes 3 from the lower end of the cigarettes 3 accommodated in the accommodating path 1004h toward the upper end of the cigarettes 3 .

As described above, since the side wall 1004w is inclined, the size of the accommodating path of the accommodating portion 1004 can vary in the length direction of the cigarette 3 . That is, the diameter D1 of the housing path 1004h in which the middle portion of the cigarette 3 is housed is larger than the diameter D2 of the housing path 1004h in which the lower end portion of the cigarette 3 is housed. According to the variation of the diameter of the accommodating path 1004h, the center of the cigarette 3 can be precisely aligned with the center of the heater 1030 during the insertion operation of the cigarette 3 into the accommodating portion 1004 . In addition, in the state where the cigarette 3 is fully inserted into the storage path 1004h, the lower end portion of the cigarette 3 is strongly compressed by the side wall 1004w, and therefore, the storage state of the cigarette 3 in the storage path 1004h can be stably supported.

After the user smokes the cigarettes 3 accommodated in the accommodating portion 1004 , the user can directly pull out the cigarettes from the accommodating portion 1004 . That is, the user can pull out the cigarette 3 from the accommodating portion 1004 while twisting the cigarettes accommodated in the accommodating portion 1004 by hand.

After detaching the cigarettes 3 from the containing portion 1004, the user may detach the containing portion 1004 from the aerosol generating device to perform a cleaning operation.

When the containing portion 1004 is separated from the aerosol generating device, as shown in FIG. 28 , the containing path 1004h is exposed to the outside through the discharge hole 1004a, so the tobacco material can be discharged out of the containing portion 1004 through the discharge hole 1004a. In addition, the user can conveniently clean each part in the storage path 1004h and the side wall 1004w while visually recognizing the cleaning state.

The method can be realized as a program executed in a computer, and can be implemented in general-purpose digital computers for executing the program by using a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. In addition, the structure of data used in the method can be recorded by using various units on a computer-readable medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic storage media (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), USB, floppy disk, or hard disk) and optical recording media (e.g., compact discs, CD-ROMs or digital multi-function Disk (DVD)).

In the aerosol generating device according to one or more embodiments, a user may install the cigarette in the aerosol generating device by pushing the cigarette along the receiving path of the receiving part. In addition, after finishing using the cigarette, the user can easily separate the cigarette from the aerosol generating device by a simple manipulation of separating the cigarette from the receiving portion of the housing.

In addition, since the housing part can be separated from the housing, tobacco material generated during smoking and attached to the periphery of the cigarette can be easily discharged to the outside of the housing including the housing part.

In addition, when the accommodating portion is separated from the case, the protruding tube and the heater are exposed to the outside, and therefore, a user can easily perform cleaning while directly checking the protruding tube and the heater.

In addition, in a state where the cigarette is inserted into the accommodating portion of the aerosol generating device, the protruding portion protruding from the accommodating path and the cigarette supporting protrusion of the cover contact the cigarette so as to stably support the cigarette. Therefore, while using the aerosol generating device, the state in which the cigarettes are housed in the aerosol generating device can be stably maintained, and thus the user can safely use the aerosol generating device.

In addition, the protruding portion is partially in contact with the outer surface of the cigarette, thereby forming a flow path through which air can pass between the accommodating path and the cigarette, and thus can sufficiently supply external air into the aerosol generating device to support generation of aerosol .

In addition, the contact area between the cigarette and the inner surface of the accommodating path is reduced, and thus the heat conduction area from the cigarette to the housing can be reduced.

In addition, since the cigarette and the accommodating path are separated from each other, the cigarette can be easily inserted into the accommodating path of the accommodating portion even when the cigarette expands due to insertion of the heater into the cigarette. If there is no space between the cigarette and the accommodating portion, when the heater is inserted into the cigarette, the outer wall of the cigarette expands, so friction between the cigarette and the accommodating portion increases, and it becomes difficult to insert the cigarette into the accommodating portion.

In addition, the housing portion can be cooled by introducing external air into the space formed between the outer surface of the cigarette and the housing path.

In addition, due to the structure of the aerosol generating device in which the accommodating path and the protrusion are provided, air introduced into the cigarette can be preheated.

In addition, since a mechanism for moving the aerosol generating device relative to the accommodating portion in a state connected to the aerosol generating device is unnecessary, the number of parts can be reduced, the structure of the aerosol generating device can be simplified, and problems such as Problems such as frequent failures due to the movement of the accommodation part.

Although the present disclosure has been specifically shown and described with reference to the embodiments herein, the embodiments and terms are only for explaining the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure defined by the claims. These examples should be considered descriptive only and not for purposes of limitation. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure is defined not by the detailed description of the disclosure but by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present disclosure.

Claims (19)

1. An aerosol generating device comprising: case; a protruding tube having a hollow shape and an opening opened outward, the protruding tube protruding from an end of the housing; a heater mounted in the housing such that an end thereof is located in the protruding tube, the heater configured to generate heat when an electric signal is applied; and an accommodating portion comprising a side wall constituting an accommodating path for accommodating cigarettes, an insertion hole that is open toward the outside at an end of the accommodating path to allow insertion of the cigarettes, and a bottom wall , the bottom wall is configured to close the opposite end of the receiving path and has a heater hole through which the end of the heater passes, and the receiving portion is configured to pass through the protruding tube. An opening is inserted into or separated from the protruding tube. 2. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, further comprising: A cover including an external hole exposing the insertion hole of the receiving portion to the outside, coupled to the end portion of the case to cover the receiving portion and separated from the case. 3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein, An external air introduction gap that allows air at the outside of the cover to be introduced into the inside of the cover is provided at a coupling portion between the cover and the housing, The receiving portion further includes an outer wall surrounding the side wall and separated from the side wall in a radial direction of the side wall, when the protruding tube is inserted between the outer wall and the side wall, the accommodating portion and the protruding tube are coupled to each other, An air circulation gap is provided at the coupling portion between the outer wall of the housing portion and the protruding tube, the air circulation gap allowing the air at the outside of the housing portion to be introduced into the housing. section, and The protruding tube also includes an air hole through which the air passes toward the end of the cigarette housed in the housing portion. 4. The aerosol-generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cover including a door for exposing the insertion hole of the accommodating portion to the outside, and the cover is connected to the accommodating portion , wherein the receiving portion is coupled to and detached from the housing together with the cover. 5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein an external air introduction gap is provided at a coupling portion of the cover and the housing, and the external air introduction gap removes air from the outside of the cover. Air is introduced into the cap, and the protruding tube further includes an air hole through which the air passes toward the end of the cigarette housed in the accommodating portion. 6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a protruding portion protruding from the protruding tube and penetrating through a side wall of the accommodating portion to support the aerosol contained in the accommodating portion. cigarette. 7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the containing path of the containing portion has a diameter larger than a diameter of the cigarettes contained in the containing path, and the side wall comprises the The protruding portion penetrates through the through hole, and the protruding portion protrudes from the surface of the containing path toward the cigarette so as to contact the outer surface of the cigarette. 8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the raised portion comprises a plurality of raised portions at the outer surface of the cigarette relative to the center of the cigarette. They are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction to form a flow path along which air flows between adjacent protrusions, and the through holes include a plurality of through holes corresponding to the protrusions. 9. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 7, wherein said protruding portion comprises a plurality of protruding portions mutually extending along the outer surface of said cigarette in the length direction of said cigarette. spaced apart, and the through holes extend along the length direction of the receiving path to allow the plurality of protrusions to pass therethrough. 10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the protruding portion extends in a circumferential direction with respect to the center of the cigarette so as to partially contact all parts of the cigarette along the circumferential direction. The outer surface and form a flow path along which air flows. 11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the protruding portion has an inclined surface in the length direction of the accommodating path so as to guide when the cigarette is moved to be inserted into the accommodating path The movement of the cigarette. 12. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein the bottom wall further includes a bottom protrusion protruding so as to support a bottom surface at the end of the cigarette. 13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the bottom wall further comprises a connection passage connected to a space between an outer surface of the cigarette and the receiving path. 14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the bottom wall further comprises a lower bottom protrusion protruding toward the lower surface of the protruding tube so as to place The air at is directed toward the heater holes. 15. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a cover having an external hole exposing the insertion hole of the receiving part to the outside, the cover being coupled to the housing to cover the accommodating portion and to insert the cigarette into the insertion hole and the external hole with the housing, wherein when the cover is separated from the housing, the cigarette and the The connection state of the cover. 16. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the containing portion further comprises a discharge hole formed by partially cutting the side wall so that the containing path is exposed to and communicated with to the outside of the side wall, and to allow cleaning operations to be performed in the housing portion. 17. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a slit formed through the side wall to couple the containing path to the outside of the containing portion, and the slit extends along the The length direction of the side wall extends. 18. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein a diameter of the containing path gradually decreases toward an end of the cigarette housed in the containing path. 19. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein the protruding tube further comprises an air hole extending through the protruding tube to allow the air to pass therethrough, and the bottom wall further comprises An air guide recess having one end connected to the air hole and an opposite end connected to the heater hole to guide air outside the protruding pipe toward the heater hole.