JP7690068B2 - Aerosol Generator - Google Patents

Description

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

Technologies have been developed to allow airflow into the aerosol-generating article to provide atomization capabilities. For example, aerosol generating devices have been developed that generate aerosols from aerosol-generating articles in a non-combustion manner.

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

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

The first airflow passages can be recessed by a first width in the first frame.

The first airflow passages may be arranged at substantially equal intervals along the first circumference of the first frame.

The second airflow passage may be a single airflow passage.

The second layer may further include a susceptor positioned within the second frame, forming the second airflow passage together with the second frame, and configured to at least partially contain the aerosol-generating article.

The second housing further includes a third layer, the third layer including a third frame connected to the second frame and a plurality of third airflow passages formed in the third frame, the third frame having a third circumference and a third width, and the plurality of third airflow passages can be fluidly connected to the second airflow passage.

The third airflow passages can be recessed by a third width in the third frame.

The third airflow passages may be arranged at substantially equal intervals along the third circumference of the third frame.

The third layer further includes a plurality of recesses, the plurality of recesses being located between a pair of adjacent third airflow passages, the plurality of recesses being formed in a thickness direction of the third frame, and the thickness direction may intersect with the third circumferential direction and the third width direction.

The second layer may further include a first bottom portion, the first bottom portion being connected to the second frame and configured to support the third frame.

The first bottom portion may include a plurality of first airflow holes fluidly connected to the plurality of third airflow passages.

The second layer may further include a wall portion connected to the first bottom portion and including a plurality of second airflow holes, and a second bottom portion connected to the wall portion and configured to guide airflow to the aerosol-generating article.

The second housing may further include an article insert and a plurality of insert airflow passages, the article insert may include a plurality of fixing parts connected to the first frame, the plurality of fixing parts configured to fix an aerosol-generating article, and the plurality of insert airflow passages may be fluidly connected to the plurality of first airflow passages and formed between the plurality of fixing parts.

The first housing can be configured to be sealed so that air flows into the second housing only through the multiple insertion airflow passages.

According to one aspect of one embodiment, a housing for an aerosol generating device is provided, the housing may include: a first layer including a first frame and a plurality of first airflow passages formed in the first frame, the first frame having a first circumference and a first width; a second layer including a second frame connected to the first frame and a second airflow passage formed in the second frame, the second airflow passage being fluidly connected to the plurality of first airflow passages, the second frame having a second circumference and a second width; and a third layer including a third frame connected to the second frame and a plurality of third airflow passages formed in the third frame, the third frame having a third circumference and a third width, and the plurality of third airflow passages being fluidly connected to the second airflow passages.

According to one embodiment, the airflow inflow direction and/or the airflow rate can be controlled. According to one embodiment, flavors suitable for various types of aerosol generating articles can be provided. The effects of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description.

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating system of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3. FIG. 3 is a view of the aerosol generating system of FIG. 2 viewed from one direction. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating system of FIG. 2 taken along line 5-5. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating system of FIG. 2 taken along line 6-6. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating system of FIG. 2 taken along line 7-7. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating system of FIG. 2 taken along line 8-8. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation system of FIG. 2 taken along line 9-9. A diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment having an aerosol product (e.g., a cigarette) inserted therein. A diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment having an aerosol product (e.g., a cigarette) inserted therein. A diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment having an aerosol product (e.g., a cigarette) inserted therein. FIG. 2 shows an example of an aerosol product (e.g., a cigarette) according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 shows an example of an aerosol product (e.g., a cigarette) according to an embodiment.

The terms used in the examples are currently used generally and widely as much as possible, taking into consideration the functions in the examples, but this may change depending on the intentions of engineers in this field, legal precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, in which case the meanings are described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this invention should be defined based on the meanings that the terms have and the overall content of the invention, rather than simply the names of the terms.

Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, this means that it may further include other components, not excluding other components, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "section," "module," etc. used in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be realized in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least any" precedes an array of components, it modifies all of the components in the array and not each individual component. For example, the phrase "at least any of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can be a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette) contained within an interior space.

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

The heater may include heating elements of various shapes, such as, but not limited to, one or more of tubular heating elements, plate heating elements, needle heating elements, or rod heating elements, and the pattern of the heating elements may heat the interior or exterior of the cigarette.

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

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

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can be a device that generates aerosol using a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating substance.

The aerosol generating device may include a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating material and a body that supports the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed or assembled with the body, and may be fixed so as not to be detached by a user. The cartridge may be attached to the body that contains the aerosol generating material. However, is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating material may be injected into the cartridge coupled to the body.

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

The cartridge is operated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body, and can convert the phase of the aerosol generating material inside the cartridge into a gas phase to generate an aerosol. The aerosol can refer to a gas in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating material are mixed with air.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can generate an aerosol by heating a liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can be transmitted to the user through the cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition can travel along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow passage can be configured to transmit the aerosol through the cigarette to the user.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing an aerosol generating material using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

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

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

By applying a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) to the transducer, heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations can be generated from the transducer, and the heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the transducer can be transferred to the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick. The aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick can be converted into a gas phase by the heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations transferred from the transducer, resulting in the generation of an aerosol.

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

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol product contained in the aerosol generating device using an induction heating method.

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

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

The aerosol generating device can be combined with a separate cradle to form a system. For example, the cradle can charge the battery of the aerosol generating device, or the heater can be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generating device are combined.

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

Below, an embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a control unit 110, a detection unit 120, an output unit 130, a battery 140, a heater 150, a user input unit 160, a memory 170, and a communication unit 180. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1. In other words, a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that some of the components shown in FIG. 1 can be omitted or modified, or new components can be further added, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100.

The detection unit 120 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 100 or the state around the aerosol generating device 100 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 110. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 110 can control the aerosol generating device 100 to perform the following functions: control the operation of the heater 150, restrict smoking, determine whether or not to insert an aerosol product (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.), display notifications, and/or perform other functions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The haptic unit 134 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the haptic unit 134 can include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The acoustic output unit 136 can provide audible information about the aerosol generating device 100 to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit 136 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

The battery 140 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 140 can supply power to heat the heater 150. The battery 140 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components (e.g., the detection unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180) provided in the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 140 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 140 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The heater 150 can receive power from the battery 140 to heat the aerosol generating material. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 can further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC/DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to the heater 150. In addition, if the aerosol generating device 100 generates aerosol using an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 100 can further include a DC/AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 140 into an AC power.

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

In one embodiment, the heater 150 may include a predetermined electrically resistive material suitable for heating. For example, the electrically resistive material may include, but is not limited to, a metal or metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like. The heater 150 may also be implemented as, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate having an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, and the like.

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

The user input unit 160 can receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 160 can be a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (contact type electrostatic capacitance type, pressure type resistive film type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral type tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via a connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 140.

The memory 170 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 100, and can store data that has been processed by the control unit 110 and data to be processed. The memory 170 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (such as SD or XD memory), a RAM (random access memory), a SRAM (static random access memory), a ROM (read-only memory), an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), a PROM (programmable read-only memory), or a combination of the above. The memory 170 may include at least one type of storage medium, such as a memory, a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. The memory 170 may store various information regarding the operation of the aerosol generating device, such as, but not limited to, the operating time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data regarding the user's smoking pattern.

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

The short-range wireless communication unit 182 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra-wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and the like.

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

The control unit 110 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can include at least one processor. The processor may be realized by an array of a large number of logic gates, or may be realized by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored. In addition, a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs can understand that the processor may be realized by other forms of hardware.

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

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

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

In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can control the time and/or amount of power supply to the heater 150 depending on the state of the aerosol product detected by the detection unit 120. For example, when the aerosol product (e.g., the aerosol product 201) is in an overly humid state, the control unit 110 can control the time of power supply to the induction coil to increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol product is in a normal state.

Figures 2-9 show various views of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment.

Referring to Figures 2 to 9, the aerosol generation system 20 can include an aerosol generation device 200 and an aerosol production item 201. The aerosol generation device 200 can accommodate the aerosol production item 201 in an internal space and generate an aerosol by electrically heating the aerosol production item 201.

The aerosol generating device 200 can include a first housing 210 configured to at least partially house the aerosol product 201 and house various electronic/mechanical components. The first housing 210 can include, for example, a first surface 210A (e.g., a front surface), a second surface 210B (e.g., a rear surface) opposite the first surface 210A, and at least one third surface 210C (e.g., a side surface) between the first surface 210A and the second surface 210B.

In one embodiment, the first housing 210 can include a flap 212 configured to at least partially cover the first surface 210A, and the flap 212 can be configured to open or close a passageway (e.g., the article insert 220) through which the aerosol product article 201 is inserted into or removed from the aerosol generating device 200. The flap 212 can be pivotally coupled to the third surface 210C, for example.

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

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

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

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

In one embodiment, the second housing 230 can include multiple layers 232, 234, 236 that include one or more airflow passages. In one embodiment, the multiple layers 232, 234, 236 can be integrally formed with the second housing 230. In some embodiments, any one of the multiple layers 232, 234, 236 can be formed as a separate component from any other one of the multiple layers 232, 234, 236. In one embodiment, the multiple layers 232, 234, 236 can be seamlessly formed together.

In one embodiment, the second housing 230 may include a first layer 232, a second layer 234, and a third layer 236.

The first layer 232 may include a first frame 232A having a first circumference (e.g., a first circumferential portion), a first width (e.g., a first radial portion), and a first thickness (e.g., a first thickness portion), and a plurality of (e.g., four) first airflow passages 232B formed in the first frame 232A. The plurality of first airflow passages 232B may be coupled to the plurality of insert airflow passages 224 in fluid communication.

In one embodiment, the first frame 232A can be spaced apart from the multiple fixing portions 222. In one embodiment, the first frame 232A can extend circumferentially to form a substantially annular structure.

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

In one embodiment, the plurality of first airflow passages 232B may be recessed in the width direction of the first frame 232A. In one embodiment, the plurality of first airflow passages 232B may be formed within the first frame 232A. In one embodiment, the plurality of first airflow passages 232B may be arranged at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first frame 232A. In one embodiment, the interval between any pair of adjacent first airflow passages 232B among the plurality of first airflow passages 232B may be different from the interval between any other pair of adjacent first airflow passages 232B.

The second layer 234 can include a second frame 234A having a second circumference (e.g., a second circumferential portion), a second width (e.g., a second radial portion), and a second thickness (e.g., a second thickness portion), and a second airflow passage 234B formed by the second frame 234A. The second airflow passage 234B can be coupled in fluid communication with the plurality of first airflow passages 232B.

The second frame 234A can be coupled to the first frame 232B. For example, the second frame 234A can be coupled to the first frame 232B by other mechanical components. As another example, the second frame 234A can be directly coupled to the first frame 232B. In one embodiment, the second frame 234A can extend circumferentially to form a substantially annular structure.

In one embodiment, the inner dimension of the second frame 234A (e.g., the diameter of the second thickness direction portion) may be larger than the inner dimension of the first frame 232A (e.g., the diameter of the first thickness direction portion). In one embodiment, the inner dimension of the second frame 234A (e.g., the diameter of the second thickness direction portion) may be substantially the same as the inner dimension of the first frame 232A (e.g., the diameter of the first thickness direction portion). In one embodiment, the inner dimension of the second frame 234A (e.g., the diameter of the second thickness direction portion) may be smaller than the inner dimension of the first frame 232A (e.g., the diameter of the first thickness direction portion).

In one embodiment, the inner surface of the second frame 234A can form a second clearance distance with one surface (e.g., a side surface) of the aerosol product product 201 when the aerosol product product 201 is inserted. In one embodiment, the second clearance distance can be greater than the first clearance distance. In one embodiment, the second clearance distance can be substantially the same as the first clearance distance. In one embodiment, the second clearance distance can be less than the first clearance distance.

In one embodiment, the second airflow passage 234B may be formed within the second frame 234A. In some embodiments, the second airflow passage 234B may be defined by one surface (e.g., the second thicknesswise portion) of the second frame 234A. In some embodiments, the second airflow passage 234B may also be defined by one surface (e.g., a side surface) of the aerosol product product 201 upon insertion of the aerosol product product 201.

In one embodiment, the second airflow passage 234B may be a single airflow passage. In one embodiment, the second layer 234 may include multiple second airflow passages 234B. As one example, the number of second airflow passages 234B may be the same as the number of first airflow passages 234A. As another example, the number of second airflow passages 234B may be different from the number of first airflow passages 234A.

In one embodiment, the second housing 230 can include a susceptor 238 configured to at least partially contain the aerosol product article 201 and support one surface (e.g., a side surface) of the aerosol product article 201. The susceptor 238 can be located on the second frame 234A and can be configured to form a second airflow passage with the second frame 234A. The susceptor 238 can be located on the third layer 236 and extend along a side portion of the second layer 234 (e.g., a width portion of the second frame 234A).

In one embodiment, the third layer 236 can include a third frame 236A. The third frame 236A can include a third frame 236A having a third circumference (e.g., a third circumferential portion), a third width (e.g., a third radial portion), and a third thickness (e.g., a third thickness portion), and a plurality (e.g., four) of third airflow passages 236B formed by the third frame 236A. The plurality of third airflow passages 236B can be coupled to be in fluid communication with the second airflow passage 234B.

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

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

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

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

In one embodiment, the inner surface of the third frame 236A may contact one surface (e.g., a side surface) of the aerosol product product 201 when the aerosol product product 201 is inserted. In one embodiment, an airtight seal may be formed between the inner surface of the third frame 236A and one surface (e.g., a side surface) of the aerosol product product 201.

In one embodiment, the third airflow passages 236B may be recessed in the width direction of the third frame 236A. In one embodiment, the third airflow passages 236B may be formed within the third frame 236A. In one embodiment, the third airflow passages 236B may be arranged at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the third frame 236A. In one embodiment, the interval between any pair of adjacent third airflow passages 236B among the third airflow passages 236B may be different from the interval between any other pair of adjacent third airflow passages 236B.

In one embodiment, the third layer 236 may include a plurality of (e.g., four) first recesses 236C formed in a thickness direction of the third frame 236A. The plurality of first recesses 236C may be configured, for example, to support at least one component (e.g., a susceptor 238) in the second housing 230. The plurality of first recesses 236C may each be formed between a pair of adjacent third airflow passages 236B.

In one embodiment, the second layer 234 can include a first bottom 234C configured to support the third frame 236A. The first bottom 234C can be coupled to the second frame 234A and in contact with the third frame 236A. The first bottom 234C can extend from the second frame 234A in a direction transverse to a thickness of the second frame 234A (e.g., radially). The first bottom 234C can have a width greater than a second width of the second frame 234A.

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

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

In one embodiment, the second layer 234 may include a second bottom 234E spaced apart from the first bottom 234C, and a wall 234F connecting the first bottom 234C and the second bottom 234E. The wall 234F extends from the first bottom 234C in a direction (e.g., thickness direction) intersecting the extension direction (e.g., radial direction) of the first bottom 234C, and the second bottom 234E may extend in a direction (e.g., radial direction) intersecting the extension direction of the wall 234F. In one embodiment, the second bottom 234E may be located substantially in a central region of the second frame 234A. The second bottom 234E and the wall 234F may form a flow space for airflow together with one surface (e.g., lower surface) of the aerosol product product 201, for example, when the aerosol product product 201 is inserted.

In one embodiment, the wall portion 234F may include a plurality of second airflow holes H2. The plurality of second airflow holes H2 are configured to communicate with the outside of the second frame 234A, and may allow airflow outside the second frame 234A to flow into the wall portion 234F and the flow space on the second bottom portion 234E. For example, the plurality of second airflow holes H2 may allow airflow that has passed through the plurality of third airflow passages 236B and the plurality of first airflow holes H1 to flow into the flow space. The airflow flowing into the flow space may be guided to one surface (e.g., the lower surface) of the aerosol product item 201 along the second bottom portion 234E and the wall portion 234F.

The aerosol generating device 200 may include a pressure sensor 240 configured to sense the pressure of the airflow between the item insert 220 and the second housing 230. The pressure sensor 240 may sense a change in pressure of the airflow due to a change in the velocity of the airflow, for example, when the airflow is introduced through the item insert 220. In one embodiment, the pressure sensor 240 may be located on the flow stream between the item insert 220 and the second housing 230 and within the first housing 210. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 240 may be located adjacent to the first surface 210A. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 240 may be located on the flow stream between the plurality of insert airflow passages 224 and the plurality of first airflow passages 232B. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 200 may include multiple pressure sensors 240.

Referring to FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes a vaporizer 14. In addition, an aerosol product 2 (e.g., a cigarette) can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1.

The aerosol generating device 1 shown in Figures 10 to 12 shows the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that in addition to the components shown in Figures 10 to 12, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes other general-purpose components.

Furthermore, although Figures 11 and 12 show the aerosol generating device 1 as including a heater 13, in one embodiment, the heater 13 may be omitted.

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

When the aerosol product 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 can activate the heater 13 and/or vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and/or vaporizer 14 passes through the aerosol product 2 and is transmitted to the user.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 can control the heater 13 to activate the heating operation even when the aerosol product 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 1.

The battery 11 supplies the power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and can supply the power necessary for the control unit 12 to operate. The battery 11 can also supply the power necessary for the display, sensor, motor, etc. included in the aerosol generating device 1 to operate.

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

The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The at least one processor may be realized by an array of a large number of logic gates, or may be realized by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored. In addition, a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs can understand that the at least one processor may be realized by different forms of hardware.

The heater 13 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 can be located outside the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 13 can increase the temperature of the aerosol generating material within the cigarette.

The heater 13 may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated by passing an electric current through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and may be any heater capable of heating to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be already set in the aerosol generating device 1, or may be set to the desired temperature by the user.

As another example, the heater 13 can be an induction heater. In one embodiment, the heater 13 can include an electrically conductive coil for inductively heating the cigarette, and the cigarette can include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heater.

For example, the heater 13 can include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod heating element, and the pattern of the heating elements can heat the inside or outside of the aerosol product article 2.

In addition, a plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged in the aerosol generating device 1. In this case, the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 2, or may be arranged outside the aerosol product 2. Furthermore, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the aerosol product 2. In addition, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 10 to 12, and various shapes can be produced.

The vaporizer 14 can heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be transmitted to the user through the aerosol product 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can travel along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 1, and the airflow passage can be configured such that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can be transmitted to the user through the cigarette.

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

The liquid storage unit can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit may be made so as to be detachable from the vaporizer 14, or may be made integral with the vaporizer 14.

For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvent, ethanol, botanical extracts, fragrances, flavorings, or vitamin mixtures. The fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavoring ingredients, and the like. The flavorings may include ingredients that can provide a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid composition may also include an aerosol forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition in the liquid storage portion to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means can be a wick such as, but not limited to, cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc.

The heating element can be an element configured to heat the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heating element can be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, and the like. The heating element can also be configured with a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, and can be arranged in a wound configuration around the liquid transfer means. The heating element can be heated by a current supply and can transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element to heat the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

For example, the vaporizer 14 may be called a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited to these.

The aerosol generating device 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generating device 1 may also include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, or a cigarette insertion detection sensor). Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 1 may be fabricated with a structure that allows external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even when the aerosol product 2 is inserted.

Although not shown in Figures 10 to 12, the aerosol generator 1 can also be used to configure a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generator 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 can be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generator 1 are combined.

The aerosol product 2 may be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the aerosol product 2 may be divided into a first portion including an aerosol generating material and a second portion including a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the aerosol product 2 may also include an aerosol generating material. For example, an aerosol generating material made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, or the entire first part and a part of the second part may be inserted. The user can inhale the aerosol while biting the second part in the mouth. In this case, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user's mouth by passing through the second part.

As an example, the outside air can flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1 and/or the size of the air passage can be adjusted by the user. This allows the user to adjust the amount of atomization, smoking sensation, etc. As another example, the outside air can flow in through at least one hole formed in the surface of the aerosol product 2.

Figure 13 shows an example of an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13, the aerosol product 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first portion 21 described above with reference to FIGS. 10-12 includes the tobacco rod 21, and the second portion 22 includes the filter rod 22.

Although FIG. 13 illustrates the filter rod 22 as a single segment, this is not limiting. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment that cools the aerosol and a segment that filters certain components contained in the aerosol. In one embodiment, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment that performs another function.

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

The aerosol product 2 may be wrapped with at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. As an example, the aerosol product 2 may be wrapped with one wrapper 24. As another example, the aerosol product 2 may be wrapped with two or more wrappers 24 in a superimposed manner. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped with a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 may be wrapped with wrappers 242, 243, and 244. Also, the entire aerosol product 2 may be rewrapped with a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped with a wrapper 242, 243, and 244.

The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made of a general filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be a porous wrapping paper or a non-porous wrapping paper. The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can also be made of oil-resistant paper and/or aluminum laminated paper wrapping material.

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

The fourth wrapper 244 can be made of a grease-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 can be in the range of 88 g/m ² to 96 g/m ² , and preferably in the range of 90 g/m ² to 94 g/m ² . Also, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 can be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of a sterile paper (MFW). Here, the term "sterile paper (MFW)" refers to paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be within a range of 57 g/m ² to 63 g/m ² , and preferably 60 g/m ^2. The thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be within a range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

The fifth wrapper 245 may have a specific substance added thereto. Here, an example of the specific substance may be silicon, but is not limited to this. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any substance other than silicon that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without restrictions.

The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the aerosol product 2 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 13, the aerosol product 2 may burn. In one embodiment, if the temperature of any of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 31 rises above the ignition point, the aerosol product 2 may burn. Even in such a case, the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-flammable substance, so it can prevent the aerosol product 2 from burning.

The fifth wrapper 245 can also prevent the holder from being contaminated by the substance generated in the aerosol product 2. A liquid substance can be generated in the aerosol product 2 by the user's puff. For example, a liquid substance (e.g., moisture) can be generated by cooling the aerosol generated in the aerosol product 2 with outside air. The fifth wrapper 245 can wrap the aerosol product 2 to prevent the liquid substance generated in the aerosol product 2 from leaking outside the aerosol product 2.

The tobacco rod 21 includes an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 21 may also contain other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and/or organic acids. A flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, may also be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it onto the tobacco rod 21.

The tobacco rod 21 can be made in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be made in a sheet or a strand. The tobacco rod 21 can also be made of shredded tobacco sheets. The tobacco rod 21 can also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 to improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco taste. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can also function as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown in the drawing, the tobacco rod 21 can include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the outside.

The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. However, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical type rod, or a tube type rod including a hollow inside. The filter rod 22 may also be a recess type rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure having a hollow inside. When the heater 13 is inserted through the first segment, it may prevent the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed backward, and may also generate a cooling effect on the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow inside the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The length of the first segment may be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited to this. Preferably, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited to this.

The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of plasticizer during manufacturing of the first segment. In addition, the first segment can be manufactured by inserting a film, tube or other structure made of the same or different material inside (e.g., hollow).

The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 13 heating the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol that has been cooled to a moderate temperature.

The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined in various ways depending on the form of the aerosol product 2. For example, the length of the second segment can be appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment can be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second segment can be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, the scented liquid can be applied to the fibers made of the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment can be made by weaving together separate fibers to which the scented liquid has been applied and fibers made of the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment can be formed by a wound polymer sheet.

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

By forming the second segment from woven polymer fibers or wound polymer sheets, the second segment can include one or more longitudinally extending channels, where a channel refers to a passageway through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) can pass.

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

The second segment can include a thread containing a volatile flavor component, which can be, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread can be loaded with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

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

In the process of producing the third segment, the third segment can be produced so that a flavor is generated by spraying a flavoring liquid onto the third segment. Alternatively, separate fibers coated with a flavoring liquid can be inserted inside the third segment. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 21 is cooled by passing through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user via the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, it is possible to produce the effect of increasing the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user.

Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform a function of generating a flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring is enveloped in a coating. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment. Referring to Figure 14, the aerosol product 3 may include a shear plug 33, a tobacco rod 31, and a filter rod 32. The shear plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The shear plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from escaping to the outside, and may prevent aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generating device (e.g., any of the aerosol generating devices 1 in Figures 10 to 12).

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

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

The aerosol product 3 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole through which external air may flow in or internal gas may flow out. For example, the shear plug 33 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped by a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped by a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper 354. Also, the entire aerosol product 3 may be repackaged by a fifth wrapper 355.

In addition, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in an area surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. The perforation 36 may play a role in transmitting heat generated by the heater 13 shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

Furthermore, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform a function of generating a flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring is enveloped in a coating. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

The first wrapper 351 may be a typical filter paper with a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, bonded to it. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be within the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be within the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably 6.3 μm. Furthermore, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be within the range of 50 g/m ² to 55 g/m ² , and preferably 53 g/m ² .

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

For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be, but is not limited to, 35,000 CU, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and preferably 78 μm, and the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be within the range of 20 g/m ² to 25 g/m ² , and preferably 23.5 g/m ² .

For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be, but is not limited to, 24,000 CU, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be within a range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 68 μm, and the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be within a range of 20 g/m ² to 25 g/m ² , and preferably 21 g/m ² .

The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminate. Here, PLA laminate refers to a triple layer of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably 110 μm. Also, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 80 g/m ² to 100 g/m ² , and preferably 88 g/m ² .

The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of a sterile paper (MFW). Here, the term "sterile paper (MFW)" refers to paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be within the range of 57 g/m ² to 63 g/m ² , and preferably 60 g/m ^2. The thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

The fifth wrapper 355 may have a specific substance added thereto. Here, an example of the specific substance may be silicon, but is not limited to this. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any substance other than silicon that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without restrictions.

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

In one embodiment, the shear plug 33 can include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel can be varied.

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

The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure having a hollow interior. The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate tow with a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin). For example, the mono-denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono-denier and total denier of the shear plug 33.

The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. The cross section of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably 25,000.

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

The above description of the embodiment is merely illustrative, and a person having ordinary skill in the art would understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the contents described in the claims should be interpreted as being included in the scope of protection defined by the claims.

The features and aspects of any of the embodiments described above may be combined with the features and aspects of any of the other embodiments.

Claims (14)

A first housing;
a second housing located in the first housing and configured to contain an aerosol-generating article;
Including,
The second housing includes:
a first layer including a first frame and a plurality of first airflow passages formed in the first frame, the first frame having a first circumference and a first width;
a second layer including a second frame coupled to the first frame and a second airflow passage formed in the second frame, the second airflow passage being fluidly connected to the plurality of first airflow passages, the second frame having a second circumference and a second width;
Including,
The second layer is
a first bottom including at least one first airflow hole for directing airflow out of the second frame;
a second bottom spaced apart from the first bottom;
A wall portion connecting the first bottom portion and the second bottom portion;
Further comprising:
An aerosol generating device, wherein the second bottom and the wall form an airflow space, and the wall includes at least one second airflow hole that allows air outside the second frame to flow into the flow space . The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first airflow passages are formed by recessing the first frame by a first width. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first airflow passages are arranged at substantially equal intervals along the first circumference of the first frame. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the second airflow passage is a single airflow passage. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the second layer further includes a susceptor, the susceptor being located on the second frame and configured to form the second airflow passage with the second frame and to at least partially contain the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the second housing further includes a third layer, the third layer including a third frame connected to the second frame and a plurality of third airflow passages formed in the third frame, the third frame having a third circumference and a third width, and the plurality of third airflow passages fluidly connected to the second airflow passage. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the third airflow passages are formed by recessing the third frame by a third width. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the third airflow passages are arranged at substantially equal intervals along the third circumference of the third frame. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the third layer further includes a plurality of recesses, the plurality of recesses being located between a pair of adjacent third airflow passages, the plurality of recesses being formed in a thickness direction of the third frame, and the thickness direction intersecting the third circumferential direction and the third width direction. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the first bottom is connected to the second frame and configured to support the third frame. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the second base is configured to guide airflow to the aerosol generating article. the second housing further includes an article insert and a plurality of insert airflow passages;
the article insert includes a plurality of fasteners coupled to the first frame, the plurality of fasteners configured to fasten the aerosol-generating article;
The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of insertion portion airflow passages are fluidly connected to the plurality of first airflow passages and are formed between the plurality of fixing portions. The aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein the first housing is configured to be sealed so that air flows into the second housing only through the multiple insertion airflow passages. 1. A housing for an aerosol generating device, the housing comprising:
a first layer including a first frame and a plurality of first airflow passages formed in the first frame, the first frame having a first circumference and a first width;
a second layer including a second frame coupled to the first frame and a second airflow passage formed in the second frame, the second frame having a second circumference and a second width, the second airflow passage fluidly connected to the plurality of first airflow passages;
a third layer including a third frame coupled to the second frame and a plurality of third airflow passages formed in the third frame, the third frame having a third circumference and a third width, the plurality of third airflow passages fluidly connected to the second airflow passage;
Including,
The second layer is
a first bottom including at least one first airflow hole for directing airflow out of the second frame;
a second bottom spaced apart from the first bottom;
A wall portion connecting the first bottom portion and the second bottom portion;
Further comprising:
The second bottom and the wall form an airflow space, and the wall includes at least one second airflow hole that allows air outside the second frame to flow into the airflow space .