RU2851198C2 - Aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking devices.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device comprises: a housing; a hollow protruding tube extending from the housing and having an opening at the end of the hollow protruding tube; a heater extending from the housing into the hollow protruding tube such that the end portion of the heater is located inside the hollow protruding tube; and a receiving portion connected to the hollow protruding tube. The receiving part includes: a side wall inserted into the hollow protruding tube and providing space for a cigarette to be placed therein; an insertion opening at the end of the side wall, aligned with the opening of the hollow protruding tube ; a bottom at the other end of the side wall, the bottom including a heater opening through which a heater passes; and an outer wall covering the side wall, wherein the hollow protruding tube is inserted between the side wall and the outer wall of the housing part such that the housing part is connected to the hollow protruding tube. The outer wall contains a guide rib located parallel to the longitudinal direction of the hollow protruding tube on the inner side of the outer wall, and the hollow protruding tube contains a guide groove formed on the hollow protruding tube such that that the guide rib is connected to the guide groove into which the hollow protruding tube is inserted between the side wall and the outer wall of the receiving portion.

EFFECT: easy insertion of the cigarette into the receiving channel and reduction of heat transfer from the cigarette to the body.

9 cl, 80 dwg

Description

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

[001] The present invention relates to a method and device for generating aerosols. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and device for generating an aerosol by heating a material capable of generating an aerosol in a cigarette.

LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY

[002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods to solve the problems of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing need for a method of generating aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating material within a cigarette, rather than burning the cigarette to generate the aerosol. Therefore, research into heating-type cigarettes or heating-type aerosol generating devices is being actively conducted.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

TECHNICAL TASK

[003] A method and apparatus for generating aerosols are provided. A machine-readable recordable medium is also provided, on which a program for executing the above-mentioned method on a computer is recorded. The technical problems that need to be solved are not limited to the technical problems disclosed above, and other technical problems may exist.

SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[004] According to an aspect of the present disclosure,

[005] an aerosol generating system includes a holder configured to generate an aerosol by heating a cigarette; and a stand including an interior space into which the holder is inserted, wherein the holder can be inserted into the interior space of the stand and can then be tilted to generate an aerosol.

TECHNICAL RESULTS OF THE INVENTION

[006] The holder may generate an aerosol by heating the cigarette. The aerosol may also be generated by the holder both when it is separated from the stand and when the holder is inserted into the stand and tilted. In particular, when the holder is tilted, the heater may be heated by power received from the stand's battery.

[007] The heater also has a smooth surface for smooth insertion of the cigarette, and the heater is not damaged by friction during insertion of the cigarette.

[008] In addition, the operation of the holder can be continuously monitored in any state, including a state in which the holder is connected to the stand and tilted, or a state in which the holder is separated from the stand.

[009] Furthermore, the cooling structure included in the cigarette can cool the aerosol passing through the cooling structure. In particular, uniform channels are distributed in the cooling structure, and thus the aerosol can flow smoothly, and the cooling effect of the aerosol can be improved.

[0010] The cooling structure also has the effect of filtering certain materials contained in the aerosol. Furthermore, since the cooling structure can be made of pure lactic acid polymer, the formation of certain materials when the aerosol passes through the cooling structure can be prevented.

[0011] In addition, when a vortex is formed, when the aerosol passes through the cooling structure, the cooling effect of the aerosol and the filtration effect of the specific material are improved.

[0012] An aerosol generating device is also provided in which a holder and a stand are combined (integrated). According to the aerosol generating device, a user can install a cigarette in the aerosol generating device by pushing the cigarette along a receiving channel of the housing portion. Furthermore, after finishing using the cigarette, the user can easily separate the cigarette from the aerosol generating device by simply separating the cigarette from the housing of the housing portion.

[0013] Furthermore, since the accommodating portion can be separated from the body, the tobacco material that is generated during smoking and attached to the periphery of the cigarette can be easily discharged from the body together with the accommodating portion.

[0014] In addition, when the containing portion is separated from the body, the protruding tube and the heater are exposed to the outside, and thus the user can directly check their condition and easily perform the cleaning operation.

[0015] Furthermore, when a cigarette is inserted into the housing portion of the aerosol generating device, the protruding portion protruding from the receiving channel or the cigarette supporting protrusion comes into contact with the cigarette, and thus the cigarette is stably supported. Therefore, the state in which the cigarette is accommodated in the aerosol generating device is stably maintained during use of the aerosol generating device, and thus the user can safely use the aerosol generating device.

[0016] In addition, when the protruding portion contacts a portion of the outer surface of the cigarette, a flow channel through which air can pass is formed between the receiving channel and the cigarette, and thus external air can be freely supplied to promote the formation of an aerosol sufficiently into the aerosol generating device.

[0017] In addition, by reducing the contact area between the cigarette and the receiving channel, it is possible to reduce the heat conduction area through which heat is transferred from the cigarette to the body.

[0018] Furthermore, since the cigarette and the receiving channel are located separately from each other, even when the heater is inserted into the cigarette and the cigarette expands, the cigarette is easily inserted into the receiving channel of the receiving portion. If there is no empty space between the cigarette and the receiving portion, the outer wall of the cigarette expands when the heater is inserted into the cigarette, and the frictional force between the cigarette and the receiving portion increases, and thus it becomes difficult to insert the cigarette into the receiving portion.

[0019] In addition, the containing portion may be cooled by introducing a flow of outside air into the space formed between the outer surface of the cigarette and the receiving channel.

[0020] In addition, the air introduced into the cigarette may be preheated by configuring the aerosol generating device relative to the receiving channel and the protruding portion.

[0021] In addition, since a mechanism for moving the containing portion relative to the aerosol generating device is not used when the containing portion is not separated from the aerosol generating device, the number of elements is reduced, which simplifies the overall structure of the aerosol generating device and prevents frequent problems associated with a movable containing portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] Fig. 1 contains a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device.

[0023] Fig. 2 contains a diagram for disclosing an example of a heater.

[0024] Fig. 3 contains a diagram for disclosing an example of the stepped surface shown in Fig. 2.

[0025] Fig. 4 contains a diagram for disclosing an example of conductive paths.

[0026] Fig. 5 contains a diagram for disclosing an example in which the heater, battery and control unit shown in Fig. 1 are connected.

[0027] Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B contain diagrams showing various views of an example of a holder.

[0028] Fig. 7 contains a diagram showing an example of the structure of the stand.

[0029] Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B contain diagrams showing different views of an example stand.

[0030] Fig. 9 contains a diagram showing an example in which the holder is inserted into the stand.

[0031] Fig. 10 contains a diagram showing an example in which the holder is tilted when inserted into the stand.

[0032] Fig. 11 contains a diagram for disclosing an example of smoking using a holder tilted in a stand.

[0033] Fig. 12 contains a flow chart of a method for counting the number of puffs when the holder is tilted and separated.

[0034] Fig. 13 contains a block diagram of a method for measuring operating time when the holder is tilted and separated.

[0035] Fig. 14 contains a diagram for disclosing an example where the holder counts the number of puffs.

[0036] Fig. 15 contains a diagram for disclosing another example where the holder counts the number of puffs.

[0037] Fig. 16 contains a diagram for disclosing another example where the holder counts the number of puffs.

[0038] Fig. 17 contains a diagram for disclosing a method by which the holder measures the operating time.

[0039] Fig. 18A - Fig. 18B contain diagrams showing examples in which the holder is inserted into the stand.

[0040] Fig. 19 contains a block diagram for disclosing an example in which the holder and stand operate.

[0041] Fig. 20 contains a block diagram for disclosing another example in which the holder operates.

[0042] Fig. 21 contains a block diagram for disclosing an example in which the stand operates.

[0043] Fig. 22 contains a diagram showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into a holder.

[0044] Fig. 23A and Fig. 23B contain diagrams showing examples of cigarettes.

[0045] Fig. 24A and Fig. 24B contain diagrams for disclosing examples of a fiber bundle.

[0046] Fig. 25 contains a diagram for disclosing another example of a fiber bundle.

[0047] Fig. 26A and Fig. 26B contain diagrams for disclosing an example of a cooling structure including a single vertical channel.

[0048] Fig. 27A - Fig. 27C contain diagrams for disclosing another example of a cooling structure including a single vertical channel.

[0049] Fig. 28A and Fig. 28B contain diagrams for disclosing another example of a cooling structure including a single vertical channel.

[0050] Fig. 29 contains a diagram for disclosing an example of a cooling structure, the interior of which is filled.

[0051] Fig. 30A and Fig. 30B contain diagrams for disclosing another example of a cooling structure, the interior of which is filled.

[0052] Fig. 31 contains a diagram for disclosing another example of a cooling structure, the interior of which is filled.

[0053] Fig. 32A and Fig. 32B contain diagrams for disclosing an example of a cooling structure including a plurality of channels.

[0054] Fig. 33 contains a diagram for disclosing an example in which the interior of a cooling structure including a plurality of channels is filled.

[0055] Fig. 34A - Fig. 34E contain diagrams for disclosing another example of a cooling structure including a plurality of channels.

[0056] Fig. 35 contains a diagram for disclosing an example of a sheet-type cooling structure.

[0057] Fig. 36A and Fig. 36B contain diagrams for disclosing another example of a sheet-type cooling structure.

[0058] Fig. 37 contains a diagram for disclosing an example of a granular type cooling structure.

[0059] Fig. 38A - Fig. 38C contain diagrams for disclosing an example of a cooling structure manufactured in the form of a nested object.

[0060] Fig. 39 is a side view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0061] Fig. 40A contains a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 39.

[0062] Fig. 40B contains a perspective view illustrating an operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 40A.

[0063] Fig. 41A contains a side view illustrating another operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 40A.

[0064] Fig. 41B contains a side view illustrating another operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 40A.

[0065] Fig. 42 contains a side view illustrating another operational state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 40A.

[0066] Fig. 43 contains a perspective view from another angle of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the invention in the state shown in Fig. 42.

[0067] Fig. 44 contains a top view of some elements of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 43.

[0068] Fig. 45 is a perspective view from another angle of an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 42.

[0069] Fig. 46 contains a side sectional view of portions of some elements of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 41.

[0070] Fig. 47 contains an enlarged view according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 46, showing the air flow by increasing the scale of the representation of a portion of the aerosol generating device.

[0071] Fig. 48 contains a further enlarged view of a portion of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 47.

[0072] Fig. 49 contains a side sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device, according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0073] Fig. 50 contains a side sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device, according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0074] Fig. 51 contains a side sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device, according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0075] Fig. 52 contains an enlarged side sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0076] Fig. 53 contains a perspective view illustrating an operating state of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0077] Fig. 54 contains a perspective view showing the operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 53, where some elements have been removed from said device.

[0078] Fig. 55 contains a side cross-sectional view of some elements in the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 54.

[0079] Fig. 56 contains a perspective view showing the operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 53, where some elements have been removed from said device.

[0080] Fig. 57 contains a perspective view from below of some elements of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 54.

[0081] Fig. 58 contains a diagram illustrating an operating state when some of the elements shown in Fig. 57 are used.

ESSENCE OF THE INVENTION

[0082] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided that includes a holder configured to generate an aerosol by heating a cigarette; and a stand comprising an interior space into which the holder can be inserted, wherein the holder can be inserted into the interior space of the stand and can then be tilted to generate an aerosol.

[0083] In the aerosol generating system disclosed above, the holder may be tilted at an angle equal to or greater than 5° and less than or equal to 90° when the holder is inserted into the stand.

[0084] In the aerosol generating system disclosed above, when the holder is tilted, the holder can heat a heater included in the holder using energy received from a battery included in the stand.

[0085] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a heater is provided, comprising a heating block including a base portion having a tubular shape and an end portion formed at one end of the base portion; a first sheet including a plurality of electrically conductive tracks respectively formed on both surfaces surrounding at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the base portion; a second sheet surrounding at least a portion of the first sheet and having rigidity; and a cover layer configured to level a stepped surface formed by a folded structure comprising the heating block, the first sheet, and the second sheet.

[0086] In the heater disclosed above, the coating layer contains a heat-resistant substance.

[0087] In the heater disclosed above, the plurality of electrically conductive tracks comprises a first electrically conductive track formed on a first surface of both surfaces of the first sheet and having a temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic used to determine the temperature of the heating unit; and a second electrically conductive track formed on a second surface of both surfaces of the first sheet and configured to heat the heating unit when a current flows through it.

[0088] As another object of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising a holder configured to generate an aerosol by heating an inserted cigarette when the cigarette is inserted; and a stand comprising an interior space for receiving the holder, wherein the holder is capable of being tilted together with the interior space such that a cigarette can be inserted into the holder when the holder is placed in the interior space, wherein the holder can collectively monitor a smoking sequence in a first state in which the holder is tilted in the stand and in a second state in which the holder is separated from the stand, and can determine whether the collectively monitored smoking sequence satisfies a smoking restriction condition.

[0089] In the aerosol generating system described above, the holder may accumulate a smoking sequence tracked in a second state and add it to the smoking sequence tracked in a first state when smoking is performed in the first state and subsequently performed in a second state later, and the holder may control a heater provided in the holder to stop heating the inserted cigarette when the accumulated smoking sequence satisfies the smoking limitation condition.

[0090] In the aerosol generating system described above, the holder may accumulate a smoking sequence monitored in a first state and add it to a smoking sequence monitored in a second state when smoking is performed in the second state and subsequently performed in the first state later, and the holder may control a heater provided in the holder to stop heating the inserted cigarette when the accumulated smoking sequence satisfies the smoking limitation condition.

[0091] As a further object of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device that comprises a housing; a hollow projecting tube projecting from a first end of the housing and comprising an opening open to the outside; a heater mounted in the housing such that an end portion of the heater is located inside the projecting tube and is configured to generate heat when an electrical signal is supplied; and a projecting portion that comprises a side wall that defines a receiving channel for accommodating a cigarette; an insertion opening open to the outside at one end of the receiving channel for inserting a cigarette therein; and a bottom wall configured to close the other end of the receiving channel and comprising a heater opening through which the end portion of the heater passes, wherein the accommodating portion is configured to be inserted into the projecting tube or to be separated from the projecting tube.

[0092] The aerosol generating device described above further comprises a lid that comprises an outer opening capable of providing access from the outside to an insertion opening that is included in the containing portion, and furthermore, said lid can be attached to the first end portion of the housing to close the containing portion and can be removed from the housing.

[0093] In the aerosol generating device disclosed above, a gap for introducing outside air that allows air from outside the lid to enter the lid is formed at a portion where the lid and the body are attached to each other, the accommodating portion further includes an outer wall surrounding the side wall and separated from the side wall outward in a radial direction of the side wall, the accommodating portion and the protruding tube can be connected to each other by inserting the protruding tube between the outer wall and the side wall, wherein the air gap for supplying air is formed at a portion where the outer wall of the accommodating portion and the protruding tube are attached to each other, which allows air from the space around the accommodating portion to pass into the accommodating portion, and the protruding tube further comprises an air hole through which air can pass toward an end portion of a cigarette placed in the accommodating portion.

[0094] As a further object of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating article for generating an aerosol in combination with an aerosol-generating device, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a tobacco rod and a cooling structure made by weaving at least one bundle of fibers.

[0095] In the aerosol generating article described above, the fiber bundle is made using a biodegradable polymeric material, and the biodegradable polymeric material may contain at least one substance from the following substances: polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), cellulose acetate, poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHAs) and starch-based thermoplastic polymers.

[0096] In the aerosol generating article described above, the fiber bundle is produced by weaving together at least one fiber strand.

OPTIONS for implementing the invention

[0097] With regard to the terms in various embodiments of the present invention, general terms that are currently and widely used are selected taking into account the functions of the structural elements in various embodiments of the present invention. However, the meanings of the terms may be changed in accordance with the intention, legal precedent, the emergence of new technology, and the like. Furthermore, in some cases, a term that is not commonly used may be selected. In such a case, the meaning of the term will be explained in detail in the relevant part of this description. Therefore, the terms used in various embodiments of the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and descriptions provided herein.

[0098] Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the word "comprise" and its forms such as "comprises" or "comprising" mean the presence of the stated elements as part of something, but not to the exclusion of any other elements. Furthermore, the terms "block," "part," and "module" specified in the disclosure mean units for processing at least one function and operation and may be implemented by hardware components or software components, as well as combinations thereof.

[0099] Examples and embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be considered as limited by the embodiments of the invention set forth herein.

[00100] Some embodiments of the proposed invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[00101] Fig. 1 contains a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device.

[00102] In Fig. 1, an aerosol generating device 1 (hereinafter referred to as the “holder”) includes a battery 110, a control unit 120, and a heater 130. The holder 1 also includes an internal space formed by a housing 140. A cigarette can be inserted into the internal space of the holder 1.

[00103] In the holder 1, only the elements related to the present embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 1 are shown. Therefore, it will be understood by a person skilled in the art that common elements other than the elements shown in Fig. 1 may be additionally included in the composition of the holder 1.

[00104] When a cigarette is inserted into the holder 1, the holder 1 provides heating to the heater 130. The temperature of the aerosol-generating material in the cigarette is increased by the heated heater 130, and thus an aerosol is formed. The generated aerosol is delivered to the user through the cigarette filter. However, even when the cigarette is not inserted into the holder 1, the holder 1 can provide heating to the heater 130.

[00105] The housing 140 may be detached from the holder 1. For example, when the user rotates the housing 140 clockwise or counterclockwise, the housing 140 may be detached from the holder 1.

[00106] The diameter of the opening formed by the end 141 of the housing 140 may be smaller than the diameter of the space formed by the housing 140 in the area of the heater 130. In this case, the opening may serve as a guide for a cigarette inserted into the holder 1.

[00107] The battery 110 supplies energy used by the holder 1 for operation. For example, the battery 110 can supply energy for heating the heater 130 and supply energy for operating the control unit 120. In addition, the battery 110 can supply power for operating the display, sensor, electric motor, etc., installed in the holder 1.

[00108] The battery 110 may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO ₄ ) battery, but is not limited to this example. For example, the battery 110 may be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO ₂ ) battery, a lithium titanate battery, etc.

[00109] Furthermore, the battery 110 may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 37 mm, but is not limited to this example. The capacity of the battery 110 may be 120 mAh or more, and the battery 110 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, when the battery 110 is rechargeable, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 110 may be 10C, and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be from 16C to 20C. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Furthermore, for stable use, the battery 110 may be manufactured such that 80% or more of the total capacity can be provided even when charging/discharging is performed 8000 times.

[00110] Moreover, based on the power level stored in the battery 110, it can be determined whether the battery 110 is fully charged or fully discharged compared to the entire capacity of the battery 110. For example, when the power stored in the battery 110 is equal to or greater than 95% of the total capacity, it can be determined that the battery 110 is fully charged. Furthermore, when the power stored in the battery 110 is 10% or less of the total capacity, it can be determined that the battery 110 is fully discharged. However, the criteria for determining whether the battery 110 is fully charged or fully discharged are not limited to the above examples.

[00111] The heater 130 can be heated by energy supplied from the battery 110. When the cigarette is inserted into the holder 1, the heater 130 is located inside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 130 can increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material in the cigarette.

[00112] The shape of the heater 130 may be a combination of a cylindrical shape and a conical shape. The diameter of the heater 130 may be appropriately selected in the range of 2 mm to 3 mm. Preferably, the heater 130 may be manufactured to have a diameter of 2.15 mm, but is not limited to this example. In addition, the heater 130 may have a suitable length in the range of 20 mm to 30 mm. Preferably, the heater 130 may be manufactured to have a length of 19 mm, but is not limited to this example. In addition, the end 131 of the heater 130 may be formed in the form of an acute angle, but is not limited to this example. 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, assuming that the length of the heater 130 is 19 mm, only 12 mm from the end 131 of the heater 130 may be heated, and the remaining portion of the heater 130 may not be heated.

[00113] The heater 130 may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater 130 includes an electrically conductive path, and the heater 130 may heat up when current flows through the electrically conductive path.

[00114] For stable use, the heater 130 may be supplied with power in accordance with specifications of 3.2 V, 2.4 A, and 8 W, but is not limited to this example. For example, when power is supplied to the heater 130, the surface temperature of the heater 130 may rise to 400 °C or higher. The surface temperature of the heater 130 may rise to approximately 350 °C 15 seconds after the power supply to the heater 130 begins.

[00115] The design of the heater 130 will now be described in detail with reference to Fig. 2 - Fig. 5.

[00116] Fig. 2 contains a diagram for explaining an example of a heater.

[00117] As shown in Fig. 2, the heater 130 may include a heating block 1315, a first sheet 1325 surrounding a portion of the heating block 1315, a second sheet 1335 protecting the first sheet 1325, and a coating layer 1345.

[00118] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the heating unit 1315 may have a needle shape (for example, a combination of a cylindrical shape and a conical shape). In addition, the heating unit 1315 may include a base portion and an end portion. For example, the base portion of the heating unit 1315 may have a cylindrical shape, but is not limited to this example. In addition, the end portion of the heating unit 1315 may be formed at one end of the base portion to facilitate insertion into the aerosol-forming material. In particular, the base portion and the end portion may be formed as a single unit. Alternatively, the base portion and the end portion may be manufactured separately and then glued to each other.

[00119] The heating block 1315 may comprise a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may comprise a ceramic, including aluminum oxide or zirconium dioxide, anodized metal, coated metal, polyimide (PI), etc., but is not limited to this example.

[00120] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first sheet 1325 may surround at least a portion of the heating block 1315. For example, the first sheet 1325 may surround at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the base portion of the heater 130. Electrically conductive paths may be formed on both sides of the first sheet 1325.

[00121] Furthermore, the first conductive path formed on one side of the two sides of the first sheet 1325 can receive energy from the battery. When current flows through the first conductive path, the temperature of the first conductive path can increase. Furthermore, when the temperature of the first conductive path increases, heat is transferred to the heating unit 1315 adjacent to the first conductive path, and thus the heating unit 1315 can be heated.

[00122] Depending on the power consumed by the resistance of the first conductive track, a heating temperature for the first conductive track can be determined. Furthermore, based on the power consumed by the resistance of the first conductive track, a resistance value of the first conductive track can be set.

[00123] For example, the resistance value of the first conductive path may be from 0.5 to 1.2 ohms at a room temperature of 25°C, but is not limited to this example. At the same time, the resistance value of the first conductive path may be determined based on the material, length, width, thickness, and structure of the first conductive path.

[00124] The internal resistance of the first conductive path may increase with increasing temperature, which is determined by the characteristics of the temperature coefficient of resistance. For example, the temperature of the first conductive path may be proportional to the resistance of the first conductive path in a given temperature range.

[00125] For example, a predetermined voltage may be applied to the first conductive path, and the current flowing through the first conductive path may be measured by a current sensor. In this case, the resistance of the first conductive path may be calculated based on the ratio between the measured current and the applied voltage. Based on the calculated resistance, the temperature of the first conductive path or the heating block 1315 may be estimated in accordance with the temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic of the first conductive path.

[00126] For example, the first conductive path may comprise tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel-palladium, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the first conductive path may be doped with a suitable dopant and may comprise an alloy.

[00127] One or both surfaces of the first sheet 1325 may include a second conductive path that has a temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic and is used to determine the temperature of the heating block 1315. The internal resistance of the second conductive path may increase as its temperature increases, which is determined by the temperature coefficient of resistance characteristics. For example, the temperature of the second conductive path may be proportional to the resistance value of the second conductive path in a given temperature range.

[00128] The second conductive path may be located near the heating block 1315. Accordingly, when the temperature of the heating block 1315 increases, the temperature of the second conductive path adjacent to it may also increase. A predetermined voltage may be applied to the second conductive path, and the current flowing through the second conductive path may be measured by a current detector. In this case, the resistance of the second conductive path may be determined based on the ratio between the measured current and the applied voltage. Based on the determined resistance, the temperature of the heating block 1315 may be determined in accordance with the temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic of the second conductive path.

[00129] Depending on the temperature of the second conductive path, the resistance value of the second conductive path may change. Therefore, based on the change in the resistance value of the second conductive path, the change in the temperature of the second conductive path can be measured. For example, the resistance value of the second conductive path may be from 7 to 18 ohms at a temperature of 25°C, but is not limited to this example. At the same time, the resistance value of the second conductive path can be determined based on the material, length, width, thickness, and structure of the second conductive path.

[00130] For example, the second conductive path may comprise tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel-palladium, or a combination thereof. In addition, the second conductive path may be doped with a suitable dopant or may comprise an alloy.

[00131] The first conductive path may be connected to the battery via an electrical connection portion. As disclosed above, when power is supplied from the battery, the temperature of the first conductive path may increase.

[00132] The second conductive path may include an electrical connection portion to which a direct current voltage is applied. The electrical connection portion of the second conductive path is separated from the electrical connection portion of the first conductive path. Furthermore, when the direct voltage applied to the second conductive path is constant, the magnitude of the current flowing through the second conductive path can be determined based on the resistance of the second conductive path.

[00133] The second conductive path may be connected to an operational amplifier (OP-AMP). The OP-AMP includes a power supply that receives DC power from outside, an input unit that is electrically connected to the second conductive path and receives DC voltage and/or DC current, and an output unit that can output a signal based on the DC voltage and/or current supplied to the input unit.

[00134] The op amp may receive a constant voltage through a power supply unit. In addition, the op amp may receive a constant voltage through an input unit. At the same time, the magnitude of the direct current voltage supplied through the input unit of the op amp and the magnitude of the direct current voltage supplied through the power supply unit of the op amp may be the same. In addition, the direct current voltage supplied to the input unit of the op amp may be equal to the direct current voltage applied to the electrical connecting portion of the second conductive path.

[00135] The electrical connection portion of the second conductive path and the input unit of the op amp may be separated from the electrical connection portion of the first conductive path.

[00136] If the temperature of the second conductive path changes, the resistance value of the second conductive path may change. Accordingly, the second conductive path functions as a variable resistor that is controlled by temperature as a control variable, and when the resistance value of the second conductive path changes, the current flowing into the input unit of the op amp electrically connected to the second conductive path changes. When the resistance of the second conductive path increases, the current flowing into the input unit of the op amp electrically connected to the second conductive path decreases. At the same time, even when the resistance value of the second conductive path changes, the DC voltage applied to the input unit of the op amp may remain constant.

[00137] When the current flowing into the input block of the op amp changes, the voltage and/or current of the signal received from the output block of the op amp may change. For example, if the input current of the op amp increases, the output voltage of the op amp may increase. In another example, if the input current of the op amp increases, the output voltage of the op amp may decrease.

[00138] The relationship between the temperature and the resistance value of the second conductive path, the relationship between the resistance value of the second conductive path and the input current applied to the op amp, and the relationship between the input current and the output voltage of the op amp when a constant DC voltage is applied to the input unit of the op amp can be determined or obtained experimentally. Therefore, the output voltage and/or the change in the output voltage of the op amp can be measured to detect a change in temperature and/or a change in the temperature of the second conductive path.

[00139] For example, the op amp may have a characteristic such that the voltage of the op amp output block increases with an increase in the input current supplied to the input block. In this case, the temperature of the heater increases when power is supplied to the first conductive path. As a result, the temperature of the second conductive path increases. At the same time, since the resistance value of the second conductive path increases, the magnitude of the input current supplied to the input block of the op amp may be reduced. Consequently, the voltage at the output block of the op amp decreases. Conversely, the voltage at the output block of the op amp increases when the power supply to the first conductive path is interrupted or the power supplied to the first conductive path decreases, and the temperature of the heater decreases.

[00140] In another example, the op amp may have a characteristic such that the voltage of the op amp output block decreases as the input current supplied to the input block increases. In this case, the temperature of the heater increases when power is supplied to the first conductive path. As a result, the temperature of the second conductive path increases. At the same time, since the resistance value of the second conductive path increases, the magnitude of the input current supplied to the input block of the op amp may be reduced. Consequently, the voltage at the output block of the op amp increases. Conversely, the voltage at the output block of the op amp decreases when the power supply to the first conductive path is interrupted or the power supplied to the first conductive path decreases, and the temperature of the heater decreases.

[00141] The output unit of the op amp may be connected to a processor. For example, the processor may be a microcontroller unit (MCU). The processor may determine the temperature of the second conductive path or the heating block using the output voltage value of the op amp. The processor may also regulate the supply voltage supplied to the first conductive path using the temperature value of the heating block.

[00142] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first conductive path and the second conductive path may be formed on both sides of the first sheet 1325, respectively. For example, the first conductive path may be located on one side of the first sheet 1325, in contact with the heating block 1315, and the second conductive path may be located on the other side. In another example, the second conductive path may be located on one side of the first sheet 1325, in contact with the heating block 1315, and the first conductive path may be located on the other side.

[00143] According to another example of embodiment of the invention, the first electrically conductive path and the second electrically conductive path may be located on the same side of the first sheet 1325. For example, both the first electrically conductive path and the second electrically conductive path may be located on that side of both sides of the first sheet 1325 that contacts the heating block 1315. In another example, both the first electrically conductive path and the second electrically conductive path may be located on that side of both sides of the first sheet 1325 that does not contact the heating block 1315.

[00144] For example, the first sheet 1325 may be a green ceramic film comprising a ceramic composite material. In this case, the ceramic may comprise, but is not limited to, compounds such as alumina and zirconia.

[00145] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the second sheet 1335 may surround at least a portion of the first sheet 1325. Also, the second sheet 1335 may have rigidity.

[00146] Therefore, the second sheet 1335 protects the first sheet 1325 and the conductive tracks when the heater 130 is inserted into the aerosol-forming material.

[00147] For example, the second sheet 1335 may be a raw ceramic film comprising a ceramic composite material. In this case, the ceramic may comprise, but is not limited to, compounds such as alumina and zirconium dioxide.

[00148] The second sheet 1335 may be coated with a glaze to facilitate the insertion of the heater 130 into the cigarette 3 and to increase the durability of the heater 130. If the second sheet 1335 is coated with a glaze, the rigidity of the second sheet 1335 may be increased.

[00149] Each of the heating block 1315, the first sheet 1325 and the second sheet 1335 may selectively comprise a material from the same group of materials, such as a ceramic, which may be a compound such as aluminum oxide and zirconium dioxide.

[00150] Furthermore, both the first conductive path and the second conductive path may selectively include a material from the same group of materials, for example, tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel-palladium, or a combination thereof. In this case, even when the first conductive path and the second conductive path include the same material, the resistance values of the first conductive path and the second conductive path may differ from each other due to differences in the length, width, or structure of the first conductive path and the second conductive path.

[00151] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first electrically conductive path for heating the heating block 1315 may be embedded in the heating block 1315, in the first sheet 1325, or in the second sheet 1335. Alternatively, a plurality of electrically conductive paths (for example, first electrically conductive paths) for heating the heating block 1315 may be embedded in at least one of the following: the heating block 1315, the first sheet 1325, and the second sheet 1335.

[00152] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the second electrically conductive path for detecting the temperature of the heating block 1315 may be embedded in one of the following: the heating block 1315, the first sheet 1325, or the second sheet 1335. Alternatively, a plurality of electrically conductive paths (for example, second electrically conductive paths) for detecting the temperature of the heating block 1315 may be embedded in at least one of the following: the heating block 1315, the first sheet 1325, and the second sheet 1335.

[00153] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first electrically conductive path for heating the heating block 1315 and the second electrically conductive path for detecting the temperature of the heating block 1315 may be built into the same element of the following elements: the heating block 1315, the first sheet 1325 and the second sheet 1335. Alternatively, the first electrically conductive path for heating the heating block 1315 and the second electrically conductive path for detecting the temperature of the heating block 1315 may be built into different elements of the following elements: the heating block 1315, the first sheet 1325 and the second sheet 1335, respectively.

[00154] Since the heater 130 is provided with the coating layer 1345, a stepped surface formed by the combined structure including the heating block 1315, the first sheet 1325 and the second sheet 1335 can be leveled. For example, the stepped surface 1355 can be formed as a result of the fact that the edge portion of the first sheet 1325 and the edge portion of the second sheet 1335 do not form a continuous surface or as a result of the thicknesses of the first sheet 1325 and the second sheet 1335. For example, with the presence of the stepped surface 1355, friction can increase when the heater 130 is inserted into the aerosol-forming material. In addition, the accumulation of the deposited material or the remains of the material intended to form the aerosol on the stepped surface 1355 contaminates the heater 130, thereby deteriorating the performance characteristics (e.g., thermal conductivity) of the heater 130. Therefore, a coating layer 1345 can be formed on the outer surface of the heater 130 to level the stepped surface 1355.

[00155] The outer surface of the heater 130, which is formed by the coating layer 1345, may include an end portion of the coating layer 1345 corresponding to the end portion of the heating block 1315, a base portion of the heating block 1315, and a base portion of the coating layer 1345 corresponding to the first sheet 1325 and the second sheet 1335. At the same time, a part of the coating layer 1345 extending from the end portion of the coating layer 1345 to the base portion of the coating layer 1345 corresponding to the first sheet 1325 and the second sheet 1335 may have a smooth outer surface without a stepped surface 1355 or a concave-convex portion.

[00156] The coating layer 1345 may comprise a heat-resistant substance. For example, the coating layer 1345 may comprise, but is not limited to, a single coating layer consisting of a glass coating layer, a Teflon coating layer, and a polished coating layer. In addition, the coating layer 1345 may include, but is not limited to, a composite coating layer consisting of a combination of two or more layers of the following layers: a glass coating layer, a Teflon coating layer, and a polished coating layer.

[00157] Fig. 3 contains a diagram for disclosing an example of the stepped surface shown in Fig. 2.

[00158] As shown in Fig. 3, the stepped surface 1355 may be formed by the base portion of the heater 130, the first sheet 1325 and the second sheet 1335 surrounding the base portion.

[00159] For example, the step 1321 may be formed in accordance with the thickness of the first sheet 1325. In addition, the step 1331 may be formed in accordance with the thickness of the second sheet 1335.

[00160] In addition, a step 1311 may be formed if the boundary between the end portion and the base portion of the heating block does not coincide with the edge portion of the first sheet 1325. In addition, since the edge portion of the first sheet 1325 does not coincide with the edge portion of the second sheet 1335, a step 1322 may be formed.

[00161] At the same time, deposits or residues of the material intended to form the aerosol may accumulate in the space formed by the stepped surface 1355, and thus, contamination of the heater may occur. As disclosed above with reference to Fig. 2, the coating layer 1345 may fill the gap formed by the stepped surface 1355, which ensures the alignment of the stepped surface 1355.

[00162] Fig. 4 contains a diagram for disclosing an example of conductive paths.

[00163] The first surface 1351 of the first sheet 225 may include a first electrically conductive path 1352, and the second surface 1353 may include a second electrically conductive path 1354.

[00164] The first conductive path 1352 can heat the heating unit 1315 of the heater 130 when current flows through it. The conductive path can be connected to an external power source via a connection. In addition, since power is supplied to the conductive path from the external power source, current can flow through the conductive path. Therefore, the conductive path can generate heat and transfer heat to the adjacent heating unit 1315, thereby heating the heating unit 1315.

[00165] For example, the first conductive path 1352 of the first surface 1351 may have various configurations, such as a curved shape and/or a mesh shape.

[00166] The second surface 1353 of the first sheet 1325 may include a second conductive path 1354 that has a temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic and is used to determine the temperature of the heating block 1315. As disclosed above, the internal resistance of the second conductive path 1354 may increase with an increase in its temperature, which is due to the characteristics of the temperature coefficient of resistance. For example, the temperature of the second conductive path 1354 may be proportional to the resistance value of the second conductive path 1354 in a given temperature range.

[00167] The second conductive path 1354 may be located near the heating block 1315. For example, heat may be transferred from the heating block 1315 to the second conductive path 1354 when the heating block 1315 heats up. When the temperature of the heating block 1315 increases, the temperature of the second conductive path 1354 also increases, and the resistance of the second conductive path 1354 may increase. Conversely, when the temperature of the heating block 1315 decreases, the temperature of the second conductive path 1354 also decreases, and the resistance of the second conductive path 1354 may decrease.

[00168] The second conductive path 1354 may be connected to a control unit via a connection. For example, the second conductive path 1354 may be connected to a processor that can control the temperature of the heating unit 1315. For example, the second conductive path 1354 may be connected to a control unit. Using the relationship between the resistance and the temperature of the second conductive path 1354, the resistance of the second conductive path 1354 may be determined based on the voltage and current of the second conductive path 1354 and the temperature of the heating unit 1315, based on the determined resistance. Based on the temperature determined using the second conductive path 1354, the power supplied to the first conductive path 1352 may be adjusted.

[00169] The second electrically conductive path 1354 may be located near the heating block 1315 to receive heat from the heating block 1315. Also, the first electrically conductive path 1352 of the second surface 1353 may be formed in various ways, for example, in the form of a curved shape and/or a mesh shape.

[00170] The first surface 1351, including the first electrically conductive path 1352, may be one of the surfaces of the first sheet 1325 that contacts the heating block 1315, and the second surface 1353 may not be another surface of the surfaces of the first sheet 1325, i.e., not be a surface that does not contact the heating block 1315. Conversely, the second surface 1353, including the second electrically conductive path 1354, may be one surface that contacts the heating block 1315, and the first surface 1351, including the first electrically conductive path 1352, may be another surface that does not contact the heating block 1315.

[00171] Fig. 4 shows a diagram for disclosing an embodiment of the invention in which the first conductive path 1352 and the second conductive path 1354 are located on corresponding surfaces of the first sheet 1325. However, as disclosed above, the first conductive path 1352 and the second conductive path 1354 can be formed on one surface of the first sheet 1325.

[00172] Fig. 5 contains a diagram for disclosing an example in which the heater 130, the battery 110 and the control unit 120 shown in Fig. 1 are connected.

[00173] As shown in Fig. 5, the holder 1 may include a heater 130, a battery 110, and a control unit 120. Since the heater 130 shown in Fig. 5 is the same as the heater 130 disclosed above with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4, detailed disclosures of the heater 130 will be omitted.

[00174] The battery 110 may be connected to the heater 130 via the first connector 1361. For example, the battery 110 may be electrically connected to the first conductive path of the first sheet of the heater 130 and supply power to the first conductive path.

[00175] The battery 110 may include a power source and a circuit for supplying power. For example, the battery 110 may supply a power voltage to the first conductive path through the first connector 1361. The power voltage may be a direct current voltage or an alternating current voltage, a pulsed voltage having a constant period, or a pulsed voltage having a varying oscillation period, but is not limited to this list.

[00176] The control unit 120 may include a processor. For example, the processor may be, but is not limited to, a BMC.

[00177] The control unit 120 may be connected to the heater 130 via the second connector 1362. For example, the control unit 120 may be electrically connected to the second electrically conductive path of the first sheet of the heater 130 and may determine the temperature of the heater 130. The control unit 120 may also regulate the temperature of the heater 130 by determining the temperature of the heater 130. For example, the control unit 120 may determine whether to regulate the temperature of the heater 130 by determining the temperature of the heater 130. The control unit 120 may regulate the power supplied from the battery 110 to the heater 130 based on the determination of whether to regulate the temperature of the heater 130. For example, the control unit 120 may regulate the magnitude or period of the pulse voltage supplied from the battery 110 to the heater 130.

[00178] The control unit 120 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention may include an OU.

[00179] The second conductive path may be connected to the op amp via the second connector 1362. The op amp includes a power supply that receives DC power from outside, an input unit that is electrically connected to the second conductive path and receives DC voltage and/or DC current, and an output unit that can output an electrical signal based on the DC voltage and/or DC current supplied to the input unit.

[00180] The op amp may receive a constant voltage through the power supply unit. In addition, the op amp may receive a constant voltage through the input unit. At the same time, the magnitude of the DC voltage supplied through the input unit of the op amp and the magnitude of the DC voltage supplied through the power supply unit of the op amp may be the same. In addition, the DC voltage supplied to the input unit of the op amp may be equal to the DC voltage applied to the second connector 1362 of the second conductive path.

[00181] The second connector 1362 of the second conductive track and the input block of the op amp may be separated from the first connector 1361 of the first conductive track.

[00182] If the temperature of the second conductive path changes, the resistance value of the second conductive path may change. Accordingly, the second conductive path functions as a variable resistor that is controlled by the temperature as a control variable, and when the resistance value of the second conductive path changes, the current flowing into the input unit of the op amp electrically connected to the second conductive path changes. When the resistance of the second conductive path increases, the current flowing into the input unit of the op amp electrically connected to the second conductive path decreases. At the same time, even when the resistance value of the second conductive path changes, the DC voltage applied to the input unit of the op amp may remain constant.

[00183] When the current flowing into the input block of the op amp changes, the voltage and/or current of the signal received from the output block of the op amp may change. For example, if the input current of the op amp increases, the output voltage of the op amp may increase. In another example, if the input current of the op amp increases, the output voltage of the op amp may decrease.

[00184] The relationship between the temperature and the resistance value of the second conductive path, the relationship between the resistance value of the second conductive path and the input current applied to the op amp, and the relationship between the input current and the output voltage of the op amp when a constant DC voltage is applied to the input unit of the op amp can be determined or obtained experimentally. Therefore, the output voltage and/or the change in the output voltage of the op amp can be measured to detect a change in temperature and/or a change in the temperature of the second conductive path.

[00185] For example, the op amp may have a characteristic such that the voltage of the op amp output block increases with an increase in the input current supplied to the input block. In this case, the temperature of the heater increases when power is supplied to the first conductive path. As a result, the temperature of the second conductive path increases. At the same time, since the resistance value of the second conductive path increases, the magnitude of the input current supplied to the input block of the op amp may be reduced. Consequently, the voltage at the output block of the op amp decreases. Conversely, the voltage at the output block of the op amp increases when the power supply to the first conductive path is interrupted or the power supplied to the first conductive path decreases, and the temperature of the heater decreases.

[00186] In another example, the op amp may have a characteristic such that the voltage of the op amp output block decreases as the input current supplied to the input block increases. In this case, the temperature of the heater increases when power is supplied to the first conductive path. As a result, the temperature of the second conductive path increases. At the same time, since the resistance value of the second conductive path increases, the magnitude of the input current supplied to the input block of the op amp may be reduced. Consequently, the voltage at the output block of the op amp increases. Conversely, the voltage at the output block of the op amp decreases when the power supply to the first conductive path is interrupted or the power supplied to the first conductive path decreases, and the temperature of the heater decreases.

[00187] The output unit of the op amp may be connected to a processor. The processor may be, for example, a microcontroller. The processor may determine the temperature of the second conductive path or the heating block using the output voltage value of the op amp. The processor may also regulate the supply voltage supplied to the first conductive path using the temperature value of the heating block.

[00188] According to Fig. 1, the holder 1 may be provided with a separate temperature sensor. Alternatively, the holder 1 may not be provided with a temperature sensor, and the heater 130 may serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the heater 130 of the holder 1 may function as a temperature sensor, and the holder 1 may further include a temperature sensor. In order for the heater 130 to function as a temperature-sensitive sensor, the heater 130 may include at least one electrically conductive track for heating and measuring the temperature. The heater 130 may further include a second electrically conductive track for measuring the temperature in addition to the first electrically conductive track for generating heat.

[00189] For example, if the voltage applied to the second conductive path is measured and the current flowing through the second conductive path is measured, the resistance R can be determined. At the same time, the temperature T of the second conductive path can be determined using formula 1 below.

[Formula 1]

R = R ₀ {1+ α(TT ₀ )}

[00190] In formula 1, R denotes the current value of the resistance of the second conductive path, R ₀ denotes the value of the resistance at temperature T ₀ (for example, 0 °C), and α denotes the temperature coefficient of resistance of the second conductive path. Since conductive materials (for example, metals) have their own temperature coefficients of resistance, the value of α can be determined in advance in accordance with the conductive material constituting the second conductive path. Therefore, when the resistance R of the second conductive path is determined, the temperature T of the second conductive path can be calculated in accordance with formula 1.

[00191] The heater 130 may include at least one electrically conductive path (a first electrically conductive path and a second electrically conductive path). For example, the heater 130 may include, but is not limited to, two first electrically conductive paths and one or two second electrically conductive paths.

[00192] The conductive path comprises an electrically resistive material. For example, the conductive path may comprise a metal. In another example, the conductive path may include an electrically conductive ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.

[00193] In addition, the holder 1 may include both an electrically conductive track, which is used as a temperature sensor, and a temperature sensor.

[00194] The control unit 120 controls the entire operation of the holder 1. In particular, the control unit 120 controls not only the operation of the battery 110 and the heater 130, but also the operation of other elements included in the holder 1. The control unit 120 can also check the state of each of the elements of the holder 1 and determine whether the holder 1 is in working order.

[00195] The control unit 120 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as a collection of multiple logical elements or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program executed in the microprocessor is stored. One skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure may be implemented using other types of hardware.

[00196] For example, the control unit 120 may control the operation of the heater 130. The control unit 120 may control the amount of energy supplied to the heater 130 and the time of energy supply such that the heater 130 can heat up to a predetermined temperature or its temperature can be maintained at a predetermined level. The control unit 120 may also check the status of the battery 110 (for example, the remaining amount of energy of the battery 110) and generate a notification signal when circumstances require it.

[00197] In addition, the control unit 120 may check the presence or absence of a user's puff, check the puff strength, and count the number of puffs. The control unit 120 may also continuously check the time during which the holder 1 operates. The control unit 120 may also check whether the stand 2, which will be disclosed below, is connected to the holder 1, and control the operation of the holder 1 based on whether the stand 2 is connected to the holder 1 or separated from it.

[00198] In addition, the holder 1 may further include general-purpose elements other than the battery 110, the control unit 120 and the heater 130.

[00199] For example, the holder 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information or a motor for outputting tactile information. For example, if the display is included in the holder 1, the control module 120 can provide the user with information about the state of the holder 1 (e.g., the presence of the holder, etc.), information about the heater 130 (e.g., the start of preheating, the progress of preheating, the completion of preheating, etc.), information about the battery 110 (e.g., the remaining charge of the battery 110, availability, etc.), information about resetting the holder 1 (e.g., resetting the time, resetting the progress, resetting the settings, etc.), information about cleaning the holder 1 (e.g., cleaning time, cleaning progress, completion of cleaning, etc.), information about charging the holder 1 (e.g., the need for charging, the progress of charging, the completion of charging, etc.), information about puffing (e.g., the number of puffs, a notification about the expected completion of puffs, etc.) or information about safety (e.g., the time of use, etc.). In another example, when a motor is included in the holder 1, the control module 120 may transmit the above-disclosed information to the user by generating a vibration signal using the motor.

[00200] The holder 1 may also include a contact connected to at least one input device (for example, a button) and/or to the stand 2, through which the user can control the operation of the holder 1. For example, the user can perform various functions using the input device of the holder 1. Depending on the number of times the user presses the input device (for example, once, twice, etc.) or the time during which the input device is pressed (for example, 0.1 s, 0.2 s, etc.), the desired function from among the functions of the holder 1 can be performed. When the user manipulates the input device, the holder 1 can perform the function of preheating the heater 130, the function of regulating the temperature of the heater 130, the function of cleaning the space into which a cigarette is inserted, the function of checking whether the battery 110 is in working order, the function of displaying the remaining charge (available power) of the battery 110, the function of resetting the holder 1, etc. However, the functions of holder 1 are not limited to the examples disclosed above.

[00201] For example, the holder 1 can clean the space into which the cigarette is inserted by controlling the heater 130 in the following manner. For example, the holder 1 can clean the space into which the cigarette is inserted by heating the heater 130 to a sufficiently high temperature. Here, a sufficiently high temperature refers to a temperature suitable for cleaning the space into which the cigarette is inserted. For example, the holder 1 can heat the heater 130 to the highest temperature in the temperature range in which an aerosol can be generated from the inserted cigarette, and in the temperature range for preheating the heater 130, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[00202] Furthermore, the holder 1 can maintain the temperature of the heater 130 at a sufficiently high temperature for a predetermined period of time. Here, the predetermined period of time refers to a period of time sufficient to clean the space into which the cigarette is inserted. For example, the holder 1 can maintain the temperature of the heated heater 130 for a suitable period of time from 10 seconds to 10 minutes, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. Preferably, the holder 1 can maintain the temperature of the heated heater 130 for a suitable period of time selected in the range from 20 seconds to 1 minute. More preferably, the holder 1 can maintain the temperature of the heated heater 130 for a suitable period of time selected in the range from 20 seconds to 1 minute 30 seconds.

[00203] When the holder 1 heats the heater 130 to a sufficiently high temperature and also maintains the temperature of the heated heater 130 for a predetermined period of time, the material deposited on the surface of the heater 130 and/or the surface in which the inserted cigarette is located is volatilized, and thus a cleaning effect can be achieved.

[00204] The holder 1 may also include a puff detection sensor, a temperature sensor, and/or a cigarette insertion detection sensor. For example, the puff detection sensor may be implemented using a common pressure sensor. Alternatively, the holder 1 may detect puffs based on a change in the resistance of the conductive path present in the heater 130, without a separate puff detection sensor. Here, the conductive path includes an electrically conductive path for generating heat and/or an electrically conductive path for measuring temperature. Alternatively, the holder 1 may further include a puff detection sensor separate from the ability to detect puffs using the conductive path present in the heater 130.

[00205] The cigarette insertion detection sensor may be implemented using a general capacitive sensor or a resistance sensor. Furthermore, the holder 1 may be manufactured to have a structure in which outside air can enter/exit even in a state where a cigarette is inserted.

[00206] Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B contain diagrams showing different views of an example of a holder.

[00207] Fig. 6A shows a view of an example of a holder 1 in a first direction. As shown in Fig. 6A, the holder 1 may have a cylindrical shape, but the present invention is not limited to this. The housing 140 of the holder 1 may be separated as a result of the user's actions, and a cigarette may be inserted into the end 141 of the housing 140. The holder 1 may also include a button 150 for the user to control the holder 1 and a display 160 for displaying an image.

[00208] Fig. 6B shows a view of an example of the holder 1 in the second direction. The holder 1 may include a connector 170 for connecting with the stand 2. Since the connector 170 of the holder 1 can be connected to the connector 260 of the stand 2, the battery 110 of the holder 1 can be charged using the energy supplied by the battery 210 of the stand 2. In addition, the holder 1 can operate using the energy supplied from the battery 210 of the stand 2 through the connector 170 and the connector 260, and communication (transmission/reception of signals) can be performed between the holder 1 and the stand 2 through the connector 170 and the connector 260. For example, the connector 170 may include four micro pins, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[00209] Fig. 7 contains a diagram showing an example of the structure of the stand.

[00210] As shown in Fig. 7, the stand 2 includes a battery 210 and a control unit 220. The stand 2 also includes an internal space 230 into which the holder 1 can be inserted. For example, the internal space 230 can be formed on one side of the stand 2. Therefore, the holder 1 can be inserted and fixed in the stand 2, even if the stand 2 does not have a separate cover.

[00211] Fig. 7 shows only the elements of the stand 2 that relate to the present embodiment of the invention. Therefore, it should be clear to one skilled in the art that general-purpose elements other than the elements shown in Fig. 7 may be additionally included in the stand 2.

[00212] The battery 210 provides power used to operate the stand 2. In addition, the battery 210 can supply power to charge the battery 110 of the holder 1. For example, when the holder 1 is inserted into the stand 2, and the connector 170 of the holder 1 is connected to the connector 260 of the stand 2, the battery 210 of the stand 2 can supply power to the battery 110 of the holder 1.

[00213] In addition, when the holder 1 is connected to the stand 2, the battery 210 can supply energy used to operate the holder 1. For example, when the connector 170 of the holder 1 is connected to the connector 260 of the stand 2, the holder 1 can operate using energy supplied from the battery 210 of the stand 2, regardless of whether the battery 110 of the holder 1 is discharged or not.

[00214] For example, battery 210 may be a lithium-ion battery, but is not limited to this. The capacity of battery 210 may be greater than the capacity of battery 110. For example, the capacity of battery 210 may be, but is not limited to this, 3000 mAh or more.

[00215] The control unit 220 controls the overall operation of the stand 2. The control unit 220 can control the overall operation of all configurations of the stand 2. The control unit 220 can also determine whether the holder 1 is connected to the stand 2 and control the operation of the stand 2 in accordance with the connection or disconnection of the stand 2 and the holder 1.

[00216] For example, when the holder 1 is connected to the stand 2, the control unit 220 can supply power from the battery 210 to the holder 1, thereby charging the battery 110 or heating the heater 130. Therefore, even when the remaining power of the battery 110 is low, the user can continuously smoke by connecting the holder 1 to the stand 2.

[00217] The control unit 220 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as a set of logical elements or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program executed in the microprocessor is stored. One skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure may be implemented using other types of hardware.

[00218] Furthermore, the stand 2 may further include general-purpose elements other than the battery 210 and the control unit 220. For example, the stand 2 may include a display capable of outputting visual information. For example, when the stand 2 includes a display, the control unit 220 may generate a signal to be displayed on the display, thereby providing user information regarding the battery 210 (for example, the remaining power of the battery 210, the presence of the battery 210, etc.), information regarding the reset of the stand 2 (for example, resetting the time, resetting the operation process, completion of the reset, etc.), information regarding the cleaning of the holder 1 (for example, cleaning time, need for cleaning, cleaning progress, completion of cleaning, etc.), information about charging the stand 2 (for example, need for charging, charging progress, completion of charging, etc.).

[00219] The stand 2 may also include at least one input device (e.g., a button) for the user to control the function of the stand 2, a connector 260 that must be connected to the holder 1, and/or an interface for charging the battery 210 (e.g., a USB port, etc.).

[00220] For example, the user can perform various functions using the input device of the stand 2. The control can be performed by pressing a certain number of times when the user presses the input device, or by a period of time during which the input device is pressed, and a desired function from among the functions of the stand 2 can be performed. When the user manipulates the input device, the stand 2 can perform a function of preheating the heater 130, a function of regulating the temperature of the heater 130, a function of cleaning the space in which a cigarette is inserted, a function of checking whether the stand 2 is in an operating state, a function of displaying the remaining charge (available power) of the battery 210 of the stand 2, a function of resetting the stand 2, etc. However, the functions of the stand 2 are not limited to the examples disclosed above.

[00221] Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B contain diagrams showing different views of an example stand.

[00222] Fig. 8A shows a view of an example of a stand 2 in a first direction. An internal space 230, into which a holder 1 can be inserted, can be formed on one side of the stand 2. In addition, the holder 1 can be inserted and fixed in the stand 2, even if the stand 2 does not have a separate fastening unit, such as a cover. The stand 2 can also include a button 240 for the user to operate the stand 2, and a display 250 for displaying an image.

[00223] Fig. 8B shows a view of an example of the stand 2 in the second direction. The stand 2 may include a connector 260 for connecting with the inserted holder 1. The battery 110 of the holder 1 may be charged using the power supplied from the battery 210 of the stand 2 when the connector 260 is connected to the connector 170 of the holder 1. In addition, the holder 1 may operate using the power supplied from the battery 210 of the stand 2 through the connector 170 and the connector 260, and transmission and/or reception of signals may be performed between the holder 1 and the stand 2 through the connector 170 and the connector 260. For example, the connector 260 may include four micro pins, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[00224] The holder 1 can be inserted into the inner space 230 of the stand 2, as disclosed above with reference to Fig. 1 - Fig. 8B. The holder 1 can be fully inserted into the stand 2 or can be tilted when inserted into the stand 2. Hereinafter, examples in which the holder 1 is inserted into the stand 2 will be disclosed with reference to Fig. 9 and 10.

[00225] Fig. 9 contains a diagram showing an example in which the holder is inserted into the stand.

[00226] Fig. 9 shows an example in which the holder 1 is inserted into the stand 2. Since the space 230 into which the holder 1 is to be inserted is present on one side surface of the stand 2, the inserted holder 1 cannot be visible from the outside due to the presence of other side surfaces of the stand 2. Therefore, the stand 2 may not include another element (for example, a cover) to eliminate visibility from the outside of the holder 1.

[00227] The stand 2 may include at least one fastening element 271 and/or 272 for increasing the adhesive force with the holder 1. Also, at least one fastening element 181 may be included in the holder 1. Here, the fastening elements 181, 271 and 272 may be magnets, but are not limited to this. Although Fig. 5 shows that the holder 1 includes one fastening element 181, and the stand 2 includes two fastening elements 271 and 272, this is done for convenience of explanation, and the number of fastening elements 181, 271 and 272 is not limited to this.

[00228] The holder 1 may include a fastening element 181 in a first location, and the stand 2 may include fastening elements 271 and 272 in a second location and a third location, respectively. In this case, the first location and the third location may be locations facing each other when the holder 1 is inserted into the stand 2.

[00229] Since the fastening members 181, 271, and 272 are included in the holder 1 and the stand 2, the holder 1 and the stand 2 can be attached to each other more firmly, even if the holder 1 is inserted into one side surface of the stand 2. In other words, since the holder 1 and the stand 2 additionally include the fastening members 181, 271, and 272 in addition to the connectors 170 and 260, the holder 1 and the stand 2 can be attached to each other more firmly. Therefore, even when there is no separate member (for example, a cover) in the stand 2, the inserted holder 1 cannot be easily separated from the holder 2.

[00230] In addition, when the control unit 220 also determines that the holder 1 is fully inserted into the stand 2 with the participation of the connector 170 and the connector 260 and/or the fastening elements 181, 271 and 272, the control unit 220 can charge the battery 110 of the holder 1 using the power of the battery 210.

[00231] Fig. 10 shows an example in which the holder is tilted when inserted into the stand.

[00232] As shown in Fig. 10, the holder 1 is tilted inside the stand 2. Here, the term “tilt” indicates that the holder 1 is tilted at a certain angle in a state when the holder 1 is inserted into the stand 2.

[00233] As shown in Fig. 9, when the holder 1 is fully inserted into the stand 2, the user cannot smoke. In other words, once the holder 1 is fully inserted into the stand 2, a cigarette cannot be inserted into the holder 1. Thus, when the holder 1 is fully inserted into the stand 2, the user cannot smoke.

[00234] As shown in Fig. 10, when the holder 1 is tilted, the end 141 of the holder 1 is open outward. Therefore, the user can insert a cigarette into the end 141 and smoke the generated aerosol. A sufficient tilt angle θ can be provided to prevent bending or damage to the cigarette when the cigarette is inserted into the end 141 of the holder 1. For example, the holder 1 can be tilted at a minimum angle at which the cigarette insertion hole included in the end 141 is completely open outward or at an angle greater than the minimum angle. For example, the range of the tilt angle θ may be greater than 0° and not more than 180°, and may preferably be not less than 5° and not more than 90°. More preferably, the range of the tilt angle may be from 5° to 20°, from 5° to 30°, from 5° to 40°, from 5° to 50°, or from 5° to 60°. Even more preferably, the tilt angle may be 10°.

[00235] Furthermore, even when the holder 1 is tilted, the connector 170 of the holder 1 and the connector 260 of the stand 2 are connected to each other. Therefore, the heater 130 of the holder 1 can be heated by the energy supplied from the battery 210 of the stand 2. Therefore, the holder 1 can generate an aerosol using the battery 210 of the stand 2, even if the remaining power of the battery 110 of the holder 1 is small or if the battery 110 of the holder 1 is completely discharged.

[00236] Fig. 10 shows an example in which the holder 1 includes one fastening member 182, and the stand 2 includes two fastening members 273 and 274. For example, the corresponding positions of the fastening members 182, 273 and 274 are as disclosed above with reference to Fig. 5. Assuming that the fastening members 182, 273 and 274 are magnets, the magnetization force of the fastening member 274 may be greater than the magnetization force of the fastening member 273. Therefore, the holder 1 cannot be completely separated from the stand 2 due to the presence of the fastening member 182 and the fastening member 274, even when the holder 1 is tilted.

[00237] In addition, when it is determined that the holder 1 is tilted using the connector 170 and the connector 260 and/or the fastening elements 181, 271 and 272, the control unit 220 can heat the heater 130 of the holder 1 or charge the battery 110 using the power of the battery 210.

[00238] Fig. 11 contains a diagram for disclosing an example of the implementation of smoking using a holder tilted in a stand.

[00239] As shown in Fig. 11, the stand 2 is provided with an internal space for accommodating the holder 1, and while the holder 1 is placed in the internal space, this internal space and the holder 1 can be tilted so that the cigarette 3 can be inserted into the holder 1. The holder 1 can be tilted at an arbitrary angle θ when connected to the stand 2. For example, the tilt angle θ may be greater than 0° but not more than 180°, and the angle may be not less than 5° and not more than 90°. More preferably, the range of the tilt angle may be from 5° to 20°, from 5° to 30°, from 5° to 40°, from 5° to 50°, or from 5° to 60°. Even more preferably, the tilt angle may be 10°. The user can insert the cigarette 3 into one end of the holder 1 and smoke while holding the stand 2 in his hand. The aerosol generation system may include at least one of the following: a holder 1, a stand 2 and a cigarette 3.

[00240] In the case of performing a smoking action when the holder 1 is tilted in the stand 2, the holder 1 can generate aerosols from the cigarette 3 by heating the heater (130 in Fig. 1) using the energy supplied from the battery 210 of the stand 2. In addition, since the holder 1 is still connected to the stand 2 even when the holder 1 is tilted, the battery 110 of the holder 1 can be charged using the energy supplied from the battery 210 of the stand 2. In addition, the battery 110 of the holder 1 can be used to heat the heater (130 in Fig. 1) only when the holder 1 is separated from the stand 2, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[00241] The control unit 220 of the stand 2 can determine whether the holder 1 and the stand 2 are connected to each other and whether the holder 1 is tilted. When the holder 1 and the stand 2 are connected to each other, the control unit 220 can control the charging of the battery 110 via the battery 210. When the holder 1 is tilted, the control module 220 can control the heating of the heater (130 in Fig. 1) of the holder 1 using the energy supplied from the battery 210, that is, it can control the temperature of the heater. As disclosed above, when the holder 1 is tilted, the user can continuously smoke a plurality of times through the holder 1 using the energy of the battery 210. At the same time, for example, one smoking can be set at 14 puffs.

[00242] The control unit 120 of the holder 1 may collectively monitor the smoking sequence of the first state in which the holder 1 is tilted in the support 2 and the second state in which the holder 1 is separated from the support 2, and determine whether the collectively monitored smoking sequences satisfy the smoking restriction condition.

[00243] In more detail, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can detect the presence of puffs and count the number of puffs. In addition, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can measure the operating time during which the heater (130 in Fig. 1) is continuously heated. In addition, the control unit 120 can determine whether the holder 1 is connected to the stand 2, tilted in the stand 2, or separated from the stand 2.

[00244] When the holder 1 is tilted and the cigarette 3 is inserted into the holder 1, the control unit 120 determines whether the number of puffs of the user has reached the puff limit number or the operating time of the holder 1 has reached the operating time limit. When the number of puffs or the operating time reaches the puff limit number or the operating time limit when the holder 1 is tilted, the control unit 120 controls the heater (130 in Fig. 1) so as to stop heating the heater. At the same time, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 may command the control unit 220 of the stand 2 to stop supplying power from the battery 210, thereby stopping heating the heater 130.

[00245] The holder 1 may operate based on a smoking sequence and a smoking limitation condition. The smoking sequence may include, for example, a number of puffs for the inserted cigarette 3. The smoking limitation condition may include a puff limit. Accordingly, when the number of puffs, which are monitored in total in the first state and in the second state, reaches the puff limit, the holder 1 may control the heater (130 in Fig. 1) included in the holder 1 to stop heating the inserted cigarette 3. In addition, the smoking sequence may include an operating time of the holder 1 (for example, a heating time of the heater (130 in Fig. 1)), and the smoking limitation condition may include a running time limit. Here, when the operating time, which is monitored in the first state and the second state in total, reaches the limit operating time, the holder 1 can control the heater (130 in Fig. 1) included in the holder 1 to stop heating the inserted cigarette 3.

[00246] As disclosed above, the control unit 120 may stop heating the heater (130 in Fig. 1) when the holder 1 is tilted and the holder 1 is separated from the stand 2 by the user. At the same time, the user may begin smoking again by connecting the holder 1 to the stand 2.

[00247] On the other hand, even when the holder 1 is tilted and separated by the user, the control unit 120 may accumulate and sum up the number of counted puffs in the tilted state and the number of counted puffs in the separated state and compare the total number of puffs with the limit number of puffs, thereby determining whether to heat the heater (130 in Fig. 1). In other words, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 continuously monitors the number of puffs, even when the holder 1 is tilted or the holder 1 is separated. The control unit 120 of the holder 1 continuously monitors both the number of puffs and the operating time of the holder 1, even when the holder 1 is tilted or the holder 1 is separated. As a result, the cessation of the operation of the holder 1, that is, the cessation of heating the heater (130 in Fig. 1), may depend on the determination of the control unit 120 of the holder 1.

[00248] Fig. 12 contains a flow chart of a method for counting the number of puffs when the holder is tilted and separated.

[00249] In step 5110, the holder 1 or the support 2 receives a request to start smoking from the user. The request to start smoking can be received from the user through an input device provided in the holder 1 or the support 2. The control unit 120 of the holder 1 or the control unit 220 of the support 2 can determine that the request to start smoking is received when the user enters data. On the other hand, smoking can be performed when the holder 1 is tilted or the holder 1 is separated from the support 2. However, when the holder 1 is not separated from the support 2 and is not tilted, the holder 1 can operate to prevent the user from smoking and cannot use the heater or can use the heater to heat only to a temperature or for a heating time that is insufficient for the user to smoke. Next, the operation of the holder 1 will be disclosed under the assumption that the holder 1 is tilted or separated from the support 2.

[00250] In step 5120, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 determines whether the holder 1 connected to the stand 2 is tilted. On the other hand, the control unit 220 of the stand 2 can also determine whether the holder 1 is tilted. If the holder 1 is tilted, the method proceeds to step 5130. However, if the holder 1 is separated, the method proceeds to step 5170.

[00251] In step 5130, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 counts the number of puffs when said holder is in a tilted state.

[00252] In step 5140, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 adds up the number of puffs when said holder is in a tilted state and the number of puffs when said holder is in a separated state. When the user puffs on the cigarette 3, and said holder is only in a tilted state, the number of puffs when said holder is in a separated state is zero.

[00253] In step 5150, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 compares the total number of puffs with a predetermined puff limit. For example, the puff limit may be 14, but is not limited to this. When the total number of puffs is less than or equal to the puff limit, the method proceeds to step 5120. However, when the total number of puffs reaches the puff limit, the method proceeds to step 5160.

[00254] In step 5160, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 controls the heater 130 so as to stop heating the heater (130 in Fig. 1). On the other hand, when the holder 1 is still tilted, the control unit 220 of the stand 2 can also control the heater 130 so as to stop heating the heater 130.

[00255] In step 5170, when the holder 1 is separated from the stand 2, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 counts the number of puffs in the separated state. Accordingly, in step 5140, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 may count the total number of puffs by adding the number of counted puffs in the separated state and the number of counted puffs in the tilted state.

[00256] Fig. 13 contains a block diagram of a method for measuring operating time when the holder is tilted and separated.

[00257] At step 5210, the holder 1 or stand 2 receives a request to start smoking from the user.

[00258] In step 5220, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 determines whether the holder 1 connected to the stand 2 is tilted. On the other hand, the control unit 220 of the stand 2 may also determine whether the holder 1 is tilted. If the holder 1 is tilted, the method proceeds to step 5230. However, if the holder 1 is separated, the method proceeds to step 5270.

[00259] In step 5230, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 measures the operating time of the said holder in the inclined state.

[00260] In step 2615240, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 sums up the operating time in the tilted state and the operating time in the separated state. If the user controls the holder 1 only when the holder 1 is tilted, the operating time in the separated state of said holder is 0 hours.

[00261] In step 5150, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 compares the total operating time with a preset operating time limit. For example, the operating time limit may be 10 minutes, but is not limited to this. If the total operating time is less than or equal to the operating time limit, the method proceeds to step 5220. However, when the total operating time reaches the operating time limit, the method proceeds to step 5260.

[00262] In step 5260, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 controls the heater 130 so as to stop heating the heater 130 (in Fig. 1). On the other hand, when the holder 1 is still tilted, the control unit 220 of the stand 2 can also control the heater 130 so as to stop heating the heater 130.

[00263] In step 5270, when the holder 1 is separated from the stand 2, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 measures the operating time in the separated state. Accordingly, in step 5240, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can measure the total number of puffs by summing the operating time in the separated state and the operating time in the tilted state.

[00264] On the other hand, when at least one of the following: the number of puffs disclosed in Fig. 12 and the operating time disclosed in Fig. 13 satisfies the predetermined limitation condition, the holder 1 may control the heater (130 in Fig. 1) to stop heating.

[00265] In more detail, when smoking is performed in the first state and then performed later in the second state, the holder adds the smoking sequence monitored in the second state to the smoking sequence monitored in the first state, and when the overall smoking sequence satisfies the smoking limiting condition, the holder 1 controls the heater (130 in Fig. 1) provided in the holder 1 to stop heating the inserted cigarette. Also, when smoking is performed in the second state and then performed later in the first state, the holder adds the smoking sequence monitored in the first state to the smoking sequence monitored in the second state, and when the overall smoking sequence satisfies the smoking limiting condition, the holder 1 controls the heater 130 (in Fig. 1) provided in the holder 1 to stop heating the inserted cigarette.

[00266] Fig. 14 contains a diagram for disclosing an example where the holder counts the number of puffs.

[00267] As shown in Fig. 14, smoking may begin when the holder 1 is tilted in the support 2 and the cigarette 3 is inserted into the holder 1. The user may puff on the cigarette 3 from the first puff to the sixth puff when the holder 1 is tilted, and then separate the holder 1 from the support 2. The control unit 120 of the holder 1 cumulatively counts the number of puffs during six puffs.

[00268] The user can perform eight more puffs using the separated holder 1. At this time, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can cumulatively count the first puff performed using the separated holder 1 as the seventh after the sixth puff in the tilted state of said holder. In other words, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can cumulatively count all the puffs performed while the holder 1 is tilted and when separated. When the cumulative total number of puffs reaches the limit number of puffs (that is, when the fourteenth puff is completed), the control module 120 of the holder 1 can stop the operation of the holder 1.

[00269] Fig. 15 contains a diagram for disclosing another example where the holder counts the number of puffs.

[00270] Fig. 15 discloses a case opposite to the case shown in Fig. 14. Smoking can be started after the cigarette 3 is inserted into the holder 1, when the holder 1 is separated from the support 2. The user can smoke the cigarette 3 from the first puff to the fourth puff using the separated holder 1, and then the user can attach the holder 1 to the support 2 and tilt the holder 1. The control unit 120 of the holder 1 cumulatively counts the number of puffs during four puffs.

[00271] The user can perform ten more puffs using the tilted holder 1. At this time, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can cumulatively count the first puff performed using the tilted holder 1 as the fifth after the fourth puff in the separated state. In other words, the control module 120 of the holder 1 can cumulatively count all the puffs performed while the holder 1 is separated and tilted. When the cumulative total number of puffs reaches the limit number of puffs (that is, when the fourteenth puff is completed), the control module 120 of the holder 1 can stop the operation of the holder 1.

[00272] Fig. 16 contains a diagram for disclosing another example where the holder counts the number of puffs.

[00273] As shown in Fig. 16A, even when the user uses the holder 1 in a tilted state, uses the holder 1 after separating the holder 1 from the support 2, and then uses the holder 1 again in a tilted state, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can cumulatively count the number of puffs that are taken after the start of smoking (that is, starting from the first puff). Similarly, as shown in Fig. 16B, even when the user uses the holder 1 in a separated state, uses the holder 1 in a tilted state of the holder 1, and then uses the holder 1 again in a separated state, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can cumulatively count the number of puffs that are taken after the start of smoking (that is, starting from the first puff).

[00274] In other words, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 may cumulatively count the number of puffs taken after the start of smoking, regardless of whether the holder 1 is tilted or separated, and control the operation of the holder 1 based on the cumulative total number of puffs.

[00275] Fig. 17 contains a diagram for disclosing a method by which the holder measures the operating time.

[00276] As shown in Fig. 17, smoking can begin when the holder 1 is tilted in the stand 2 and the cigarette 3 is inserted into the holder 1. The user can puff on the cigarette 3 for 6 minutes when the holder 1 is tilted and then separate the holder 1 from the stand 2. The control unit 120 of the holder 1 measures the operating time when the holder 1 is tilted.

[00277] When the operating time in the tilted state has not reached the limit operating time, the user can further perform a puff using the separated holder 1. In the example shown in Fig. 20, the user can perform puffs for another 4 minutes. At the same time, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 may consider that the operating time before the separation of the holder 1 is the operating time that has already elapsed. In other words, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 may cumulatively measure all the operating time during the period when the holder 1 is tilted and when separated. When the cumulative operating time reaches the limit operating time (that is, after 10 minutes), the control unit 120 of the holder 1 may stop the operation of the holder 1.

[00278] Fig. 18A - Fig. 18B contain diagrams showing examples in which the holder is inserted into the stand.

[00279] Fig. 18A shows an example in which the holder 1 is fully inserted into the stand 2. The stand 2 can be manufactured so as to provide sufficient internal space 230 of the stand 2 to minimize the user's contact with the holder 1 when the holder 1 is fully inserted into the stand 2. When the holder 1 is fully inserted into the stand 2, the control unit 220 supplies power from the battery 210 to the holder 1, as a result of which the battery 110 of the holder 1 is charged.

[00280] Fig. 18B shows an example in which the holder 1 is tilted when inserted into the stand 2. When the holder 1 is tilted, the control unit 220 supplies power from the battery 210 to the holder 1, as a result of which the battery 110 of the holder 1 is charged or the heater 130 of the holder 1 is heated.

[00281] Fig. 19 contains a block diagram for disclosing an example in which the holder and stand operate.

[00282] The method for generating aerosols shown in Fig. 19 includes steps that are performed sequentially in time by the holder 1 or the stand 2 shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 18B. Thus, it should be understood that the above descriptions of the holder 1 and the stand 2 shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 18B are also applicable to the method shown in Fig. 19, even when such descriptions are omitted below.

[00283] In step 5310, the holder 1 determines whether it is inserted into the stand 2. For example, the control unit 120 may determine whether the holder 1 is inserted into the stand 2 based on whether the connector 170 and the connector 260 of the holder 1 and the stand 2 are connected to each other and/or whether the fastening elements 181, 271 and 272 are functional.

[00284] If the holder 1 is inserted into the stand 2, the method proceeds to step 5320. If the holder 1 is separated from the stand 2, the method proceeds to step 5330.

[00285] In step 5320, the stand 2 determines whether the holder 1 is tilted. For example, the control unit 220 may determine whether the holder 1 is inserted into the stand 2 based on whether the connector 170 and the connector 260 of the holder 1 and the stand 2 are connected to each other and/or whether the fastening elements 182, 273 and 274 are functional.

[00286] Although it is disclosed that the stand 2 determines whether the holder 1 is tilted in step 5320, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 may determine whether the holder 1 is tilted.

[00287] If the holder 1 is tilted, the method proceeds to step 5340. When the holder 1 is not tilted (that is, the holder 1 is fully inserted into the stand 2), the method proceeds to step 5370.

[00288] In step 5330, the holder 1 determines whether the conditions for using the holder 1 are met. For example, the control module 120 may determine whether the conditions for using the holder 1 are met by checking the remaining power in the battery 110 and checking whether other elements of the holder 1 can operate normally.

[00289] When the conditions for using the holder 1 are met, the method proceeds to step 5340. Otherwise, the method is terminated.

[00290] At step 5340, the holder 1 informs the user that the holder 1 is ready for use. For example, the control module 120 may display an image indicating that the holder 1 is ready for use on the display of the holder 1, or may control the motor of the holder 1 to generate a vibration signal.

[00291] At step 5350, the heater 130 is heated. For example, when the holder 1 is separated from the stand 2, the heater 130 may be heated by the battery 110 of the holder 1. In another example, when the holder 1 is tilted, the heater 130 may be heated by the energy of the battery 210 of the holder 2.

[00292] The control unit 120 of the holder 1 or the control unit 220 of the stand 2 may check the temperature of the heater 130 in real time and control the amount of energy supplied to the heater 130 and the time of supplying energy to the heater 130. For example, the control unit 120 or the control unit 220 may check the temperature of the heater 130 in real time via a temperature sensor included in the holder 1 or via a conductive track of the heater 130.

[00293] In step 5360, the holder 1 performs the aerosol generation mechanism. For example, the control unit 120 or the control unit 220 may check the temperature of the heater 130, which changes as the user takes puffs, and adjust the amount of energy supplied to the heater 130 or stop supplying energy to the heater 130. In addition, the control unit 120 or the control unit 220 may count the number of puffs of the user and output information indicating that the holder 1 needs to be cleaned when the number of puffs reaches a certain value (for example, 1500).

[00294] In step 5370, the stand 2 charges the holder 1. For example, the control unit 220 may charge the holder 1 by supplying power from the battery 210 of the stand 2 to the battery 110 of the holder 1.

[00295] In addition, the control unit 120 or the control unit 220 may stop the operation of the holder 1 in accordance with the number of puffs of the user or the operating time of the holder 1. Next, an example in which the control unit 120 or the control unit 220 stops the operation of the holder 1 will be explained with reference to Fig. 20.

[00296] Fig. 20 contains a block diagram for disclosing another example in which the holder operates.

[00297] The method for generating aerosols shown in Fig. 20 includes steps that are performed sequentially in time by the holder 1 and the stand 2 shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 18B. Thus, it should be understood that the above descriptions of the holder 1 and the stand 2 shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 18B also apply to the method shown in Fig. 20, even when descriptions are not given below.

[00298] In step 5410, the control unit 120 or the control unit 220 determines whether the user has taken a puff. For example, the control unit 120 or the control unit 220 may determine whether the user has taken a puff, which may be determined by a puff detection sensor included in the holder 1. Alternatively, the control unit 120 or the control unit 220 may determine whether the user has taken a puff, which may be determined by changing the resistance of the conductive path included in the heater 130. Here, the conductive path includes an conductive path for generating heat and/or an conductive path for measuring temperature. Alternatively, the control unit 120 or the control unit 220 may determine whether the user has taken a puff, which may be determined using both a change in the resistance of the conductive path included in the heater 130 and the puff detection sensor.

[00299] In step 5420, an aerosol is generated in accordance with a puff of the user. The control unit 120 or the control unit 220 may adjust the power supplied to the heater 130 in accordance with a temperature set by the user of the heater 130, as described above with reference to Fig. 19. Also, the control unit 120 or the control unit 220 counts the number of puffs of the user.

[00300] In step 5430, the control unit 120 or the control unit 220 determines whether the condition that the number of puffs of the user is equal to or greater than the puff limit is met. For example, assuming that the puff limit is set to 14, the control unit 120 or the control unit 220 determines whether the number of counted puffs is equal to or greater than 14. However, the puff limit is not limited to 14. For example, the puff limit may be set as an appropriate number from 10 to 16.

[00301] On the other hand, when the user's puff number is close to the puff limit (for example, when the user's puff number is 12), the control unit 120 or the control unit 220 may output a warning signal through the display or the vibration motor.

[00302] If the number of puffs of the user is equal to or greater than the puff limit, the method proceeds to step 5450. If the number of puffs of the user is less than the puff limit, the method proceeds to step 5440.

[00303] In step 5440, control unit 120 or control unit 220 determines whether the operating time of holder 1 is equal to or greater than the limit operating time. Here, the operating time of holder 1 refers to the accumulated time from the time when holder 1 began its operation until the current time. For example, assuming that the limit operating time is set as 10 minutes, control unit 120 or control unit 220 determines whether holder 1 has operated for 10 minutes or longer.

[00304] On the other hand, if the operating time of the holder 1 is close to the limit operating time (for example, when the holder 1 has been operating for 8 minutes), the control unit 120 or the control unit 220 may output a warning signal via the display or the vibration motor.

[00305] If the holder 1 operates for the maximum operating time or longer, then the method proceeds to step 5450. If the operating time of the holder 1 is less than the maximum operating time, then the method proceeds to step 5420.

[00306] In step 5450, the control unit 120 or the control unit 220 forcibly stops the operation of the holder 1. In other words, the control unit 120 or the control unit 220 blocks the aerosol generating mechanism of the holder 1. For example, the control unit 120 or the control unit 220 may forcibly stop the operation of the holder 1 by turning off the power supplied to the heater 130.

[00307] Fig. 21 contains a block diagram for disclosing an example in which the stand operates.

[00308] The flow chart shown in Fig. 21 includes steps that are performed sequentially in time by the stand 2 shown in Fig. 7 - Fig. 18B. Thus, it should be understood that the above descriptions of the stand 2 shown in Fig. 7 - Fig. 18B also apply to the method shown in Fig. 21, even when descriptions are not given below.

[00309] Although not shown in Fig. 21, the operation of the stand 2, which will be explained below, can be performed regardless of whether the holder 1 is inserted into the stand 2.

[00310] At step 5510, the control unit 220 of the stand 2 determines whether the button 240 is pressed. If the button 240 is pressed, then the method proceeds to step 5520. If the button 240 is not pressed, then the method proceeds to step 5530.

[00311] At step 5520, the stand 2 indicates the state of the battery 210. For example, the control unit 220 may output information regarding the current state of the battery 210 (e.g., the remaining charge, etc.) to the display 250.

[00312] In step 5530, the control unit 220 of the stand 2 determines whether a cable is connected to the stand 2. For example, the control unit 220 determines whether the cable is connected to an interface (for example, a USB port, etc.) included in the stand 2. If the cable is connected to the stand 2, the method proceeds to step 5540. Otherwise, the method ends.

[00313] At step 5540, the cradle 2 performs a charging action. For example, the cradle 2 charges the battery 210 using power supplied through the connected cable.

[00314] As disclosed above with reference to Fig. 1, a cigarette may be inserted into a holder 1. The cigarette comprises a material capable of generating an aerosol, and the aerosol may be generated as a result of heating of a heater 130.

[00315] Next, an example of a cigarette that can be inserted into the holder 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 22 - Fig. 38C.

[00316] Fig. 22 contains a diagram showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into a holder.

[00317] As shown in Fig. 22, the cigarette 3 can be inserted into the holder 1 through the end 141 of the housing 140. When the cigarette 3 is inserted into the holder 1, the heater 130 is located inside the cigarette 3. Therefore, the heated heater 130 heats the material of the cigarette 3 capable of generating an aerosol, thereby generating an aerosol.

[00318] The cigarette 3 may be similar to a conventional burning cigarette. For example, the cigarette 3 may include a first portion 310 containing a material capable of generating an aerosol, and a second portion 320 containing a filter and the like. Furthermore, the cigarette 3, according to one embodiment of the invention, may also contain a material capable of generating an aerosol in the second portion 320. For example, a material capable of generating an aerosol in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion 320.

[00319] The entire first part 310 may be inserted into the holder 1, and the second part 320 may remain outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part 310 may be inserted into the holder 1, or the entire first part 310 and a portion of the second part 320 may be inserted into the holder 1.

[00320] The user can inhale the aerosol by holding the second portion 320 with his lips. At the same time, the aerosol is generated when outside air passes through the first portion 310, and the generated aerosol passes through the second portion and is delivered to the user's mouth.

[00321] Outside air can be introduced (1120) through at least one air channel formed in the holder 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air channel formed in the holder 1 and/or the size of the air channel can be adjusted by the user. Accordingly, the amount of smoke and the smoking experience can be adjusted by the user.

[00322] Alternatively, outside air may be introduced (1110) through at least one opening formed on the surface of the cigarette 3.

[00323] Fig. 23A and Fig. 23B contain diagrams showing examples of cigarettes.

[00324] As shown in Fig. 23A and 23B, the cigarette 3 includes a tobacco rod 310, a first filter segment 321, a cooling structure 322 and a second filter segment 323. The first part 310, described above with reference to Fig. 11, includes the tobacco rod 310, and the second part 320 includes the first filter segment 321, the cooling structure 322 and the second filter segment 323.

[00325] As shown in Fig. 23A, the cigarette 3 may be packaged by a total of five wrappers 341, 342, 343, 344 and 345. In addition, as shown in Fig. 23B, the cigarette 3 may be packaged by a total of six wrappers 341, 342, 343, 344, 346 and 347. The tobacco rod 310 is packaged by the first wrapper 341, and the first filter segment 321 is packaged by the second wrapper 342. In addition, the cooling structure 322 is packaged by the third wrapper 343, and the second filter segment 323 is packaged by the fourth wrapper 344.

[00326] The fifth wrapper 345, as shown in Fig. 23A, may be wrapped around the first wrapper 341, the second wrapper 342, the third wrapper 343, and the fourth wrapper 344. In other words, the entire cigarette 3 may be double-packaged by the fifth wrapper 345.

[00327] Also, the sixth wrapper 346, as shown in Fig. 23B, may be wrapped around the first wrapper 341, the second wrapper 342, and the third wrapper 343. In other words, the tobacco rod 310, the first filter segment 321, and the cooling structure 322 of the cigarette 3 may be twice packaged by the sixth wrapper 346. In addition, the seventh wrapper 347, as shown in Fig. 23B, may be wrapped around at least a portion of the third wrapper 343 and the fourth wrapper 344. In other words, at least a portion of the cooling structure 322 and the second filter segment 323 of the cigarette 3 may be repackaged by the seventh wrapper 347.

[00328] The first wrapper 341 and the second wrapper 342 can be made using a general type of wrapping paper for a filter. For example, the first wrapper 341 and the second wrapper 342 can include porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper. In addition, the first wrapper 341 and the second wrapper 342 can be made of an oil-resistant paper sheet and an aluminum multilayer packaging material.

[00329] The third wrapper 343 may be made of stiff wrapping paper. For example, the density of the third wrapper 343 may be, but is not limited to, 90 g/m ² .

[00330] The fourth wrapper 344 may be made of oil-resistant rigid wrapping paper. For example, the density of the fourth wrapper 344 may be 92 g/ ^m2 , and its thickness may be 125 μm, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[00331] The fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, MFW refers to paper specially manufactured to provide tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, and the like, wherein these properties are improved compared to ordinary paper. For example, the density of the fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 may be 60 g/ ^m2 , and their thickness may be 67 μm, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, the tensile strength of the fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346 and the seventh wrapper 347 may be in the range of 8 kgf/15 mm to 11 kgf/15 mm for the dry type and may be 1.0 kgf/15 mm for the wet type, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[00332] A predetermined material may be included in the fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347. Here, an example of a predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicone. For example, silicone has characteristics such as heat resistance with slight changes due to temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water-repellent properties, electrical insulation, etc. However, any material other than silicone may be applied (or a coating may be made from it) to the fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 without limitation, provided that this material has the above-mentioned characteristics.

[00333] 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 possibility that the cigarette 3 will ignite. In more detail, when the temperature rises to a temperature above the ignition point of any of the materials included in the tobacco rod 310, the cigarette 3 can ignite. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 include a non-combustible material, the cigarette 3 can be prevented from burning.

[00334] Furthermore, the fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 can prevent the holder 1 from being contaminated by substances generated by the cigarette 3. As a result of the user's puff, liquid substances may be generated in the cigarette 3. For example, when the aerosol generated by the cigarette 3 is cooled by the outside air, liquid materials (such as moisture, etc.) may be generated. Since the fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 wrap the tobacco rod 310 and/or the first filter segment 321, it is possible to prevent the liquid substances generated in the cigarette 3 from leaking out of the cigarette 3. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the body 140 of the holder 1 and the like from being contaminated by liquid substances generated by the cigarette 3.

[00335] The diameter of the cigarette 3 may be in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and its length may be about 48 mm. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Preferably, the diameter of the cigarette 3 may be 7.2 mm, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the length of the tobacco rod 310 may be about 12 mm, the length of the first filter segment 321 may be about 10 mm, the length of the cooling structure 322 may be about 14 mm, and the length of the second filter segment 323 may be about 12 mm, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[00336] The structures of the cigarette 3 shown in Fig. 23A and Fig. 23B are only examples, and some of the elements may be missing. For example, the cigarette 3 may not include one or more of the following: the first filter segment 321, the cooling structure 322, and the second filter segment 323.

[00337] The tobacco rod 310 comprises an aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material may comprise at least one of the following substances: glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol.

[00338] In addition, the tobacco rod 310 may contain other additives such as a flavoring agent, a wetting agent, and/or an organic acid. For example, the flavoring agent may contain licorice, sucrose, fructose syrup, sugar substitute, cocoa, lavender, cinnamon, cardamom, celery, fenugreek, cascara, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, mint oil, cinnamon, kerage, cognac, jasmine, chamomile, menthol, cinnamon, ylang-ylang, sage, mint, ginger, coriander, coffee, etc. In addition, the wetting agent may contain glycerin or propylene glycol.

[00339] For example, the tobacco rod 310 may be filled with cut tobacco leaves. Here, the cut tobacco leaves may be prepared by thinly cutting the tobacco leaf.

[00340] In order for a wide tobacco leaf to be placed inside the tobacco rod 310 having a narrow space, a special operation is additionally required to facilitate folding of the tobacco leaf. Therefore, it is easier to fill the tobacco rod 310 with cut tobacco leaves compared to filling the tobacco rod 310 with a single tobacco leaf, and thus the productivity and efficiency of the manufacturing process of the tobacco rod 310 can be improved.

[00341] In another example, the tobacco rod 310 can be filled with a plurality of cigarette strands formed by thinly cutting a tobacco sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 310 can be formed by combining a plurality of tobacco strands in one direction (parallel to each other) or randomly. Similarly, the tobacco rod 310 can be formed by combining a plurality of tobacco strands, and a plurality of vertical channels can be formed through which the heater 130 can be inserted or an aerosol can pass. In addition, depending on the size and arrangement of the tobacco strands, the vertical channels can be uniform or non-uniform.

[00342] For example, tobacco strands can be formed by the following operations. First, raw tobacco material is ground to form a slurry, into which an aerosol-generating material (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.), a flavoring liquid, a binder (e.g., guar gum, xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), etc.) and water are mixed, and then a sheet is formed using the slurry. When forming the slurry, natural cellulose or cellulose can be added to change the physical properties of the tobacco strands, and either one or more binders can be mixed and used. Then, after drying the sheet, the tobacco strands can be formed by bending or thinly cutting the dried sheet.

[00343] The raw tobacco material may be fragments of tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, and/or fine tobacco powders formed during tobacco processing. The tobacco leaf may also contain other additives, such as wood pulp fibers.

[00344] The suspension may contain from 5 to 40% of the aerosol-generating material, and from 2 to 35% of the aerosol-generating material may remain in the finished tobacco strands. Preferably, from 10 to 25% of the aerosol-generating material may remain in the finished tobacco strands.

[00345] In addition, before the tobacco rod 310 is packaged with the first wrapper 341, a liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, may be added to the center of the tobacco rod 310 by spraying.

[00346] The tobacco strands can be manufactured to have a cuboid shape having a horizontal dimension of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, a vertical dimension of 5 mm to 50 mm, and a thickness (height) of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Preferably, the tobacco strands can be manufactured to have a cuboid shape having a horizontal dimension of 0.9 mm, a vertical dimension of 20 mm, and a thickness (height) of 0.2 mm. In addition, one tobacco strand can be manufactured to have a density of 100 g/m ² to 250 g/m ² , but the present invention is not limited thereto. Preferably, one tobacco strand can be manufactured to have a density of 180 g/m ² .

[00347] Compared to the tobacco rod 310 filled with a cigarette sheet, the tobacco rod 310 filled with tobacco strands can generate a larger amount of aerosol. When filling the same space, the tobacco strands provide a larger surface area compared to the tobacco sheet. A larger surface area indicates that the material capable of generating an aerosol has a greater chance of coming into contact with the outside air. Therefore, when the tobacco rod 310 is filled with tobacco strands, more aerosol can be generated compared to the tobacco rod 310 filled with a tobacco sheet.

[00348] In addition, when the cigarette 3 is separated from the holder 1, the tobacco rod 310 filled with tobacco strands can be separated more easily than the tobacco rod 310 filled with tobacco sheet. In other words, when the tobacco rod 310 is filled with tobacco strands, the tobacco rod 310 can be separated from the holder 1 more easily than the tobacco rod 310 filled with tobacco sheet.

[00349] The first filter segment 321 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first filter segment 321 may have a tubular structure that includes a cavity. The length of the first filter segment 321 may be any suitable length in the range from 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first filter segment 321 may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[00350] The diameter of the void space included in the first filter segment 321 may be any suitable diameter in the range of 3 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[00351] The rigidity of the first filter segment 321 can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the plasticizer during the manufacture of the first filter segment 321.

[00352] To prevent the first filter segment 321 from decreasing in size over time, the first filter segment 321 may be wrapped in a wrapper. Consequently, the first filter segment 321 may be easily combined with other elements (e.g., other filter segments).

[00353] Furthermore, the first filter segment 321 may be manufactured by inserting into it structures of the same type or different types, such as shells or tubes (e.g., into an empty space).

[00354] The first filter segment 321 can be made using cellulose acetate. Therefore, the internal material of the tobacco rod 310 can be prevented from being pushed out when the heater 130 is inserted, and an aerosol cooling effect can be achieved.

[00355] The second filter segment 323 may also be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the second filter segment 323 may be manufactured as a recessed filter, but is not limited to this example. The length of the second filter segment 323 may be appropriately selected in the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the second filter segment 323 may be about 12 mm, but is not limited to this example.

[00356] The second filter segment 323 may be manufactured to create a flavor by spraying a flavoring liquid onto the second filter segment 323 during the manufacture of the second filter segment 323. Alternatively, individual fibers coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the second filter segment 323. The aerosol formed in the tobacco rod 310 is cooled as it passes through the cooling structure 322, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user through the second filter segment 323. Therefore, if a flavoring material is added to the second filter segment 323, an effect of enhancing the durability of the flavor delivered to the user may occur.

[00357] The second filter segment 323 may also include at least one capsule 324. Here, the capsule 324 may have a structure in which a liquid filler containing a flavoring material is wrapped in a shell. For example, the capsule 324 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[00358] The capsule shell 324 can be made using a material containing agar, pectin, sodium alginate, carrageenan, gelatin or gum, such as guar gum. In addition, a gelling agent can be additionally used as a material for forming the capsule shell 324. Here, for example, a calcium chloride group can be used as a gelling agent. In addition, a plasticizer can be additionally used as a material for forming the capsule shell 324. Glycerin and/or sorbitol can be used as a plasticizer. In addition, a colorant can be additionally used as a material for forming the capsule shell 324.

[00359] For example, menthol, plant essential oil, and the like can be used as a flavoring agent contained in the liquid content of capsule 324. For example, medium-chain fatty acid triglyceride (MCT) can be used as a solvent for the flavoring material added to the liquid content. In addition, the liquid content can contain other additives such as a seasoning, emulsifier, thickener, and the like.

[00360] The cooling structure 322 cools the aerosol generated when the heater 130 heats the tobacco rod 310. Therefore, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to a suitable temperature.

[00361] The cooling structure 322 can cool the aerosol using a phase change phenomenon. For example, the material comprising the cooling structure 322 can cause a phase change action, such as melting or glass transition, which requires the absorption of thermal energy. Since such a heat absorption reaction occurs at the temperature at which the aerosol enters the cooling structure 322, the temperature of the aerosol passing through the cooling structure 322 drops.

[00362] The length or diameter of the cooling structure 322 may vary depending on the shape of the cigarette 3. For example, the length of the cooling structure 322 may be appropriately selected in the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the cooling structure 322 may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[00363] The cooling structure 322 may be manufactured using a polymeric material or a biodegradable polymeric material. For example, the polymeric material may include, but is not limited to, gelatin, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), and combinations thereof. In addition, the biodegradable polymeric material may include, but is not limited to, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), cellulose acetate, poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHAs), and starch-based thermoplastic polymers.

[00364] Preferably, the cooling structure 322 may contain only pure polylactic acid. For example, the cooling structure 322 may be a three-dimensional structure made using at least one fiber strand containing pure polylactic acid (hereinafter referred to as a "fiber strand"). Here, the thickness of the fiber strand, the length of the fiber strand, the number of fiber strands constituting the cooling structure 322, and the shape of the fiber strand may vary. Since the cooling structure 322 is made of pure polylactic acid, the formation of certain materials can be prevented when an aerosol passes through the cooling structure 322.

[00365] The cooling structure 322 may be manufactured by one or more operations, and an operation of wrapping the outer surfaces of the cooling structure 322 with a wrapping made of paper or a polymeric material may be added. In this case, the polymeric material may include, but is not limited to, gelatin, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), and combinations thereof.

[00366] Next, with reference to Fig. 24A - Fig. 25, examples of fiber strands and fiber bundles including a plurality of fibers will be disclosed.

[00367] Fig. 24A and Fig. 24B contain diagrams for describing examples of a fiber bundle.

[00368] Fig. 24A and Fig. 24B show examples of fiber bundles that make up a cooling structure. As shown in Fig. 24A, the cooling structure 3100 can be made by braiding at least one fiber bundle 3110. As shown in Fig. 24B, one fiber bundle 3120 can comprise at least one strand 3130 of fibers. For example, one fiber bundle 3120 can be formed by twisting a plurality of strands of fiber (e.g., 40 strands of fiber).

[00369] The cooling structure 322 can be made by weaving at least one fiber bundle 3110 and/or fiber bundle 3120. As necessary, the fiber bundle 3110 and the fiber bundle 3120 can be formed using fiber strands coated with a flavoring liquid. Alternatively, the fiber bundle 3110 and the fiber bundle 3120 can be formed using a separate fiber strand coated with a flavoring liquid and fiber strands 3130 made of polylactic acid. In addition, the fiber strands 3130 can be dyed in a predetermined color, and the fiber bundle 3110 and the fiber bundle 3120 can be formed using the dyed fiber strands 3130.

[00370] The advantages of producing the cooling structure 3100 using the fiber bundle 3110 and the fiber bundle 3120 are as follows.

[00371] First, the aerosol can flow between the fiber strands 3130, and depending on the shape of the cooling structure 3100, a vortex can be formed. The vortex expands the contact area of the aerosol in the cooling structure 3100 and increases the time during which the aerosol remains in the cooling structure 3100. Therefore, the heated aerosol can be effectively cooled.

[00372] Secondly, the cooling structure 3100 produced using the fiber strands 3130 produced using the raw material (e.g., polylactic acid) has a high yield compared to a typical filling material. In other words, the cooling structure 3100 produced from the fiber strands 3130 is easier to cut than a typical filling material. Therefore, since a large number of cooling structures 3100 can be obtained by cutting one cooling rod, the manufacturing productivity is high compared to the manufacturing method from the filling material.

[00373] Furthermore, if the cooling structure is produced by extrusion molding or the like, the efficiency of the process is reduced due to the addition of operations such as cutting the structure. Furthermore, there are limitations in the production of cooling structures of various shapes.

[00374] Thirdly, the cooling structure 3100 manufactured using the fiber strands 3130 facilitates cigarette production compared to the film-type cooling structure. In other words, since the film-type cooling structure is easily crumbled, it is difficult to insert the film-type cooling structure into the cigarette 3 having a small volume. Meanwhile, the cooling structure 3100 manufactured using the fiber strands can be easily inserted into the cigarette 3.

[00375] Furthermore, in the case of inserting a film-type cooling structure into the cigarette 3, the film-type cooling structure may be destroyed as a result of external influence. In this case, the cooling effect of the aerosol of the cooling structure is deteriorated.

[00376] Since the cooling structure 3100 according to an embodiment of the invention is made using polylactic acid fibers (e.g., by weaving), the risk that the cooling structure is deformed or loses function due to external influences can be reduced. In addition, by changing the method of combining the fiber bundle 3110 and the fiber bundle 3120, the cooling structure 3100 can be made having various shapes.

[00377] Furthermore, by producing the cooling structure 3100 using the cooling fibers 3130, the surface area in contact with the aerosol is increased. Therefore, the cooling effect of the aerosol by the cooling structure 3100 can be further improved.

[00378] Fig. 25 contains a diagram for describing another example of a fiber bundle.

[00379] As shown in Fig. 25, the fiber bundle 3200 may comprise one main stream 3210 and a plurality of substreams 3220. Here, the main stream 3210 may include a plurality of fiber strands entangled with each other. Furthermore, the substream 3220 is at least one fiber strand connected to a space formed in the main stream 3210, and thus the fiber bundle 3200 may have a shape similar to a bird's wing.

[00380] The number of fibers constituting the main stream 3210 or the substream 3220 is not limited. Therefore, the thickness of the main stream 3210 or the substream 3220 may vary depending on the number of fibers.

[00381] Furthermore, the substreams 3220 attached to the main stream 3210 may not be aligned in any one direction. In other words, when a plurality of substreams 3220 are added to the main stream 3210, the orientations of the substreams 3220 may differ from each other, or the orientations of some of the substreams 3220 may differ from each other.

[00382] As shown in Fig. 23A and Fig. 23B, at least one channel may be added to the cross-section of the cooling structure 322. This channel serves as a passage through which the aerosol can pass. However, the direction of the channel is not limited to the vertical direction (that is, the axial direction of the cooling structure 322), and the channels may be formed in various directions.

[00383] Depending on the manufacturing process of the cooling structure 322, the diameter of the channel may vary. For example, the diameter of the channel may be selected in accordance with the thickness and/or number of fiber bundles that make up the cooling structure 322, or the diameter of the channel may be selected in accordance with the weave pattern of the cooling structure 322.

[00384] Furthermore, uniform channels may be distributed in the cooling structure 322. In other words, the cooling structure 322 may be manufactured such that the channels are uniformly distributed across the cross-sections. Consequently, the aerosol passing through the cooling structure 322 may flow smoothly.

[00385] An example of a cooling structure 322 comprising one vertical channel will now be disclosed with reference to Fig. 26A - Fig. 28B.

[00386] Fig. 26A and Fig. 26B contain diagrams for disclosing an example of a cooling structure including a single vertical channel.

[00387] As shown in Fig. 26A, the cooling structure 3300 may have a cylindrical shape. For example, the cooling structure 3300 may have a cylindrical shape with a filter comprising a single channel 3310. In addition, Fig. 26B is a cross-sectional view of the cooling structure 3300 shown in Fig. 26A. In Fig. 26B, the cavity 3320 of the cooling structure 3300 corresponds to the channel.

[00388] Fig. 27A - Fig. 27C contain diagrams for describing another example of a cooling structure including a single vertical channel.

[00389] Fig. 27A - Fig. 27C show an example of a cooling structure 3400 made by weaving a plurality of fiber bundles. Here, a fiber bundle refers to at least one strand of fiber that is braided or entangled. In particular, Fig. 27A - Fig. 27C show cross-sections at different positions of the cooling structure 3400 shown in Fig. 27A. Cavity 3410 shown in Fig. 27B and cavity 3420 shown in Fig. 27C correspond to channels.

[00390] For example, the number of fiber bundles constituting the cooling structure 3400 may be two or more, and the number of fiber bundles is not limited. In addition, the number of fiber strands included in one fiber bundle may be one or more, and the number of fiber strands is not limited. In addition, the number of fiber strands included in the respective fiber bundles may be the same or may be different.

[00391] Although Fig. 27B shows that the cooling structure 3400 is made using eight fiber bundles, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the cooling structure 3400 may be made using six or nine fiber bundles.

[00392] Fig. 28A and Fig. 28B contain diagrams for describing another example of a cooling structure including a single vertical channel.

[00393] Figs. 28A and 28B show an example of a cooling structure 3500 made by interweaving a plurality of fiber bundles. In more detail, Fig. 28B shows a cross-section of the cooling structure 3500 shown in Fig. 28A. For example, the cooling structure 3500 shown in Fig. 28A and Fig. 28B and the cooling structure 1600 shown in Fig. 28A and Fig. 28B may have different hardness values. In addition, the cavity 3510 shown in Fig. 28B corresponds to a channel.

[00394] Meanwhile, the interiors of the channels of the cooling structures 3300, 3400 and 3500 shown in Fig. 26A - Fig. 28B may be filled with a predetermined material (for example, a sheet made using polylactic acid, other structures made using fiber strands, twisted fiber strands, etc.). In addition, depending on the manufacturing processes of the cooling structures 3300, 3400 and 3500, the degree to which the predetermined material fills the channel (filling rate) may vary.

[00395] The number of fiber strands filling the interiors of the cooling structure 3300, 3400 and 3500 can be varied in accordance with various tasks, and various modifications can be made in the shape of the cooling structure 3300, 3400 and 3500. For example, different types of the cooling structures 3300, 3400 and 3500 can be manufactured by changing the total area of the fibers or the arrangement of the fiber strands.

[00396] Next, with reference to Fig. 29 - Fig. 31, an example will be described in which the internal spaces of the cooling structures 3300, 3400 and 3500 are filled with a predetermined material (for example, other cooling structures).

[00397] Fig. 29 contains a diagram for describing an example of a cooling structure, the interior of which is filled.

[00398] Fig. 29 shows an example of a cooling structure 3600, in which a second substructure 3620 fills the interior of a first substructure 3610. Here, the first substructure 3610 may be a cooling structure that contains at least one channel. For example, the first cooling structure 3610 may be, but is not limited to, a cooling structure 3300, 3400, or 3500, which are described above with reference to Fig. 26A - Fig. 28B. In other words, the first substructure 3610 may be made by weaving at least one strand of fiber or at least one bundle of fibers.

[00399] At least one channel formed in the first substructure 3610 may be filled with a second substructure 3620. For example, Fig. 29 shows a woven sheet-type filter as the second substructure 3620. The sheet-type filter will be discussed below with reference to Fig. 35.

[00400] Fig. 30A and Fig. 30B contain diagrams for describing another example of a cooling structure, the interior of which is filled.

[00401] Fig. 30A and Fig. 30B show an example of a cooling structure 3700 in which a second substructure 3720 fills the interior of a first substructure 3710. Fig. 30B shows a cross-section of the cooling structure 3700 shown in Fig. 30A. The first substructure 3710 may be a cooling structure that includes at least one channel. For example, the first cooling structure 3710 may be, but is not limited to, a cooling structure 3300, 3400, or 3500, which are described above with reference to Fig. 26A - Fig. 28B.

[00402] The second substructure 3720 filling the channel of the first substructure 3710 may be a structure made by weaving a plurality of fiber bundles. For example, the diameter of the second substructure 3720 may be equal to the diameter of the channel of the first substructure 3710, and thus the second substructure 3720 may fill the channel of the first substructure 3710. In addition, although Fig. 30A and Fig. 30B show that there is only one second substructure 3720, the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, depending on the diameter of the second substructure 3720, the channel of the first substructure 3710 may be filled with a plurality of second substructures 3720.

[00403] Fig. 31 contains a diagram for describing another example of a cooling structure, the interior of which is filled.

[00404] The cooling structure 3900 shown in Fig. 31 may have the same structure as the cooling structures 3600 and 3700 shown in Fig. 29 - Fig. 30B. In other words, the cooling structure 3900 may have a structure in which the channel 3910 of the first substructure is filled with another material. For example, the channel 3910 may be filled with a plurality of fiber strands. At the same time, the fiber strands may have an irregular tangled shape (for example, a cotton-like shape), but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[00405] As disclosed above with reference to Fig. 26A - Fig. 31, the cooling structure may comprise one vertical channel. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other words, in order to increase the surface area per unit area (that is, the surface area in contact with the aerosol), the cooling structure may comprise a plurality of channels, and the number of channels is not limited. Next, with reference to Fig. 32A - Fig. 34E, a cooling structure comprising a plurality of channels will be disclosed.

[00406] Fig. 32A and Fig. 32B contain diagrams for describing an example of a cooling structure including a plurality of channels.

[00407] As shown in Fig. 32A, the cooling structure 4100 may have a cylindrical shape and contain a plurality of channels 4110. Although Fig. 32A and Fig. 32B show that the cooling structure 4100 contains 13 channels 4110, the number of channels is not limited to this. In addition, Fig. 32B is a sectional view of the cooling structure 4100 shown in Fig. 32A. In Fig. 32B, a plurality of cavities 4120 of the cooling structure 4100 correspond to the channels, respectively.

[00408] For example, the cooling structure 4100 may be manufactured by grouping a plurality of the cooling structures 3300 shown in Fig. 26A - Fig. 26B. In other words, the number of channels 4110 included in the cooling structure 4100 may be determined in accordance with the number of the cooling structures 3300. However, the method for manufacturing the cooling structure 4100 is not limited to this.

[00409] Since the cooling structure 4100 is made by grouping a plurality of cooling structures 3300, the space 4130 between the cooling structures 3300 adjacent to each other can also serve as a channel. Therefore, even when any of the plurality of cooling structures 3300 is clogged due to a phase change of a substance, the aerosol can easily pass through the cooling structure 4100.

[00410] Fig. 33 contains a diagram for describing an example in which the interior of a cooling structure including a plurality of channels is filled.

[00411] As shown in Fig. 33, the cooling structure 4200 may be formed by grouping a plurality of cooling structures 4210. For example, the cooling structure 4210 may include one channel, and when the plurality of cooling structures 4210 are grouped, the cooling structure 4200 may include a plurality of channels.

[00412] For example, the cooling structure 4120 can be manufactured using the fiber bundles 3200 shown in Fig. 25. In other words, the cooling structure 4210 is manufactured by weaving a plurality of fiber bundles 3200, and the substreams 3220 of the fiber bundles 3200 can be arranged in the channels of the cooling structure 4210. In this case, the cross-sectional area of the cooling structure 4210 in contact with the aerosol is increased by the substreams 3220, and thus the effect of cooling the aerosol can be further improved.

[00413] As described above with reference to Fig. 32A to Fig. 33, the cooling structure may include a plurality of channels having the same shape in the vertical direction. Meanwhile, the plurality of channels formed in the cooling structure are not limited to the channels shown in Fig. 32A to Fig. 33. Next, another example of a cooling structure including a plurality of channels will be described with reference to Fig. 34A to Fig. 34E.

[00414] Fig. 34A - Fig. 34E contain diagrams for describing another example of a cooling structure including a plurality of channels.

[00415] Fig. 34A - Fig. 34E show an example of a cooling structure 4300 that includes a plurality of channels. In particular, Fig. 34B - Fig. 34E show one cross-section for each of the various modifications of the cooling structure 4300 shown in Fig. 34A.

[00416] As shown in Fig. 34A, each of the cross-sections of the cooling structure 4300 may comprise a plurality of channels 4310. In addition, as shown in Fig. 34B - Fig. 34D, the position and/or size of each of the plurality of channels 4320, 4330 and 4340 may vary depending on the manufacturing process of the cooling structure 4300. In addition, as shown in Fig. 34E, depending on the position of each of the plurality of channels, the entire cooling structure 4300 may be manufactured to include one continuous airflow path 4350.

[00417] As described above with reference to Fig. 26A - Fig. 34E, a cooling structure may be manufactured that includes at least one hollow channel. However, the cooling structure may have various shapes other than the shape including the hollow channel.

[00418] For example, the cooling structure may be manufactured in the form of a sheet. Next, with reference to Fig. 35 - Fig. 36B, an example of a cooling structure manufactured in the form of a sheet will be disclosed. Alternatively, the cooling structure may be manufactured in the form of granules. Next, with reference to Fig. 37, an example of a cooling structure manufactured in the form of granules will be disclosed. Alternatively, the cooling structure may be manufactured based on a filling material formed from polylactic acid (PLA). Next, with reference to Fig. 38A - 38C, an example of a cooling structure manufactured based on a filling material is given.

[00419] Furthermore, by means of a thermal curing process, cooling structures 322 having different hardness can be obtained.

[00420] Fig. 35 contains a diagram for describing an example of a sheet-type cooling structure.

[00421] The cooling structure 4400 may be manufactured in the form of a sheet (and hereinafter referred to as a "sheet cooling structure"). For example, the sheet cooling structure 4400 may be manufactured by densely arranging fiber strands in a non-directional manner and compressing them, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[00422] In addition, a predetermined material (for example, activated carbon granules) can be inserted into the cooling sheet cooling structure 4400. For example, the predetermined material can be applied to the first cooling sheet structure, the second cooling sheet structure can be placed on the first cooling sheet structure, and the first cooling sheet structure and the second cooling sheet structure can be compressed, and thus the predetermined material can be inserted into the compressed cooling structure 4400. However, the manufacturing process of the cooling sheet structure 4400 is not limited to the example described above.

[00423] Fig. 36A and Fig. 36B contain diagrams for describing another example of a sheet-type cooling structure.

[00424] Fig. 36A and Fig. 36B show an example of a cooling structure 4500, the interior of which is filled. In more detail, Fig. 36B shows one cross-section of the cooling structure 4500 shown in Fig. 36A. For example, the cooling structure 4500 shown in Fig. 36A can be made by wrapping the outer surface of a corrugated sheet cooling structure with another sheet cooling structure.

[00425] Fig. 37 contains a diagram for describing an example of a granular type cooling structure.

[00426] Fig. 37 shows an example of a granular cooling structure 4600 made using at least one strand of fibers or at least one bundle of fibers. For example, the cooling structure 4600 can be made by entangling or randomly weaving at least one strand of fibers or at least one bundle of fibers.

[00427] Fig. 38A - Fig. 38C contain diagrams for describing an example of a cooling structure manufactured in the form of a filling material.

[00428] As shown in Fig. 38A, the cooling structure 4710 may be filled with granules formed from polylactic acid, cut leaves, or charcoal. In addition, the granules may be made using a mixture of polylactic acid, cut leaves, and charcoal. In addition, the granules may further comprise an element capable of enhancing the cooling effect of the aerosol, other than polylactic acid, cut leaves, and/or charcoal.

[00429] As shown in Fig. 38B, the cooling structure 4720 may include a first cross-section 4721 and a second cross-section 4722.

[00430] The first cross-section 4721 borders the first filter segment 321 shown in Fig. 23A - Fig. 23B, and may include a gap into which an aerosol can be introduced. The second cross-section 4722 borders the second filter segment 323 shown in Fig. 23, Fig. 23A - Fig. 23B, and may include a gap through which an aerosol can be released. For example, both the first cross-section 4721 and the second cross-section 4722 may contain one gap having the same diameter, but the diameters and the number of gaps included in the first cross-section 4721 and the second cross-section 4722 are not limited to this example.

[00431] In addition, the cooling structure 4720 may comprise a third cross-section 4723 that includes a plurality of gaps between the first cross-section 4721 and the second cross-section 4722. For example, the diameters of the plurality of gaps contained in the third cross-section 4723 may be smaller than the diameters of the gaps contained in the first cross-section 4721 and the second cross-section 4722. In addition, the number of gaps contained in the third cross-section 4723 may be greater than the number of gaps contained in the first cross-section 4721 and the second cross-section 4722.

[00432] As shown in Fig. 38C, the cooling structure 4730 may include a first cross-section 4731 that borders the first filter segment 321 and a second cross-section 4732 that borders the second filter segment 323. Also, the cooling structure 4730 may include one or more channels 4733. In addition, the channel 4733 may be filled with a microporous packaging material and filled with a filler (for example, the granules described above with reference to Fig. 38A), which can enhance the cooling effect of the aerosol.

[00433] As described above, the holder 1 can generate an aerosol by heating the cigarette 3. In addition, the aerosol can be generated independently of the holder 1 or even when the holder 1 is inserted into the stand 2 and tilted. In particular, when the holder 1 is tilted, the heater 130 can be heated by power received from the battery of the stand 2.

[00434] Further, the aerosol generating device 10000 according to the embodiments of the invention shown in Fig. 39 to Fig. 58 is an example of a built-in aerosol generating device in which the holder 1 and the support 2 in the above-described embodiments of the invention are combined. Therefore, the respective embodiments of the holder 1 and the support 2 disclosed with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 21 can be applied to the aerosol generating device 10000 shown in Fig. 39 to 58. Furthermore, the cigarette 3 described above with reference to Fig. 22 to Fig. 38C can be inserted into the aerosol generating device 10000 shown in Fig. 39 to Fig. 58, and the aerosol generating device 10000 can heat the cigarette 3 described in Fig. 22 to Fig. 38C and generate an aerosol. In addition, the heater 10300 of the aerosol generating device 10000 shown in Fig. 39 to Fig. 58 may correspond to the heater 130 shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5. In other words, the holder 1 (in particular, the heater 130 used in the holder 1) and the cigarette 3 (in particular, the cooling structure 322 used in the cigarette 3) described in Fig. 1 to Fig. 38C may be applied to the embodiments of the invention described in Fig. 39 to Fig. 58.

[00435] The reference numerals designating the elements in Fig. 39 to Fig. 58 were used independently, without reference to the reference numerals used in Fig. 1 to Fig. 38C. Therefore, it should be understood that the reference numerals designating the elements in Fig. 1 to Fig. 38C and the reference numerals designating the elements in Fig. 39 to Fig. 58 are used to designate different elements independent of each other.

[00436] Fig. 39 is a side view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 40A contains a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 39. Fig. 40B contains a perspective view illustrating an operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 40A.

[00437] The aerosol generating device 10000 according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 39, Fig. 40A and Fig. 40B may include a housing 10010 and a cover 10020. The cover 10020 is connected to the first end of the housing 10010, and thus the cover 10020 forms the external appearance of the aerosol generating device 10000 together with the housing 10010.

[00438] The housing 10010 provides the external appearance of the aerosol generating device 10000 and serves to accommodate and protect various elements in the space formed inside said housing.

[00439] The cover 10020 and the housing 10010 may be made of a plastic material with low thermal conductivity or a metal coated with a heat-protective material on its surface. The cover 10020 and the housing 10010 may be manufactured, for example, by an injection molding method, a 3D printing method, or a method of assembling small parts manufactured by injection molding.

[00440] A locking device may be installed between the cover 10020 and the body 10010 to ensure a connection between the cover 10020 and the body 10010. The locking device may include, for example, a protrusion and a groove. The connection between the cover 10020 and the body 10010 may be maintained by maintaining a state in which the protrusion is inserted into the groove, and a structure in which the protrusion is moved by a manipulation button that can be pressed by the user and separated from the groove may also be used.

[00441] The locking device may also include, for example, a magnet and a metal element that can be attracted to the magnet. When a magnet is used for the locking device, the magnet may be mounted on the cover 10020 or on the housing 10010, and the metal that can be attracted to the magnet may be attached to the other of the cover 10020 and the housing 10010. Alternatively, magnets may be mounted on both the cover 10020 and the housing 10010.

[00442] In the aerosol generating device 10000 according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 39 and Fig. 40A, the cover 10020 is not a necessary part, and the cover 10020 may not be installed, as required in some cases.

[00443] On the upper surface of the cover 10020 connected to the body 10010, an outer opening 10020p is formed into which a cigarette 3 can be inserted. In addition, on the upper surface of the cover 10020, adjacent to the outer opening 10020p, a guide 10030r is formed. The flap 10030, configured to slide along the upper surface of the cover 10020, is mounted on the guide 10030r. The flap 10030 can slide in a straight line along the guide 10030r.

[00444] When the shutter 10030 moves along the guide 10030r in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 40B, the outer opening 10020p and the insertion opening 10040p, which allow the cigarette 3 to be inserted into the body 10010 through the cover 10020, open outward. The outer opening 10020p of the cover 10020 opens the insertion opening 10040p, which is part of the receiving channel 10040h, with the possibility of placing the cigarette 3 outside.

[00445] When the outer opening 10020p is opened outward by the shutter 10030, the user can insert the end portion 3b of the cigarette 3 into the outer opening 10020p and the insertion opening 10040p, thereby placing the cigarette 3 in the receiving channel 10040h formed inside the body 10020.

[00446] In the present embodiment of the invention, the flap 10030 is mounted so as to be movable in a straight line relative to the cover 10020. However, the embodiment of the invention is not limited to a structure in which the flap 10030 is connected to the cover 10020. For example, the flap 10030 may be mounted so as to be rotatably on the cover 10020 by means of a hinge assembly. In the case of using a hinge assembly, the flap 10030 may rotate in the direction of the side surface of the outer opening 10020p in the direction in which the upper surface of the cover 10020 extends, or the flap 10030 may rotate in the direction from the upper surface of the cover 10020.

[00447] The guide 10030r has a shape of a concave groove, but the embodiment of the invention is not limited to the shape of the guide 10030r. For example, the guide 10030r may have a convex shape or may have a curved shape instead of a straight shape.

[00448] A button 10090 is provided on the housing 10010. The operation of the aerosol generating device 10000 can be controlled by manipulating the button 10090.

[00449] A gap 10020g for supplying outside air that allows air to pass inside the cover 10020 is formed at a portion where the cover 10020 contacts the body 10010 when the cover 10020 is connected to the body 10010.

[00450] Fig. 41A contains a side view illustrating another operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 40A.

[00451] As shown in Fig. 41A, while the cigarette 3 is inserted into the aerosol generating device, the user can inhale the aerosol by holding the cigarette 3 between his lips.

[00452] When separating the cigarette 3 from the aerosol generating device, after using the cigarette 3, the user can hold the cigarette 3 and rotate it manually, thereby pulling the cigarette 3 out of the heater inside the aerosol generating device, which is inserted into the cigarette 3.

[00453] Fig. 41B contains a side view illustrating another operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 40A.

[00454] After the cigarette 3 is separated from the aerosol generating device, the user may perform a cleaning operation to remove any tobacco material that may remain inside the aerosol generating device.

[00455] The cleaning operation of the aerosol generating device can be performed by separating the cover 10020 from the housing 10010 of the aerosol generating device 10000, separating the containing portion 10040 from the housing 10010 to open the interior of the aerosol generating device 10000 and the heater to the outside and removing the tobacco material from there. The cover 10020 can be connected to the first end portion 10010a of the housing 10010 so as to cover the containing portion 10040 connected to the first end portion 10010a of the housing 10010, and can be separated from the housing 10010 if necessary.

[00456] Fig. 42 contains a side view illustrating another operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 40A. Fig. 43 contains a perspective view from a different angle of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 42. Fig. 44 contains a top view of some elements of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 43. Fig. 45 shows a perspective view of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 42, viewed from a different angle.

[00457] As shown in Fig. 42 to Fig. 45, the aerosol generating device includes a housing 10010, a protruding tube 10200 in the form of a hollow projection protruding from a first end portion 10010a of the housing 10010 and having an opening 10200p open to the outside, a heater 10300 installed in the housing 10010 to be accommodated inside the protruding tube 10200, a containing portion 10040 that can be connected to the protruding tube 10200 and can be separated from the protruding tube 10200, and a protruding portion 10050 protruding from the inside of the protruding tube 10200 and passing through the containing portion 10040 to support a cigarette 3 inserted into the containing portion 10040.

[00458] As shown in Fig. 42, the user can separate the receiving portion 10040 from the housing 10010 by holding and pulling the receiving portion 10040 attached to the housing 10010.

[00459] The protruding tube 10200 surrounds and protects the heater 10300 and functions to support the containing portion 10040 when the containing portion 10040 is attached. Since the protruding tube 10200 has a hollow structure with an empty space in it, the protruding tube 10200 includes a joining channel 10200h, into which at least a fragment of the containing portion 10040 can be inserted. The upper part of the joining channel 10200h is connected to the opening 10200p, which is open upward and outward relative to the aerosol generating device.

[00460] The housing 10010 is provided with a heater 10300 for heating the cigarette 3. The heater 10300 is installed in the housing 10010 in such a way that the end portion 10310 is located inside the protruding tube 10200. When the cigarette 3 is placed in the containing portion 10040, while the containing portion 10040 is connected to the protruding tube 10200, the end portion 10310 of the heater 10300 is inserted into the lower surface of the end portion of the cigarette 3.

[00461] The power supply device 10700 located inside the housing 10010 is electrically connected to the lower end portion of the heater 10300 via the electric wire 10710. When electricity from the power supply device 10700 is supplied to the heater 10300, when the cigarette 3 is inserted into the end portion 10310 of the heater 10300, the heater 10300 is heated, and thus the cigarette 3 is heated.

[00462] As shown in Fig. 43 and Fig. 45, the receiving portion 10040 can be inserted into the combining channel 10200h inside the protruding tube 10200 through the opening 10200p of the protruding tube 10200 and includes a side wall 10040w forming a receiving channel 10040h for accommodating a cigarette 3, an insertion opening 10040p open outward from one receiving channel 10040h to allow the cigarette 3 to be inserted, a bottom wall 10040b closes the other end of the heater 10300h and has an opening 10040c for the heater through which the end portion 10310 of the heater 10300 passes.

[00463] The size of the heater opening 10040c formed in the bottom wall 10040b of the containing portion 10040 may correspond to the thickness of the end portion 10310 of the heater 10300. For example, if the end portion 10310 of the heater 10300 has a circular cross-section, the heater opening 10040c also has a circular cross-sectional shape, and the heater opening 10040c has an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the end portion 10310 of the heater 10300.

[00464] The present embodiment of the invention is not limited by the inner diameter of the heater opening 10040c. For example, the inner diameter of the heater opening 10040c may be larger than the outer diameter of the end portion 10310 of the heater 10300, and thus the inner surface of the heater opening 10040c may be separated from the outer surface of the end portion 10310 of the heater 10300.

[00465] The containing portion 10040 includes an outer wall 10040t surrounding the side wall 10040w and offset outward in the direction of the radius of the side wall 10040w. When the containing portion 10040 is connected to the protruding tube 10200, the protruding tube 10200 is inserted between the outer wall 10040t and the side wall 10040w, and thus the connection state of the containing portion 10040 and the protruding tube 10200 can be stably maintained.

[00466] The side wall 10040w of the containing portion 10040 can be inserted into the uniting channel 10200h of the protruding tube 10200 when the containing portion 10040 is connected to the protruding tube 10200. The end portion 10310 of the heater 10300 located inside the protruding tube 10200 can pass through the opening 10040c of the heater of the containing portion 10040, while the side wall 10040w of the containing portion 10040 can move downward along the uniting channel 10200h of the protruding tube 10200.

[00467] The end portion 10310 of the heater 10300 passes through the heater opening 10040c of the containing portion 10040 and is located inside the receiving channel 10040h of the containing portion 10040, while the containing portion 10040 is connected to the protruding tube 10200. The end portion 10310 of the heater 10300 can be inserted into the cigarette 3 when the cigarette 3 is placed in the receiving channel 10040h of the containing portion 10040, while the containing portion 10040 is connected to the protruding tube 10200.

[00468] When the user of the aerosol generating device inserts the cigarette 3 into the receiving channel 10040h, the cigarette 3 moves along the receiving channel 10040h and, when the end portion of the cigarette 3 reaches the bottom wall 10040b of the containing portion 10040, it appears that the end portion of the cigarette 3 contacts the bottom wall 10040b, which is transmitted to the hand of the user holding the cigarette 3. Therefore, the user can easily attach the cigarette 3 to the aerosol generating device by a simple action of holding the cigarette 3 in his hand and pushing the cigarette 3 into the insertion opening 10040p of the receiving channel 10040h.

[00469] When the user separates the cigarette 3 from the housing portion 10040, the user can pull the cigarette 3 out of the housing portion 10040 by holding and rotating the cigarette 3 manually. The cigarette 3 and the heater 10300, glued to each other by means of the tobacco material, can be completely separated during the time that the user holds and rotates the cigarette 3 manually.

[00470] After the cigarette 3 is separated from the housing portion 10040, the user can perform an operation of cleaning the interior of the housing portion 10040. When the user removes the housing portion 10040 from the housing 20010 to perform the cleaning operation, the user can pull the housing portion 10040 out of the housing 20010 while holding the housing portion 10040 with his hand.

[00471] A plurality of protruding portions 10050 for supporting the cigarette 3 are arranged so that they protrude from the inner wall of the joining passage 10200h of the protruding tube 10200. The protruding portion 10050 contacts the outer surface of the cigarette 3 inserted into the containing portion 10040 by penetrating through the side wall 10040w of the containing portion 10040 connected to the protruding tube 10200.

[00472] The protruding tube 10200 can also function to directly supply outside air to the end portion of the cigarette 3. For this purpose, the protruding tube 10200 includes an air hole 10200g for communication between the inside and the outside of the protruding tube 10200. The air hole 10200g can be separated circumferentially from the center of the protruding tube 10200 in the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of air holes 10200g can be provided. The air hole 10200g forms a channel for the air flow, as a result of which outside air can enter the protruding tube 10200.

[00473] Fig. 46 contains a side sectional view of portions of some elements of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 41. Fig. 47 contains an enlarged view showing the air flow by further enlarging a portion of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 46. Fig. 48 contains an enlarged view of a portion of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 47.

[00474] The housing portion 10040 is connected to the protruding tube 10200, and an air gap 10040g for supplying air located outside the housing portion 10040 into the housing portion 10040 is formed in the contact area between the housing portion 10040 and the protruding tube 10200, that is, between the outer wall 10040t of the housing portion 10040 and the protruding tube 10200. Thus, as shown in Fig. 39, Fig. 40A and Fig. 40B, while the cover 10020 is connected to the body 10010, air from outside the cover 10020 can be introduced into the cover 10020 through the outer gap 10040g for supplying air between the cover 10020 and the body 10010, and then can pass into the containing portion 10040 through the air gap 10040g.

[00475] As shown in Fig. 47, the first air flow 10000f sequentially passes through the outer air gap 10020g and the air gap 10040g, then passes through the air hole 10200g of the protruding tube 10200 and reaches the outer surface of the end portion of the cigarette 3 accommodated in the containing portion 10040.

[00476] The cigarette 3 has a cylindrical shape, and the receiving passage 10040h of the accommodating portion 10040 also has a cylindrical shape in accordance with the shape of the cigarette 3. The diameter of the receiving passage 10040h of the accommodating portion 10040 is larger than the diameter of the cigarette 3. Therefore, when the cigarette 3 is placed in the accommodating portion 10040, the outer surface of the cigarette 3 and the receiving passage 10040h of the accommodating portion 10040 are at a distance from each other. In other words, in Fig. 47, outside air can enter the space formed between the outer surface of the cigarette 3 and the receiving passage 10040h of the accommodating portion 10040 through the insertion hole 10040p, which forms the second air flow 10000g.

[00477] The receiving portion 10040 also includes a through hole 10040d formed in the side wall 10040w in such a way that the protruding portion 10050 passes through this opening. The protruding portion 10050 is formed so as to protrude from the surface of the receiving channel 10040h toward the cigarette 3 to contact the outer surface of the cigarette 3.

[00478] The protruding portions 10050 are arranged separately from each other close to the outer surface of the cigarette 3 in the circumferential direction relative to the center of the cigarette 3, as a result of which an air flow channel is formed between the protruding portions 10050, through which the second air flow 10000g passes. A plurality of through holes 10040d are formed in accordance with the number of the protruding portions 10050. Although the protruding portions 10050 support the outer surface of the cigarette 3, the air can freely flow inside the receiving channel 10040h of the containing portion 10040, since the protruding portions 10050 arranged next to each other are at a distance from each other.

[00479] Although Fig. 47 shows that the number of protruding portions 10050 is four and the number of through holes 10040d is four, the embodiment of the invention is not limited to the number of protruding portions 10050 and the number of through holes 10040d. The number of protruding portions 10050 and the number of through holes 10040d may vary.

[00480] In addition, the positions and shapes of the protruding portion 10050 and the through hole 10040d may be varied. For example, the protruding portion 10050 may extend around the center of the cigarette 3, that is, in the circumferential direction, to contact a part of the outer surface of the cigarette 3 around the cigarette 3, that is, in the circumferential direction, toward the center of the cigarette 3. Even when the protruding portions 10050 extend in the circumferential direction, the protruding portions 10050 adjacent to each other may be separated from each other to form a flow channel through which air passes in the receiving channel 10040h.

[00481] The end portion of the protruding section 10050 contacting the outer surface of the cigarette 3 may be formed as a concave curved cylindrical surface in accordance with the shape of the outer surface of the cigarette 3.

[00482] As shown in Fig. 46 and Fig. 47, when the accommodating portion 10040 is connected to the protruding tube 10200, the protruding portion 10050 is located above the bottom wall 10040b of the accommodating portion 10040 at a predetermined height so as to be at a distance from the bottom wall 10040b of the accommodating portion 10040. Therefore, the through hole 10040d of the accommodating portion 10040 can extend in the longitudinal direction of the receiving channel 10040h in accordance with the position of the protruding portion 10050 to accommodate the protruding portion 10050, while the accommodating portion 10040 is connected to the protruding tube 10200.

[00483] An aligning inclined surface 10040y, which aligns the position of the cigarette 3 placed in the accommodating portion 10040 to the center of the accommodating portion 10040 by means of the guide edges of the end portion of the cigarette 3, is installed on the edges of the upper surface of the accommodating portion 10040 and faces the bottom wall 10040b of the receiving channel 10040h.

[00484] As shown in Fig. 47 and Fig. 48, the projecting portion 10050 includes an inclined surface 10050t that is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the receiving channel 10040h to guide the movement of the cigarette 3 when the cigarette 3 is inserted into the receiving channel 10040h.

[00485] When the cigarette 3 is inserted into the receiving channel 10040h, it moves along the receiving channel 10040h, and the end portion of the cigarette 3 reaches the position of the protruding portion 10050 protruding from the receiving channel 10040h, the inclined surface 10050t of the protruding portion 10050 guides the movement of the cigarette 3 so that the end portion of the cigarette 3 can be inserted into the protruding portion 10050.

[00486] When the accommodating portion 10040 is connected to the protruding tube 10200, and the cigarette 3 is inserted into the receiving passage 10040h of the accommodating portion 10040, the receiving passage 10040h is connected to the outside through the insertion hole 10040p, and thus the external second air flow 10000g enters the receiving passage 10040h of the accommodating portion 10040 through the insertion hole 10040p. In addition, the first air flow 10000f passed through the air gap 10040g passes through the air hole 10200g of the protruding tube 10200 and reaches the outer surface of the end portion of the cigarette 3 accommodated in the accommodating portion 10040.

[00487] The cigarette 3 is supported by the protruding portions 10050, and the outer surface of the end portion of the cigarette (3) does not contact with any element, the outer surface of the end portion of the cigarette 3 is surrounded by air. When aerosol particles are generated from the cigarette 3 by heating the cigarette 3 by the heater 10300, and the user inhales air through the mouth, holding the cigarette 3 between the lips, the air around the outer surface of the end portion of the cigarette 3 passes through the cigarette 3, and thus, an air stream containing aerosol particles can be delivered to the user.

[00488] In the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 39 to Fig. 48, the user can easily install the cigarette 3 in the aerosol generating device by simple actions, including opening the outer opening 10020p of the cover 10020, inserting the cigarette 3 into the opening 10040p for inserting the containing portion 10040, and pushing the cigarette 3 along the receiving channel 10040h.

[00489] In addition, after using the cigarette 3, the user can remove the cigarette 3 from the housing 10010 by holding the cigarette 3 and rotating it with his hand.

[00490] The user may also separate the cover 10020 from the body 10010 and separate the housing portion 10040 from the body 10010 to perform the cleaning operation.

[00491] Since the protruding tube 10200 and the heater 10300 are exposed to the outside after the containing portion 10040 is completely separated from the body 10010, the user can directly check the state of the protruding tube 10200 and the heater 10300 and easily perform the cleaning operation.

[00492] Furthermore, the protruding portions 10050 protruding into the receiving passage 10040h contact the outer surface of the cigarette 3 while the cigarette 3 is inserted into the receiving passage 10040h of the housing portion 10040 attached to the body 10010 of the aerosol generating device, and thus the protruding portions 10050 stably support the cigarette 3. Therefore, during use of the aerosol generating device, the cigarette 3 is not separated from the aerosol generating device, and the state in which the cigarette 3 is accommodated in the receiving passage 10040h of the aerosol generating device is stably maintained, and thus the user can use the aerosol generating device.

[00493] In addition, since the protruding portions 10050 of the receiving passage 10040h of the accommodating portion 10040 contact the outer surface portions of the cigarette 3, an air flow path through which air can pass is formed between the receiving passage 10040h and the cigarette 3, and thus, outside air for facilitating aerosol generation can be supplied smoothly and sufficiently into the inside of the aerosol generating device.

[00494] Fig. 49 contains an enlarged side sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[00495] In the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 49, a plurality of protruding portions 10050 and 10050b are disposed on the outer surface of the cigarette 3 so that they are separated from each other in the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 3.

[00496] In Fig. 49, the lower portion of the cigarette 3 is supported in the longitudinal direction by the lower protruding portion 10050. In addition, the upper portion of the cigarette 3 is supported in the longitudinal direction by the upper protruding portion 10050b.

[00497] A plurality of lower protruding portions 10050 are located at a distance from each other along the outer surface of the cigarette 3 in a circumferential direction relative to the center of the cigarette 3.

[00498] A plurality of upper protruding portions 10050b are also located at a distance from each other along the outer surface of the cigarette 3 in a circumferential direction relative to the center of the cigarette 3.

[00499] The through hole 10040d formed in the side wall 10040w of the receiving portion 10040 is configured to extend in the longitudinal direction of the receiving channel 10040h to accommodate both the upper protruding portions 10050b and the lower protruding portions 10050.

[00500] The projecting portions 10050 and 10050b are located at a distance from each other along the outer surface of the cigarette 3 in the circumferential direction relative to the center of the cigarette 3 and are located at a distance from each other on the outer surface of the cigarette 3 in the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 3, between the projecting portions 10050 and 10050b located next to each other, a flow path through which air can pass is formed.

[00501] Fig. 50 contains an enlarged side sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[00502] In the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 50, a connecting passage 10040f of a concave shape is formed on the outer edges of the upper surface of the bottom wall 10040b of the containing portion 1004 contacting the end portion of the cigarette 3, when the cigarette 3 is inserted into the containing portion 1004, the upper surface faces the receiving passage 10040h of the containing portion 10040. When the connecting passage 10040f is connected to the space between the outer surface of the cigarette 3 and the receiving passage 10040h, air from the receiving passage 10040h is supplied to the lower surface of the end portion of the cigarette 3 through the connecting passage 10040f of the bottom wall 10040b, and thus, a sufficient amount of air for promoting the formation of an aerosol can be freely supplied to the cigarette 3.

[00503] Fig. 51 contains an enlarged side sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[00504] In the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 51, the lower projection 10040k protruding from the upper surface of the bottom wall 10040b of the accommodating portion 1004 contacts the end portion of the cigarette 3 when the cigarette 3 is inserted into the accommodating portion 1004, and the upper surface faces the receiving passage 10040h of the accommodating portion 10040. The lower projection 10040k projects toward the inner space of the receiving passage 10040h at the bottom wall 10040b to support the lower surface of the end portion of the cigarette 3. The lower projection 10040k has an approximately hemispherical shape.

[00505] A plurality of lower projections 10040k are arranged on the bottom wall 10040b so as to be spaced from each other in a circumferential direction relative to the center of the heater opening 10040c formed in the bottom wall 10040b. Therefore, since air can pass through the space between the lower projections 10040k arranged adjacent to each other, air introduced from the outside into the receiving passage 10040h through the opening 10040p for inserting the receiving passage 10040h is supplied to the lower surface of the end portion of the cigarette 3 through the space between the lower projections 10040k.

[00506] Since, in the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 51, the projecting portions 10050 projecting from the receiving passage 10040h of the containing portion 10040 also contact with the outer surface portions of the cigarette 3, an air flow path can be formed between the receiving passage 10040h and the cigarette 3, and the air passing through this path is supplied to the lower surface of the end portion of the cigarette 3, and thus, a sufficient amount of air can be smoothly supplied to the cigarette 3 to promote aerosol generation.

[00507] Fig. 52 contains an enlarged side sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[00508] As shown in Fig. 52 - Fig. 55, the aerosol generating device includes a housing 20010, a protruding tube 20200 in the form of a hollow protrusion protruding from a first end portion 20010a of the housing 20010 and having an opening 20200p open to the outside, a heater 10300 installed in the housing 20010 so that its end portion 10310 is located inside the protruding tube 20200, a containing portion 20040 that can be connected to the protruding tube 20200 and can be separated from the protruding tube 20200, a protruding portion 20050 protruding inside the protruding tube 20200 and passing through the containing portion 20040 to support the cigarette 3 inserted into the containing portion 20040, and a cover 20020 including a flap 20030, which is connected as a single piece to the containing portion 20040 for opening the opening 20040p outward.

[00509] A flap 20030 is mounted on the upper surface of the cover 20020 and can be moved to open from the outside an opening 20040p for insertion that is included in the containing portion 20040. The flap 20030 can be connected to the cover 20020 in a sliding manner using a guide assembly or can be connected to the cover 20020 in a rotating manner using a hinge assembly.

[00510] When the insertion hole 20040p is opened outward by the shutter 20030, the user can insert the end portion of the cigarette 3 into the insertion hole 10040p and install the cigarette 3 in the receiving channel 20040h of the accommodating portion 20040.

[00511] An air gap 20020g for supplying outside air that allows air to pass into the cover 20020 is formed at a portion where the cover 20020 contacts the housing 20010 when the cover 20020 is connected to the housing 20010.

[00512] After the cigarette 3 is removed from the aerosol generating device after smoking and a cleaning operation is to be performed, the cover 20020 and the housing portion 20040 can be separated from the body 20010 together. In other words, when the user holds the cover 20020 with his hand and separates the cover 20020 and the housing portion 20040 from the body 20010, the cover 20020 and the housing portion 20040 are separated from the body 20010 together.

[00513] The protruding tube 20200 surrounds and protects the heater 10300 and functions to support the containing portion 20040 and the cover 20020 when the containing portion 20040 is connected to the protruding tube 20200. Since the protruding tube 20200 has a hollow structure with an empty space in it, the protruding tube 20200 includes a uniting channel 20200h into which at least a portion of the containing portion 20040 can be inserted. The upper part of the uniting channel 20200h is connected to the opening 20200p, which is open upward and outward relative to the aerosol generating device.

[00514] The protruding tube 20200 can also function to directly supply outside air to the end portion of the cigarette 3. For this purpose, the protruding tube 20200 includes an air hole 20200g for communication between the inner part and the outer part of the protruding tube 20200. The air hole 20200g can be shifted in the circumferential direction from the center of the protruding tube 20200 in the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of air holes 10200g can be provided. The air hole 20200g forms a channel for the air flow, as a result of which outside air can enter the protruding tube 20200.

[00515] The receiving portion 20040 can be inserted into the uniting channel 20200h of the protruding tube 20200 through the opening 20200p of the protruding tube 20200 and includes a receiving channel 20040h capable of receiving a cigarette 3, an insertion opening 20040p that opens outward from one end of the receiving channel 20040h for inserting the cigarette 3 therein, and a bottom wall 20040b that closes the other end of the receiving channel 20040h and includes a heater opening 20040c through which an end portion 10310 of the heater 10300 passes.

[00516] The containing portion 20040 is formed as a single unit with the cover 20020. For example, the cover 20020 and the containing portion 20040 can be formed as a single unit by injection molding or a 3D printing method using a material such as plastic. Alternatively, the cover 20020 and the containing portion 20040 can be manufactured separately and attached to each other with screws or attached to each other with fasteners such as bolts or glue.

[00517] The end portion 20310 of the heater 20300 passes through the heater opening 20040c of the accommodating portion 20040 and is located inside the receiving channel 20040h of the accommodating portion 20040, while the accommodating portion 20040 is connected to the protruding tube 20200. The end portion 20310 of the heater 20300 is inserted into the cigarette 3 when the cigarette 3 is placed in the receiving channel 20040h of the accommodating portion 20040, while the accommodating portion 20040 is connected to the protruding tube 20200.

[00518] A plurality of protruding portions 20050 for supporting the cigarette 3 are arranged so that they protrude from the inner wall of the joining channel 20200h of the protruding tube 20200. The protruding portion 20050 contacts the outer surface of the cigarette 3 inserted into the containing portion 20040 by penetrating into the containing portion 20040 connected to the protruding tube 20200.

[00519] The air present outside the cover 20020 passes through the air gap 20020g for supplying outside air between the cover 20020 and the body 20010 and enters the cover 20020 at the time when the cover 20020 is connected to the body 20010. The first air flow formed by the outside air passing through the air gap 20020g passes through the air hole 20200g of the protruding tube 20200 and reaches the outer surface of the end portion of the cigarette 3 accommodated in the containing portion 20040.

[00520] Furthermore, the accommodating portion 20040 is connected to the protruding tube 20200, and the cigarette 3 is inserted into the receiving passage 20040h of the accommodating portion 20040, the receiving passage 20040h is connected to the outside through the insertion hole 20040p, and thus, the air present outside can pass into the receiving passage 20040h of the accommodating portion 20040 through the insertion hole 20040p and thereby can form a second air flow.

[00521] In the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 52, the user can easily install the cigarette 3 in the aerosol generating device by the following simple steps: open the lid 20020, insert the cigarette 3 into the insertion hole 20040p that is included in the housing portion 20040, and push the cigarette 3 along the receiving channel 20040h.

[00522] In addition, when the user removes the cigarette 3 from the housing 20010 after finishing using the cigarette 3, the user can separate the cigarette 3 from the aerosol generating device by simple actions, namely, by holding and rotating the upper end portion of the cigarette 3 with a hand and pulling the cigarette 3 outward from the receiving channel 20040h.

[00523] In addition, when performing a cleaning operation, the user may separate the housing portion 20040 and the cover 20020 from the body 20010 by jointly separating the cover 20020 and the housing portion 20040 from the body 20010.

[00524] Fig. 53 contains a perspective view illustrating an operational state of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 54 contains a perspective view showing an operational state of an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 53, where some elements have been removed from said device.

[00525] The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 53 and Fig. 54 includes a housing 10010 and a cover 10020.

[00526] The cover 10020 is connected to the first end of the housing 10010 and thereby provides the external appearance of the aerosol generating device 10000 together with the housing 10010. The housing 10010 provides the external appearance of the aerosol generating device 10000 and serves to accommodate various elements in a space formed inside said housing.

[00527] A locking device may be installed between the cover 10020 and the housing 10010 to ensure a connection between the cover 10020 and the housing 10010. The locking device may include, for example, a magnet and a metal element that can be attracted to the magnet. When a magnet is used for the locking device, the magnet may be installed on the cover 10020 or on the housing 10010, and the metal that can be attracted to the magnet may be attached to another element of the cover 10020 or the housing 10010. Alternatively, magnets may be installed on both the cover 10020 and the housing 10010.

[00528] An outer opening 10020p is formed on the upper surface of the cover 10020, through which a cigarette 3 can be inserted. When the flap 10030 slides in a straight line along the guide 10030r on the upper surface of the cover 10020, the outer opening 10020p and the insertion opening 10040p, through which a cigarette 3 can be inserted, are open to the outside. The outer opening 10020p of the cover 10020 opens the insertion opening 10040p, which is part of the receiving channel 10040h, with the possibility of inserting a cigarette 3 from the outside.

[00529] When the outer opening 10020p is opened outward by the shutter 10030, the user can insert the end portion 3b of the cigarette 3 into the outer opening 10020p and the insertion opening 10040p, thereby placing the cigarette 3 in the receiving channel 10040h formed inside the body 10020.

[00530] A plurality of cigarette supporting projections 10020m, which are arranged from each other in a circumferential direction on the inner surface of the outer opening 10020p and protrude toward the center of the outer opening 10020p, are arranged in the outer opening 10020p of the cover 10020. The projections 10020m of the cigarette holder pass through the outer opening 10020p and contact the outer surface of the cigarette 3 inserted into the insertion opening 10040p and the receiving channel 10040h for supporting the cigarette 3.

[00531] A button 10090 is provided on the housing 10010. The operation of the aerosol generating device 10000 can be controlled by manipulating the button 10090.

[00532] A gap 10020g for supplying outside air that allows air to pass into the cover 10020 is formed at a portion where the cover 10020 contacts the body 10010 when the cover 10020 is connected to the body 10010.

[00533] When the user takes the cigarette 3 out of the aerosol generating device after using the cigarette 3, the user can hold the cigarette 3, rotate it with his hand and pull the cigarette 3 out of the housing 10010. Alternatively, when the user rotates the cigarette 3 and then pulls the cap 10020, the cap 10020 can be separated from the housing 10010 together with the cigarette 3. When the cigarette 3 is separated from the housing 10010 by rotating the cigarette 3, the connection between the cigarette 3 and the heater is broken, and the tobacco material attached to the cigarette 3 can come out of the housing 10010 together with the cigarette 3.

[00534] When the cap 1002 is pulled out without turning the cigarette 3, the cigarette 3 is separated from the housing 10010, but the tobacco part of the cigarette 3 (that is, the first part 310 in Fig. 23A and Fig. 23B) may remain on the heater without being unloaded from the housing 10010. In this case, the user can remove the cap 1002 from the housing 1001, and then remove the containing part 1004 from the housing 1001. At this time, the tobacco part remaining in the heater is separated from the housing 1001 together with the containing part 1004. After this, the user can remove the tobacco part remaining inside the separated containing part 1004.

[00535] Fig. 55 contains a side sectional view of some elements of the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 54.

[00536] The aerosol generating device includes a housing 10010, a protruding tube 10200 in the form of a hollow protrusion protruding from a first end 10010a of the housing 10010 and having an opening open to the outside, a heater 10300 mounted on the housing 10010 for being accommodated inside the protruding tube 10200, and a containing portion 10040 that can be connected to the protruding tube 10200 and can be separated from the protruding tube 10200.

[00537] Fig. 56 contains a perspective view showing the operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 53, where some elements have been removed from said device.

[00538] After the cigarette 3 is separated from the aerosol generating device, the user may perform a cleaning operation to remove any tobacco material that may remain inside the aerosol generating device. As shown in Fig. 56, the cleaning operation of the aerosol generating device may be performed by separating the containing portion 10040 from the housing 10010 after the user removes the cover 10020 from the housing 10010 of the aerosol generating device 10000 to expose the interior space and the heater of the aerosol generating device to the outside and remove the tobacco material therefrom.

[00539] The protruding tube 10200 surrounds and protects the heater 10300 and functions to support the containing portion 10040 when the containing portion 10040 is attached. Since the protruding tube 10200 has a hollow structure with an empty space in it, the protruding tube 10200 includes a joining channel 10200h, into which at least a portion of the containing portion 10040 can be inserted. The upper part of the joining channel 10200h forms an opening that is open upward and outward relative to the aerosol generating device.

[00540] The protruding tube 10200 includes a guide groove 10020n extending in a straight line in the longitudinal direction of the protruding tube 10200, which is to be connected to the containing portion 10040.

[00541] The protruding tube 10200 can also function to directly supply outside air to the end portion of the cigarette 3. For this purpose, the protruding tube 10200 includes an air hole 10200g for communication between the inner part and the outer part of the protruding tube 10200. The air hole 10200g is configured to be connected to the end portion of the guide groove 10020n. The air hole 10200g can be separated circumferentially from the center of the protruding tube 10200 in the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of air holes 10200g can be provided. The air hole 10200g forms a channel for the air flow, as a result of which outside air can enter the protruding tube 10200.

[00542] The housing 10010 is provided with a heater 10300 for heating the cigarette 3. The heater 10300 is installed in the housing 10010 in such a way that its end portion is located inside the protruding tube 10200. When the cigarette 3 is placed in the containing portion 10040, while the containing portion 10040 is connected to the protruding tube 10200, the end portion of the heater 10300 is inserted into the lower surface of the end portion of the cigarette 3.

[00543] Fig. 57 contains a perspective view from below of some elements of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 54. Fig. 58 contains a diagram illustrating an operating state when some elements shown in Fig. 57 are used.

[00544] As shown in Fig. 57 and Fig. 58, the receiving portion 10040 can be inserted into the uniting channel 10200h inside the protruding tube 10200 and includes a side wall 10040w that forms a receiving channel 10040h capable of receiving a cigarette 3, an insertion hole 10040p open outward from one end of the receiving channel 10040h, for receiving the cigarette 3, and a bottom wall 10040b that closes the other end of the receiving channel 10040h and includes an opening 10040c for a heater through which an end portion of the heater 10300 passes.

[00545] The heater opening 10040c formed in the bottom wall 10040b of the containing portion 10040 includes an outer opening 10040j recessed into the heater 10300 in the outward direction. Since a plurality of outer openings 10040j are located at a distance from each other in a circumferential direction around the heater opening 10040c, the heater opening 10040c has a star-shaped shape. The outer opening 10040j functions as an air flow path that allows the air present around the heater 10300 outside the containing portion 10040 to be concentrated toward the cigarette 3 through the heater opening 10040c to facilitate the introduction of air into the containing portion 10040.

[00546] The containing portion 10040 includes an outer wall 10040t surrounding the side wall 10040w and offset outward in the direction of the radius of the side wall 10040w. When the containing portion 10040 is connected to the protruding tube 10200, the protruding tube 10200 is inserted between the outer wall 10040t and the side wall 10040w, and thus the connection state of the containing portion 10040 and the protruding tube 10200 can be stably maintained.

[00547] The guide rib 10040n, inserted into the guide groove 10020n of the protruding tube 10200 when the receiving portion 10040 is inserted into the protruding tube 10200, is installed in the outer wall 10040t.

[00548] The end portion of the heater 10300 passes through the heater opening 10040c of the containing portion 10040 and is located inside the receiving channel 10040h of the containing portion 10040, while the containing portion 10040 is connected to the protruding tube 10200. The end portion 10300 of the heater can be inserted into the cigarette 3 when the cigarette 3 is placed in the receiving channel 10040h of the containing portion 10040, while the containing portion 10040 is connected to the protruding tube 10200.

[00549] A plurality of lower surface projections 10040e protruding from the bottom wall 10040b and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction outside the heater opening 10040c are installed on the lower surface of the bottom wall 10040b of the containing portion 10040. The lower surface projections 10040e serve to protect the air flow path by maintaining a gap between the bottom wall 10040b and the aerosol generating device when the containing portion 10040 is installed in the aerosol generating device.

[00550] The projections 10040e of the lower surface extend in a radial direction from the outer surface of the bottom wall 10040b to the heater opening 10040c, and thus, the air present outside the bottom wall 10040b can smoothly flow to the outer opening 10040j of the heater opening 10040c through the space between the projections 10040e of the lower surface, which are located next to each other.

[00551] Due to the protrusions 10040e of the lower surface, the air present outside the bottom wall 10040b can be uniformly supplied to the heater opening 10040c, and a uniform and constant amount of air can be supplied to the cigarette 3. Therefore, the user can be provided with an aerosol having an optimal taste and aroma.

[00552] An air inlet groove 10040r is formed on the lower surface of the bottom wall 10040b of the containing portion 10040, extending from the outer end portion of the bottom wall 10040b to the heater opening 10040c. The air inlet grooves 10040r provide a passage for the main flow of air supplied to the cigarette 3 accommodated in the containing portion 10040.

[00553] The end portion of the air inlet groove 10040r located at the outer end portion of the bottom wall 10040b is located at a position corresponding to the air hole 10200g shown in Fig. 31. According to the structure of the device, the air outside the protruding tube 10200 can pass into the protruding tube 10200 through the air hole 10200g and is directly introduced into the heater hole 10040c along the air inlet groove 10040r, the air, in a sufficient amount to generate an aerosol, can be supplied directly to the cigarette 3.

[00554] A plurality of air inlet grooves 10040r may be provided in accordance with the number of air holes 10200g formed in the protruding pipe 10200.

[00555] The receiving portion 10040 includes an outlet 10040a formed by cutting out a portion of the side wall 10040w to open a receiving passage 10040h outside the side wall 10040w. Since the outlet 10040a is formed in the side wall 10040w, the side wall 10040w has an approximately semi-cylindrical shape. In other words, if the side wall 10040w is cut in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the side wall 10040w, the cross-sectional shape of the side wall 10040w can be approximately semi-circular.

[00556] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 57, the size of the outlet 10040a is approximately 180° in the circumferential direction relative to the central axis of the side wall 10040w in the longitudinal direction, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the size of the outlet 10040a. In other words, the size of the outlet 10040a may be 180° or more and less than 180° in the circumferential direction relative to the central axis of the side wall 10040w in the longitudinal direction.

[00557] The cleaning operation can be performed more simply by forming an outlet 10040a for opening a receiving channel 10040h in a side wall 10040w of the containing portion 10040.

[00558] A plurality of slits 10040s formed on the side wall 10040w for connecting the receiving channel 10040h to the outer side of the accommodating portion 10040 are formed in the side wall 10040w of the accommodating portion 10040. The slits of the accommodating portion 10040 can guide the air that remains in the empty space formed between the outer wall 10040t and the side wall 10040w to contact with the parts of the outer surface of the cigarette 3 accommodated in the accommodating portion 10040.

[00559] The air remaining in the empty space formed between the outer wall 10040t and the side wall 10040w can be heated by the cigarette 3, which can be heated by the heater 10300, and this air can pass back into the receiving channel 10040h through the opening 10040c of the heater or can be introduced in the direction of the cigarette 3 through the slits 10040s to promote the formation of an aerosol.

[00560] In addition, the air remaining in the empty space formed between the outer wall 10040t and the side wall 10040w may perform a heat insulation function to prevent direct heat transfer from the cigarette 3 to the user through the containing portion 10040 by absorbing some of the heat of the cigarette 3.

[00561] As shown in Fig. 58, the side wall 10040w forming the receiving passage 10040h of the receiving portion 10040 for receiving the cigarette 3 may be formed to be inclined in the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 3. The side wall 10040w may be formed to be inclined away from the cigarette 3 in the direction from the lower end portion of the cigarette 3 received in the receiving passage 10040h to the upper end portion of the cigarette 3.

[00562] Since the side wall 10040w has an inclination as disclosed above, the size of the receiving passage 10040h of the accommodating portion 10040 can be varied in the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 3. The diameter D1 of the receiving passage 10040h in which the middle portion of the cigarette 3 is accommodated is larger than the diameter D2 of the receiving passage 10040h in which the lower end portion of the cigarette 3 is accommodated. The structure with a variable diameter of the receiving passage 10040h makes it possible to accurately align the center of the cigarette 3 with the center of the heater 10300 when the cigarette 3 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 10040. In addition, when the cigarette 3 is completely inserted into the receiving passage 10040h, the lower end portion of the cigarette 3 is strongly pressed by the side wall 10040w, and thus the state in which the cigarette 3 is inserted into the receiving passage can be stably maintained 10040h.

[00563] The user can directly remove the cigarette from the housing portion 10040 after the user smokes using the cigarette 3 placed in the housing portion 10040. In other words, the cigarette 3 can be removed by hand from the housing portion 10040 by holding and rotating the cigarette placed in the housing portion 10040.

[00564] After the cigarette 3 is separated from the housing portion 10040, the user may remove the housing portion 10040 from the aerosol generating device for cleaning.

[00565] When the housing portion 10040 is separated from the aerosol generating device, the receiving channel 10040h is opened through the outlet 10040a, as shown in Fig. 53, and thus the tobacco material can be discharged through the outlet 10040a from the housing portion 10040. In addition, the user can conveniently clean various parts of the receiving channel 10040h and the side wall 10040w while visually inspecting them.

[00566] Embodiments of the present invention can be recorded as computer programs and can be implemented in general-use digital computers that execute the programs using a machine-readable recording medium. In addition, the data structure used in the method disclosed above can be recorded on a machine-readable recording medium by various means. Examples of a machine-readable recording medium include magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM, RAM, USB drives, floppy disks, hard disks, etc.), optical recording media (e.g., CD-ROM or DVD), etc.

[00567] It will be understood by one skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, the disclosed methods are to be considered from an illustrative point of view and not from a limiting point of view. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all differences within the limits of equivalents thereof are to be construed as included within the present invention.

Claims (9)

1. An aerosol generating device comprising: a housing; a hollow projecting tube extended from the housing and having an opening at an end of the hollow projecting tube; a heater extended from the housing into the hollow projecting tube such that an end portion of the heater is located within the hollow projecting tube; and a containing portion connected to the hollow projecting tube, the containing portion including: a side wall inserted into the hollow projecting tube and providing a space for receiving a cigarette therein; an insertion opening at an end of the side wall located in line with the opening of the hollow projecting tube; a bottom at the other end of the side wall, the bottom including an opening for the heater through which the heater passes; and an outer wall covering the side wall, in which a hollow protruding tube is inserted between the side wall and the outer wall of the containing portion in such a way that the containing portion is connected to the hollow protruding tube, wherein the outer wall comprises a guide rib located parallel to the longitudinal direction of the hollow protruding tube on the inner side of the outer wall, and wherein the hollow protruding tube comprises a guide groove formed on the hollow protruding tube in such a way that the guide rib is connected to the guide groove into which the hollow protruding tube is inserted between the side wall and the outer wall of the containing portion. 2. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the guide groove is formed with a recess on the side of the hollow protruding tube. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the hollow protruding tube includes at least one air hole extending through a side of the hollow protruding tube such that the at least one air hole forms a channel for air flow from the outside of the hollow protruding tube to the inside of the hollow protruding tube. 4. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein the hollow protruding tube includes a plurality of air holes spaced apart in a circumferential direction from the center of the hollow protruding tube. 5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, further comprising at least one outer opening formed around the heater opening in the lower portion of the side wall in such a way that the air flow channel is formed by a plurality of air openings and at least one outer opening from the outer side of the hollow protruding tube to the inner portion of the containing portion. 6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, further comprising an air supply gap formed between the end of the outer wall of the containing portion and the housing such that the air flow channel is formed by the air supply gap, a plurality of air holes and at least one outer hole from the outer side of the housing to the inner side of the side wall of the containing portion. 7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, further comprising a plurality of outer openings surrounding the heater opening and symmetrical with respect to the heater opening. 8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the containing portion includes an air inlet groove between a plurality of outer openings in a lower portion of the containing portion. 9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein the air inlet groove provides passage of air supplied into the containing portion.