RU2831858C2 - Aerosol generator - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.

SUBSTANCE: apparatus for generating an aerosol comprising a first housing portion comprising a first lid portion and a first coupling portion disposed in a first lid portion, first connecting part comprises a first flexible flange connected to the first part of the cover and made with possibility of elastic deformation, and a first protrusion provided in the first flexible flange; as well as a second housing part comprising a second cover part, and a second connecting part located in a second cover part, second connecting part comprises a second flexible flange connected to the second part of the cover and made with possibility of elastic deformation, and a second protrusion provided in the second flexible flange; as well as a third body part comprising a third connecting part connected to the first connecting part, and a fourth connecting part connected to the second connecting part, third connecting part comprises a first slot configured to engage with a first protrusion, a fourth connecting portion comprises a second slot configured to engage with a second protrusion, in which the third part of the body further comprises a first end part facing the first part of the body, a second end part located opposite the first end part and facing the second part of the body, and a first side portion located between a first end portion and a second end portion, third body portion further comprises a first recessed portion surrounded by an edge of the third body portion and formed by at least partial embedding of the first end portion; and a heater configured to heat the article to generate an aerosol.

EFFECT: easy disassembly and assembly so that component(s) in the aerosol generating device can be easily replaced and/or repaired.

11 cl, 12 dwg

Description

Field of technology

[1] The invention relates to a device for generating an aerosol.

Prior art

[2] Methods for introducing air into an aerosol generating article to ensure spray efficiency are being developed. For example, aerosol generating devices that generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating article without combustion have been developed.

Disclosure of invention

Technical problem of the invention

[3] A first aspect of the invention relates to a device for generating an aerosol that removes material (e.g., an aerosol) accumulated therein.

Solution of the problem

[4] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for generating an aerosol, comprising a housing comprising a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first side surface located between the first and second surfaces, and a second side surface opposite the first side surface and located between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the housing may further comprise a first part of the housing comprising a first part of the lid forming the first surface and a first connecting part located in the first part of the lid, a second part of the housing comprising a second part of the lid forming the second surface and a second connecting part located in the second part of the lid, a third part of the housing forming the first side surface and comprising a third connecting part connected to the first connecting part and a fourth connecting part connected to the second connecting part, and a fourth part of the housing forming the second side surface and comprising a part for introducing an article, configured to accommodate at least a part of the article for generating an aerosol.

[5] The first connecting part may comprise a first flexible flange connected to the first part of the cover and capable of elastic deformation, and a first protrusion provided in the first flexible flange, and the second connecting part may comprise a second flexible flange connected to the second part of the cover and capable of elastic deformation, and a second protrusion provided in the second flexible flange.

[6] The third connecting portion may comprise a first groove, and the fourth connecting portion may comprise a second groove.

[7] The third part of the body may comprise a first recessed part facing the first part of the cover and a second recessed part facing the second part of the cover, wherein the third connecting part may be located in the first recessed part and the fourth connecting part may be located in the second recessed part.

[8] The first recessed portion may comprise a receiving opening configured to at least partially receive a portion for inserting the article.

[9] The second recessed portion may contain visual information selected from a group consisting of a code, a mark, a serial number, a label, and an engraving.

[10] The first connecting portion may comprise a first magnetic element, the second connecting portion may comprise a second magnetic element, the third connecting portion may comprise a third magnetic element configured to magnetically connect with the first magnetic element, and the fourth connecting portion may comprise a fourth magnetic element configured to magnetically connect with the second magnetic element.

[11] Both the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element may comprise a magnet or a plate of specially treated steel, and the third magnetic element and the fourth magnetic element may respectively comprise a plate of specially treated steel or a magnet.

[12] The third part of the housing may comprise a fifth connecting part, and the fourth part of the housing may comprise a sixth connecting part connected to the fifth connecting part.

[13] The fifth connecting portion may comprise a rib and the sixth connecting portion may comprise a slot.

[14] According to another aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device may comprise: a body comprising a first side surface; a second side surface facing the first side surface, oriented in the direction of the first side surface and comprising a part for introducing an article configured to accommodate at least a part of an article for generating an aerosol; a first part of a lid comprising a first connecting part intended to connect the first part of the lid to the first side surface and a second side surface; and a second part of the lid facing the first part of the lid and comprising a second connecting part intended to connect the second part of the lid to the first side surface and the second side surface.

[15] The first side surface may comprise a third connecting portion connected to the first connecting portion and a fourth connecting portion connected to the second connecting portion.

Beneficial effects of the invention

[16] In an exemplary embodiment, an aerosol generating device is provided that is easy to disassemble and assemble. In the exemplary embodiment, component(s) in the aerosol generating device can be easily replaced and/or repaired. The effects of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned should be clear from the description below to a person skilled in the art.

Brief description of the drawings

[17] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[18] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[19] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[20] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating system of FIG. 2 along line 3-3.

[21] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[22] FIG. 5 shows a connection structure between parts of the housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[23] FIG. 6 shows a connection structure between other parts of the housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[24] FIG. 7 shows a connection structure between parts of the housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[25] FIGS. 8-10 schematically illustrate examples in which an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette) is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[26] FIGS. 11 and 12 schematically illustrate examples of an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette) according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Principle of the invention

[27] The terms used in the description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention are selected from the generally accepted terms widely used at present to describe the functions of the exemplary embodiments of the invention. However, the terms may differ depending on the problem solved by a person skilled in the art, a precedent, or the emergence of a new technology. In addition, in special cases, the applicant selects the terms at his own discretion and discloses the meaning of these terms in detail in the corresponding part of the detailed description. Therefore, the terms used in the description are not merely designations, but are determined based on the meaning of the terms and the functions described.

[28] It should be understood that in the case where a certain part "comprises" a certain component, it is not excluded that the part contains another component, but the part may additionally contain another component unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, terms such as "block", "module", etc., used in the description may refer to a part for performing at least one function or operation and may be implemented in the form of hardware and/or software.

[29] In this document, an expression such as "at least one of" preceding the listed components applies not to each of the listed components, but to all of the components. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b or c" should be understood as containing a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b and c.

[30] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette placed within the interior of the device.

[31] The aerosol generating device may comprise a heater. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the heater may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater may comprise an electrically conductive path, and the heater may be heated when current flows through the electrically conductive path.

[32] The heater may comprise a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle or rod heating element and may heat the inside and/or outside of the cigarette according to the shape of the heating element.

[33] The cigarette may comprise a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be in the form of a sheet or strand, or may be made of tobacco leaves finely cut from a tobacco leaf. In addition, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be a metal foil, in particular aluminum foil. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above.

[34] The filter rod may be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may comprise at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may comprise a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters out a given ingredient contained in the aerosol.

[35] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

[36] The aerosol generating device may comprise a cartridge comprising an aerosol generating material and a main body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably connected to the main body. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above. The cartridge may be integral with the main body or assembled with the main body, and may be secured to the main body in such a way that the user cannot detach it. The cartridge may be mounted to the main body in a state in which the aerosol generating material is located inside it. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above. The aerosol generating material may be introduced into the cartridge when the cartridge is connected to the main body.

[37] The cartridge may contain an aerosol generating material in any of the possible states, such as a liquid, solid, gaseous or gel. The aerosol generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco material that includes a volatile tobacco flavoring ingredient, or a liquid containing a material other than tobacco.

[38] The cartridge may be controlled by an electrical signal or a radio signal transmitted from the housing to perform the aerosol generating function by converting the phase of the aerosol generating material within the cartridge into a gas phase. The aerosol may be a gaseous mixture of vaporized particles of the aerosol generating material and air.

[39] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating device may generate an aerosol by heating a liquid composition, after which the generated aerosol may pass through the cigarette and be delivered to the user. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition may move along air flow paths in the aerosol generating device, and the air flow paths may be configured to pass the aerosol through the cigarette and be delivered to the user.

[40] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using ultrasonic vibrations. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method may be understood to mean a method of generating an aerosol by finely dispersing the aerosol generating material using ultrasonic vibrations generated by an vibration source.

[41] The aerosol generating device may comprise a vibration source and may generate short-period vibrations using the vibration source to finely atomize the material for generating the aerosol. The vibration generated by the vibration source may be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency range of the ultrasonic vibrations may be from about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above.

[42] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a wick that absorbs a material for generating the aerosol. For example, the wick may be arranged to surround at least one portion of the vibration source or to come into contact with at least one portion of the vibration source.

[43] When a voltage (e.g., an alternating voltage) is applied to the vibration source, the vibration source can generate heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations, and the heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations generated by the vibration source can be transmitted to the aerosol generating material absorbed by the wick. The aerosol generating material absorbed by the wick can be converted into a gas phase by the action of heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibration source, which makes it possible to generate an aerosol.

[44] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol generating material absorbed by the wick can be reduced by the action of heat generated by the vibration source, and the aerosol generating material whose viscosity is reduced can be converted into fine particles by the action of ultrasonic vibration generated by the vibration source, and thus an aerosol can be generated. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above.

[45] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by inductively heating an aerosol generating article placed therein.

[46] The aerosol generating device may comprise a current collector and a coil. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the coil may act on the current collector with a magnetic field. When the aerosol generating device supplies power to the coil, a magnetic field may be formed inside the coil. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the current collector may be a magnetic body that generates heat under the influence of an external magnetic field. Since the current collector is located inside the coil and generates heat under the influence of a magnetic field, the aerosol generating article may be heated. In addition, optionally, the current collector may be located in the aerosol generating article.

[47] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a stand.

[48] The aerosol generating device and the separate stand may be used together to form a single system. For example, the stand may be used to charge the battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may be heated when the stand and the aerosol generating device are connected to each other.

[49] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that a person skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The invention can be implemented in forms that can be implemented in aerosol generating devices according to the various exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed above, or can be embodied and implemented in various forms, and is not limited to the exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein.

[50] Some exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[51] As shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a controller 110, a sensor unit 120, an output unit 130 (for example, an output interface), a battery 140, a heater 150, a user input unit 160 (for example, a user input interface), a memory 170, and a communication unit 180 (for example, a communication interface). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 1. It should be understood by a person skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that some of the components shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted, or new components may be added in accordance with the configuration of the aerosol generating device 100.

[52] The sensor unit 120 may recognize the state of the aerosol generating device 100 or the state of the environment around the aerosol generating device 100, and transmit the information received by the sensors to the controller 110. Based on the information received by the sensors, the controller 110 may control the aerosol generating device 100 by adjusting the operation of the heater 150, restricting smoking, determining the presence of an aerosol generating article (for example, a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.), displaying notifications, and performing other functions.

[53] The sensor unit 120 may comprise a temperature sensor 122 and/or an insertion recognition sensor 124 and/or a puff sensor 126. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above.

[54] The temperature sensor 122 may detect the temperature of the heater 150 (or the aerosol generating material). The aerosol generating device 100 may comprise a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater 150, or the temperature sensor 122 may be integrated into the heater 150 so that the heater 150 itself may serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 122 may be located around the battery 140 to monitor the temperature of the battery 140.

[55] The insertion recognition sensor 124 may recognize whether an aerosol-generating article is inserted or removed. The insertion recognition sensor 124 may include, for example, a film sensor and/or a pressure sensor and/or a light sensor and/or a resistive sensor and/or a capacitive sensor and/or an inductive sensor and/or an infrared sensor capable of recognizing a change in a signal when an aerosol-generating article is inserted or removed.

[56] The puff sensor 126 may recognize a puff performed by a user based on various physical changes in the air flow path or in the air flow channel. For example, the puff sensor 126 may recognize a puff performed by a user based on a change in any of the following parameters: temperature, flow, voltage, and pressure.

[57] The sensor unit 120 may further comprise at least one of the following components: a temperature/humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope, a position sensor (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) sensor), a proximity sensor, or a red, green, blue (RGB) color sensor (e.g., an illumination sensor), in addition to the sensors 122-126 disclosed above. The purpose of each sensor should be intuitively clear from its name to a person skilled in the art, and therefore a detailed disclosure of this purpose is not given in this document.

[58] The output unit 130 may output information about the state of the aerosol generating device 100 and provide it to the user. The output unit 130 may include a display 132 and/or a tactile portion 134 and/or a sound output device 136. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above. If the display 132 and the touch panel are formed as a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display 132 may be used as an input device in addition to the output device.

[59] The display 132 may visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 100. The information about the aerosol generating device 100 may include, for example, a charge/discharge state of the battery 140 of the aerosol generating device 100, a preheating state of the heater 150, a state of inserting/removing the aerosol generating article, a state of limited use (for example, a non-standard article is detected) of the aerosol generating device 100, and the like, and the display 132 may output the information to the outside. The display 132 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, and the like. The display 132 may also be implemented as a light-emitting diode (LED).

[60] The tactile portion 134 may provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 100 in a tactile manner by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus. The tactile portion 134 may be, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[61] The sound output device 136 may provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 100 in sound form. For example, the sound output device 136 may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside. The sound output device 136 may be implemented as a speaker.

[62] The battery 140 may supply power to the electrical components of the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 140 may supply power to the heater 150. In addition, the battery 140 may supply power necessary for the operation of other components (for example, the sensor unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170 and the communication unit 180) included in the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 140 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 140 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above.

[63] The heater 150 may be powered by the battery 140 for heating the material for generating the aerosol. The aerosol generating device 100 may further comprise a power conversion circuit (for example, a direct current to direct current (DC/DC) converter) that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies power to the heater 150. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 100 generates the aerosol by the induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 100 may further comprise a direct current to alternating current (DC/AC) converter that converts the direct current of the battery 140 into alternating current.

[64] The controller 110, the sensor unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170 and the communication unit 180 may receive the power necessary to perform their functions from the battery 140. The aerosol generating device 100 may further comprise a power conversion circuit, such as a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies power to the corresponding components.

[65] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the heater 150 can be made of a suitable predetermined electrically resistive material. The electrically resistive material can be a metal or a metal alloy, including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel or nichrome, as well as other metals or alloys. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above. In addition, the heater 150 can be made in the form of a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which an electrically conductive track is placed, or a ceramic heating element, etc. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above.

[66] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the heater 150 may be an induction type heater. For example, the heater 150 may comprise a current collector that heats a material to generate an aerosol by generating heat with a magnetic field induced by a coil.

[67] The user input unit 160 may receive information from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 160 may comprise, in particular, a keyboard, a dome switch, a touch panel (for example, a contact capacitive type, a resistive film type, an infrared sensor type, a surface ultrasonic conductivity type, an integral voltage measurement type, a piezo effect type, etc.), a switch wheel, a rotary switch, and the like. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 may further comprise a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to another external device through a connection interface such as a USB interface for transmitting and receiving information or for charging the battery 140.

[68] Memory 170 is hardware that stores various types of data processed in the aerosol generating device 100 and can store data processed by the controller 110 and data to be processed in this manner. Memory 170 can be at least one of the following types of storage media: flash memory, a hard disk, a multimedia micro-card, a card (e.g., SD or XE), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electronically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. Memory 170 can store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data on the user's smoking habits, etc.

[69] The communication unit 180 may comprise at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit 180 may comprise a short-range wireless communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184.

[70] The short-range wireless communication unit 182 may be a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE communication unit, a near-field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a ZigBee communication unit, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, and an Ant+ communication unit. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above.

[71] The wireless communication unit 184 may be, for example, a cellular network communicator, an Internet communicator, a computer network communicator (for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)) and the like. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above. The wireless communication unit 184 may use subscriber information (for example, an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 100 in the communication network.

[72] The controller 110 may control the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 as a whole. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the controller 110 may comprise at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logical elements or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. In addition, one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains should understand that it may be implemented by means of other types of hardware.

[73] The controller 110 may control the temperature of the heater 150 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 140 to the heater 150. For example, the controller 110 may control the supply of power by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 140 and the heater 150. In another example, the direct heating circuit may control the supply of power to the heater 150 in accordance with a control command from the controller 110.

[74] The controller 110 may analyze the measurement result obtained by the sensor unit 120 and control the processes that will be performed thereafter. For example, the controller 110 may control the supply of power to the heater 150 to start or stop the operation of the heater 150 based on the measurement result obtained by the sensor unit 120. In another example, the controller 110 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 150 and the time of supplying the power, so that the heater 150 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at a desired temperature based on the measurement results obtained by the sensor unit 120.

[75] The controller 110 may control the output unit 130 based on the measurement results obtained by the sensor unit 120. For example, if the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 126 reaches a predetermined number, the controller 110 may inform the user that the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 will soon end, via the display 132 and/or the tactile portion 134 and/or the sound output device 136.

[76] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the controller 110 may control the timing of supplying power and/or the amount of power to the heater 150 depending on the state of the aerosol generating article recognized by the sensor unit 120. For example, when the aerosol generating article (e.g., the aerosol generating article 201) is in an over-moistened state, the controller 110 may control the timing of supplying power to the inductive coil to increase the preheating time compared to the case when the aerosol generating article (e.g., the aerosol generating article 201) is in a normal state.

[77] As shown in FIG. 2-6, the aerosol generating system 20 may comprise an aerosol generating device 200 and an aerosol generating article 201. The aerosol generating device 200 may accommodate the aerosol generating article 201 in the interior space and electrically heat the aerosol generating article 201 to generate an aerosol.

[78] The aerosol generating device 200 may comprise a first housing 210 configured to accommodate at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 201 and to accommodate various electronic/mechanical components. The first housing 210 may comprise, for example, a first surface 210A (e.g., a front surface), a second surface 210B (e.g., a back surface) opposite the first surface 210A, a first side surface 210C located between the first surface 210A and the second surface 210B, and a second side surface 210D opposite the first side surface 210C and located between the first surface 210A and the second surface 210B.

[79] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first body 210 may comprise a hinged lid 212 configured to cover at least a portion of the first surface 210A and to open or close a path (for example, a portion 220 for inserting an article) along which the article 201 is inserted or removed for generating an aerosol. For example, the hinged lid 212 may be pivotally connected to the first side surface 210C or the second side surface 210D.

[80] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first body 210 may comprise a connection terminal 214 formed on the second surface 210B. The connection terminal 214 may comprise a connector configured to physically connect the aerosol generating device 200 to an external device via the connection terminal 214. The connection terminal 214 may comprise, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connector, a USB connector, a secure digital card (SD) connector, or an audio connector (for example, a headphone connector).

[81] In an exemplary embodiment, the first housing 210 may comprise multiple housing portions 211, 213, 215, and 217 that are removably connected to one another. For example, the first housing 210 may comprise a first housing portion 211, a second housing portion 213, a third housing portion 215, and a fourth housing portion 217.

[82] The first part 211 of the housing may comprise a first part 211A of the lid comprising a first outer surface 211-1 of the lid and a first inner surface 211-2 of the lid opposite the first outer surface 211-1 of the lid. The first outer surface 211-1 of the lid of the first part 211A may form at least a part of the first surface 210A of the first housing 210.

[83] In an exemplary embodiment, the first housing portion 211 may comprise at least one first connecting portion 211B formed on the first inner surface 211-2 of the lid and configured to connect to the third housing portion 215. In some exemplary embodiments, the first housing portion 211 may comprise several first connecting portions 211B located along an edge of the first inner surface 211-2 of the lid. In some exemplary embodiments, the first housing portion 211 may comprise a pair of first connecting portions 211B facing each other.

[84] In an exemplary embodiment, the first connecting portion 211B may comprise a first flexible flange 211B-1 connected to the first portion 211A of the cover and configured to be elastically deformed, and a first projection 211B-2 formed in the first flexible flange 211B-1 and configured to engage with the third portion 215 of the housing. In some exemplary embodiments, the first flexible flange 211B-1 may protrude from the first inner surface 211-2 of the cover. In some exemplary embodiments, the first projection 211B-2 may protrude from an end portion of the first flexible flange 211B-1 in an outward direction intersecting with the direction of protrusion of the first flexible flange 211B-1.

[85] In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion 211 of the body may comprise a first access opening 211C formed between the first outer surface 211-1 of the lid and the first inner surface 211-2 of the lid. In some exemplary embodiments, the first access opening 211C may be formed in a central portion of the first portion 211A of the lid.

[86] The second part 213 of the housing may comprise a second part 213A of the lid comprising a second outer surface 213-1 of the lid and a second inner surface 213-2 of the lid opposite the second outer surface 213-1 of the lid. The second outer surface 213-1 of the lid of the second part 213A may form at least a part of the second surface 210B of the first housing 210.

[87] In an exemplary embodiment, the second housing portion 213 may comprise at least one second connecting portion 213B formed on the second inner surface 213-2 of the lid and configured to connect with the third housing portion 215. In some exemplary embodiments, the second housing portion 213 may comprise several second connecting portions 213B located along an edge of the second inner surface 213-2 of the lid. In some exemplary embodiments, the second housing portion 213 may comprise several pairs of second connecting portions 213B facing each other.

[88] In an exemplary embodiment, the second part 213 of the housing may comprise a second flexible flange 213B-1 connected to the second part 213A of the cover and configured to elastically deform, and a second projection 213B-2 formed on the second flexible flange 213B-1 and configured to engage with the third part 215 of the housing. In some exemplary embodiments, the second flexible flange 213B-1 may protrude from the second inner surface 213-2 of the cover. In some exemplary embodiments, the second projection 213B-2 may protrude from an end portion of the second flexible flange 213B-1 in an outward direction intersecting with the direction of protrusion of the second flexible flange 213B-1.

[89] In an exemplary embodiment, the second portion 213 of the body may comprise a second access opening 213C formed between the second outer surface 213-1 of the lid and the second inner surface 213-2 of the lid. In some exemplary embodiments, the second access opening 213C may be formed in a central portion of the second portion 213A of the lid.

[90] The third housing part 215 may comprise a first end part 215-1 facing the first inner surface 211-2 of the lid, a second end part 215-2 located opposite the first end part 215-1 and facing the second inner surface 213-2 of the lid, and a first side part 215-3 located between the first end part 215-1 and the second end part 215-2. The first side part 215-3 of the third housing part 215 may form at least a part of the first side surface 210C of the first housing 210.

[91] In an exemplary embodiment, the third housing portion 215 may comprise a first receiving opening O1 formed in the first end portion 215-1. For example, the first receiving opening O1 may have a substantially circular or elliptical shape. The first receiving opening O1 may be formed in the central portion of the first end portion 215-1. The first receiving opening O1 may be substantially aligned with the first access opening 211C when the first housing portion 211 and the third housing portion 215 are connected.

[92] In an exemplary embodiment, the third housing portion 215 may comprise a first recessed portion R1 formed in the first end portion 215-1. For example, the first recessed portion R1 may be surrounded by an edge of the third housing portion 215 and an edge of the fourth housing portion 217 and formed by at least partially recessing the first end portion 215-1. The first receiving opening O1 may be formed in the first recessed portion R1.

[93] In an exemplary embodiment, the third housing portion 215 may comprise at least one third connecting portion 215A formed in the first recessed portion R1 and configured to connect to the first connecting portion 211B. In some exemplary embodiments, the third housing portion 215 may comprise multiple third connecting portions 215A formed in the region of the first recessed portion R1 adjacent to the edge of the third housing portion 215.

[94] In an exemplary embodiment, the third connecting portion 215A may comprise a first groove configured to engage with the first projection 211B-2. In some exemplary embodiments, the first groove may accommodate at least a portion of the first flexible flange 211B-1.

[95] In an exemplary embodiment, the third housing portion 215 may comprise a second O2 receiving opening formed in the second end portion 215-2. For example, the second O2 receiving opening may have a substantially polygonal (for example, quadrangular) shape. The second O2 receiving opening may be formed in the central portion of the second end portion 215-2. The second O2 receiving opening may be substantially aligned with the second access opening 213C when the second housing portion 213 and the third housing portion 215 are connected. The second O2 receiving opening may be configured to receive at least a portion of the connecting terminal 214.

[96] In an exemplary embodiment, the third portion 215 of the housing may comprise a second recessed portion R2 formed in the second end portion 215-2. For example, the second recessed portion R2 may be surrounded by an edge of the third portion 215 of the housing and an edge of the fourth portion 217 of the housing and formed by at least partially recessing the second end portion 215-2. The second receiving opening O2 may be formed in the second recessed portion R2.

[97] In an exemplary embodiment, the third housing portion 215 may comprise at least one fourth connecting portion 215B formed in the second recessed portion R2 and configured to connect to the second connecting portion 213B. In some exemplary embodiments, the third housing portion 215 may comprise several fourth connecting portions 215B formed in the region of the second recessed portion R2 adjacent to the edge of the third housing portion 215 and/or the region of the second recessed portion R2 adjacent to the edge of the fourth housing portion 217.

[98] In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth connecting portion 215B may comprise a second groove configured to engage with the second projection 213B-2. In some exemplary embodiments, the second groove may accommodate at least a portion of the second flexible flange 213B-1.

[99] In an exemplary embodiment, the third housing portion 215 may comprise at least one region (e.g., region A1 and/or region A2) comprising visual information formed in the second recessed portion R2. For example, the visual information may be a QR code, a certification mark, a serial number, a label, an engraving, and/or other visual information. In some exemplary embodiments, the third housing portion 215 may comprise multiple regions A1 and A2 with different visual information. In some exemplary embodiments, the third portion 215 of the housing may comprise a first region A1 comprising the first visual information and located on a first side (e.g., the left side in FIG. 6) of the connection terminal 214, and a second region A2 comprising the second visual information and located on a second side (e.g., the right side in FIG. 6) opposite the first side of the connection terminal 214. For example, the visual information may be hidden from view by the second portion 213B of the cover when the second portion 213B of the cover is connected to the third portion 215 of the housing and/or the fourth portion 217 of the housing.

[100] In an exemplary embodiment, the third part 215 of the body may comprise at least one fifth connecting part C1 formed on the inner surface of the first side part 215-3. The fifth connecting part C1 may comprise, for example, a rib at least partially extending between the first end part 215-1 and the second end part 215-2 and protruding from the inner surface of the first side part 215-3.

[101] The fourth housing portion 217 may comprise a third end portion 217-1 facing the first end portion 215-1, a fourth end portion 217-2 located opposite the third end portion 217-1 and facing the second end portion 215-2, a second side portion 217-3 forming at least a part of the second side surface 210D of the first housing 210 and located between the third end portion 217-1 and the fourth end portion 217-2, and a third side portion 217-4 connected to the second side portion 217-3, facing the inner surface of the first side portion 215-3 and located between the third end portion 217-1 and the fourth end portion 217-2. The connecting terminal 214 may be formed in the fourth end portion 217-2.

[102] In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth part 217 of the body may comprise at least one sixth connecting part C2 formed in the third side part 217-4 and configured to connect with the fifth connecting part C1. The sixth connecting part C2 may comprise, for example, a slit extending between the third end part 217-1 and the fourth end part 217-2 and recessed inward from the outer surface of the third side part 217-4.

[103] In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the third housing portion 215 and/or the fourth housing portion 217 may be configured to be elastically deformable. For example, the fifth connecting portion C1 and the sixth connecting portion C2 may be connected and disconnected by elastically deforming at least a portion of the first side portion 215-3, the second side portion 217-1 and/or the third side portion 217-2.

[104] The aerosol generating device 200 may comprise an article insertion portion 220 comprising an insertion space into which the aerosol generating article 201 is inserted and removed from. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the article insertion portion 220 may comprise a plurality of fastening portions configured to fix the aerosol generating article 201, and a plurality of air flow channels in the insertion portion formed between the plurality of fastening portions. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the air flow channels may introduce air into the first body 210 (for example, into the second body 230) only through the air flow channels of the insertion portion. The first body 210 may be formed sealed to prevent air flows between the outer and inner sides of the first body 210 in portions other than the air flow channels of the insertion portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the article insertion portion 220 may be at least partially located in the first receiving opening O1 formed in the first end portion 215-1.

[105] The aerosol generating device 200 may comprise a second housing 230 configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 201 and to heat the aerosol generating article 201. The second housing 230 may be located in the first housing 210. The second housing 230 may be fluidly connected to the article insertion portion 220.

[106] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the second body 230 may comprise multiple layers 232, 234, and 236 comprising multiple air flow channels. For example, the second body 230 may comprise a first layer 232 comprising at least one air flow channel connected to the article insertion portion 220 in a fluid-transmitting manner, a second layer 234 connected to the first layer 232 and comprising at least one air flow channel connected to at least one air flow channel of the first layer 232 in a fluid-transmitting manner, and a third layer 236 located in the second layer 234 and comprising at least one air flow channel in fluid communication with at least one air flow channel of the second layer 234.

[107] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the size (e.g., diameter) of the first layer 232 may be substantially equal to or smaller than the size (e.g., diameter) of the second layer 234. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the size (e.g., diameter) of the second layer 234 may be substantially equal to or greater than the size (e.g., diameter) of the third layer 236.

[108] In an exemplary embodiment, the second layer 234 may comprise a side portion 234A and a first bottom portion 234B connected to the side portion 234A and configured to support a surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the third layer 236 and/or the aerosol generating article 201. In some exemplary embodiments, the second layer 234 may comprise a second bottom portion 234C spaced apart from the first bottom portion 234B and a wall portion 234D connecting the first bottom portion 234B and the second bottom portion 234C. The second bottom portion 234C and the wall portion 234D may form a channel that directs air flow toward the surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the aerosol generating article 201. In some exemplary embodiments, the size (e.g., diameter) of the side portion 234A may be substantially equal to or greater than the size (e.g., diameter) of the wall portion 234D.

[109] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first lower portion 234B may comprise at least one air flow opening connected to at least one air flow channel of the third layer 236 with the ability to transmit a fluid, and the wall portion 234D may comprise at least one air flow opening intended to receive an air flow passing through at least one air flow opening in the first lower portion 234B.

[110] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the second body 230 may comprise a current collector 238 configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 201 and to support one side (e.g., a side surface) of the aerosol-generating article 201. The current collector 238 may be located on the third layer 236 and extend along the side portion 234A of the second layer 234.

[111] The aerosol generating device 200 may comprise a pressure sensor 240 configured to measure the pressure of the air flow between the article introducing portion 220 and the second housing 230. For example, the pressure sensor 240 may recognize a change in the pressure of the air flow depending on a change in the speed of the air flow when the air flow passes through the article introducing portion 220. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the pressure sensor 240 may be located in the flow path between the article introducing portion 220 and the second housing 230 and in the first housing 210. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the pressure sensor 240 may be located near the first surface 210A. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the aerosol generating device 200 may comprise multiple pressure sensors 240.

[112] When disassembling the aerosol generating device 200 according to the exemplary embodiment, the user may first detach the first housing portion 211 and/or the second housing portion 213 from the third housing portion 215. After that, the user may detach the third housing portion 215 and the fourth housing portion 217. After that, the user may remove the material (e.g., aerosol) accumulated in the first housing portion 211, the second housing portion 213, the third housing portion 215 and/or the fourth housing portion 217. When assembling the aerosol generating device 200 according to the exemplary embodiment, the user may first assemble the third housing portion 215 and/or the fourth housing portion 217. After that, the user may assemble the first housing portion 211 and/or the second housing portion 213 with the third housing portion 215.

[113] As shown in FIG. 7, the housing 310 (which may correspond to the first housing 210) may comprise a first housing portion 311 (which may correspond to the first housing portion 211 and/or the second housing portion 213) and a second housing portion 313 (which may correspond to the third housing portion 215) configured to be removably connected to each other. The first housing portion 311 may comprise a cover portion 311A (which may correspond to the first cover portion 211A and/or the second cover portion 211B) and a first connecting portion 311B (which may correspond to the first connecting portion 211B and/or the second connecting portion 213B). The second housing portion 313 may comprise a second connecting portion 313A (which may correspond to the third connecting portion 215A and/or the fourth connecting portion 217A). In an exemplary embodiment, the first connecting portion 311B may comprise a first magnetic element, and the second connecting portion 313A may comprise a second magnetic element configured to magnetically connect to the first magnetic element. In an exemplary embodiment, the first magnetic element may comprise a magnet or a metal plate, and the second magnetic element may accordingly comprise a metal plate or a magnet. For example, at least a portion of the metal plate may be made of specially treated steel. In an exemplary embodiment, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element may comprise magnets of different polarity.

[114] As shown in FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device 1 may comprise a battery 11, a controller 12 and a heater 13. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the aerosol generating device 1 may further comprise an evaporator 14. In addition, an aerosol generating article 2 (for example, a cigarette) may be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating device 1.

[115] The aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIGS. 8-10 may comprise components related to the exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein. Thus, it should be understood by one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that the aerosol generating device 1 may further comprise other components in addition to the components shown in FIGS. 8-10.

[116] Furthermore, although in FIGS. 9 and 10 it is shown that the heater 13 is included in the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 may be excluded if necessary.

[117] FIG. 8 shows a linear arrangement of the battery 11, the controller 12, and the heater 13. FIG. 9 shows a linear arrangement of the battery 11, the controller 12, the evaporator 14, and the heater 13. FIG. 10 shows a parallel arrangement of the evaporator 14 and the heater 13. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to the structure shown in FIGS. 8-10. That is, the arrangement of the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13, and the evaporator 14 can be changed depending on the configuration of the aerosol generating device 1.

[118] When the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 can drive the heater 13 and/or the evaporator 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and/or the evaporator 14 can be supplied to the user through the aerosol generating article 2.

[119] Even if the aerosol generating article 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 can heat the heater 13 as necessary.

[120] The battery 11 may supply power to the electrical components of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the battery 11 may supply power to heat the heater 13 or the evaporator 14 and to operate the controller 12. In addition, the battery 11 may supply power to operate the display, sensor, motor, etc., installed in the aerosol generating device 1.

[121] The controller 12 may control the operation of the aerosol generating device 1 as a whole. In particular, the controller 12 may control the corresponding operations of other components included in the aerosol generating device 1, in addition to the battery 11, the heater 13, and the evaporator 14. Additionally, the controller 12 may check the state of each component of the aerosol generating device 1 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operating state.

[122] The controller 12 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic elements or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program executed in the microprocessor is stored. In addition, a person skilled in the art to which the invention pertains should understand that the processor may be implemented by means of hardware of other types.

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

[124] The heater 13 may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater 13 may comprise an electrically conductive path, and the heater 13 may be heated while current flows along the electrically conductive path. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the example disclosed above, and any example of heating the heater 13 to a desired temperature may be applied without limitation. In this case, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 1 or set by the user.

[125] In another example, the heater 13 may be an induction type heater. In particular, the heater 13 may comprise an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette in an inductive manner, and the cigarette may comprise a current collector that can be heated by the induction heater.

[126] For example, the heater 13 may comprise a tubular, plate, needle or rod heating element and heat the inner or outer portion of the article 2 to generate an aerosol depending on the shape of the heating element.

[127] In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may be provided with multiple heaters 13. Specifically, the multiple heaters 13 may be located inside or outside the aerosol generating article 2. For example, some of the multiple heaters 13 may be located inside the aerosol generating article 2, and the rest may be located outside the aerosol generating article 2. The shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 8-10, and the heater may be formed into various shapes.

[128] The vaporizer 14 may heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, after which the generated aerosol may be supplied to the user through the aerosol generating article 2. That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 may move along the air flow path of the aerosol generating device 1, which may be configured to deliver the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 to the user through a cigarette.

[129] For example, the evaporator 14 may comprise a liquid storage, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above. For example, the liquid storage, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device 1 as independent modules.

[130] A liquid composition may be stored in the liquid storage. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco material that includes a volatile tobacco flavoring ingredient, or a liquid containing a material that is different from tobacco. The liquid storage may be made with the possibility of a detachable connection to the evaporator 14, or may be made as an integral part of the evaporator 14.

[131] For example, the liquid composition may comprise water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavoring agent, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The flavoring agent may include, for example, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavoring ingredients, etc. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above. The flavoring agent may comprise ingredients that allow the user to experience a variety of aromas or tastes. The vitamin mixture may be, in particular, a mixture of vitamin A and/or vitamin B and/or vitamin C and/or vitamin E. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above. The liquid composition may also comprise an aerosol-forming substance, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[132] The liquid transfer means may move the liquid composition in the liquid storage to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means may be a wick, such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above.

[133] The heating element may be an element designed to heat the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. The heating element may be, for example, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, or another similar element. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above. In addition, the heating element may be an electrically conductive thread, such as a nichrome wire, and may be wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element may be heated by applying a current and may impart heat to the liquid composition coming into contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[134] For example, the evaporator 14 may be called a cartomizer or an atomizer. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above.

[135] In this case, the aerosol generating device 1 may also comprise general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13, and the evaporator 14. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may comprise a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may comprise at least one sensor (a puff sensor, a temperature sensor, a sensor for recognizing an inserted cigarette, etc.). In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may be configured to introduce external air/exhaust internal gas even after the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted.

[136] Although not shown in FIGS. 8-10, the aerosol generating device 1 may also form a system together with a separate stand. For example, the stand may be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1. Alternatively, the stand may be used to heat the heater 13, and the stand and the aerosol generating device 1 may be connected.

[137] The aerosol generating article 2 may be a combustion type cigarette. For example, the aerosol generating article 2 may be divided into a first part containing an aerosol generating material and a second part containing a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second part of the aerosol generating article 2 may also contain an aerosol generating material. For example, an aerosol generating material in the form of granules or capsules may be introduced into the second part.

[138] The first part may be fully inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, and the second part may be led out. Alternatively, only the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, or the first part may be fully inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, and the second part may be partially inserted into the aerosol generating device 1. The user may inhale the aerosol when the second part is in the user's mouth. In this case, the aerosol may be generated when outside air passes through the first part, and the generated aerosol may enter the user's mouth through the second part.

[139] For example, outside air may be supplied through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the user may adjust the opening or closing of the air passage and/or the size of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1. Accordingly, the user may adjust the degree of spraying, the taste of smoke, etc. In another example, outside air may be introduced into the aerosol generating article 2 through at least one opening formed on the surface of the aerosol generating article 2.

[140] As shown in FIG. 11, the aerosol generating article 2 may comprise a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first part and the second part disclosed above with reference to FIGS. 8-10 may comprise the tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22, respectively.

[141] The filter rod 22 shown in FIG. 11 consists of one segment. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above. That is, in an alternative embodiment, the filter rod 22 may comprise several segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may comprise a segment that cools the aerosol and a segment that filters a predetermined ingredient contained in the aerosol. In addition, if necessary, the filter rod 22 may further comprise at least one segment that performs other functions.

[142] The diameter of the aerosol generating article 2 may be from about 5 mm to about 9 mm, and its length may be about 48 mm. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 12 mm. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above.

[143] The aerosol generating article 2 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may comprise at least one opening through which outside air enters or inside gas exits. For example, the aerosol generating article 2 may be wrapped in one wrapper 24. In another example, the aerosol generating article 2 may be wrapped in two or more wrappers 24 that overlap each other. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped in the first wrapper 24a, and the filter rod 22 may be wrapped in wrappers 24b, 24c and 24d. In addition, the aerosol generating article 2 as a whole may be wrapped in a single wrapper 24e. For example, if the filter rod 22 comprises several segments, the segments may be wrapped in wrappers 24b, 24c and 24d, respectively.

[144] The first wrapper 24a and the second wrapper 24b may be made of general-purpose wrapping paper for filters. For example, the first wrapper 24a and the second wrapper 24b may be made of porous or non-porous wrapping paper. In addition, the first wrapper 24a and the second wrapper 24b may be made of greaseproof paper and/or aluminum laminated wrapping material.

[145] The third wrapper 24c may be made of a rigid wrapping paper. For example, the density of the third wrapper 24c may be from about 88 g/m2 to about 96 g/m2, preferably from about 90 g/m2 to about 94 g/m2. In addition, the thickness of the third wrapper 24c may be from about 120 μm to about 130 μm, preferably about 125 μm.

[146] The fourth wrapper 24d may be made of greaseproof rigid wrapping paper. For example, the density of the fourth wrapper 24d may be from about 88 g/m2 to about 96 g/m2, preferably from about 90 g/m2 to about 94 g/m2. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 24d may be from about 120 to about 130 μm, preferably about 125 μm.

[147] The fifth wrapper 24e may be made of sterile paper (e.g., MFW). In this case, sterile paper (MFW) may refer to paper specially prepared to improve its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to ordinary paper. For example, the density of the fifth wrapper 24e may be from about 57 to about 63 g/m2, preferably about 60 g/m2. In addition, the thickness of the third wrapper 24e may be from about 64 to about 70 μm, preferably about 67 μm.

[148] The fifth wrapper 24e may contain a predetermined material inside. The material may be, for example, silicon. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above. Silicon may have properties such as, for example, heat resistance with a smaller change under the influence of temperature, oxidation resistance meaning resistance to oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency or dielectric properties. However, the use of silicon is not necessary; any material having the properties disclosed above may be applied to the fifth wrapper 24e (or used for coating) without limitation.

[149] The fifth wrapper 24e can prevent the aerosol-generating article 2 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 13, there is a possibility that the aerosol-generating article 2 will ignite. In particular, when the temperature rises to a temperature exceeding the ignition point of any of the materials included in the tobacco rod 21, the aerosol-generating article 2 may ignite. Even in this case, the aerosol-generating article 2 can be prevented from burning because the fifth wrapper 24e contains a non-combustible material.

[150] In addition, the fifth wrapper 24e can prevent the holder 1 from being contaminated with substances generated in the aerosol generating article 2. For example, liquid substances may be generated in the aerosol generating article 2 when the user takes a puff. For example, such liquid substances (e.g., water, etc.) may be generated as the aerosol generated in the aerosol generating article 2 is cooled by the outside air. Since the aerosol generating article 2 is wrapped with the fifth wrapper 24e, it is possible to prevent the liquid substances generated inside the aerosol generating article 2 from leaking out of the aerosol generating article 2.

[151] The tobacco rod 21 may comprise 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. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may comprise other additives such as a flavoring additive, a wetting additive and/or an organic acid. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may comprise a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant, which is added to the tobacco rod 21 by injection.

[152] The tobacco rod 21 can be made in various shapes. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be formed in the form of a sheet or a strand. Alternatively, the tobacco rod 21 can be formed from tobacco leaves finely cut from a tobacco leaf. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material can be a metal foil, in particular, aluminum foil. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above. For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can evenly distribute the heat imparted to the tobacco rod 21, which makes it possible to increase the heat transfer to the tobacco rod 21 and, thereby, improve the taste of tobacco. In addition, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can serve as a current collector heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 may comprise an additional current collector along with the heat-conducting material surrounding it on the outside.

[153] The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. However, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the filter rod 22 may have the shape of a hollow cylinder or a hollow tube. In addition, the filter rod 22 may be a rod with a recess. For example, if the filter rod 22 comprises several segments, at least one of the segments may have a different shape.

[154] The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a filter made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be in the form of a tube with a cavity inside. The first segment may prevent the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed out when the heater 13 is inserted into the tobacco rod 21, and may cool the aerosol. A preferred diameter of the cavity in the first segment may be from about 2 mm to about 4.5 mm. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above.

[155] The preferred length of the first segment may be from about 4 to about 30 mm. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be 10 mm. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above.

[156] The rigidity of the first filter segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the plasticizer during the manufacturing process of the first segment. In addition, the first segment can be manufactured by introducing into its interior (e.g., cavity) a structure, in particular a film, tube or other element made of the same or another material.

[157] The second segment of the filter rod 22 can cool the aerosol generated by the heater 13 heating the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to a suitable temperature.

[158] The length or diameter of the second segment may depend on the shape of the aerosol generating article 2. For example, a preferred length of the second segment may be from about 7 to about 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment is about 14 mm. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above.

[159] The second segment may be made by weaving a polymer fiber. In this case, the flavoring liquid may be applied to the fibers made of polymers. In another example, the second segment may be made by weaving a separate fiber, onto which the flavoring liquid is applied, and a fiber made of polymer. In yet another example, the second segment may be made of a corrugated polymer sheet.

[160] For example, the polymer fiber material may be selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactide (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[161] Since the second segment is formed by a woven polymer fiber or a corrugated polymer sheet, the second segment may comprise one or more channels oriented in the longitudinal direction. A channel referred to herein may mean a path along which a gas (e.g., air or an aerosol) moves.

[162] For example, the second segment made from a corrugated polymer sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness of about 5 to 300 μm, such as about 10 to 250 μm. In addition, the total surface area of the second segment may be about 300 to 1000 mm2/mm. In addition, the aerosol cooling element may be formed from a material having a specific surface area of about 10 to 100 mm2/mg.

[163] The second segment may comprise a thread comprising a volatile flavoring ingredient. The volatile flavoring ingredient may be menthol. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above. For example, the thread may be impregnated with a sufficient amount of menthol to ensure that the menthol content in the second segment is not less than 1.5 mg.

[164] The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. A preferred length of the third segment may be from about 4 to about 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment is about 12 mm. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above.

[165] The third segment may be manufactured in such a way that the flavoring agent is formed by spraying the flavoring liquid onto the third segment during the manufacturing process of the third segment. Alternatively, a separate fiber may be inserted into the third segment and the flavoring liquid is applied to it. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 21 may be cooled as it passes through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol may be delivered to the user through the third segment. Accordingly, when the flavoring agent is added to the third segment, the aroma delivered to the user may be retained for a much longer period of time.

[166] In addition, the filter rod 22 may contain at least one capsule 23. In this case, the capsule 23 may perform the function of generating a taste and aroma or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is wrapped in a film. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above.

[167] As shown in FIG. 12, the aerosol generating article 3 may further comprise a front plug 33. The front plug 33 may be located on the side of the tobacco rod 31 opposite the filter rod 32. The front plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from falling out and prevent liquefied aerosol from the tobacco rod 31 from entering the aerosol generating device (for example, the aerosol generating device 1 in FIGS. 8-10) during smoking.

[168] The filter rod 32 may comprise a first segment 32a and a second segment 32b. In this case, the first segment 32a may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 11, and the second segment 32b may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 11.

[169] The diameter and the overall length of the aerosol generating article 3 may correspond to the diameter and the overall length of the aerosol generating article 2 in FIG. 11. For example, the length of the front plug 33 may be approximately 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 may be approximately 15 mm, the length of the first segment 32a may be approximately 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 32b may be approximately 14 mm. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above.

[170] The aerosol generating article 3 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may comprise at least one opening through which outside air enters or inside gas exits. For example, the front plug 33 may be wrapped in the first wrapper 35a, the tobacco rod 31 in the second wrapper 35b, the first segment 32a in the third wrapper 35c, and the second segment 32b in the fourth wrapper 35d. In addition, the aerosol generating article 3 as a whole may be wrapped in the fifth wrapper 35e.

[171] In addition, at least one perforation 35e may be provided in the fifth wrapper 36. For example, the perforation 36 may be provided in the region surrounding the tobacco rod 31. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above. The perforation 36 may serve to transfer the heat generated by the heater 13 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 into the tobacco rod 31.

[172] In addition, the second segment 32b may comprise at least one capsule 34. In this case, the capsule 34 may perform the function of generating a fragrance or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped in a film. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above.

[173] The first wrapper 35a may be a combination of general-purpose wrapping paper for filters and a metal foil, such as aluminum foil. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 35a may be from about 45 to about 55 μm, preferably about 50.3 μm. In addition, the thickness of the first wrapper 35a may be from about 6 to about 7 μm, preferably about 6.3 μm. In addition, the density of the first wrapper 35a may be from about 50 to about 55 g/m2, preferably about 53 g/m2.

[174] The second wrapper 35b and the third wrapper 35c may be made of general-purpose wrapping paper for filters. For example, the first wrapper 35b and the third wrapper 35c may be made of porous or non-porous wrapping paper.

[175] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 35b may be 35,000 AU. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above. In addition, the thickness of the second wrapper 35b may be from about 70 to about 80 μm, preferably about 78 μm. In addition, the density of the second wrapper 35b may be from about 20 to about 25 g/m2, preferably about 23.5 g/m2.

[176] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 35c may be 24,000 AU. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above. In addition, the thickness of the third wrapper 35c may be from about 60 to about 70 μm, preferably about 68 μm. In addition, the density of the third wrapper 35c may be from about 20 to about 25 g/m2, preferably about 21 g/m2.

[177] The fourth wrapper 35d may be made of polylactide-laminated paper. In this case, the polylactide-laminated paper may be understood to mean a three-layer paper comprising a paper layer, a polylactide layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 35d may be from about 100 to about 120 μm, preferably about 110 μm. In addition, the density of the fourth wrapper 35d may be from about 80 to about 100 g/m2, preferably about 88 g/m2.

[178] The fifth wrapper 35e may be made of sterile paper (e.g., MFW). In this case, sterile paper (e.g., MFW) may refer to paper specially prepared to improve its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to ordinary paper. For example, the density of the fifth wrapper 35e may be from about 57 to about 63 g/m2, preferably about 60 g/m2. In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 35e may be from about 64 to about 70 μm, preferably about 67 μm.

[179] The fifth wrapper 35e may contain a predetermined material inside. The material may be, for example, silicon. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above. Silicon may have properties such as, for example, heat resistance with a smaller change under the influence of temperature, oxidation resistance meaning resistance to oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency or dielectric properties. However, the use of silicon is not necessary; any material having the properties disclosed above may be applied to the fifth wrapper 35e (or used for coating) without limitation.

[180] The front plug 33 can be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the front plug 33 can be produced by adding a plasticizer (for example, triacetin) to the cellulose acetate fiber. The monodenier of the cellulose acetate fiber thread can be from about 1.0 to about 10.0, preferably from about 4.0 to about 6.0. More preferably, the monodenier of the thread of the front plug 33 can be about 5.0. In addition, the cross-section of the thread of the front plug 33 can have a Y-shape. The total denier of the front plug 33 can be from about 20,000 to about 30,000, preferably from about 25,000 to about 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the front plug 33 can be 28,000.

[181] In addition, if necessary, the front plug 33 may comprise at least one channel of different cross-sectional shape.

[182] The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 disclosed above with reference to FIG. 11. Thus, a detailed disclosure of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted herein.

[183] The first segment 32a may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be formed in the form of a tube with a cavity inside. For example, the first segment 32a may be made by adding a plasticizer (for example, triacetin) to the cellulose acetate fiber. For example, the monodenier and the total denier of the first segment 32a may coincide with the monodenier and the total denier of the front plug 33.

[184] The second segment 32b may be made of cellulose acetate. The monodenier of the yarn of the second segment 32b may be from about 1.0 to about 10.0, preferably from about 8.0 to about 10.0. More preferably, the monodenier of the yarn of the second segment 32b may be 9.0. In addition, the cross-section of the yarn of the second segment 32b may have a Y-shape. The total denier of the second segment 32b may be from about 20,000 to 30,000, preferably about 25,000.

[185] One exemplary embodiment of the invention may also be implemented in the form of a storage medium containing instructions executable by a computer, such as program modules executable by a computer. A computer-readable medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, as well as removable and non-removable media. Furthermore, a computer-readable medium may be both a computer storage medium and a communication medium. A computer storage medium includes volatile media, nonvolatile media, removable media, or non-removable media implemented with any method or technology for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. A communication medium typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in modulated data signals such as program modules, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transmission media.

[186] The disclosure of the above exemplary embodiments of the invention is given only by way of example, and it should be clear to a person skilled in the art that various changes and equivalents can be made. Therefore, the protected scope of the invention should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences in the protected scope that are equivalent to those disclosed in the claims should be interpreted as falling within the protected scope defined by the claims.

[187] The features and aspects of any exemplary embodiment of the invention described above may be combined with the features and aspects of any other exemplary embodiment of the invention, provided there are no obvious technical contradictions.

Claims (15)

1. An aerosol generating device comprising: a first part of the body, containing a first part of the cover, and a first connecting part located in the first part of the cover, the first connecting part contains a first flexible flange connected to the first part of the cover and designed with the possibility of elastic deformation, and a first protrusion provided in the first flexible flange; a second part of the body, containing a second part of the cover, and a second connecting part located in the second part of the cover, the second connecting part contains a second flexible flange connected to the second part of the cover and designed with the possibility of elastic deformation, and a second protrusion provided in the second flexible flange; a third housing part comprising a third connecting part connected to the first connecting part and a fourth connecting part connected to the second connecting part, the third connecting part comprising a first groove configured to engage with the first projection, the fourth connecting part comprising a second groove configured to engage with the second projection, wherein the third housing part further comprises a first end part facing the first housing part, a second end part located opposite the first end part and facing the second housing part, and a first side part located between the first end part and the second end part, the third housing part further comprises a first recessed part surrounded by the edge of the third housing part and formed by at least partially recessing the first end part; and a heater configured to heat the article to generate an aerosol. 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first part of the lid comprises a first outer surface of the lid and a first inner surface of the lid opposite the first outer surface of the lid, and a first flexible flange protruding from the first inner surface of the lid. 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the first projection projects from the first flexible flange in an outward direction intersecting with the direction of projection of the first flexible flange. 4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first portion of the housing comprises a first access opening formed in the first portion of the cover. 5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the first access opening is formed in the central portion of the first portion of the cover. 6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the third part of the housing further comprises a first receiving opening aligned with the first access opening. 7. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first part of the housing comprises several first connecting parts located along the edge of the first part of the cover. 8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the second part of the lid comprises a second outer surface of the lid and a second inner surface of the lid opposite the second outer surface of the lid, and a second flexible flange protruding from the second inner surface of the lid. 9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein the second projection projects from the second flexible flange in an outward direction intersecting with the direction of projection of the second flexible flange. 10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the second part of the housing comprises several second connecting parts located along the edge of the second surface of the cover. 11. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heater comprises a housing containing a current collector configured to support the aerosol generating article.