阅读说明：本技术 气溶胶生成系统 (Aerosol-generating system ) 是由 韩政昊 李长昱 林宪一 李宗燮 韩大男 尹镇泳 金永来 张志洙 林旺燮 李炆峰 于 2017-11-06 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种气溶胶生成系统包括：保持器,包括末端和形成于末端的卷烟插入孔,构造成通过对插入到卷烟插入孔中的卷烟中的气溶胶生成物质进行加热来生成气溶胶；托架,包括供保持器插入的内部空间。保持器和托架中的至少一者包括通过使用磁力提高保持器与托架之间的结合强度的结合构件,托架包括用于向插入到托架的内部空间中的保持器供给电力的端子,内部空间形成于托架的一侧面而使得：当保持器插入到托架的内部空间中时,保持器在卷烟插入孔被托架完全遮挡的第一位置与保持器的卷烟插入孔从托架完全暴露的第二位置之间侧倾,即使在保持器的卷烟插入孔从托架完全暴露的第二位置,保持器也通过结合构件与托架结合,使得从托架的端子向保持器供给电力。(An aerosol-generating system comprising: a holder including a tip end and a cigarette insertion hole formed at the tip end, configured to generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substance in a cigarette inserted into the cigarette insertion hole; a bracket including an inner space into which the holder is inserted. At least one of the holder and the bracket includes a coupling member for improving coupling strength between the holder and the bracket by using a magnetic force, the bracket includes a terminal for supplying power to the holder inserted into an inner space of the bracket, the inner space is formed at one side surface of the bracket such that: when the holder is inserted into the internal space of the tray, the holder is tilted between a first position where the cigarette insertion hole is completely blocked by the tray and a second position where the cigarette insertion hole of the holder is completely exposed from the tray, and even in the second position where the cigarette insertion hole of the holder is completely exposed from the tray, the holder is coupled with the tray by the coupling member so that electric power is supplied from the terminal of the tray to the holder.)

1. An aerosol-generating system comprising:

a holder including a tip end and a cigarette insertion hole formed at the tip end, and configured to generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating substance included in a cigarette inserted into the cigarette insertion hole; and

a bracket including an inner space into which the holder is inserted, an

Wherein at least one of the holder and the bracket includes at least one coupling member for improving coupling strength between the holder and the bracket by using a magnetic force,

the bracket includes a terminal for supplying power to the holder inserted into the internal space of the bracket,

the internal space is formed at one side surface of the bracket so that: when the holder is inserted into the inner space of the tray, the holder can be tilted between a first position where the cigarette insertion hole is completely blocked by the tray and a second position where the cigarette insertion hole of the holder is completely exposed from the tray, and

even at the second position where the cigarette insertion hole of the holder is completely exposed from the tray, the holder is coupled with the tray by the coupling member so that electric power is supplied from the terminal of the tray to the holder.

2. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 1,

wherein the bracket does not include a separate cover fixing the holder inserted into the bracket.

3. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 1,

wherein the second position is a position tilted by 10 ° or more and 90 ° or less with reference to the first position.

4. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 1,

wherein the cradle further includes a display outputting information on a remaining capacity of a battery of the cradle and a button receiving a user input, an

The display and the button are disposed on a side different from the one side forming the internal space.

5. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 1,

wherein the holder comprises a heater inserted into the cigarette.

6. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 1,

wherein the holder determines whether to end the motion according to whether the user's suction number is greater than or equal to the suction limit number.

7. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 1,

wherein the holder includes a motor that generates vibration.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating method and apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for generating an aerosol as an aerosol generating substance in a cigarette is heated.

Background

There has been an increasing demand in recent years for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for methods of generating aerosols from non-burning cigarettes, i.e. methods of generating aerosols as the aerosol generating material within a cigarette is heated. Accordingly, there is an active study on a heated cigarette or a heated aerosol-generating device.

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The invention provides an aerosol generating method and device. In addition, there is provided a storage medium readable by a computer, the storage medium recording a program for executing the method in the computer. The technical problem to be solved is not limited to the technical problem described above, and there may be other technical problems.

Means for solving the problems

An aerosol-generating system comprising: a holder for heating a cigarette to generate an aerosol, and a carrier having an interior space into which the holder is inserted; the holder generates the aerosol by tilting (tilt) after being inserted into the inner space of the cradle.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

The holder heats the cigarette so that aerosol can be generated. In addition, the holder may generate aerosol in a state of being used alone, or may generate aerosol in a state of being inserted into the holder and tilted. In particular, in the case where the holder is tilted, the heater may be heated by the power of the battery of the cradle.

In addition, the heater has a smooth surface, so that the cigarette can be smoothly inserted, and the heater is prevented from being damaged due to friction in the insertion process.

In addition, the operation of the retainer can be continuously monitored regardless of the state of the retainer, for example, a state in which the retainer is coupled to the bracket and tilted, or a state in which the retainer device is separated from the bracket.

In addition, the cooling structure of the cigarette can cool the aerosol passing through the cooling structure. In particular, the cooling structure is distributed with uniform channels, which not only can make the aerosol flow smoothly, but also can improve the cooling effect of the aerosol.

In addition, the cooling structure has an effect of filtering a specific substance contained in the aerosol. In addition, the cooling structure is composed of pure polylactic acid, thereby preventing the generation of specific substances as the aerosol passes through the cooling structure.

In addition, as the aerosol passes through the cooling structure, a vortex is generated, thereby having effects of improving cooling of the aerosol, filtering of a specific substance, and the like.

Further, an aerosol-generating device (integrated type) in which the holder is coupled to the holder may be provided. According to the aerosol-generating device, the user can insert the cigarette along the accommodating passage of the accommodating portion and mount the cigarette on the aerosol-generating device. In addition, after the cigarette is used, the cigarette can be easily separated from the aerosol-generating device by a simple operation of separating the cigarette from the housing portion of the housing by the user, and thus the use is convenient.

In addition, since the housing portion can be separated from the case, the cigarette material generated during smoking and adhering to the periphery of the cigarette can be easily discharged to the outside of the case together with the housing portion.

In addition, when the accommodating part is separated from the housing, the protruding pipe and the heater are exposed to the outside, so that a user can easily perform a cleaning operation while directly checking them.

In addition, in a state where the cigarette is inserted into the housing portion of the aerosol-generating device, the protrusion protruding from the housing passage or the cigarette support protrusion of the lid comes into contact with the cigarette, and the cigarette is stably supported. Therefore, the state in which the cigarette is housed in the aerosol-generating device can be stably maintained during use of the aerosol-generating device, and thus the user can enjoy the aerosol-generating device safely.

In addition, since the protruding portion is in contact with a part of the outer surface of the cigarette, a flow path through which air can pass is formed between the housing passage and the cigarette, and thus, external air for assisting in aerosol generation can be supplied sufficiently smoothly into the aerosol-generating device.

In addition, by reducing the contact area between the cigarette and the inner surface of the housing passage, the heat transfer area for transferring heat from the cigarette to the housing can be reduced.

In addition, since the cigarette and the receiving passage are spaced apart from each other, the cigarette can be easily inserted into the receiving passage of the receiving portion even if the heater is inserted into the cigarette to expand the cigarette. If there is no space left between the cigarette and the housing, the outer wall of the cigarette expands during insertion of the heater into the cigarette, resulting in an increase in friction between the cigarette and the housing, and thus it becomes difficult to insert the cigarette into the housing.

Further, the housing portion can be cooled by allowing the outside air flow to flow into the space formed between the cigarette outer surface and the housing passage.

In addition, the air flowing into the cigarette can be preheated by the structure of the aerosol generating device provided with the accommodating passage and the protruding portion.

Further, since the mechanism for moving the aerosol-generating device in a state where the housing is not separated from the aerosol-generating device is not employed, the number of components is reduced, the overall structure of the aerosol-generating device is simplified, and the problem of frequent failure and the like associated with the movable housing can be prevented.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an aerosol-generating device.

Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the heater.

Fig. 3 is a view for explaining an example of the step surface shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of the conductive track.

Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the heater, the battery, and the control unit shown in fig. 1 are connected together.

Fig. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating an example of the retainer from a plurality of sides.

Fig. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the carriage.

Fig. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating an example of a bracket from a plurality of sides.

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of insertion of the holder into the bracket.

Fig. 10 is a view showing an example of the roll in a state where the retainer is inserted into the bracket.

Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of smoking operation using a holder disposed to face the holder.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart of a method of counting the number of puffs in the case where the holder is tilted and separated.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart of a method of counting the actuation time in the case where the retainer is tilted and detached.

Fig. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of the number of times of suction by the holder.

Fig. 15 is a diagram for explaining another example of the number of times of suction by the holder.

Fig. 16A and 16B are views for explaining still another example of counting the number of times of suction by the holder.

Fig. 17 is a diagram for explaining a method of counting the operation time by the holder.

Fig. 18A to 18B are diagrams illustrating an example in which the holder is inserted into the bracket.

Fig. 19 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the holder and the carriage.

Fig. 20 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the retainer operation.

Fig. 21 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the carriage operation.

Fig. 22 is a view showing an example of inserting a cigarette into a holder.

Fig. 23A and 23B are structural diagrams showing an example of a cigarette.

Fig. 24A and 24B are diagrams for explaining an example of the fiber bundle.

Fig. 25 is a diagram for explaining another example of the fiber bundle.

Fig. 26A and 26B are diagrams for explaining an example of a cooling structure including a single longitudinal channel.

Fig. 27A to 27C are views for explaining another example of the cooling structure including a single longitudinal passage.

Fig. 28A and 28B are views for explaining still another example of the cooling structure including a single longitudinal passage.

Fig. 29 is a diagram for explaining an example of a cooling structure filled inside.

Fig. 30A and 30B are views for explaining another example of the cooling structure filled therein.

Fig. 31 is a diagram for explaining still another example of the cooling structure filled therein.

Fig. 32A to 32B are diagrams for explaining an example of a cooling structure having a plurality of channels.

Fig. 33 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the inside of a cooling structure having a plurality of channels is filled.

Fig. 34A to 34E are views for explaining another example of the cooling structure having a plurality of channels.

Fig. 35 is a diagram for explaining an example of the sheet-like cooling structure.

Fig. 36A and 36B are views for explaining another example of the sheet-like cooling structure.

Fig. 37 is a diagram for explaining an example of the granular cooling structure.

Fig. 38A to 38C are views for explaining an example of a cooling structure made of an implant.

Figure 39 is a side view of an aerosol-generating device of another embodiment.

Figure 40A is a perspective view of the aerosol-generating device of the embodiment shown in figure 39.

Figure 40B is a perspective view schematically illustrating the operation of the aerosol-generating device of the embodiment shown in figure 40A.

Figure 41A is a side view schematically illustrating another operating state of the aerosol-generating device of the embodiment shown in figure 40A.

Figure 41B is a side view schematically illustrating yet another operating state of the aerosol-generating device of the embodiment shown in figure 40A.

Figure 42 is a side view schematically illustrating yet another operating state of the aerosol-generating device of the embodiment shown in figure 40A.

Figure 43 is a perspective view showing the aerosol-generating device of the embodiment shown in figure 42 from another angle.

Figure 44 is a top view of a portion of the components of the aerosol-generating device of the embodiment shown in figure 43.

Figure 45 is a perspective view from a further angle showing the aerosol-generating device of the embodiment shown in figure 42.

Figure 46 is a side sectional view in partial cross-section showing a portion of the components of the aerosol-generating device of the embodiment shown in figure 41.

Figure 47 is an enlarged view of a portion of the aerosol-generating device of the embodiment shown in figure 46 enlarged to show air flow.

Fig. 48 is an enlarged view showing a part of the aerosol-generating device of the embodiment shown in fig. 47 in an enlarged manner.

Figure 49 is a side sectional view, partially enlarged, of an aerosol-generating device according to a further embodiment.

Figure 50 is an enlarged side sectional view of a portion of an aerosol-generating device according to yet another embodiment.

Figure 51 is an enlarged side sectional view of a portion of an aerosol-generating device according to yet another embodiment.

Figure 52 is a side sectional view, partially in full, showing an aerosol-generating device according to yet another embodiment.

Figure 53 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the operation of an aerosol-generating device according to yet another embodiment.

Figure 54 is a perspective view showing the aerosol-generating device of the embodiment of figure 53 with a portion of the components removed in operation.

Figure 55 is a side sectional view showing a portion of the components of the aerosol-generating device shown in figure 54.

Fig. 56 is a perspective view showing an operation state in which a part of components is separated from the aerosol-generating device shown in fig. 53.

Figure 57 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the components of the aerosol-generating device of the embodiment shown in figure 54.

Fig. 58 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an operating state when a part of the components shown in fig. 57 is used.

Detailed Description

An aerosol-generating system comprising: a holder for heating a cigarette to generate an aerosol, and a carrier having an interior space into which the holder is inserted; the holder generates the aerosol by tilting (tilt) after being inserted into the inner space of the cradle.

In the aerosol-generating system, the holder may be tilted by 5 ° or more and 90 ° or less with reference to a state in which the holder is inserted into the holder.

In the aerosol-generating system described above, when the holder is tilted, the holder heats the heater provided in the holder by electric power supplied from a battery provided in the cradle.

The heater includes: a heating part including a tubular base part and a top part formed at one end of the base part; a first sheet material having conductive tracks formed on both surfaces thereof, and surrounding at least a part of an outer peripheral surface of the base; a second sheet having rigidity and surrounding at least a portion of the first sheet; and a coating layer for flattening a stepped surface (stepped surface) formed by a laminated structure including the heating section, the first sheet, and the second sheet

In the above heater, the coating layer comprises a heat-resistant composition.

In the above heater, the plurality of conductive tracks includes: a first conductive track formed on a first surface of both end surfaces of the first sheet, and having a temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic for detecting a temperature of the heating portion; and a second conductive track formed on a second surface of both end surfaces of the first sheet, and configured to heat the heating portion in response to a current flowing therein.

An aerosol-generating system comprising: the method comprises the following steps: a holder that heats an inserted cigarette, thereby generating aerosol, in a case where the cigarette is inserted; a holder provided with an internal space for accommodating the holder, the internal space being tilted (tilt) together with the holder so that the cigarette can be inserted into the holder in a state where the holder is accommodated in the internal space. The holder accumulatively monitors smoking patterns in a first state in which the holder is tilted from the holder and a second state in which the holder is separated from the holder, and determines whether the accumulatively monitored smoking patterns satisfy a smoking restriction condition.

In the aerosol-generating system described above, when smoking is performed in the first state and then smoking is performed in the second state, the holder accumulates the smoking pattern monitored in the second state to the smoking pattern monitored in the first state; when the accumulated smoking pattern satisfies the smoking restriction condition, the holder controls a heater in the holder to interrupt heating of the inserted cigarette.

In the aerosol-generating system described above, when a user smokes in the second state and then smokes in the first state, the holder accumulates the smoking pattern monitored in the first state to the smoking pattern monitored in the second state; when the accumulated smoking pattern satisfies the smoking restriction condition, the holder controls a heater in the holder to interrupt heating of the inserted cigarette.

An aerosol-generating device comprising: a housing; a hollow protruding tube protruding from one end of the housing and having an opening opened to the outside; a heater provided to the case in such a manner that an end portion thereof is positioned inside the protruding tube, and generating heat when an electric signal is applied thereto; and an accommodating portion that is provided with a side wall, an insertion hole, and a bottom wall, and that can be inserted into the protruding tube through the opening of the protruding tube or separated from the protruding tube, wherein the side wall forms an accommodating passage for accommodating a cigarette, the insertion hole is opened from one end of the accommodating passage to the outside so as to allow the cigarette to be inserted, and the bottom wall has a heater hole that closes the other end of the accommodating passage and allows the end of the heater to pass therethrough.

In the aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating system may further include a cap having an external hole through which the insertion hole of the housing portion is exposed to the outside, and the cap may be coupled to the one end portion of the housing so as to cover the housing portion and may be separated from the housing.

In the aerosol-generating device, an external air inflow gap is formed at a joint between the cover and the housing, and the external air inflow gap allows air outside the cover to flow into the cover; the accommodating portion further includes an outer wall surrounding the side wall and spaced apart from the side wall radially outward of the side wall; coupling the receiving portion with the protruding tube by inserting the protruding tube between the outer wall and the sidewall; an air flow common gap is formed at the joint of the outer wall of the accommodating part and the protruding pipe, and the air flow common gap enables the air outside the accommodating part to flow into the inner side of the accommodating part; the protruding tube is further provided with an air hole which allows air to flow toward the end of the cigarette accommodated in the accommodating portion.

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 fiber bundle.

In the aerosol-generating article, the fiber bundle is made of a biodegradable polymer material including at least one of polylactic acid (PLA), Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), cellulose acetate, poly-caprolactone (PCL), polyglycolic acid (PGA), Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and thermoplastic starch resins.

In the above aerosol-generating article, the fiber bundle is produced by weaving the at least one fiber filament.

Terms used in the embodiments are general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible in consideration of the effects of the present invention, but the terms may be changed according to the intention of those skilled in the art, precedent cases, or the emergence of new technology in the field. In addition, the applicant can arbitrarily select some terms in a specific case, and in this case, the meanings of the selected terms will be described in detail in the description part of the present specification. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the contents of the entire specification, not the simple names of the terms.

Throughout the specification, when a portion "includes" a component, it means that the portion may include other components but not exclude other components unless there is a characteristic description contrary to the portion. In addition, terms such as "part" and "module" described in the specification refer to a unit that performs at least one action or operation, and may be implemented in hardware or software, or implemented as a combination of hardware and software.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily carry out the embodiments. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an aerosol-generating device.

Referring to fig. 1, an aerosol-generating device 1 (hereinafter referred to as a "holder") includes a battery 110, a control unit 120, and a heater 130. In addition, the holder 1 has an internal space formed by the case 140. A cigarette can be inserted into the inner space of the holder 1.

The holder 1 shown in fig. 1 shows only the components relevant to the present embodiment. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present embodiment relates will appreciate that the retainer 1 may also include conventional components other than those shown in FIG. 1.

The cigarette is inserted into the holder 1, and the holder 1 heats the heater 130. By the heated heater 130, the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance in the cigarette rises, thereby generating an aerosol. The generated aerosol is delivered to the user through the filter of the cigarette. However, in the case where the cigarette is not inserted into the holder 1, the holder 1 may heat the heater 130.

The housing 140 can be detached from the holder 1. For example, the user rotates the housing 140 in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction, so that the housing 140 can be separated from the holder 1.

Further, the diameter of the hole formed by the end 141 of the case 140 may be made smaller than the diameter of the space formed by the case 140 and the heater 130, and in this case, the function of guiding the cigarette inserted into the holder 1 can be exerted.

The battery 110 supplies electric power for operating the holder 1. For example, battery 110 can supply power to heat heater 130 and supply power necessary for operation of controller 120. The battery 110 can supply power necessary for operations of a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like provided in the holder 1.

The battery 110 may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, but is not limited to the above example. For example, the battery 110 may be a lithium cobaltate (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, or the like.

In addition, the battery 110 may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 10mm and a length of 37mm, but is not limited thereto. The battery 110 may have a capacity of 120mAh or more, and may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, in the case where the battery 110 is a rechargeable battery, the charging rate (C-rate) of the battery 110 may be 10C and the discharging rate (C-rate) may be 16C to 20C, but is not limited thereto. For stable use, the battery 110 can be manufactured so as to ensure 80% or more of the total capacity even when 8000 times of charge/discharge are performed.

Here, whether the battery 110 is fully charged and fully discharged may be determined according to a level of the power stored in the battery 110 with respect to the total capacity of the battery 110. For example, when the electric power stored in battery 110 is 95% or more of the total capacity, it can be determined that battery 110 is fully charged. When the electric power stored in battery 110 is 10% or less of the total capacity, it can be determined that battery 110 is completely discharged. However, the criterion for determining whether or not the battery 110 is fully charged and fully discharged is not limited to the above example.

Heater 130 is heated by power supplied from battery 110. When a cigarette is inserted into holder 1, heater 130 is located inside the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 130 can raise the temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the cigarette.

Heater 130 may be a combination of cylindrical and conical shapes. The diameter of heater 130 may be suitably sized in the range of 2mm to 3 mm. Preferably, heater 130 may be fabricated to have a diameter of 2.15mm, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the length of heater 130 may be suitably sized in the range of 20mm to 30 mm. Preferably, heater 130 may be fabricated to have a length of 19mm, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the end 131 of the heater 130 may be terminated at an acute angle, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the heater 130 is not limited as long as it has a shape that can be inserted into the inside of a cigarette. In addition, heater 130 may be heated only partially. For example, assuming that heater 130 has a length of 19mm, only a portion from end 131 to 12mm of heater 130 may be heated, and the remaining portion of heater 130 may not be heated.

Heater 130 may be a resistive heater. For example, a conductive track (track) is included in heater 130, and heater 130 may be heated as current flows in the conductive track.

In order to be used safely, the heater 130 may be supplied with power of 3.2V, 2.4A, 8W, but is not limited thereto. For example, in the case of supplying power to heater 130, the surface temperature of heater 130 may rise to 400 ℃ or higher. The surface temperature of heater 130 may rise to about 350 c before more than 15 seconds from the start of supplying power to heater 130.

Hereinafter, the structure of heater 130 will be specifically described with reference to fig. 2 to 5.

Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the heater.

Referring to fig. 2, the heater 130 may include a heating part 1315, a first sheet 1325 surrounding a part of the heating part 1315, a second sheet 1335 protecting the first sheet 1325, and a coating layer 1345.

According to an embodiment, the heating section 1315 may be in a bee-needle shape (e.g., a combined shape of a cylinder and a cone). In addition, the heating section 1315 may include a base and a top. For example, the base of the heating section 1315 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the top of the heating section 1315 may be formed at one end of the base for easy insertion into the aerosol-forming substrate. At this time, the base and the top may be integrally formed. Alternatively, the base and top portions may be separately fabricated and then joined.

The heating section 1315 may include a heat conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may include ceramic (ceramic) including Alumina (Alumina) or zirconia (zirconia), etc., anodized (anodizing) metal, coated metal, Polyimide (PI), etc., but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the first sheet 1325 may surround at least a portion of the heating section 1315. For example, first sheet 1325 may surround at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the base of heater 130. Conductive tracks may be formed on both end surfaces of the first sheet 1325.

In addition, the first conductive tracks formed on one of the two end faces of the first sheet 1325 can receive power from the battery. The temperature of the conductive tracks may rise as current flows in the first conductive track. In addition, as the temperature of the conductive track rises, heat is transferred to the heating part 1315 adjacent to the conductive track, and the heating part 1315 is heated.

The heating temperature of the first electrically conductive track can be determined as the resistance of the first electrically conductive track is consumed. In addition, the resistance value of the first conductive track may be set based on the power consumption of the resistance of the first conductive track.

For example, the resistance value of the first conductive track may have a value between 0.5ohm and 1.2ohm at 25 degrees celsius at normal temperature, but is not limited thereto. At this time, the resistance value of the first conductive track may be set according to the composition, length, width, thickness and pattern of the first conductive track.

The first conductive track has a temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic, and the internal resistance can increase along with the temperature rise. For example, the temperature of the first electrically conductive track and the magnitude of the resistance may be proportional within a specified temperature interval.

For example, a predetermined voltage may be applied to the first conductive track, and the current flowing through the first conductive track may be measured by a current sensor. In addition, the resistance of the first conductive track can be calculated by the ratio of the measured current to the applied voltage. Based on the calculated resistance, the temperature of the first conductive track or the heating portion 1315 can be estimated from the temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic of the first conductive track.

For example, the first conductive track can comprise tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium, or combinations thereof. In addition, the first conductive track may be doped with a suitable doping material, which may also comprise an alloy.

One or the other of both end surfaces of the first sheet 1325 may have a second conductive track with a resistance-temperature coefficient characteristic used for detecting the temperature of the heating section 1315. The second conductive track may have a temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic, and the magnitude of the internal resistance may increase as the temperature rises. For example, the temperature of the second electrically conductive track may be proportional to the magnitude of the resistance within a specified temperature interval.

The second conductive track may be disposed adjacent to the heating portion 1315. Accordingly, when the temperature of the heating portion 1315 increases, the temperature of the adjacent second conductive track may also increase. When a prescribed voltage is applied to the second conductive track, the current flowing through the second conductive track can be measured by the current sensor. In addition, the resistance of the second conductive track can be determined by the ratio of the measured current and the applied voltage. The temperature of the heating portion 1315 may be determined according to a temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic of the second conductive track based on the determined resistance.

The resistance value of the second conductive track may change depending on the temperature of the second conductive track. Thus, based on the change in the resistance value of the second electrically conductive track, a change in the temperature of the second electrically conductive track can be determined. For example, the resistance value of the second conductive track may be between 7ohm and 18ohm at normal temperature 25 degrees celsius, but is not limited thereto. At this time, the resistance value of the second conductive track can be set according to the composition, length, width, thickness and pattern of the second conductive track.

For example, the second conductive track can comprise tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium, or combinations thereof. In addition, the second conductive track may be doped with a suitable doping material, which may also comprise an alloy.

The first electrically conductive track may be connected to the battery by an electrical connection. As described above, the temperature of the first electrically conductive track may rise as power is drawn from the battery.

The second conductive track may comprise an electrical connection to which a Direct Current (DC) voltage is applied. The electrical connection of the second conductive track is separate from the electrical connection of the first conductive track. In addition, in the case where the DC voltage applied to the second conductive track is at a prescribed level, the magnitude of the current flowing through the second conductive track can be determined based on the resistance of the second conductive track.

The second conductive track may be connected to an operational Amplifier (OP Amp). The OP Amp may include: a power supply unit that obtains DC power from outside; an input electrically connected to the second conductive track for obtaining a DC voltage and/or current; and an output unit for outputting a signal based on the DC voltage and/or current applied to the input unit.

The OP Amp may obtain a DC voltage through the power supply. In addition, the OP Amp may obtain a DC voltage through an input. At this time, the magnitude of the DC voltage applied through the input part of the OP Amp may be the same as the magnitude of the DC voltage applied through the power supply part of the OP Amp. In addition, the DC voltage applied to the input of the OP Amp may be the same as the DC voltage applied to the electrical connection of the second conductive track.

The electrical connection of the second electrically conductive track and the input of the OP Amp are separable from the electrical connection of the first electrically conductive track.

The resistance value of the second electrically conductive track may change as the temperature of the second electrically conductive track changes. Therefore, the second conductive track functions as a variable resistor using temperature as a control variable, and the current flowing into the input portion of the OP Amp electrically connected to the second conductive track changes as the resistance value of the second conductive track changes. As the resistance value of the second conductive track increases, the current flowing into the input portion of the OP Amp electrically connected to the second conductive track decreases. At this time, even if the resistance value of the second conductive track varies, the DC voltage applied to the input portion of the OP Amp is fixed.

As the current introduced into the input portion of the OP Amp changes, the voltage and/or current of the signal output from the output portion of the OP Amp may change. For example, as the input current of the OP Amp increases, the output voltage of the OP Amp may increase. As another example, as the input current of the OP Amp increases, the output voltage of the OP Amp may decrease.

Further, when a predetermined DC voltage is applied to the input portion of the OP Amp, the relationship between the temperature of the second conductive track and the resistance value, the relationship between the resistance value of the second conductive track and the input current applied to the OP Amp, and the relationship between the input current and the output voltage of the OP Amp can be obtained or set through experiments. Therefore, by measuring the output voltage of the OP Amp and/or the change in the output voltage, the temperature of the second conductive track and/or the change in the temperature can be detected.

For example, the OP Amp has a characteristic that the voltage of the output portion of the OP Amp increases with an increase in the input current flowing into the input portion. In this case, the temperature of the heater rises as power is supplied to the first conductive track. Thereby, the temperature of the second conductive track rises. At this time, the resistance of the second conductive track increases so that the magnitude of the input current applied to the input of the OP Amp may decrease. Thereby, the voltage of the output part of the OP Amp decreases. In contrast, if the power supply to the first conductive track is cut off or the power supply to the first conductive track is reduced, the temperature of the heater is caused to fall, and the voltage of the output portion of the OP amp rises.

As another example, the OP Amp may have a characteristic in which the voltage of the output portion decreases as the input current flowing into the input portion increases. In this case, the temperature of the heater rises as power is supplied to the first conductive track. Thereby, the temperature of the second conductive track rises. At this time, the resistance of the second conductive track increases so that the magnitude of the input current applied to the input of the OP Amp may decrease. Thereby, the voltage of the output part of the OP Amp rises. In contrast, if the power supply to the first conductive track is cut off or the power supply to the first conductive track is reduced, a temperature drop of the heater is caused, and thus the voltage of the output portion of the OP amp is reduced.

The output of the OP Amp may be connected to the processor. For example, the processor may be a MicroController (MCU). The processor may detect a temperature of the second conductive track or the heating portion based on the output voltage of the OP Amp. In addition, the processor may adjust a supply voltage supplied to the first conductive track based on the temperature of the heating portion.

According to an embodiment, the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace can be respectively formed on two end surfaces of the first sheet 1325. For example, a first conductive track may be provided on one surface of the two end surfaces of the first sheet 1325 that is in contact with the heating portion 1315, and a second conductive track may be provided on the other surface. As another example, the second conductive track may be provided on one surface of the both end surfaces of the first sheet 1325 which is in contact with the heating portion 1315, and the first conductive track may be provided on the other surface.

According to another embodiment, the first conductive track and the second conductive track can be disposed on the same one of the two end surfaces of the first sheet 1325. For example, the first conductive track and the second conductive track may be provided on one surface of the two end surfaces of the first sheet 1325 which is in contact with the heating portion 1315. As another example, the first conductive track and the second conductive track may be provided on one surface of the both end surfaces of the first sheet 1325 which is not in contact with the heating portion 1315.

For example, the first sheet 1325 may be a green sheet (green sheet) composed of a ceramic composite material. In this case, the ceramic may contain a compound of alumina, zirconia, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, second sheet 1335 may surround at least a portion of first sheet 1325. In addition, the second sheet 1335 may have rigidity.

Thus, the second sheet 1335 protects the first sheet 1325 and the electrically conductive tracks when the heater 130 is inserted into an aerosol-forming substrate.

For example, the second sheet 1335 may be a green sheet composed of a ceramic composite material. In this case, the ceramic may include, but is not limited to, alumina, zirconia, and the like.

To facilitate insertion of heater 130 into cigarette 3 and to improve the durability of heater 130, glaze (glaze) may be applied to second sheet 1335. As second sheet 1335 is coated with glaze, the rigidity of second sheet 1335 may be increased.

The heating section 1315, the first sheet 1325, and the second sheet 1335 may be each selectively produced from the same material group, for example, ceramics of a compound such as alumina or zirconia.

In addition, the first conductive track and the second conductive track may be selectively made from the same material group, for example, tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium, or a combination thereof. In this case, even when the composition of the first conductive track is the same as that of the second conductive track, the resistance values of the first conductive track and the second conductive track may be different depending on the length, width, or pattern of the tracks.

According to an embodiment, a first conductive track for heating the heating part 1315 may be provided to the heating part 1315, the first sheet 1325, or the second sheet 1335. Alternatively, like the first conductive track, a plurality of conductive tracks for heating the heating section 1315 may be provided in at least one of the heating section 1315, the first sheet 1325, and the second sheet 1335.

According to an embodiment, a second conductive track for detecting the temperature of the heating part 1315 may be provided to the heating part 1315, the first sheet 1325, or the second sheet 1335. Alternatively, a plurality of conductive tracks for detecting the temperature of the heating section 1315 may be provided in at least one of the heating section 1315, the first sheet 1325, and the second sheet 1335, like the second conductive track.

According to an embodiment, a first conductive track for heating the heating part 1315 and a second conductive track for detecting the temperature of the heating part 1315 may be provided at the same portion in the heating part 1315, the first sheet 1325, and the second sheet 1335, respectively. Alternatively, a first conductive track for heating the heating section 1315 and a second conductive track for detecting the temperature of the heating section 1315 may be provided at different positions in the heating section 1315, the first sheet 1325, and the second sheet 1335, respectively.

According to an embodiment, since the heater 130 has the coating layer 1345, a stepped surface (stepped surface) formed by a laminated structure having the heating part 1315, the first sheet 1325, and the second sheet 1335 may be flattened. For example, the step 1355 may be formed by an edge of the first sheet 1325 being inconsistent with an edge of the second sheet 1335 or by a difference in thickness between the first sheet 1325 and the second sheet 1335. For example, due to step face 1355, friction may be increased when heater 130 is inserted into an aerosol-forming substrate. In addition, deposits or residues generated from the aerosol-forming substrate may pool into step surface 1355, thereby contaminating heater 130, resulting in reduced performance of heater 130, such as reduced thermal conductivity of heater 130. Therefore, in order to flatten step surface 1355, coating 1345 may be formed on the outer surface of heater 130.

The outer surface of heater 130 formed by coating 1345 may include: the top of the coating 1345, corresponding to the top of the heating section 1315; and a base portion of the coating 1345, corresponding to the base portion of the heating unit 1315, the first sheet 1325, and the second sheet 1335. At this time, a portion from the top of the coating layer 1345 to the base of the coating layer 1345 may have a smooth outer surface without the step surface 1355 or the unevenness.

Coating 1345 can comprise a heat resistant composition. For example, the coating 1345 may include a single coating such as a glass film coating, a polytetrafluoroethylene coating, and a teflon coating, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the coating 1345 may include a composite coating in which two or more of a glass film coating, a teflon coating, and a teflon coating are combined, but is not limited thereto.

Fig. 3 is a view for explaining an example of the step surface shown in fig. 2.

Referring to fig. 3, a stepped surface 1355 is formed by the base of heater 130, and first sheet 1325 and second sheet 1335 surrounding the base.

For example, due to the thickness of the first sheet 1325, a terrace (terrace)1321 may be formed. In addition, a step 1331 may be formed due to the thickness of the second sheet material 1335.

Further, since the boundary line between the top and the base of the heating portion does not match the edge of the first sheet 1325, a step 1311 can be formed. In addition, a step 1322 may be formed because the edge of the first sheet 1325 does not coincide with the edge of the second sheet 1335.

At this point, deposits or debris from the aerosol-forming substrate may collect into the space formed by step face 1355, thereby contaminating heater 130. Referring to fig. 2, as described above, the coating 1345 may fill the gap created by the step face 1355, flattening the step face 1355.

Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of the conductive track.

The first face 1351 of the first sheet 225 may include first electrically conductive tracks 1352 and the second face 1353 may include second electrically conductive tracks 1354.

As current flows inside the first conductive track 1352, the heating part 1315 of the heater 130 may be heated. The conductive tracks may be connected to an external power source via connectors. In addition, as power is supplied from an external power supply to the conductive tracks, current flows inside the conductive tracks. This causes the conductive tracks to generate heat, and the heat is transferred to the adjacent heating section 1315, thereby heating the heating section 1315.

For example, the first conductive tracks 1352 of the first face 1351 may be formed in a variety of patterns, such as a curved pattern, a mesh pattern, and the like.

A second conductive track 1354 having a temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic used for detecting the temperature of the heating part 1315 may be provided on the second face 1353 of the first sheet 1325. As described above, according to the temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic, the magnitude of the internal resistance of the second conductive track 1354 may increase as the temperature rises. For example, the temperature of the second conductive track 1354 may be proportional to the magnitude of the resistance within a specified temperature interval.

The second conductive track 1354 may be disposed adjacent to the heating portion 1315. For example, as the heating portion 1315 is heated, heat may be transferred from the heating portion 1315 to the second conductive tracks 1354. As the temperature of the heating portion 1315 rises, the temperature of the second conductive track 1354 also rises, and the resistance of the second conductive track 1354 may increase. In contrast, when the temperature of the heating portion 1315 decreases, the temperature of the second conductive track 1354 also decreases, and at the same time, the resistance of the second conductive track 1354 may decrease.

The second conductive track 1354 may be connected to the control portion by a connector. For example, the second conductive track 1354 may be connected to a processor for controlling the temperature of the heating part 1315, for example, the second conductive track 1354 may be connected to a control part. The temperature of the heating part 1315 can be determined from the determined resistance by determining the resistance of the second conductive track 1354 from the voltage and current of the second conductive track 1354 using the relationship between the resistance of the second conductive track 1354 and the temperature. Based on the temperature determined with the second conductive track 1354, the power supplied to the first conductive track 1352 may be adjusted.

In order to obtain temperature from the heating part 1315, a second conductive track 1354 may be disposed adjacent to the heating part 1315. In addition, the first conductive traces 1352 of the second face 1353 may be formed in various patterns, such as a curved pattern, a mesh pattern, and the like.

The first surface 1351 having the first conductive tracks 1352 may be one of both end surfaces of the first sheet 1325 that is in contact with the heating portion 1315, and the second surface 1353 having the second conductive tracks 1354 may be the other surface that is not in contact with the heating portion 1315. In contrast, the second face 1353 having the second conductive tracks 1354 may be one face in contact with the heating part 1315, and the first face 1351 having the first conductive tracks 1352 may be the other face not in contact with the heating part 1315.

Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which the first conductive tracks 1352 and the second conductive tracks 1354 are respectively disposed on two end surfaces of the first sheet 1325, and the first conductive tracks 1352 and the second conductive tracks 1354 may be formed on the same surface of the first sheet 1325 as described above.

Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the heater, the battery, and the control unit shown in fig. 1 are connected together.

Referring to fig. 5, the holder 1 may include a heater 130, a battery 110, and a control part 120. Heater 130 of fig. 5 is the same as heater 130 described in detail with reference to fig. 1 to 4, and thus detailed description of heater 130 is omitted.

Battery 110 may be connected to heater 130 through first connector 1361. For example, battery 110 may be electrically connected to a first electrically conductive track of a first sheet of heater 130, supplying power to the first electrically conductive track.

The battery 110 may include a circuit portion for supplying power and electricity. For example, the battery 110 may provide a supply voltage to a first conductive track through a first connector 1361. The supply voltage may be a direct current or alternating current voltage, a pulse voltage having a predetermined period, or a pulse voltage that varies periodically, but is not limited thereto.

The control section 120 may include a processor. For example, the processor may be an MCU, but is not limited thereto.

Control portion 120 may be connected to heater 130 through second connector 1362. For example, control portion 120 may be electrically connected with a second electrically conductive track of a first sheet of heater 130, thereby enabling determination of the temperature of heater 130. Further, control unit 120 can adjust the temperature of heater 130 based on the determined temperature of heater 130. For example, control portion 120 determines whether to adjust the temperature of heater 130 based on the determined temperature of heater 130. Control unit 120 adjusts the power supplied from battery 110 to heater 130 in accordance with the determination that the temperature of heater 130 is to be adjusted. For example, control unit 120 may adjust the magnitude or period of the pulse voltage supplied from battery 110 to heater 130.

Control section 120 for one embodiment may comprise an OP Amp.

The second conductive track may be connected to the OP Amp via a second connector 1362. The OP Amp may include: a power supply unit for obtaining DC power supply from outside; an input electrically connected to the second conductive track for obtaining a DC voltage and/or current; and an output unit for outputting an electric signal based on the DC voltage and/or current applied to the input unit.

The OP Amp may obtain a DC voltage through the power supply. In addition, the OP Amp may obtain a DC voltage through an input. At this time, the magnitude of the DC voltage applied through the input part of the OP Amp may be the same as the magnitude of the DC voltage applied through the power supply part of the OP Amp. In addition, the DC voltage applied to the input of the OP Amp may be the same as the DC voltage applied to the second connector 1362 of the second conductive track.

The second connector 1362 of the second conductive track and the input of the OP Amp can be disconnected from the first connector 1361 of the first conductive track.

The resistance value of the second electrically conductive track may change as the temperature of the second electrically conductive track changes. Therefore, the second conductive track functions as a variable resistor using temperature as a control variable, and the current flowing into the input portion of the OP Amp electrically connected to the second conductive track changes as the resistance value of the second conductive track changes. As the resistance value of the second conductive track increases, the current flowing into the input portion of the OP Amp electrically connected to the second conductive track decreases. At this time, even if the resistance value of the second conductive track varies, the DC voltage applied to the input portion of the OP Amp may be fixed.

As the current introduced into the input portion of the OP Amp changes, the voltage and/or current of the signal output from the output portion of the OP Amp may change. For example, as the input current of the OP Amp increases, the output voltage of the OP Amp may increase. As another example, as the input current of the OP Amp increases, the output voltage of the OP Amp may decrease.

Further, when a predetermined DC voltage is applied to the input portion of the OP Amp, the relationship between the temperature of the second conductive track and the resistance value, the relationship between the resistance value of the second conductive track and the input current applied to the OP Amp, and the relationship between the input current and the output voltage of the OP Amp can be obtained or set through experiments. Therefore, by measuring the output voltage of the OP Amp and/or the change in the output voltage, the temperature of the second conductive track and/or the change in the temperature can be detected.

For example, the OP Amp has a characteristic that the voltage of the output portion of the OP Amp increases with an increase in the input current flowing into the input portion. In this case, as power is supplied to the first conductive track, the temperature of the heater rises. Thereby, the temperature of the second conductive track rises. At this time, the resistance of the second conductive track increases so that the magnitude of the input current applied to the input of the OP Amp may decrease. Thereby, the voltage of the output part of the OP Amp decreases. In contrast, if the power supply to the first conductive track is cut off or the power supply to the first conductive track is reduced, the temperature of the heater is lowered, and the voltage of the output portion of the OP Amp is increased.

As another example, the OP Amp may have a characteristic in which the voltage of the output portion decreases as the input current flowing into the input portion increases. In this case, the temperature of the heater rises as power is supplied to the first conductive track. Thereby, the temperature of the second conductive track rises. At this time, the resistance of the second conductive track increases so that the magnitude of the input current applied to the input of the OP Amp may decrease. Thereby, the voltage of the output part of the OP Amp rises. In contrast, if the power supply to the first conductive track is cut off or the power supply to the first conductive track is reduced, a temperature drop of the heater is caused, and thus the voltage of the output portion of the OP amp is reduced.

The output of the OP Amp may be connected to the processor. For example, the processor may be a Microcontroller (MCU). The processor may detect a temperature of the second conductive track or the heating portion based on the output voltage of the OP Amp. In addition, the processor may adjust a supply voltage supplied to the first conductive track based on the temperature of the heating portion.

Referring again to fig. 1, the holder 1 may be provided with a separate temperature detection sensor. Alternatively, the holder 1 may not have a temperature detection sensor, but the heater 130 may function as a temperature detection sensor. Alternatively, the heater 130 of the holder 1 functions as a temperature detection sensor, and the holder 1 is further provided with a separate temperature detection sensor. In order to allow heater 130 to function as a temperature detection sensor, heater 130 may be provided with at least one conductive track for detecting heat generation and temperature. In addition, the heater 130 may be further provided with a second conductive track for temperature detection in addition to the first conductive track for heat generation.

For example, the resistance R can be determined if the voltage across the second conductive track and the current flowing through the second conductive track are measured. At this time, the temperature T of the second conductive track may be determined by the following mathematical formula 1.

Mathematical formula 1

R＝R₀{1+α(T-T₀)}

In mathematical formula 1, R represents the current resistance value of the second conductive track, R0 represents the resistance value at a temperature T0 (e.g., 0 ℃), and α represents the temperature coefficient of resistance of the second conductive track. The conductive material (e.g. metal) has an inherent temperature coefficient of resistance, so a can be predetermined depending on the conductive material constituting the second conductive track. Therefore, when the resistance R of the second conductive track is determined, the temperature T of the second conductive track can be calculated from the equation 1.

The heater 130 may be formed of at least one conductive track (a first conductive track and a second conductive track). For example, the heater 130 may be composed of two first conductive tracks and one or two second conductive tracks, but is not limited thereto.

The conductive tracks comprise resistive material. As an example, the conductive tracks are made of a metallic material. As another example, the conductive tracks may be made of conductive ceramic materials, carbon, metal alloys or composite materials of ceramic materials and metals.

The holder 1 may have both a conductive track and a temperature detection sensor that function as a temperature detection sensor.

The control unit 120 controls the operation of the holder 1 as a whole. Specifically, the control unit 120 controls the operation of other members in the holder 1 in addition to the battery 110 and the heater 130. Further, the control unit 120 can also determine whether or not the retainer 1 is in a movable state by checking the state of each configuration of the retainer 1.

The control part 120 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as a plurality of logic gate arrays, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. In addition, a person skilled in the art of the present embodiment can know that the present embodiment can be implemented by other forms of hard disks.

For example, control unit 120 can control the operation of heater 130. Control unit 120 can control the amount of power supplied to heater 130 and the timing of power supply so that heater 130 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or can maintain an appropriate temperature. The control unit 120 can check the state of the battery 110 (for example, the remaining amount of the battery 110) and can generate a warning signal when necessary.

The controller 120 can check whether or not the user aspirates (puff) and the intensity of aspiration, and can count the number of aspirations. Further, the control unit 120 may continuously check the time during which the retainer 1 is operated. The control unit 120 checks whether or not the carriage 2 described later is coupled to the holder 1, and controls the operation of the holder 1 according to the coupling or decoupling of the carriage 2 to the holder 1.

Meanwhile, the holder 1 may have a general structure in addition to the battery 110, the control unit 120, and the heater 130.

For example, the holder 1 may comprise a display capable of outputting visual information or a motor for outputting tactile information. As an example, when the holder 1 has a display, the control part 120 may transmit information on the state of the holder 1 (e.g., whether the holder is usable or not), information on the heater 130 (e.g., start of warm-up, warm-up is in progress, warm-up is completed, etc.), information on the battery 110 (e.g., remaining capacity of the battery 110, whether the use is possible, etc.) to the user through the display, information related to the reset of the holder 1 (e.g., reset timing, being reset, reset completion, etc.), information related to the cleaning of the holder 1 (e.g., cleaning timing, cleaning required, cleaning in progress, cleaning completion, etc.), information related to the charging of the holder 1 (e.g., charging required, charging in progress, charging completion, etc.), information related to the suction (e.g., the number of times of suction, a suction end notice, etc.), or information related to safety (e.g., the lapse of use time, etc.), and the like. As another example, when the holder 1 has a motor, the control unit 120 generates a vibration signal by the motor and transmits the information to the user.

In addition, the holder 1 may include at least one input device (e.g., a button) and/or a terminal coupled to the bracket 2, so that the holder 1 may be controlled by a user. For example, the user may perform a variety of functions using the input device of the holder 1. By adjusting the number of times (e.g., 1 time, 2 times, etc.) the user presses the input device or the time (e.g., 0.1 second, 0.2 second, etc.) for which the user presses the input device, a desired function among the plurality of functions of the holder 1 can be executed. As the user activates the input device, the holder 1 may perform a function of preheating the heater 130, a function of adjusting the temperature of the heater 130, a function of cleaning a space into which cigarettes are inserted, a function of checking whether the holder 1 is in an operable state, a function of displaying the remaining amount (available power) of the battery 110, a reset function of the holder 1, and the like. However, the function of the retainer 1 is not limited to the above example.

For example, the holder 1 cleans a space into which a cigarette is inserted by controlling the heater 130 as follows. For example, holder 1 can clean the space into which the cigarettes are inserted by heating heater 130 to a sufficiently high temperature. Here, a sufficiently high temperature means a temperature suitable for cleaning a space into which cigarettes are inserted. For example, holder 1 may heat the heater to the highest temperature of a temperature range enabling an inserted cigarette to produce aerosol and a temperature range preheating heater 130, but is not limited thereto.

In addition, holder 1 can maintain the temperature of heater 130 at a sufficiently high temperature for a predetermined period of time. Here, the prescribed long period means a long period sufficient for cleaning a space into which the cigarette is inserted. For example, holder 1 may hold the temperature of heated heater 130 for an appropriate length of time in a period of 10 seconds to 10 minutes, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, holder 1 may maintain the temperature of heated heater 130 for a suitable period of time selected within the range of 20 seconds to 1 minute. Further, it is preferable that the holder 1 can maintain the temperature of the heated heater 130 for a suitable period of time selected in the range of 20 seconds to 1 minute 30 seconds.

As holder 1 heats heater 130 to a sufficiently high temperature and the temperature of heated heater 130 is maintained for a prescribed period of time, substances deposited on the surface of heater 130 and/or on the space into which the cigarette is inserted volatilize, thereby producing a cleaning effect.

In addition, the holder 1 may include a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, and/or a cigarette insertion detection sensor. For example, the suction detection sensor may be implemented by a general pressure sensor. Alternatively, the holder 1 may detect suction by a change in resistance of the conductive track in the heater 130 without a separate suction detection sensor. The conductive tracks here comprise conductive tracks for heat generation and/or conductive tracks for temperature detection. Alternatively, holder 1 may also include other puff detection sensors in a different manner than that of detecting a puff with conductive tracks in heater 130.

The cigarette insertion detection sensor may be implemented by a general capacitive sensor or a resistance sensor. In addition, the holder 1 may be constructed to be capable of introducing/discharging external air even in a state where a cigarette is inserted.

Fig. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating an example of the retainer from a plurality of sides.

Fig. 6A is a diagram showing an example of the holder 1 viewed from the first direction. As shown in fig. 6A, the holder 1 may be made cylindrical, but is not limited thereto. The housing 140 of the holder 1 can be separated by the action of the user and a cigarette can be inserted from the end 141 of the housing 140. In addition, the holder 1 may have a display 160 for outputting buttons and images (images) for the user to control the holder 1.

Fig. 6B is a diagram showing an example of the holder 1 viewed from the second direction. The holder 1 may include a terminal 170 coupled with the bracket 2. The terminals 170 of the holder 1 are coupled to the terminals 260 of the cradle 2, so that the battery 110 of the holder 1 can be charged with the power supplied from the battery 210 of the cradle 2. Further, the holder 1 can be operated based on the power supplied from the battery 210 of the cradle 2 by the terminals 170 and 260, and communication (transmission/reception of signals) between the holder 1 and the cradle 2 can be realized. For example, the terminal 170 may include 4 micro needles (pins), but is not limited thereto.

Fig. 7 is a structural diagram of an example of the carriage.

Referring to fig. 7, the cradle 2 includes a battery 210 and a control unit 220. In addition, the bracket 2 has an inner space 230 into which the holder 1 is inserted. For example, the inner space 230 may be formed at one side of the bracket 2. Therefore, even if the bracket 2 does not have a separate cover, the holder 1 can be inserted and fixed in the bracket 2.

Only the parts relating to the present embodiment are shown in the carrier 2 shown in fig. 7. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present embodiment relates will appreciate that the bracket 2 may include common components in addition to those shown in FIG. 7.

The battery 210 supplies electric power for operating the cradle 2. In addition, the battery 210 can supply power for charging the battery 110 of the holder 1. For example, in the case where the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 and the terminals 170 of the holder 1 are coupled with the terminals 260 of the cradle 2, the battery 210 of the cradle 2 can supply power to the battery 110 of the holder 1.

When the holder 1 is coupled to the cradle 2, the battery 210 can supply electric power necessary for the operation of the holder 1. For example, when the terminal 170 of the holder 1 is coupled to the terminal 260 of the cradle 2, the holder 1 can be operated by the power supplied from the battery 210 of the cradle 2 regardless of whether the battery 110 of the holder 1 is discharged.

For example, the battery 210 may be a lithium ion battery, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the capacity of the battery 210 may be greater than the capacity of the battery 110, for example, the capacity of the battery 210 may be 3000mAh or more, but the capacity of the battery 210 is not limited to the above example.

The control unit 220 controls the operation of the carriage 2 as a whole. The control unit 220 can control the operations of all the components of the carriage 2. The control unit 220 determines whether or not the holder 1 is coupled to the carriage 2, and controls the operation of the carriage 2 according to the coupling or decoupling of the carriage 2 to the holder 1.

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

The control part 220 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as a plurality of logic gate arrays, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. In addition, persons skilled in the art can appreciate that the present invention may also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

On the other hand, the cradle 2 may have a common structure in addition to the battery 210 and the control unit 220. For example, the carriage 2 may have a display into which visual information may be entered. For example, when the cradle 2 has a display, the control unit 220 generates a signal for display on the display, and can transmit information relating to the battery 220 (for example, the remaining capacity, the availability, and the like of the battery 220), information relating to the reset (for example, reset timing, reset completion, and the like) of the cradle 2, information relating to the cleaning of the holder 1 (for example, cleaning timing, cleaning necessity, cleaning completion, and the like), information relating to the charging of the cradle 2 (for example, charging is necessary, charging is in progress, charging is completed, and the like), and the like to the user.

In addition, the cradle 2 may include: at least one input device (e.g., a button) whereby a user may control a function of the carrier 2; terminals 260 associated with the holder 1 and/or an interface (e.g., a USB port, etc.) for charging the battery 210.

For example, a user may perform various functions using the input device of the cradle 2. The user can execute a desired function among the plurality of functions of the cradle 2 by adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device or the time for which the user presses the input device. The user operates the input device, and the tray 2 can perform a function of preheating the heater 130 of the holder 1, a function of adjusting the temperature of the heater 130 of the holder 1, a function of cleaning a space in the holder 1 into which cigarettes are inserted, a function of checking whether the tray 2 is in an operable state, a function of displaying the remaining amount (available power) of the battery 210 of the tray 2, a reset function of the tray 2, and the like. However, the function of the cradle 2 is not limited to the above example.

Fig. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating an example of a bracket from a plurality of sides.

Fig. 8A is a view showing an example of the bracket 2 viewed from the first direction. A space 230 into which the holder 1 can be inserted is provided at one side of the bracket 2. In addition, even if the bracket 2 does not have a separate fixing means such as a cover, the holder 1 can be inserted and fixed to the bracket 2. In addition, the cradle 2 may have a button 240 for a user to control the cradle 2 and a display 250 for outputting an image (image).

Fig. 8B is a view showing an example of the carriage 2 viewed from the second direction. The carrier 2 may include terminals 260 coupled with the inserted holder 1. The terminals 260 are coupled to the terminals 170 of the holder 1, and the batteries 110 of the holder 1 can be charged by the power supplied from the batteries 210 of the cradle 2. Further, the holder 1 can be operated by the power supplied from the battery 210 of the cradle 2 via the terminals 170 and 260, and the transmission/reception of signals between the holder 1 and the cradle 2 can also be realized. For example, the terminal 260 may include 4 micro needles (pins), but is not limited thereto.

As explained with reference to fig. 1 to 8B, the holder 1 can be inserted into the inner space 230 of the bracket 2. In addition, the holder 1 may be completely inserted into the bracket 2, and may be tilted (tilt) in a state of being inserted into the bracket 2. Hereinafter, an example of inserting the holder 1 into the bracket 7 will be described with reference to fig. 9 to 10.

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of insertion of the holder into the bracket.

Referring to fig. 9, an example of the retainer 1 inserted into the bracket 2 is shown. Since the space 230 into which the holder 1 is inserted is designed at one side surface of the bracket 2, the inserted holder 1 is not exposed to the outside from the other side surface of the bracket 2. Therefore, the bracket 2 may not have other structures (e.g., a cover) that prevent the holder 1 from being exposed to the outside.

The bracket 2 may have at least one coupling member 271, 272 for improving coupling strength with the holder 1. In addition, the holder 1 also has at least one coupling member 181. Here, the coupling members 181, 271, 272 may be magnets, but are not limited thereto. In fig. 5, for convenience of explanation, the holder 1 is shown to have one coupling member 181, the carriage 2 has two coupling members 271, 272, and the number of the coupling members 181, 271, 272 is not limited thereto.

The holder 1 may have an engaging member 181 at the first position, and the carriage 2 may have engaging members 271, 272 at the second position and the third position, respectively. At this time, when the holder 1 is inserted into the carriage 2, the first position and the third position are located at opposite positions.

Since the retainer 1 and the bracket 2 have the coupling members 181, 271, and 272, the retainer 1 and the bracket 2 can be more firmly coupled even if the retainer 1 is inserted into one side surface of the bracket 2. In other words, the holder 1 and the bracket 2 have the coupling members 181, 271, and 272 in addition to the terminals 170 and 260, and thus the holder 1 and the bracket 2 can be more firmly coupled. Therefore, even if there is no separate structure (e.g., a cover) in the tray 2, the inserted holder 1 is not easily separated from the tray 2.

When it is determined that the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2 through the terminals 170 and 260 and/or the coupling members 181, 271, and 272, the control unit 220 can charge the battery 110 of the holder 1 with the electric power of the battery 210.

Fig. 10 is a view showing an example of the roll in a state where the retainer is inserted into the bracket.

Referring to fig. 10, the holder 1 is tilted from the inside of the cradle 2. Here, the term "roll" means that the retainer 1 is inclined at a predetermined angle in a state inserted into the bracket 2.

As shown in fig. 9, when the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2, the user cannot smoke. In other words, when the holder 1 is completely inserted into the tray 2, the cigarette cannot be inserted into the holder 1. Therefore, the user cannot smoke in a state where the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2.

As shown in fig. 10, when the holder 1 is tilted, the tip 141 of the holder 1 is exposed to the outside. The user may then insert a cigarette into the tip 141, thereby enabling inhalation of the generated aerosol (smoking). The angle of inclination theta should ensure that the angle is sufficiently large to avoid the cigarette being broken or damaged when inserted into the end 141 of the holder 1. For example, the holder 1 may be tilted at a minimum angle or an angle larger than the angle that enables the cigarette insertion hole provided at the tip 141 to be entirely exposed to the outside. For example, the side inclination angle θ may range from more than 0 ° to 180 ° or less, and preferably, may range from 5 ° to 90 °. More preferably, the side inclination angle θ may range from 5 ° or more to 20 ° or less, from 5 ° or more to 30 ° or less, from 5 ° or more to 40 ° or less, from 5 ° or more to 50 ° or less, or from 5 ° or more to 60 ° or less. More preferably, the side inclination angle θ may be 10 °.

In addition, even if the holder 1 is tilted, the terminals 170 of the holder 1 are in a state of being coupled to the terminals 260 of the cradle 2. Accordingly, the heater 130 of the holder 1 can be heated by the power supplied from the battery 210 of the cradle 2. Therefore, even when the remaining amount of the battery 110 of the holder 1 is small or not, the holder 1 can generate aerosol by using the battery 210 of the cradle 2.

In fig. 10, an example is shown in which the holder 1 includes one coupling member 182, and the cradle 2 includes two coupling members 273, 274. For example, the respective positions of the coupling members 182, 273, 274 are as described with reference to fig. 5. Assuming that the coupling members 182, 273, 274 are magnets, the magnetic field strength of the coupling member 274 may be greater than the magnetic field strength of the coupling member 273. Therefore, even if the holder 1 is tilted, the holder 1 is not completely separated from the bracket 2 because of the coupling member 182 and the coupling member 274.

When it is determined that the holder 1 is tilted by the terminals 170 and 260 and/or the coupling members 182, 273, and 274, the control unit 220 may heat the heater 130 of the holder 1 or charge the battery 110 using the power of the battery 210.

Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of smoking operation using a holder disposed to face the holder.

Referring to fig. 11, the holder 2 is provided with an internal space for accommodating the holder 1, and the holder 1 is provided to be tiltable (tilt) together with the internal space so that the cigarette 3 can be inserted into the holder 1 in a state where the holder 1 is accommodated in the internal space. The holder 1 can be tilted at an arbitrary roll angle θ in a state of being coupled to the bracket 2. As described above, the side inclination angle θ may range from more than 0 ° to 180 ° or less, and preferably, may range from 5 ° to 90 °. More preferably, the side inclination angle θ may range from 5 ° or more to 20 ° or less, from 5 ° or more to 30 ° or less, from 5 ° or more to 40 ° or less, from 5 ° or more to 50 ° or less, or from 5 ° or more to 60 ° or less. More preferably, the side inclination angle θ may be 10 °. The user can smoke in a state where the cigarette 3 is inserted into one end of the holder 1 and holds the holder 2. The aerosol-generating system may be implemented by having at least one of the holder 1, the carrier 2 and the cigarette 3.

When the smoking operation is performed with the holder 1 tilted on the tray 2, the holder 1 can generate aerosol from the cigarette 3 by heating the heater (130 in fig. 1) with electric power supplied from the battery 210 of the tray 2. On the one hand, even if the holder 1 is tilted, it is still in a state where the holder 1 is coupled with the cradle 2, and therefore the battery 110 of the holder 1 can be charged with the power supplied from the battery 210 of the cradle 2. On the one hand, the battery 110 of the holder 1 is used only in a state where the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2 to heat the heater (130 of fig. 1), but is not limited thereto.

The controller 220 of the carriage 2 can determine whether the holder 1 and the carriage 2 are coupled and whether the holder 1 is tilted. When the holder 1 is coupled to the cradle 2, the control unit 220 may control the charging of the battery 110 by the battery 210. When the holder 1 is tilted, the control unit 220 can control heating of the heater (130 in fig. 1) of the holder 1 by the power supply of the battery 210, that is, can control the temperature of the heater (130 in fig. 1). As described above, in the case where the holder 1 is tilted, the holder 1 can continuously perform a plurality of times of smoking using the power of the battery 210. In this case, for example, the unit of 14 puffs may be set to 1 smoking.

The control unit 120 of the holder 1 cumulatively monitors the smoking pattern in the first state where the holder 1 is tilted from the cradle 2 and the second state where the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2. The control unit 120 of the holder 1 can determine whether or not the smoking pattern monitored cumulatively satisfies the smoking restriction condition.

Specifically, the control section 120 of the holder 1 can count the number of times of suction by detecting the presence or absence of suction. The control unit 120 of the holder 1 can count the operation time of the heater (130 in fig. 1) for continuing heating. Further, the control unit 120 can determine whether the retainer 1 is coupled to the bracket 2, tilted, or separated.

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 by the user reaches the puff limit number or whether the operation time of the holder 1 reaches the operation limit time. In the state where the holder 1 is tilted, if the suction number or the operation time has reached the suction limit number or the operation limit time, the control part 120 controls the heater (130 of fig. 1) to interrupt heating of the heater (130 of fig. 1). At this time, the control portion 120 of the holder 1 issues a command to the control portion 220 of the cradle 2 so that the battery 210 interrupts the power supply, thereby being able to interrupt the heating of the heater (130 of fig. 1).

The holder 1 can be operated based on the smoking mode and the smoking restriction condition. The smoking pattern may comprise, for example, the number of puffs taken on an inserted cigarette 3. The smoking restriction condition may include a puff limit number. Accordingly, when the number of puffs cumulatively monitored in the first state and the second state reaches the suction limit number, the holder 1 may control the heater (130 of fig. 1) in the holder 1 to interrupt heating of the inserted cigarette 3. In addition, the smoking mode may include an action time of the holder 1 (e.g., a heating time of the heater (130 of fig. 1)), and the smoking restriction condition may include an action restriction time. At this time, when the operation time cumulatively monitored in the first state and the second state reaches the operation limit time, the holder 1 controls the heater (130 of fig. 1) in the holder 1 to interrupt heating of the inserted cigarette.

As described above, when the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2 by the user after being tilted, the control unit 120 interrupts the heating of the heater (130 of fig. 1), and at this time, the user couples the holder 1 to the cradle 2 again, and the next smoking can be started.

On the other hand, even when the holder 1 is tilted and then separated by the user, the control part 120 accumulates the total number of puffs counted in the tilted state and the separated state, compares the total number of puffs with the suction limit number, and determines whether or not to heat the heater (130 of fig. 1). That is, even if the holder 1 is tilted or the holder 1 is separated, the control portion 120 of the holder 1 continues to monitor the number of suctions. Like the number of times of pumping, the control unit 120 of the retainer 1 continues to monitor the operation time of the retainer 1 even if the retainer 1 is tilted or the retainer 1 is separated. That is, whether the operation of the holder 1 is finished, that is, whether the heating of the heater (130 of fig. 1) is finished, is determined by the control unit 120 of the holder 1.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart of a method of counting the number of puffs with the holder tilted and separated.

In step 5110, the holder 1 or the carriage 2 receives a smoking start request from the user. The smoking initiation request from the user may be received through an input device provided to the holder 1 or the cradle 2. When there is a user input, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 or the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 determines that the smoking start request has been received. On the other hand, smoking can be performed in a state where the holder 1 is tilted or in a state where the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2. However, when the holder 1 is not separated from the cradle 2 and does not roll, the holder 1 is operated so that the user cannot smoke, and the heater is not operated or is heated to a temperature or for a time period insufficient to allow the user to smoke even if the heater is heated. Hereinafter, the operation of the retainer 1 will be described assuming that the retainer 1 is tilted or separated from the bracket 2.

In step 5120, the controller 120 of the retainer 1 determines whether the retainer 1 coupled to the bracket 2 is tilted. On the other hand, the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 also determines whether the holder 1 is tilted. If it is the retainer 1 roll, step 5130 is performed. However, if the holder 1 is separated, step 5170 is performed.

In step 5130, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 counts the number of times of suction in the tilted state.

In step 5140, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 sums up the number of puffs in the tilted state and the number of puffs in the separated state. If the user smokes the cigarette 3 only in the tilted state, the number of puffs in the separated state is 0.

In step 5150, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 compares the total number of aspirations counted up with the number of aspirations limit set in advance. For example, the suction limit number may be 14, but is not limited thereto. If the total number of puffs is less than or equal to the number of puff limits, the process proceeds to step 5120. However, if the total number of puffs summed up reaches the number of puff limits, then step 5160 is performed.

In step 5160, control unit 120 of holder 1 controls heater 130 to interrupt heating by the heater (130 of fig. 1). On the one hand, if the holder 1 is still in the roll, the control portion 220 of the cradle 2 also controls the heater 130 to interrupt heating of the heater 130.

In step 5170, when the holder 1 is separated from the carriage 2, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 counts the number of times of suction in the separated state. Thus, in step 5140, the control unit 120 of the retainer 1 can count the total number of puffs by summing up the number of puffs counted in the separated state and the number of puffs counted in the roll state.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart of a method of counting the actuation time in the case where the retainer is tilted and detached.

In step 5210, the holder 1 or the cradle 2 receives a smoking initiation request from the user.

In step 5220, the controller 120 of the holder 1 determines whether the holder 1 coupled to the bracket 2 is tilted. On the other hand, the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 also determines whether the holder 1 is tilted. If it is the retainer 1 roll, step 5230 is performed. However, if the holder 1 is separated, step 5270 is performed.

In step 5230, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 counts the operation time in the roll state.

In step 5240, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 counts the operation time in the roll state and the operation time in the separation state. If the user operates the retainer 1 only in the roll state, the operation time in the separated state is 0 hour.

In step 5250, the control unit 120 of the retainer 1 compares the counted total operation time with a preset operation limit time. For example, the motion limit time may be 10 minutes, but is not limited thereto. If the total operation time after the summation is equal to or less than the operation limit time, step 5220 is performed. However, if the total operation time reaches the operation limit time, step 5260 is performed.

In step 5260, the control portion 120 of the holder 1 controls the heater 130 to interrupt heating of the heater (130 of fig. 1). On the one hand, if the holder 1 is still in the roll, the control portion 220 of the cradle 2 also controls the heater 130 to interrupt heating of the heater 130.

In step 5270, when the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 counts the operation time in the separated state. Thus, in step 5240, the control unit 120 of the retainer 1 can count the total operating time by summing the operating time counted in the separated state and the operating time counted in the roll state.

On the other hand, when at least one of the number of times of suction illustrated in fig. 12 and the operation time illustrated in fig. 13 satisfies a preset restriction condition, the holder 1 controls to interrupt heating of the heater (130 of fig. 1).

Specifically, in the case of smoking in the second state after smoking in the first state, the holder 1 accumulates the smoking pattern monitored in the first state and the smoking pattern monitored in the second state, and in the case where the accumulated smoking pattern satisfies the smoking restriction condition, the heater (130 of fig. 1) in the holder 1 is controlled to interrupt heating of the inserted cigarette. In addition, when smoking is performed in the first state after smoking in the second state, the holder 1 accumulates the smoking pattern monitored in the second state and the smoking pattern monitored in the first state, and when the accumulated smoking pattern satisfies the smoking restriction condition, the heater (130 in fig. 1) in the holder 1 is controlled so as to interrupt heating of the inserted cigarette.

Fig. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of the number of times of suction by the holder.

Referring to fig. 14, smoking can be started after the cigarette 3 is inserted into the holder 1 with the holder 1 tilted on the carriage 2. The user sucks the cigarette 3, which is sucked in a state where the holder 1 is tilted from the first suction to the sixth suction, and thereafter separates the holder 1 from the tray 2. The control section 120 of the holder 1 accumulatively counts the number of times of suctioning during which 6 times of suctioning is performed.

The user can suck 8 more times with the holder 1 after separation. At this time, as for the initial suction in the holder 1 after the separation, the control portion 120 of the holder 1 may accumulate the count as the seventh suction following the sixth suction in the roll state. That is, the control portion 120 of the holder 1 can cumulatively count all the suctioning performed from the start of the holder 1 rolling to the separation. In the case where the accumulated total number of times of suctioning reaches the suction limit number of times (i.e., in the case where the 14 th suction is completed), the control portion 120 of the holder 1 controls the holder 1 to end the action.

Fig. 15 is a diagram for explaining another example of the number of times of suction by the holder.

Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating a case opposite to that of fig. 14. Smoking can be started after the cigarette 3 is inserted into the holder 1 with the holder 1 separated from the tray 2. The user sucks the cigarette 3 using the separated holder 1 from the first suction to the fourth suction, and then couples the holder 1 to the tray 2 while inclining it. The control section 120 of the holder 1 accumulatively counts the number of times of suctioning during the period of performing suctioning 4 times.

The user can suck 10 more times with the holder 1 tilted sideways. At this time, as for the initial suction in the retainer 1 after the rolling, the control portion 120 of the retainer 1 may accumulate the count as the fifth suction following the fourth suction in the separated state. That is, the control portion 120 of the holder 1 can cumulatively count all the suctioning performed from the start of separation of the holder 1 to the roll. In the case where the accumulated total number of times of suctioning reaches the suction limit number of times (i.e., in the case where the 14 th suction is completed), the control portion 120 of the holder 1 controls the holder 1 to end the action.

Fig. 16A and 16B are views for explaining still another example of the number of times of suction by the holder.

Referring to fig. 16A, even if the user uses the holder 1 in a tilted state, separates the holder 1 from the cradle 2 again, and uses the holder 1 again while tilted, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 can cumulatively count the suction performed since smoking was started (i.e., the first suction). Similarly, referring to fig. 16B, even if the user uses the holder 1 in a separated state, and separates the holder 1 again for use after tilting the holder 1 again, the control section 120 of the holder 1 can cumulatively count the puffs performed after smoking is started (i.e., the first puff).

That is, after smoking is started, the control unit 120 of the holder 1 cumulatively counts the number of puffs performed and controls the operation of the holder 1 based on the cumulative total number of puffs, regardless of whether the holder 1 is tilted or separated.

Fig. 17 is a diagram for explaining a method of counting the operation time by the retainer.

Referring to fig. 17, smoking can be started after the cigarette 3 is inserted into the holder 1 in a state where the holder 1 is tilted on the carriage 2. The user can smoke the cigarettes 3 for 6 minutes in a state where the holder 1 is tilted, and thereafter, separate the holder 1 from the tray 2. The control unit 120 of the cage 1 counts the operation time during which the cage 1 rolls.

If the action time in the roll state does not reach the action limit time, the user can use the separated retainer 1 to perform suction again. In the example of fig. 17, the user may also aspirate for 4 minutes. At this time, the control unit 120 of the retainer 1 considers the operation time before the separation as the operation time that has elapsed. That is, the control unit 120 of the cage 1 can cumulatively count all the operation time that elapses from the start of the rolling of the cage 1 to the separation. When the accumulated total operation time reaches the operation limit time (i.e., when 10 minutes have elapsed), the control unit 120 of the retainer 1 controls the retainer 1 to end the operation.

Fig. 18A to 18B are diagrams illustrating an example in which the holder is inserted into the bracket.

Fig. 18A shows an example in which the holder 1 is completely inserted into the bracket 2. The inner space 230 of the bracket 2 is made sufficient to ensure that the holder 1 is minimally touched by the user with the holder 1 fully inserted into the bracket 2. When the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2, the control unit 220 causes the battery 210 to supply power to the holder 1, and the battery 110 of the holder 1 is charged.

Fig. 18B shows an example in which the retainer 1 is tilted in a state of being inserted into the bracket 2. When the holder 1 is tilted, the control unit 220 causes the battery 210 to supply power to the holder 1, so that the battery 110 of the holder 1 is charged or the heater 130 of the holder 1 is heated.

Fig. 19 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the holder and the carriage.

The method of generating an aerosol shown in fig. 19 comprises the steps of time-sequential processing in the holder 1 or cradle 2 shown in fig. 1-18B. Therefore, in the following description, even if omitted, the above description can be applied to the method of fig. 19 with respect to the holder 1 and the bracket 2 shown in fig. 1 to 18B.

In step 5310, it is determined whether the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2. For example, the control unit 120 may determine whether or not the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 based on whether or not the terminals 170 and 260 of the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are connected to each other and/or whether or not the coupling members 181, 271, and 272 are operated.

If the holder 1 has been inserted into the cradle 2, step 5320 is performed, and if the holder 1 has been separated from the cradle 2, step 5330 is performed.

In step 5320, the cradle 2 determines whether the holder 1 is tilted. For example, the controller 220 may determine whether the holder 1 is tilted according to whether the terminals 170 and 260 of the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are connected to each other and/or whether the coupling members 182, 273, and 274 are operated.

Although it is determined in step 5320 whether the holder 1 is tilted by the cradle 2, this is not limitative. In other words, whether the retainer 1 is tilted or not may be determined by the control portion 120 of the retainer 1.

If the retainer 1 is tilted, step 5340 is performed, and if the retainer 1 is not tilted (i.e., if the retainer 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2), step 5370 is performed.

In step 5330, the retainer 1 determines whether the use condition of the retainer 1 is satisfied. For example, the control unit 120 determines whether or not the usage condition is satisfied by checking whether or not the remaining amount of the battery 110 and other components of the holder 1 can operate normally.

If the condition for using the retainer 1 is satisfied, step 5340 is performed, and if not, the process is terminated.

In step 5340, the holder 1 prompts the user that it is in a usable state. For example, the control unit 120 may output an image (image) indicating that the holder 1 is in a usable state to a display of the holder 1, or may control a motor of the holder 1 to generate a vibration signal.

In step 5350, heater 130 is heated. For example, when the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2, the heater 130 may be heated by the power of the battery 110 of the holder 1. As another example, when the holder 1 is tilted, the heater 130 may be heated by the power of the battery 210 of the cradle 2.

Control unit 120 of holder 1 or control unit 220 of cradle 2 can check the temperature of heater 130 in real time and adjust the amount of power supplied to heater 130 and the time for supplying power to heater 130. For example, the control section 120, 220 may confirm the temperature of the heater 130 in real time by a temperature detection sensor in the holder 1 or a conductive track of the heater 130.

In step 5360, the holder 1 executes an aerosol generation mechanism (mechanism). For example, control unit 120 or 220 adjusts the amount of power supplied to heater 130 or interrupts the supply of power to heater 130 by confirming the temperature of heater 130 that changes as the user sucks. The control units 120 and 220 may count the number of times of suction by the user, and may output information indicating that the retainer needs to be cleaned when a predetermined number of times of suction (for example, 1500 times) is reached.

In step 5370, the cradle 2 performs charging of the holder 1. For example, the control unit 220 may charge the holder 1 by supplying the power of the battery 210 of the cradle 2 to the battery 110 of the holder 1.

On the other hand, the control units 120 and 220 may stop the operation of the holder 1 in accordance with the number of times of suction by the user or the operation time of the holder 1. An example of stopping the operation of the retainer 1 by the control units 120 and 220 will be described below with reference to fig. 20.

Fig. 20 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the retainer operation.

The method of generating an aerosol shown in fig. 20 comprises the steps of time-sequential processing in the holder 1 and the carrier 2 shown in fig. 1 to 18B. Therefore, in the following description, even if omitted, the above-described contents can be applied to the method of fig. 20 with respect to the holder 1 or the bracket 2 shown in fig. 1 to 18B.

In step 5410, the control units 120 and 220 determine whether the user has sucked or not. For example, the control units 120 and 220 can determine whether or not the user has sucked by the suction detection sensor in the holder 1. Alternatively, the control unit 120, 220 may determine whether or not the user has sucked based on a change in resistance of the conductive track of the heater 130. Here, the conductive track includes a conductive track for generating heat and/or a conductive track for detecting temperature. Alternatively, the control units 120 and 220 may determine whether or not the user has sucked by using the resistance change of the conductive track in the heater 130 and the suction detection sensor at the same time.

In step 5420, an aerosol is generated by the user's puff. Control units 120 and 220 can adjust the power supplied to heater 130 according to the suction of the user and the temperature of heater 130, as described with reference to fig. 19. Further, the control units 120 and 220 count the number of times of suction by the user.

In step 5430, the control units 120 and 220 determine whether the number of times of suction by the user is equal to or greater than the suction limit number. For example, if the number of times of suction restriction is set to 14, the control units 120 and 220 determine whether or not the counted number of times of suction is 14 or more. However, the number of times of suction limitation is not limited to 14. For example, the number of times of suction limitation may be set to an appropriate number of times from 10 to 16 times.

On the other hand, when the number of times of pumping by the user is close to the pumping limit number (for example, when the number of times of pumping by the user is 12), the control unit 120 or 220 may output a warning signal through a display or a vibration motor.

If the user has a suction count above the suction limit count, step 5450 is performed, and if the user has a suction count less than the suction limit count, step 5440 is performed.

In step 5440, the control units 120 and 220 determine whether or not the operation time of the retainer 1 is equal to or longer than the operation limit time. Here, the operation time of the retainer 1 is a time accumulated from a time point when the retainer starts to operate to the present time. For example, assuming that the operation limit time is set to 10 minutes, the control units 120 and 220 determine whether or not the retainer 1 has operated for 10 minutes or more.

On the other hand, when the operation time of the retainer 1 is close to the operation limit time (for example, when the retainer 1 is operated for 8 minutes), the control unit 120 or 220 may output a warning signal through a display or a vibration motor.

If the holder 1 is operated for the operation limit time or more, step 5450 is performed, and if the operation time of the holder 1 is less than the operation limit time, step 5420 is performed.

In step 5450, the control units 120 and 220 forcibly end the operation of the retainer. In other words, the control portion 120, 220 terminates the aerosol-generating mechanism of the holder. For example, control units 120 and 220 cut off power supply to heater 130, and forcibly end the operation of the holder.

Fig. 21 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the carriage operation.

The flowchart shown in fig. 21 includes steps of time-series processing in the cradle 2 shown in fig. 7 to 18B. Therefore, in the following description, even if omitted, the description above can be applied to the flowchart of fig. 21 with respect to the cradle 2 shown in fig. 7 to 18B.

Although not shown in fig. 21, the operation of the carriage 2 described below can be performed regardless of whether or not the holder 1 is inserted into the carriage 2.

In step 5510, control unit 220 of cradle 2 determines whether or not button 240 has been pressed. If the button 240 is pressed, step 5520 is performed, and if the button 240 is not pressed, step 5530 is performed.

In step 5520, cradle 2 displays the status of the battery. For example, the control part 220 may output information about the current state (e.g., the remaining amount, etc.) of the battery 210 to the display 250.

In step 5530, the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 determines whether or not the cable is connected to the cradle 2. For example, the control unit 220 determines whether a cable is connected to an interface (for example, a USB port) of the cradle 2. If the cable is connected to the cradle 2, the process proceeds to step 5540, and if not, the process is terminated.

In step 5540, the cradle 2 performs a charging action. For example, the cradle 2 charges the battery 210 with power supplied through a connected cable.

As described with reference to fig. 1, a cigarette can be inserted in the holder 1. The cigarette contains an aerosol generating substance and an aerosol is generated by a heated heater 130.

Hereinafter, a cigarette that can be inserted into the holder 1 will be described by way of example with reference to fig. 22 to 38C.

Fig. 22 is a view showing an example of inserting a cigarette into a holder.

Referring to fig. 11, a cigarette 3 may be inserted into the holder 1 through the end 141 of the housing 140. When cigarette 3 is inserted, heater 130 is located inside cigarette 3. Therefore, the aerosol-generating substance of the cigarette 3 is heated by the heated heater 130, thereby generating an aerosol.

The cigarette 3 may be similar to a conventional combustion type cigarette. For example, the cigarette 3 may be divided into a first portion 310 containing an aerosol-generating substance and a second portion 320 having a filter or the like. In one aspect, the cigarette 3 of an embodiment may comprise an aerosol generating substance in the second portion 320. For example, an aerosol generating substance made in the form of particles or capsules may be inserted into the second portion 320.

The first portion 310 is entirely inserted inside the holder 1, and the second portion 320 may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first portion 310 may be inserted into the holder 1, or a part of the first portion 310 and a part of the second portion 320 may be inserted.

The user may inhale the aerosol with the second portion 320 held in the mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated as the external air passes through the first portion 310, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user's mouth through the second portion.

The external air may flow in through at least one air passage 1120 formed on the holder 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the holder 1 and/or the size of the air passage may be adjusted by a user. Thus, the amount of atomization, the smoking sensation, etc. can also be adjusted by the user.

Alternatively, the external air may also flow in through at least one hole (hole)1110 formed on the surface of the cigarette 3.

Fig. 23A and 23B are structural diagrams showing an example of a cigarette.

Referring to 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 portion 310 described with reference to figure 11 comprises a tobacco rod 310 and the second portion 320 comprises a first filter section 321, a cooling structure 322 and a second filter section 323.

Referring to figure 23A, a cigarette 3 may be wrapped in a total of 5 wrappers 341, 342, 343, 344, 345. In one aspect, referring to fig. 23B, a cigarette 3 may be wrapped in a total of 6 wrappers 341, 342, 343, 344, 346, 347. The tobacco rod 310 is wrapped with a first wrapper 341 and the first filter segment 321 is wrapped with a second wrapper 342. In addition, the cooling structure 322 is wrapped with a third wrapper 343 and the second filter segment 323 is wrapped with a fourth wrapper 344.

The fifth wrapper 345 of fig. 23A may surround the peripheries of the first, second, third and fourth wrappers 341, 342, 343 and 344. In other words, the whole of the cigarette 3 may be double wrapped by the fifth wrapper 345.

In one aspect, the sixth wrapper 346 of fig. 23B may surround the outer peripheries of the first, second and third wrappers 341, 342 and 343. In other words, the tobacco rod 310, the first filter segment 321 and the cooling structure 322 of the cigarette 3 may be double wrapped by the sixth wrapper. In addition, the seventh wrapper 347 of fig. 23B may surround at least a portion of the third wrapper 343 and the periphery of the fourth wrapper 344. In other words, at least a portion of the cooling structure 322 and the second filter section 323 of the cigarette 3 may be wrapped by the seventh wrapper 347.

The first and second wrappers 341 and 342 may be made of a general filter plug wrap. For example, the first and second wrappers 341 and 342 may be porous roll paper or non-porous roll paper. The first and second wrapping papers 341 and 342 may be made of paper having oil resistance or aluminum laminated paper.

The third wrapper 343 may be made of hard roll paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 343 may be 90g/m2, but is not limited thereto.

Fourth wrapper 344 may be made from oil resistant hard paper. For example, fourth wrapper 344 may have a basis weight of 92g/m2 and a thickness of 125um, but is not limited thereto.

The fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346 and the seventh wrapper 347 may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) refers to specially-made paper having higher tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, and the like than ordinary paper. For example, fifth wrapper 345, sixth wrapper 346 and seventh wrapper 347 may have a basis weight of 60g/m2 and a thickness of 67um, but is not limited thereto. Further, the tensile strength of the fifth packing paper 345, the sixth packing paper 346, and the seventh packing paper 347 may be in a range of 8kgf/15mm to 11kgf/15mm on a dry basis, and may be 1.0kgf/15mm on a wet basis, but is not limited thereto.

The fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346, and the seventh wrapper 347 may comprise a specified substance. Here, silicon may be used as an example of the predetermined substance, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has the following characteristics: heat resistance, i.e., less change with temperature change; oxidation resistance, i.e., not readily oxidized; resistance to various drugs; water repellency to water, electrical insulation, and the like. However, if the material is not silicon, the material having the above-described characteristics may be applied (or coated) to the fifth, sixth, and seventh wrapping papers 345, 346, and 347 without limitation.

Fifth wrapper 345, sixth wrapper 346 and seventh wrapper 347 prevent cigarette 3 from burning. For example, if the tobacco rod 310 is heated by the heater 130, the cigarette 3 may be burned. Specifically, the cigarette 3 may burn when the temperature rises above the combustion point of any of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 310. In this case, the fifth wrapping paper 345, the sixth wrapping paper 346, and the seventh wrapping paper 347 contain incombustible substances, and therefore, the combustion of the cigarette 3 can be prevented.

In addition, the fifth wrapping paper 345, the sixth wrapping paper 346, and the seventh wrapping paper 347 can prevent the holder 1 from being contaminated by substances generated in the cigarettes 3. By the user's smoking, a liquid substance can be created within the cigarette 3. For example, the aerosol generated in the cigarette 3 is cooled by the outside air, so that a liquid substance (e.g., moisture, etc.) can be generated. Since the tobacco rod 310 and/or the first filter segment 321 is/are wrapped by the fifth wrapper 345, the sixth wrapper 346 and the seventh wrapper 347, the liquid substances generated in the cigarette 3 can be prevented from leaking to the outside of the cigarette 3. Therefore, the case 140 of the holder 1 and the like can be prevented from being contaminated with the liquid material generated in the cigarette 3.

The cigarette 3 may have a diameter in the range of 5mm to 9mm and a length of about 48mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the cigarette 3 may have a diameter of 7.2mm, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the tobacco rod 310 may be about 12mm in length, the first filter segment 321 may be about 10mm in length, the cooling structure 322 may be about 14mm in length, and the second filter segment 323 may be about 12mm in length, but is not limited thereto.

The structure of the cigarette 3 shown in fig. 23A and 23B is merely an example, and a part of the structure may be omitted. For example, more than one of the first filter segment 321, the cooling structure 322, and the second filter segment 323 in the cigarette 3 may be omitted.

The tobacco rod 310 contains an aerosol generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may comprise at least one of glycerol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol and oleyl alcohol.

In addition, the tobacco rod 310 may include other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and/or organic acids (organic acids). For example, the flavoring agent may include licorice, sucrose, fructose syrup, ISO sweetener, cocoa, lavender, cinnamon, cardamom, celery, fenugreek, bitter orange peel, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon, caraway, cognac (cognac), jasmine, chamomile, menthol, cinnamon, ylang-ylang, sage, spearmint, ginger, caraway, coffee, or the like. Additionally, the humectant may include glycerin or propylene glycol, and the like.

As an example, the tobacco rod 310 may be filled with tobacco. Here, the tobacco leaves may be produced by cutting tobacco pieces into fine pieces.

In order to fill a wide tobacco sheet into the tobacco rod 310 having a narrow space, it is necessary to add a special process for easily folding the tobacco sheet. Accordingly, it is easier to fill the tobacco rod 310 with tobacco leaves than to fill the tobacco rod 310 with tobacco pieces, and the productivity and efficiency of the process of producing the tobacco rod 310 may be higher.

As another example, the tobacco rod 310 may be filled with a plurality of tobacco filaments obtained by shredding a tobacco sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 310 may be formed from a plurality of tobacco filaments combined in the same direction (parallel) or randomly. Specifically, tobacco rod 310 is formed from a plurality of tobacco filaments that form a plurality of longitudinal channels through which heater 130 is inserted or through which an aerosol can pass. In this case, the longitudinal channels may be uniform or non-uniform, depending on the size and arrangement of the tobacco filaments.

For example, tobacco filaments can be made by the following process. First, a tobacco material is pulverized to prepare a slurry in which an aerosol-generating substance (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.), a seasoning liquid, a binder (e.g., guar gum, xanthan gum, Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), etc.), water, etc. are mixed, and then a sheet is formed from the slurry. In the slurry preparation, natural pulp or cellulose may be added to change the physical properties of the tobacco filaments, and one or more binders may be mixed and used. After the sheet is dried, the dried sheet is folded or cut into small pieces, thereby producing tobacco threads.

The tobacco material may be tobacco dust produced in tobacco scraps, tobacco stems and/or tobacco processing. In addition, other additives such as lignocellulose may be included in the tobacco sheet.

From 5% to 40% aerosol-generating material may be added to the slurry, and from 2% to 35% aerosol-generating material may remain in the tobacco thread product. Preferably, from 10% to 25% of the aerosol-generating substance may remain in the tobacco thread product.

Before the tobacco rod 310 is wrapped with the first wrapping paper 341, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the center of the tobacco rod 310 by spraying.

The tobacco thread can be made into a rectangular parallelepiped with a transverse length of 0.5mm to 2mm, a vertical length of 5mm to 50mm, and a thickness (height) of 0.1mm to 0.3mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the tobacco filaments are made into cuboids with a transverse length of 0.9mm, a vertical length of 20mm and a thickness (height) of 0.2 mm. In addition, one tobacco filament can be made to have a basis weight of 100g/m2 to 250g/m2, but is not so limited. Preferably, the tobacco filaments can be made to have a basis weight of 180g/m 2.

A tobacco rod 310 filled with tobacco filaments may produce more aerosol than if the tobacco rod 310 were filled with tobacco sheets. The tobacco strands ensure a wider surface area than the tobacco sheet, provided that the same space is filled. The wide surface area means that there is more chance of the aerosol-generating substance coming into contact with the outside air. Thus, the case where the tobacco rod 310 is filled with tobacco filaments may generate more aerosol than the case where it is filled with tobacco sheets.

In addition, when separating the cigarette 3 from the holder 1, the tobacco rod 310 filled with tobacco threads may be separated more easily than when filled with tobacco sheets. In other words, the case where the tobacco rod 310 is filled with tobacco filaments can be separated from the holder 1 more easily than the case where it is filled with tobacco sheets.

The first filter segment 321 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first filter segment 321 may be a tubular structure with a hollow bore therein. The length of the first filter segment 321 may take a suitable length in the range of 4mm to 30mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first filter segment 321 may be 10mm, but is not limited thereto.

The diameter of the hollow bore in the first filter segment 321 may take on a suitable diameter in the range of 3mm to 4.5mm, but is not limited thereto.

The content of the plasticizer is adjusted when the first filter segment 321 is manufactured, so that the hardness of the first filter segment 321 can be adjusted.

In order to prevent the first filter segment 321 from becoming smaller in size over time, it may be manufactured in such a way that a wrapper is used to surround the periphery of the first filter segment 321. Thereby, the first filter segment 321 may be easily combined with other structures (e.g., other filter segments).

In addition, the first filter segment 321 may be manufactured by inserting structures such as membranes, tubes, etc. of the same or different materials into the interior (e.g., hollow holes).

The first filter section 321 may be made using cellulose acetate. This prevents the contents of the tobacco rod 310 from being pushed rearward when the heater 130 is inserted, and also produces a cooling effect of cooling the aerosol.

The second filter segment 323 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the second filter segment 323 can be made as a recess filter, but is not limited thereto. The length of the second filter segment 323 may be appropriately selected in the range of 4mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the second filter segment 323 may be about 12mm, but is not limited thereto.

During the process of making the second filter segment 323, a flavored liquid may be sprayed onto the second filter segment 323 to create flavor. Alternatively, other fibers coated with flavored liquid may be inserted into the interior of the second filter segment 323. The aerosol generated 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. Thus, the addition of a perfuming element in the second filter segment 323 can have the effect of increasing the persistence of the scent delivered to the user.

Additionally, the second filter segment 323 may include at least one capsule 324. Here, the capsule 324 may be a structure in which the content containing the perfume is surrounded by a film. For example, the capsule 324 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape.

The capsule 324 may be formed of a coating film made of agar (agar), pectin (pectin), sodium alginate (sodium alginate), carrageenan (carrageenan), gelatin, guar gum, or other gum, and a gelling agent (auxiliary agent) may be further used as a coating film forming material of the capsule 324. Here, as the gelling agent, for example, calcium chloride family and the like can be used. As a material for forming the capsule 324 film, a plasticizer may be further used. Here, glycerin and/or sorbitol can be used as the plasticizer. Further, as a material for forming the capsule 324 coating film, a coloring material may be further used.

For example, peppermint oil, plant essential oils, and the like can be used as the flavor contained in the content liquid of the capsule. As the solvent for the flavor contained in the content liquid, for example, Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) can be used. The content liquid may contain other additives such as a color emulsifier and a thickener.

The cooling structure 322 cools the aerosol generated by the heating of the tobacco rod 310 by the heater 130. Thus, the user may inhale the aerosol cooled to the appropriate temperature.

The cooling structure 322 may cool the aerosol by phase transformation (Phasen variation). For example, the material forming cooling structure 322 may produce variations in melting or glass transition that presuppose absorption of thermal energy. As this endothermic reaction occurs, the temperature of the aerosol as it enters the cooling structure 322 decreases after passing through the cooling structure 322.

The length or diameter of the cooling structure 322 may be variously set according to the shape of the cigarette 3. For example, the length of the cooling structure 322 may be suitably employed in the range of 7mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the cooling structure 322 may be about 14mm, but is not limited thereto.

The cooling structure 322 may be made of polymer or biodegradable polymer. For example, the polymer material includes, but is not limited to, gelatin, Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), Polyurethane (PU), Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP), and combinations thereof. Examples of the biodegradable polymer material include, but are not limited to, polylactic acid (PLA), Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), cellulose acetate, poly-caprolactone (PCL), polyglycolic acid (PGA), Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and thermoplastic starch resins.

Preferably, the cooling structure 322 may be made of only pure polylactic acid. For example, the cooling structure 322 may be a three-dimensional structure shape made using one or more fiber filaments made of pure polylactic acid (hereinafter, referred to as "fiber filaments"). Here, the thickness and length of the fiber, the number of the fibers constituting the cooling structure 322, and the shape of the fiber may be different. The cooling structure 322 is made of pure polylactic acid, so that it is possible to prevent the aerosol from generating a specific substance during the process of passing through the cooling structure 322.

The cooling structure 322 may be produced by one or more steps, and a step of surrounding the outside of the cooling structure 322 with a wrapping paper made of paper or a polymer material may be added. Here, the polymer material includes, but is not limited to, gelatin, Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), Polyurethane (PU), Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP), and combinations thereof.

Hereinafter, an example of a fiber bundle formed of a fiber yarn and a plurality of fiber yarns will be described with reference to fig. 24A to 25.

Fig. 24A and 24B are diagrams for explaining an example of the fiber bundle.

Fig. 24A and 24B show an example of a fiber bundle forming a cooling structure. Referring to fig. 24A, a cooling structure 3100 may be made by weaving at least one fiber bundle 3110. Referring to fig. 24B, one fiber bundle 3120 may be formed of at least one fiber filament 3130. For example, one fiber bundle 3120 may be formed by twisting a plurality of fiber filaments (e.g., 40).

The cooling structure 322 may be made by weaving at least one fiber bundle 3110, 3120. The fiber bundles 3110, 3120 may be formed using a fiber filament coated with a seasoning liquid, as needed. Alternatively, the fiber bundles 3110 and 3120 may be formed by using another fiber filament coated with a seasoning liquid and the fiber filament 3130 made of polylactic acid together. Further, the fiber 3130 may be dyed to a predetermined color, and the fiber bundles 3110 and 3120 may be formed by the dyed fiber 3130.

The advantages of the cooling structure 3100 when made by using the fiber bundles 3110, 3120 are as follows.

A first advantage is that aerosol can flow between the filaments 3130, which can form a vortex depending on the shape of the cooling structure 3100. The resulting vortex increases the contact area of the aerosol in the cooling structure 3100, increasing the time the aerosol is retained in the cooling structure 3100. Thus, the heated aerosol can be cooled efficiently.

A second advantage is that the raw material (e.g. polylactic acid) is used to produce the fibre thread 3130, and the cooling structure 3100 produced using the fibre thread has a higher productivity than a typical implant. In other words, the cooling structure 3100 made from the fiber filaments 3130 is easier to cut than a typical implant. Thus, a large number of cooling structures 3100 can be obtained by cutting a single cooling rod, thus having a higher productivity compared to the process of producing implants.

Further, when a cooling structure is produced by extrusion molding or the like, the process efficiency is reduced as the number of steps for cutting the structure is increased. In addition, there is a limitation in making the cooling structure in various shapes.

A third advantage is that the cigarette manufacturing process is easier with the cooling structure 3100 produced using the filament 3130 compared to the film cooling structure. In other words, the film cooling structure is easily crushed, so it is difficult to insert into the cigarette 3 of small volume. In contrast to this, the cooling structure 3100 made from cellosilk is easier to insert into the cigarettes 3.

In addition, in the case where the film cooling structure is inserted into the cigarette 3, the film cooling structure may be crushed by an external impact. In this case, the effect of the cooling structure to cool the aerosol is reduced.

The cooling structure 3100 of an embodiment is fabricated (e.g., woven) from polylactic acid fibers, thereby reducing the risk of the cooling structure deforming or losing its effect from external impacts. Further, by changing the combination of the fiber bundles 3110 and 3120, the cooling structure 3100 having various shapes can be manufactured.

In addition, the cooling structure 3100 is fabricated by using the cooling fibers 3130, thereby increasing the surface area in contact with the aerosol. Therefore, the aerosol cooling effect of the cooling structure 3100 can be further improved.

Fig. 25 is a diagram for explaining another example of the fiber bundle.

Referring to fig. 25, a fiber bundle 3200 may include one main stream 3210 and a plurality of sub-streams 3220. Here, the main flow 3210 may have a shape in which a plurality of fiber filaments are twisted together. In addition, the sub-flow 3220 is at least one fiber filament combined in the space formed in the main flow 3210, and the fiber bundle 3200 may have a shape like a bird feather.

The number of filaments forming the main stream 3210 or the sub-stream 3220 is not limited. Therefore, the thickness of the main stream 3210 or the sub-stream 3220 may be variously changed depending on the number of filaments.

In addition, the sub-streams 3220 connected to the main stream 3210 may not be aligned in a specific direction. In other words, when a plurality of sub-streams 3220 are included in main stream 3210, the orientations of sub-streams 3220 may be different from each other, or the orientations of some of sub-streams 3220 may be different from each other.

Referring again to fig. 23A and 23B, the cross-section of the cooling structure 322 may include at least one channel. The passage functions as a passage through which the aerosol passes. However, the direction of the channels is not limited to the longitudinal direction (i.e., the axial direction of the cooling structure 322), and the channels may be formed in various directions.

The diameter of the channels may be variously set according to the manufacturing process of the cooling structure 322. For example, the diameter of the channels may be adjusted according to the thickness and/or number of the fiber bundles constituting the cooling structure 322, or the diameter of the channels may be adjusted according to the weaving pattern of the cooling structure 322.

In addition, uniform channels may be distributed in the cooling structure 322. In other words, the cooling structure 322 can be made with evenly distributed channels across all cross-sections. Therefore, the flow of the aerosol passing through the cooling structure 322 can be smoothed.

An example of the cooling structure 322 including a single longitudinal passage will be described below with reference to fig. 26A to 28B.

Fig. 26A and 26B are diagrams for explaining an example of a cooling structure including a single longitudinal channel.

Referring to fig. 26A, the cooling structure 3300 may be cylindrical in shape. For example, the cooling structure 3300 may be a cylindrical shape of a filter that includes a single channel 3310. Fig. 26B is a cross-sectional view of the cooling structure 3300 shown in fig. 26A. In fig. 26B, the hollow hole 3320 of the cooling structure 3300 corresponds to a passage.

Fig. 27A to 27C are views for explaining another example of the cooling structure including a single longitudinal passage.

Fig. 27A to 27C show an example of a cooling structure 3400 produced by weaving (weave) a plurality of fiber bundles. Here, the fiber bundle means that at least one fiber filament is woven or gathered. Specifically, fig. 27A to 27C show cross sections of the cooling structure 3400 shown in fig. 27A at different positions. The hollow 3410 shown in fig. 27B and the hollow 3420 shown in fig. 27C correspond to passages.

For example, the number of the fiber bundles constituting the cooling structure 3400 may be two or more, but the number is not limited. In addition, the number of the filaments included in a single fiber bundle may be more than one, but the number thereof is not limited. In addition, the number of filaments included in each fiber bundle may be the same, or may be different.

Referring to FIG. 27B, a cooling structure 3400 made using 8 fiber bundles is shown, but is not limited thereto. For example, cooling structure 3400 may be fabricated using 6 or 9 fiber bundles.

Fig. 28A and 28B are views for explaining still another example of the cooling structure including a single longitudinal passage.

Fig. 28A and 28B show another example of a cooling structure 3500 which is manufactured by weaving a plurality of fiber bundles. Specifically, fig. 28B shows a cross section of the cooling structure 3500 shown in fig. 28A. For example, the hardness of the cooling structure 3500 shown in fig. 28A and 28B and the hardness of the cooling structure 1600 shown in fig. 28A and 28B may be different from each other. The hollow hole 3510 shown in fig. 28B corresponds to a passage.

Meanwhile, the inside of the passages of the cooling structures 3300, 3400, 3500 shown in fig. 26A to 28B may be filled with a predetermined substance (for example, a sheet produced from polylactic acid, another structure produced from a fiber yarn, a wound (crimped) fiber yarn, or the like). The degree of filling the predetermined substance into the channels (filling ratio) can be set in various ways depending on the production process of the cooling structures 3300, 3400, 3500.

The cooling structures 3300, 3400, 3500 can be produced by adjusting the number of filled filaments according to various purposes and by variously changing the shape of the structure. For example, the total area of the fibers, the arrangement of the filaments, etc. may be varied to produce cooling structures 3300, 3400, 3500 of various shapes.

Next, an example in which a predetermined substance (for example, another cooling structure) is filled in cooling structures 3300, 3400, 3500 will be described with reference to fig. 29 to 31.

Fig. 29 is a diagram for explaining an example of a cooling structure filled inside.

Fig. 29 shows an example of a cooling structure 3600 in which the interior of first substructure 3610 has been filled with second substructure 3620. Here, the first sub-structure 3610 may be a cooling structure including at least one channel. For example, the first cooling structure 3610 may be the cooling structures 3300, 3400, 3500 described above with reference to fig. 26A to 28B, but is not limited thereto. In other words, first substructure 3610 may be made by weaving at least one fiber filament or at least one fiber bundle.

At least one channel formed in the first substructure 3610 may be filled with a second substructure 3620. For example, a coiled filter is shown in fig. 29 as a second sub-structure 3620. The filter tip of the sheet type will be described later with reference to fig. 35.

Fig. 30A and 30B are views for explaining another example of the cooling structure filled therein.

Fig. 30A and 30B show an example of a cooling structure 3700 in which the first substructure 3710 is filled with the second substructure 3720. FIG. 30B shows a cross-section of the cooling structure 3700 shown in FIG. 30A. The first substructure 3710 may be a cooling structure including at least one channel. For example, the first cooling structure 3710 may be, but is not limited to, the cooling structures 3300, 3400, 3500 described above with reference to fig. 26A to 28B.

The second substructure 3720 filling the channels 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 is the same as the diameter of the channel of the first substructure 3710, and the second substructure 3720 may fill the channel of the first substructure 3710. In addition, although the structure having one second substructure 3720 is illustrated in fig. 30A and 30B, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other words, the channels of the first substructure 3710 can be filled with a plurality of second substructures 3720 according to the diameter of the second substructures 3720.

Fig. 31 is a diagram for explaining still another example of the cooling structure filled therein.

Cooling structure 3900 shown in fig. 31 may be the same structure as cooling structures 3600, 3700 shown in fig. 29-30B. In other words, cooling structure 3900 may be in a state in which channel 3910 of the first substructure is filled with other substances. For example, the passage 3910 may be filled with a plurality of filaments. At this time, the filled fiber filaments may be irregularly gathered shapes (for example, shapes like cotton wool), but are not limited thereto.

As described with reference to fig. 26A-31, the cooling structure may include a single channel in the longitudinal direction. However, it is not limited thereto. In other words, in order to increase the surface area per unit area (i.e., the surface area in contact with the aerosol), the cooling structure may include a plurality of channels, the number of which is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, a cooling structure including a plurality of passages will be described with reference to fig. 32A to 34E.

Fig. 32A to 32B are diagrams for explaining an example of a cooling structure having a plurality of channels.

Referring to fig. 32A, the cooling structure 4100 may be a cylindrical shape including a plurality of channels 4110. Fig. 32A and 32B show that the cooling structure 4100 includes 13 passages 4110, but the number of passages is not limited thereto. Fig. 32B is a cross-sectional view of the cooling structure 4100 shown in fig. 32A. In fig. 32B, the plurality of hollow holes 4120 of the cooling structure 4100 correspond to channels, respectively.

For example, the cooling structure 4100 may be produced by combining a plurality of the cooling structures 3300 shown in fig. 26A to 26B. That is, the number of channels 4110 included in the cooling structure 4100 is determined according to the number of cooling structures 3300. However, the method of producing the cooling structure 4100 is not limited to the above-described method.

The cooling structure 4100 is made by combining a plurality of cooling structures 4100 so that the space 4130 between adjacent cooling structures 3300 can also function as a passage. Therefore, even if a channel in the plurality of cooling structures 3300 is clogged due to phase change, the aerosol can easily pass through the cooling structure 4100.

Fig. 33 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the inside of a cooling structure having a plurality of channels is filled.

Referring to fig. 33, a cooling structure 4200 may be formed by combining a plurality of cooling structures 4210. For example, the cooling structure 4210 may comprise one channel, and by combining a plurality of cooling structures 4210, the cooling structure 4200 may have a plurality of channels.

For example, the cooling structure 4210 may be produced using the fiber bundle 3200 shown in fig. 25. In other words, the cooling structure 4210 may be made by weaving a plurality of fiber bundles 3200, and sub-streams 3220 of fiber bundles 3200 may be present 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 sub-flow 3220, and therefore, the cooling effect of the aerosol can be improved.

As described with reference to fig. 32A to 33, the cooling structure may include a plurality of longitudinal channels of the same shape. On the one hand, the plurality of channels formed in the cooling structure are not limited to the structures shown in fig. 32A to 33. Next, another example of a cooling structure having a plurality of passages will be described with reference to fig. 34A to 34E.

Fig. 34A to 34E are views for explaining another example of the cooling structure having a plurality of channels.

An example of a cooling structure 4300 having a plurality of channels is shown in fig. 34A to 34E. Specifically, fig. 34B to 34E show cross sections of various modifications of the cooling structure 4300 shown in fig. 34A.

Referring to fig. 34A, each cross-section of the cooling structure 4300 may include a plurality of channels 4310. In addition, referring to fig. 34B to 34D, the positions and/or sizes of the plurality of channels 4320, 4330, 4340 may be different according to the manufacturing process of the cooling structure 4300. In addition, referring to fig. 34E, it can be produced that the cooling structure 4300 has one continuous air flow path 4350 as a whole according to the respective positions of the plurality of paths.

As explained with reference to fig. 26A-34E, the cooling structure can be fabricated with at least one hollow channel. However, the cooling structure may be formed in various shapes other than the shape having the hollow passage.

For example, the cooling structure may be formed in a sheet shape. Hereinafter, an example of a cooling structure made of a sheet shape will be described with reference to fig. 35 to 36B. Alternatively, the cooling structure may be formed in a granular shape. An example of a cooling structure formed in a pellet (granule) shape will be described below with reference to fig. 37. In addition, the cooling structure may be made of an implant using polylactic acid (PLA) as a raw material. Hereinafter, an example of a cooling structure made of an implant will be described with reference to fig. 38A to 38C.

In addition, the cooling structure 322 may be produced with various hardnesses (hardness) through a thermosetting process.

Fig. 35 is a diagram for explaining an example of the sheet-like cooling structure.

The cooling structure 4400 may also be produced in a sheet form (hereinafter, referred to as a "sheet-like cooling structure"). For example, the sheet cooling structure 4400 may be produced by closely arranging and compressing the filaments without a specific direction, but is not limited thereto.

In addition, a predetermined substance (for example, activated carbon particles or the like) may be inserted into the sheet-like cooling structure 4400. For example, a predetermined substance may be inserted into the compressed sheet-like cooling structure 4400 by applying the predetermined substance to a first sheet-like cooling structure, placing a second sheet-like cooling structure on the first sheet-like cooling structure, and compressing the second sheet-like cooling structure. However, the production process of the sheet-like cooling structure 4400 is not limited to the above-described example.

Fig. 36A and 36B are views for explaining another example of the sheet-like cooling structure.

Fig. 36A and 36B show an example of a cooling structure 4500 filled therein. Specifically, fig. 36B shows a cross section of the cooling structure 4500 shown in fig. 36A. For example, the cooling structure 4500 of fig. 36A can be produced by wrapping the periphery of another rolled sheet cooling structure with the sheet cooling structure.

Fig. 37 is a diagram for explaining an example of the granular cooling structure.

Fig. 37 shows an example of a granular cooling structure 4600 made of at least one fiber strand or at least one fiber bundle. For example, cooling structure 4600 can be made by gathering at least one fiber filament or at least one fiber bundle or randomly weaving.

Fig. 38A to 38C are views for explaining an example of a cooling structure made of an implant.

Referring to fig. 38A, the cooling structure 4710 may be filled with particles made of polylactic acid, tobacco leaves, or charcoal, respectively. In addition, the particles may be made from a mixture of polylactic acid, tobacco and charcoal. In one aspect, the particles may contain elements that enhance the cooling effect of the aerosol in addition to polylactic acid, tobacco and/or charcoal.

Referring to fig. 38B, the cooling structure 4720 may include a first end face 4721 and a second end face 4722.

The first end face 4721 intersects the first filter segment 321 boundaries shown in fig. 23A-23B and may include pores for aerosol inflow. The second end face 4722 intersects the second filter segment 323 boundary shown in fig. 23A-23B and may include pores capable of discharging aerosols. For example, the first and second end faces 4721 and 4722 may include a single aperture of the same diameter, but the diameter and number of apertures included in the first and second end faces 4721 and 4722 are not limited thereto.

Also, the cooling structure 4720 may have a third end face 4723 between the first and second end faces 4721 and 4722, the third end face 4723 including a plurality of apertures. For example, the third end surface 4723 may have a plurality of apertures with a diameter that is smaller than the diameters of the apertures of the first and second end surfaces 4721, 4722. The third end surface 4723 may have a greater number of apertures than the first and second end surfaces 4721, 4722.

Referring to fig. 38C, the cooling structure 4730 may include a first end face 4731 that intersects the boundary of the first filter segment 321 and a second end face 4732 that intersects the boundary of the second filter segment 323. Additionally, the cooling structure 4730 may include more than one channel 4733. Additionally, the channels 4733 may be wrapped with a microporous wrapping material and filled with a filler material (e.g., particles as described with reference to fig. 38A) that enhances the cooling effect of the aerosol.

As described above, the holder 1 heats the cigarette 3, thereby generating aerosol. In addition, the holder 1 may generate aerosol in a state of being used alone, or may generate aerosol in a state of being inserted into the cradle 2 and tilted. In particular, when the holder 1 is tilted, the heater 130 can be heated by the power of the battery of the cradle 2.

Hereinafter, the aerosol-generating device 10000 of the embodiment shown in fig. 39 to 58 is an example of the integrated aerosol-generating device in which the holder 1 and the bracket 2 are coupled to each other in the above-described embodiment. Therefore, the embodiment of each of the holder 1 and the holder 2 described in fig. 1 to 21 can be applied to the aerosol-generating device described in fig. 39 to 58. In addition, the cigarette 3 described in fig. 22 to 38C can be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10000 described in fig. 39 to 58, and the aerosol-generating device can heat the cigarette 3 described in fig. 22 to 38C to generate an aerosol. In addition, the heater 10300 of the aerosol-generating device 10000 illustrated in fig. 39-58 may be the heater 130 illustrated in fig. 1-5. In other words, the holder 1 (particularly, the heater 130 employed in the holder 1) and the cigarette 3 (particularly, the cooling structure 322 employed in the cigarette 3) illustrated in fig. 1 to 38C may be applied to the embodiment illustrated in fig. 39 to 58.

In fig. 39 to 58, reference numerals indicating components are used independently of those used in fig. 1 to 38C. Accordingly, it should be understood that the reference numerals indicating the components in fig. 39 to 58 are used independently of the reference numerals indicating the components in fig. 1 to 38C and indicate different components.

Fig. 39 is a side view of an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment, fig. 40A is a perspective view of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment shown in fig. 39, and fig. 40B is a perspective view schematically illustrating an operating state of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment shown in fig. 40A.

The aerosol-generating device 10000 of the embodiment shown in fig. 39, 40A and 40B can comprise a housing 10010 and a lid 10020. The cover 10020 is coupled to one side end of the housing 10010, so that the cover 10020 forms an appearance of the aerosol-generating device 10000 together with the housing 10010.

The housing 10010 plays a role of forming the appearance of the aerosol-generating device 10000 and accommodating and protecting a plurality of components formed on the inner space.

The cover 10020 and the housing 10010 may be made of a plastic material poor in heat conduction or a metal material whose surface is coated with a heat insulating material. The cover 10020 and the housing 10010 may be manufactured by, for example, injection molding or 3D printing or assembling small parts manufactured by injection molding.

A locking means for maintaining the coupling state of the cover 10020 and the housing 10010 may be provided between the cover 10020 and the housing 10010. The locking means may comprise, for example, a protrusion and a groove. The following structure may be utilized: the coupled state of the cover 10020 and the housing 10010 can be maintained by maintaining the state in which the protrusion is inserted into the groove, and the protrusion is separated from the groove by moving the protrusion by an operation button that can be pressed by a user.

In addition, the locking means may comprise, for example, a magnet and a magnetically attractive metal piece. If magnets are used in the locking device, magnets may be provided on one of the cover 10020 and the housing 10010 and magnetically attracted metal members on the other, or magnets may be provided on both the cover 10020 and the housing 10010.

The cap 10020 in the aerosol-generating device 10000 according to the embodiment shown in fig. 39 and 40A is not essential, and the cap 10020 may not be provided if necessary.

An outer hole 10020p into which the cigarette 3 is inserted is formed on an upper surface of the cover 10020 coupled to the housing 10010. In addition, a rail 10030r is provided on the upper surface of the cover 10020 at a position adjacent to the external hole 10020 p. A gate portion 10030 that can slide along the upper surface of the cover 10020 is provided on the rail 10030 r. The gate portion 10030 can slide linearly along the rail 10030 r.

The door portion 10030 moves in the arrow direction of fig. 40B along the rail 10030r, and functions to expose the outer hole 10020p and the insertion hole 10040p to the outside, and the outer hole 10020p and the insertion hole 10040p enable the cigarette 3 to be inserted into the housing 10010 through the cover 10020. The outer hole 10020p of the cover 10020 functions to expose the insertion hole 10040p of the housing passage 10040h capable of housing the cigarette 3 to the outside.

When the outer hole 10020p is exposed to the outside through the door portion 10030, the user inserts the end 3b of the cigarette 3 into the outer hole 10020p and the insertion hole 10040p, and inserts the cigarette 3 into the housing passage 10040h formed inside the cover 10020.