CN117835852A

CN117835852A - Heating structure, and aerosol-generating device and system comprising the same

Info

Publication number: CN117835852A
Application number: CN202380013186.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 金东星; 权宁范; 金龙焕; 林宪一; 张锡水
Original assignee: KT&G Corp
Current assignee: KT&G Corp
Priority date: 2021-12-03
Filing date: 2023-04-07
Publication date: 2024-04-05
Also published as: KR20230083977A; JP2024520844A; WO2023204498A1

Abstract

The heating structure comprises: a first body portion having a first length and a first cross-sectional shape; and a second body portion connected to the first body portion and having a second length and a second cross-sectional shape different from the first cross-sectional shape.

Description

Heating structure, and aerosol-generating device and system comprising the same

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to heating structures, and aerosol-generating devices and systems including the same.

Background

Techniques for introducing a gas stream into an aerosol-generating article are being developed to provide atomization properties. For example, an aerosol-generating device is being developed that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article in a non-combustion manner. The above description is information that the inventors have acquired during the course of conception of the present disclosure, or that has been in possession of at the time, and is not necessarily a well-known technology prior to filing of the present application.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

An aspect of the present disclosure may provide a heating structure that may accommodate and fix an aerosol-generating article even when there is a deviation between the aerosol-generating article and the heating structure, and an aerosol-generating device comprising the heating structure.

Solution to the problem

The heating structure may include: a first body portion having a first length and a first cross-sectional shape; and a second body portion connected to the first body portion and having a second length and a second cross-sectional shape different from the first cross-sectional shape.

The first body portion may include: a first wall having a width in a first direction intersecting a first longitudinal direction of the first body portion; and a second wall having a width in a second direction intersecting each of the first direction and the first longitudinal direction of the first body portion.

The first wall and the second wall may have a first cross-sectional shape that varies along a first length.

The amount of change in the width of the first wall in the first direction along the first longitudinal direction may be smaller than the amount of change in the width of the second wall in the second direction along the first longitudinal direction.

The first cross-sectional shape may vary from a generally circular shape to a generally elliptical shape along the first length.

The second body portion may include: a third wall connected to the first wall and having a width in a first direction intersecting the second longitudinal direction of the second body portion; and a fourth wall connected to the second wall and having a width in a second direction intersecting each of the first direction and the second longitudinal direction of the second body portion.

The width of the third wall in the first direction and the width of the fourth wall in the second direction may be substantially constant along the second length.

The third wall may have a generally curved surface.

The fourth wall may have a substantially planar surface.

The second body portion may further include a protrusion protruding from the third wall.

The aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating structure configured to contain and heat the aerosol-generating article, wherein the heating structure may comprise: a first body portion having a first length and a first cross-sectional shape; and a second body portion connected to the first body portion and having a second length and a second cross-sectional shape different from the first cross-sectional shape.

The third wall may be configured to press against the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is contained, and the fourth wall may be configured to form an airflow path with the aerosol-generating article.

Advantageous effects of the invention

According to an embodiment, the aerosol-generating article may be heated uniformly, even when there is a deviation between the aerosol-generating article and the heating structure. According to an embodiment, the force of securing the aerosol-generating article may be enhanced. The effects of the heating structure and the aerosol-generating device and system including the same according to an embodiment may not be limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned may be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description.

Drawings

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

Fig. 1-3 are illustrations showing an example in which an aerosol-generating article (e.g., a cigarette) is inserted into an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 4 and 5 are illustrations showing examples of aerosol-generating articles (e.g., cigarettes) according to an embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a heating structure according to an embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of a heating structure according to an embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a side view of a heating structure viewed in one direction according to an embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a side view of a heating structure viewed in another direction according to an embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating system comprising a heating structure according to an embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a plan view of an aerosol-generating system according to an embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating the area occupied by the aerosol-generating article in the heating structure according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

The terminology used to describe the embodiments is selected from the general terms currently widely used in consideration of their functions in the present disclosure. However, different terms may also be used depending on the intention of the practitioner in the art, precedent, or the appearance of new technology, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant of the present disclosure arbitrarily selects terms, and the meanings of these terms will be described in detail in the corresponding portions of the detailed description. Accordingly, the terms used to describe the present disclosure should be defined according to the meaning of the terms and the entire contents of the present disclosure, not based on the terms themselves.

It will be understood that when a particular element is "comprising" it does not exclude other elements, and that other elements may be included without specifically stated or the contrary. In addition, terms "-unit", "-module" and the like as used in the specification refer to a portion for processing at least one function or operation, and may be implemented as hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

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

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 to 3 are illustrations showing examples in which cigarettes are inserted into an aerosol-generating device.

Referring to fig. 1, the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise a battery 11, a controller 12 and a heater 13. Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further comprise a vaporiser 14. The cigarette 2 may be inserted into the interior space of the aerosol-generating device 1.

The aerosol-generating device 1 shown in fig. 1 to 3 may comprise components relevant to the embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise other general-purpose components in addition to those shown in fig. 1-3.

In addition, although the heater 13 is shown in fig. 2 and 3 as being included in the aerosol-generating device 1, the heater 13 may be omitted as required.

Fig. 1 shows a linear arrangement (linear alignment) of the battery 11, the controller 12, and the heater 13. Fig. 2 shows a linear arrangement of the battery 11, the controller 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13. Fig. 3 shows a parallel arrangement of the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13. However, the internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 1 is not limited to that shown in fig. 1 to 3. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13 and the vaporizer 14 may be changed according to the design of the aerosol-generating device 1.

When inserting the cigarette 2 into the aerosol-generating device 1, the aerosol-generating device 1 may operate the heater 13 and/or the vaporiser 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and/or the vaporiser 14 may be delivered to the user by the cigarette 2.

Even when the cigarette 2 is not inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1, the aerosol-generating device 1 may cause the heater 13 to heat as required.

The battery 11 may provide power for operating the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the battery 11 may provide power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and may provide power required for the operation of the controller 12. Further, the battery 11 may provide electric power required to operate a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. mounted in the aerosol-generating device 1.

The controller 12 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. Specifically, the controller 12 may control the operation of other components included in the aerosol-generating device 1 in addition to the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. Also, the controller 12 may confirm the state of each of the components of the aerosol-generating device 1 to determine whether the aerosol-generating device 1 is in an operable state.

The controller 12 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as a plurality of arrays of logic gates, or as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and memory having stored therein a program executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that a processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

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

The heater 13 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 13 may include a conductive trace (track) through which the heater 13 may be heated as current flows. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and any example of heating the heater 13 to a desired temperature may be applied without limitation. Here, a desired temperature may be set in advance in the aerosol-generating device 1, or may be set by a user.

As another example, the heater 13 may be an induction heater. Specifically, heater 13 may include an electrically conductive coil that heats the cigarette by way of induction heating, and the cigarette may include an induction heater (inductor) that is heated by the induction heater.

For example, the heater 13 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-like heating element, a needle-like heating element, or a rod-like heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette 2 according to the shape of the heating element.

Further, in the aerosol-generating device 1, the heater 13 may be provided as a plurality of heaters. In this case, the plurality of heaters 13 may be provided to be inserted into the cigarette 2, or may be provided outside the cigarette 2. Further, some of the heaters 13 may be provided to be inserted into the cigarette 2, and the remaining ones of the heaters 13 may be provided outside the cigarette 2. However, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shape shown in fig. 1 to 3, but may be provided in various shapes.

The vaporizer 14 may heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to a user through the cigarette 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporiser 14 may follow the airflow path of the aerosol-generating device 1, and the airflow path may be configured such that the aerosol generated by the vaporiser 14 may be delivered to the user by the cigarette.

For example, vaporizer 14 may comprise a liquid storage portion, a liquid transfer device, and a heating element. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the reservoir, the liquid transfer device and the heating element may be included in the aerosol-generating device 1 as separate modules.

The reservoir may store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising tobacco-containing materials that contain volatile tobacco aroma components, or may be a liquid comprising non-tobacco materials. The reservoir may be manufactured to be detachable from the carburetor 14 and attachable to the carburetor 14, or may be manufactured to be integrally formed with the carburetor 14.

For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, flavors, fragrances, or vitamin mixtures. The flavors may include, for example, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavor components, and the like. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. The flavoring may include ingredients that provide various flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin a, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. The liquid composition may also include an aerosol former such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid transfer device may transfer the liquid composition in the reservoir to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer device may be a core (wick) such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber or porous ceramic, for example. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

The heating element may be an element configured to heat the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer device. For example, the heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. Further, the heating element may comprise a conductive wire, such as a nichrome wire, and the heating element may be arranged in a wound configuration around the liquid transfer device. The heating element may be heated as an electric current is supplied and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element and thereby may heat the liquid composition. Thus, an aerosol can be generated.

For example, vaporizer 14 may also be referred to as a cartomizer (cartomizer) or an atomizer (atomizer). However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

The aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise other general components in addition to the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13 and the vaporiser 14. For example, the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise a display outputting visual information and/or a motor outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise at least one sensor (e.g. a suction sensor, a temperature sensor, an insertion detection sensor for an aerosol-generating article, etc.). In addition, the aerosol-generating device 1 may be manufactured to have a structure such that: in this structure, external air may be introduced or internal gas may flow out, even in the case where the cigarette 2 is inserted.

Although not shown in fig. 1 to 3, the aerosol-generating device 1 may constitute a system together with a separate holder. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol-generating device 1. Alternatively, the holder may also be used to heat the heater 13 with the holder coupled to the aerosol-generating device 1.

The cigarette 2 may be of a similar type to a conventional burning cigarette. For example, the cigarette 2 may be divided into a first portion comprising aerosol-generating substance and a second portion comprising a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 2 may also include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance provided in the form of particles or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

The first part may be integrally inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only the first part may be partially inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1, or the first part may be wholly inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 and the second part may be partially inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1. The user may inhale the aerosol in a state of biting the second portion with the mouth. In this case, as the external air passes through the first portion, an aerosol may be generated, and the generated aerosol may pass through the second portion into the mouth of the user.

For example, external air may be introduced through at least one air path formed at the aerosol-generating device 1. In this example, the user may adjust the opening or closing of the air path formed in the aerosol-generating device 1 and/or the size of the air path. Thus, the user can adjust the amount of atomization, the feeling of smoking, and the like. As another example, outside air may be introduced into the interior of cigarette 2 through at least one hole (hole) formed on the surface of cigarette 2.

Hereinafter, an example of the cigarette 2 will be described with reference to fig. 4 and 5.

Fig. 4 and 5 are illustrations showing examples of cigarettes according to an embodiment.

Referring to fig. 4, the cigarette 2 may include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first and second portions described above with reference to figures 1 to 3 may comprise a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22, respectively.

Although the filter rod 22 is shown in fig. 4 as having a single segment, embodiments are not so limited. In other words, the filter rod 22 may alternatively comprise a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a section for cooling the aerosol and a section for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. In addition, the filter rod 22 may include at least one segment that performs other functions as desired.

The diameter of the cigarette 2 may be in the range of 5 millimeters (mm) to 9mm, and the length of the cigarette 2 may be about 48mm. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be about 12mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 10mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 14mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 12mm. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

Cigarettes 2 may be wrapped with at least one wrapper 24. The package 24 may have at least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas is discharged to the outside. For example, cigarettes 2 may be wrapped in a wrapper 24. As another example, cigarettes 2 may be wrapped in a stacked manner with two or more wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped with a first wrapper 241 and the filter rod 22 may be wrapped with wrappers 242, 243, 244. In addition, cigarettes 2 may be integrally wrapped again with single wrapper 245. For example, when the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, the segments may be individually wrapped with wrappers 242, 243, 244.

The first package 241 and the second package 242 may be formed of a general filter wrapper. For example, the first and second packages 241 and 242 may be porous or nonporous wrappers. Further, the first and second packages 241 and 242 may be formed of an oil-resistant paper and/or aluminum laminate packaging material.

Third package 243 may be made of a hard packAnd (5) forming the paper. For example, the third package 243 may have a basis weight of 88g/m ² To 96g/m ² Within a range of (d), and desirably, the basis weight of the third package 243 may be in the range of 90g/m ² To 94g/m ² Within a range of (2). Further, the thickness of the third package 243 may be in the range of 120 micrometers (μm) to 130 μm, and desirably, the thickness of the third package 243 may be 125 μm.

The fourth package 244 may be formed of an oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth package 244 may be 88g/m ² To 96g/m ² And desirably, the basis weight of the fourth package 244 may be in the range of 90g/m ² To 94g/m ² Within a range of (2). Further, the thickness of the fourth package 244 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and desirably, the thickness of the fourth package 244 may be 125 μm.

The fifth package 245 may be formed of sterilized paper (e.g., MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) is a specially prepared paper superior to plain paper in terms of tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. For example, the fifth package 245 may have a basis weight of 57g/m ² To 63g/m ² Within a range of (d), and desirably, the basis weight of the fifth package 245 may be 60g/m ² . Further, the thickness of the fifth package 245 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and desirably, the thickness of the fifth package 245 may be 67 μm.

The fifth package 245 may have a predetermined material internally added to the fifth package 245. The material may be, for example, silicon. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. Silicon may have characteristics such as heat resistance less affected by temperature, oxidation resistance less susceptible to oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water resistance, or electrical insulation, for example. However, silicon may not be necessarily used, and any material having the above characteristics may be applied (or used for coating) to the fifth package 245 without limitation.

The fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the cigarettes 2 from burning. For example, the following possibilities may exist: when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 13, the cigarette 2 burns. For example, when the temperature increases beyond the ignition point of any of the materials contained in the tobacco rod 21, the cigarette 2 may burn. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-combustible material, the cigarettes 2 can be prevented from burning.

Further, the fifth package 245 may prevent the aerosol-generating device (e.g., the holder) from being contaminated by substances generated in the cigarettes 2. For example, liquid substances may be generated in the cigarette 2 by being drawn by a user. For example, as the aerosol generated in the cigarette 2 is cooled by the outside air, a liquid substance (e.g., water, etc.) may be generated. Therefore, the fifth package 245 is used to package the cigarettes 2, so that the liquid substances generated in the cigarettes 2 can be prevented from leaking to the outside of the cigarettes 2.

The tobacco rod 21 may include 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. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. The tobacco rod 21 may also include other additives such as, for example, flavoring agents, humectants, and/or organic acids (organic acids). In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may include a flavored liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, added when sprayed onto the tobacco rod 21.

The tobacco rod 21 may be made in various forms. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as a sheet (sheet) or a thread (strand). Alternatively, the tobacco rod 21 may also be formed from tobacco leaves obtained by cutting from tobacco sheets. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped with a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may uniformly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 to increase the conductivity of heat applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the taste of the tobacco. In addition, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may be used as an induction heating element that is heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown, the tobacco rod 21 may include an additional induction heating member in addition to the heat conductive material wrapping the outside of the tobacco rod 21.

The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter rod. However, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod, or may be a tubular rod that is hollow in the interior. The filter rod 22 may also be a recessed rod. For example, where the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, at least one of the segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter rod. For example, the first section may be a tubular structure including a hollow portion therein. The first segment may prevent the inner material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed backward when the heater 13 is inserted into the tobacco rod 21, and may cool the aerosol. The desired diameter of the hollow comprised in the first section may be in the range of 2mm to 4.5 mm. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

The desired length of the first segment may be in the range of 4mm to 30 mm. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. Desirably, the length of the first section may be 10mm. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

The first segment may have the following hardness: hardness can be adjusted by adjusting the plasticizer content during the first stage of manufacture. Further, the first segment may be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube having the same or different materials into the first segment (e.g., into the hollow).

The second section of the filter rod 22 may cool the aerosol generated when the heater 13 heats the tobacco rod 21. Thereby, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

The length or diameter of the second section may be determined in various ways depending on the shape of the cigarette 2. For example, the desired length of the second segment may be employed in the range of 7mm to 20 mm. Desirably, the length of the second section may be about 14mm. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

The second segment may be made by braiding polymer fibers. In this case, the scented liquid may be applied to the fibers formed from the polymer. As another example, the second segment may be manufactured by braiding together individual fibers with the scented liquid applied and fibers formed from a polymer. As yet another example, the second section may be formed from a curled polymeric sheet.

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

Since the second section is formed of woven polymer fibers or crimped polymer sheets, the second section may include a single channel or multiple channels extending in the longitudinal direction. As used herein, a channel refers to a path through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

For example, the second segment formed by crimping the polymer sheet may be formed of a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, such as between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Further, the total surface area of the second section may be about 300mm ² /mm and about 1000mm ² Between/mm. In addition, the aerosol-cooling element may be formed from a material having a thickness of about 10mm ² /mg and about 100mm ² A specific surface area between/mg.

The second segment may comprise filaments (thread) containing volatile flavour components. The volatile flavour ingredient may be menthol. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the filaments may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide at least 1.5mg of menthol to the second segment.

The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter rod. The desired length of the third section may be employed in the range of 4mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third section may be about 12mm. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

The third segment may be manufactured such that: the fragrance is generated by spraying a fragrance liquid onto the third segment during its manufacture. Alternatively, individual fibers with applied fragrance liquid may be inserted into the third section. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 21 may be cooled as it passes through the second section of the filter rod 22 and the cooled aerosol may be delivered to the user through the third section. Thus, the scent delivered to the user may last longer as the scent element is added to the third section.

Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may comprise at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may function to generate a fragrance, or may function to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

Referring to fig. 5, the cigarette 3 may further include a front end plug 33. The front end plug 33 may be provided on the opposite side of the tobacco rod 31 from the filter rod 32. The front end plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from escaping to the outside, and may also prevent liquid aerosol in the tobacco rod 31 from flowing into an aerosol-generating device (e.g., the aerosol-generating device 1 of fig. 1-3) during smoking.

The filter rod 32 may include a first section 321 and a second section 322. Here, the first section 321 may correspond to the first section of the filter rod 22 of fig. 4, and the second section 322 may correspond to the third section of the filter rod 22 of fig. 4.

The diameter and overall length of the cigarette 3 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the cigarette 2 of fig. 4. For example, front end plug 33 may be about 7mm in length, tobacco rod 31 may be about 15mm in length, first section 321 may be about 12mm in length, and second section 322 may be about 14mm in length. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

The cigarettes 3 may be wrapped with at least one wrapper 35. The package 35 may have at least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas flows out. For example, front end plug 33 may be packaged with first package 351, tobacco rod 31 may be packaged with second package 352, first section 321 may be packaged with third package 353, and second section 322 may be packaged with fourth package 354. Further, the cigarettes 3 may be integrally wrapped again with the fifth wrapper 355.

In addition, at least one perforation (performance) 36 may be formed on the fifth package 355. For example, perforations 36 may be formed in the area surrounding tobacco rod 31. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. Perforations 36 may function to transfer heat generated by heater 13 shown in fig. 2 and 3 to the interior of tobacco rod 31.

Further, second section 322 may include at least one bladder 34. Here, the capsule 34 may function to generate a fragrance, or may function to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a film is wrapped around a fragrance-containing liquid. The capsule 34 may be spherical or cylindrical in shape. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

The first wrapper 351 may be a combination of conventional filter wrapper with a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the total thickness of the first package 351 may be in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and desirably, the total thickness of the first package 351 may be about 50.3 μm. Further, the thickness of the metal foil of the first package 351 may be in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and desirably, the thickness of the metal foil of the first package 351 may be 6.3 μm. Further, the basis weight of the first package 351 may be 50g/m ² To 55g/m ² Within a range of (1), and desirably, the basis weight of the first package 351 may be 53g/m ² 。

The second package 352 and the third package 353 may be formed of a general filter wrapper. For example, the second package 352 and the third package 353 may be porous or nonporous.

For example, the porosity of the second package 352 may be 35000CU. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. Further, the thickness of the second package 352 may be in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and desirably, the thickness of the second package 352 may be 78 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the second package 352 may be 20g/m ² To 25g/m ² Within a range of (2), and desirably, the basis weight of the second package 352 may be 23.5g/m ² 。

For example, the porosity of the third package 353 may be 24000CU. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. Further, the thickness of the third package 353 may be in the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and desirably, the thickness of the third package 353 may be 68 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the third package 353 may be 20g/m ² To 25g/m ² Within the scope of (c), and desirably,the basis weight of the third package 353 may be 21g/m ² 。

The fourth package 354 may be formed from polylactic acid (PLA) laminated paper. Herein, PLA laminated paper refers to 3-ply paper including a paper ply, a PLA layer, and another paper ply. For example, the thickness of the fourth package 354 may be in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and desirably, the thickness of the fourth package 354 may be 110 μm. Further, the basis weight of the fourth package 354 may be 80g/m ² To 100g/m ² In the range of (2), and desirably, the basis weight of the fourth package 354 may be 88g/m ² 。

The fifth package 355 may be formed of sterilized paper (e.g., MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) is a specially manufactured paper superior to plain paper in terms of tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, and the like. For example, the basis weight of fifth package 355 may be included at 57g/m ² To 63g/m ² Within a range of (3), and desirably, the basis weight of fifth package 355 may be about 60g/m ² . Further, the thickness of the fifth package 355 may be included in a range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and desirably, the thickness of the fifth package 355 may be 67 μm.

The fifth package 355 may have a predetermined material added internally to the fifth package. Here, the material may be silicon, for example. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, silicon may have characteristics such as heat resistance which is little affected by temperature, oxidation resistance which is not easily oxidized, resistance to various chemicals, water resistance, or electrical insulation, for example. However, silicon may not be necessarily used, and any material having the above characteristics may be applied (or used for coating) to the fifth package 355 without limitation.

The front end plug 33 may be formed of cellulose acetate. For example, the front end plug 33 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to the cellulose acetate tow. The filaments formed from the cellulose acetate tow may have a denier per filament (mono denier) in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and desirably, the filaments formed from the cellulose acetate tow may have a denier per filament (mono denier) in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More desirably, the filament denier per filament of the front end plug 33 may be 5.0. In addition, the cross-section of the filaments of the front end plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier (total denier) of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 20000 to 30000, and desirably, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 25000 to 30000. More desirably, the front end plug 33 may have a total denier of 28000.

Further, the front end plug 33 may include at least one channel as needed, and the cross-sectional shape of each channel may be set in various ways.

The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to fig. 4. Accordingly, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

The first section 321 may be formed from cellulose acetate. For example, the first section may be a tubular structure including a hollow portion therein. The first section 321 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to the cellulose acetate tow. For example, the denier per filament and total denier of first segment 321 may be the same as the denier per filament and total denier of front end plug 33.

Second section 322 may be formed from cellulose acetate. The filaments of second segment 322 may have a denier per filament (mono denier) in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and desirably, the filaments of second segment 322 may have a denier per filament in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More desirably, the filaments of second segment 322 may have a denier per filament of 9.0. Additionally, the filaments of second section 322 may be Y-shaped in cross-section. The total denier of second segment 322 may be in the range of 20000 to 30000, and desirably, the total denier of second segment 322 may be 25000.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device 400 according to an embodiment.

The aerosol-generating device 400 may comprise a controller 410, a sensing unit 420, an output unit 430, a battery 440, a heater 450, a user input unit 460, a memory 470, and a communication unit 480. However, the internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 400 is not limited to that shown in fig. 6. Those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will appreciate that depending on the design of the aerosol-generating device 400, some of the components shown in fig. 6 may be omitted or new components may be added.

The sensing unit 420 may sense a state of the aerosol-generating device 400 or a state of the surrounding environment of the aerosol-generating device 400 and transmit sensing information obtained by the sensing to the controller 410. The controller 410 may control the aerosol-generating device 400 based on the sensed information to control operation of the heater 450, limit smoking, determine whether an aerosol-generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, display a notification, perform other functions, and the like.

The sensing unit 420 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 422, an insertion detection sensor 424, or a suction sensor 426. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

The temperature sensor 422 may sense the temperature at which the heater 450 (or aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 400 may comprise a separate temperature sensor to sense the temperature of the heater 450, or the heater 450 itself may be used as the temperature sensor to perform the function. Alternatively, a temperature sensor 422 may be disposed around the battery 440 to monitor the temperature of the battery 440.

The insertion detection sensor 424 may sense whether the aerosol-generating article is inserted and/or removed. The insertion detection sensor 424 may comprise, for example, at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, or an infrared sensor, and the insertion detection sensor 424 may sense a change in signal due to insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article.

Suction sensor 426 may sense suction from a user based on various physical changes in the airflow path or airflow channel. For example, suction sensor 426 may sense suction from a user based on any of temperature changes, flow (flow) changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

In addition to including the above-described sensors 422 through 426, the sensing unit 420 may include at least one of: a temperature/humidity sensor, a barometric sensor, a magnetic sensor (acceleration sensor), a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., global Positioning System (GPS)), a proximity sensor, or a Red Green Blue (RGB) sensor (e.g., illuminance sensor (illuminance sensor)). The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from its name by one of ordinary skill in the art, and thus a more detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The output unit 430 may output status information about the aerosol-generating device 400 and provide the information to a user. The output unit 430 may include at least one of a display 432, a haptic 434, or a sound output 436. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. When the display 432 and the touch panel are provided in a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display 432 may also function as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display 432 may visually provide information about the aerosol-generating device 400 to a user. For example, the information about the aerosol-generating device 400 may include, for example, a charge/discharge state of the battery 440 of the aerosol-generating device 400, a warm-up state of the heater 450, an insertion/removal state of the aerosol-generating article, or a limited use state of the aerosol-generating device 400 (e.g., abnormal article is detected), etc., and the display 432 may output the information to the outside. The display 432 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. The display 432 may also be in the form of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) device.

The haptic 434 may provide information about the aerosol-generating device 400 to a user in a tactile manner by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus. Haptic 434 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electro-stimulation device.

The sound output 436 may audibly provide information regarding the aerosol-generating device 400 to a user. For example, the sound output 436 may convert an electric signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

The battery 440 may provide power for operating the aerosol-generating device 400. The battery 440 may be powered to heat the heater 450. Further, the battery 440 may supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol-generating device 400 (e.g., the sensing unit 420, the output unit 430, the user input unit 460, the memory 470, and the communication unit 480). The battery 440 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 440 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

The heater 450 may receive power from the battery 440 to heat the aerosol-generating substance. Although not shown in fig. 6, the aerosol-generating device 400 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current to direct current converter (DC/DC converter)) that converts power of the battery 440 and supplies the power to the heater 450. In addition, when the aerosol-generating device 400 generates an aerosol in an inductively heated manner, the aerosol-generating device 400 may further comprise a direct current to alternating current converter (DC/AC converter) that converts direct current of the battery 440 into alternating current.

The controller 410, the sensing unit 420, the output unit 430, the user input unit 460, the memory 470, and the communication unit 480 may receive power from the battery 440 to perform functions. Although not shown in fig. 6, the aerosol-generating device 400 may further include a power conversion circuit, such as a Low Dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts power from the battery 440 and supplies the power to the various components.

In one embodiment, heater 450 may be formed of any suitable resistive material. The resistive material may be a metal or metal alloy including, for example, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 450 may be implemented as a metal heating wire (wire), a metal heating plate (plate) provided with a conductive trace (track), a ceramic heating element, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

In one embodiment, the heater 450 may be an induction heater. For example, the heater 450 may comprise an induction heating element that heats the aerosol-generating substance by generating heat using a magnetic field applied by a coil.

In an embodiment, the heater 450 may include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 450 may comprise a first heater for heating the aerosol-generating substance and a second heater for heating the liquid.

The user input unit 460 may receive information input from a user or may output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 460 may include a keyboard (key pad), a dome switch (dome switch), a touch pad (e.g., a touch capacitive type, a piezoresistive type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic wave conduction type, a global tension measuring type, a piezoelectric effect type method, etc.), a scroll wheel switch, etc. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. Further, although not shown in fig. 6, the aerosol-generating device 400 may further include a connection interface (connection interface) such as a universal serial bus (USB, universal serial bus) interface, and may be connected with another external apparatus through the connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information, or charge the battery 440.

The memory 470 is hardware for storing various data processed in the aerosol-generating device 400, and the memory 470 may store data processed by the controller 410 and data to be processed by the controller 410. The memory 470 may include at least one type of storage medium of a flash type (flash memory type) memory, a hard disk type (hard disk type) memory, a multimedia card micro (multimedia card micro type) memory, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (random access memory, RAM), a static random access memory (static random access memory, SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (programmable read-only memory, PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. The memory 470 may store the run time of the aerosol-generating device 400, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data associated with a user's smoking pattern, and the like.

The communication unit 480 may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit 480 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 482 and a wireless communication unit 484.

Short-range wireless communication units (short-range wireless communication unit) 482 include bluetooth communication units, bluetooth low energy (Bluetooth Low Energy, BLE) communication units, near field communication units (Near Field Communication unit), wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) communication units, zigbee communication units, infrared data protocol (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication units, wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication units, ultra Wideband (UWB) communication units, and ant+ communication units, among others. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

The wireless communication unit 484 may include, for example, a cellular network communication unit, an internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN)) communication unit, and the like. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. The wireless communication unit 484 may use subscription user information, such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI), to identify and authenticate the aerosol-generating device 400 within a communication network.

The controller 410 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 400. In one embodiment, the controller 410 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory having stored therein a program executable in the microprocessor. Furthermore, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that the controller may be implemented in other types of hardware.

The controller 410 may control the temperature of the heater 450 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 440 to the heater 450. For example, the controller 410 may control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 440 and the heater 450. As another example, the direct heating circuit may control the supply of power to the heater 450 according to a control command from the controller 410.

The controller 410 may analyze a sensing result obtained through sensing of the sensing unit 420 and control a process to be performed thereafter. For example, the controller 410 may control power supplied to the heater 450 based on a sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 420 to start and shut down the operation of the heater 450. As another example, the controller 410 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 450 and the time at which power is to be supplied based on the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 420 so that the heater 450 may be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at a desired temperature.

The controller 410 may control the output unit 430 based on the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 420. For example, when the number of suctions counted by the suction sensor 426 reaches a preset number, the controller 410 may inform the user through at least one of the display 432, the haptic 434, or the sound output 436: the aerosol-generating device 400 is about to stop.

In an embodiment, the controller 410 may control the time and/or amount of power supplied to the heater 450 according to the state of the aerosol-generating article sensed by the sensing unit 420. For example, when the aerosol-generating article is in an excessively wet state, the controller 410 may control the power supply time to the inductor winding such that the warm-up time is increased compared to the case where the aerosol-generating article is in a normal state.

An embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium including instructions executable by a computer, such as program modules, being executable by the computer. Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by the computer and includes volatile (volatile) media, non-volatile (non-volatile) media, removable (removable) media, and non-removable media. Furthermore, computer-readable media may include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media (computer storage medium) includes all volatile, nonvolatile, removable, and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions (computer-readable instruction), data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal (modulated data signal) such as a program module or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a heating structure according to an embodiment. Fig. 8 is a plan view of a heating structure according to an embodiment. Fig. 9 is a side view of a heating structure viewed in one direction according to an embodiment. Fig. 10 is a side view of a heating structure viewed in another direction according to an embodiment.

Referring to fig. 7-10, the heating structure 550 (e.g., heater 13, 450) may be configured to contain and heat an aerosol-generating article (e.g., cigarette 2). At least a portion of the heating structure 550 (e.g., the first body portion 510 and/or the second body portion 520) may be formed, for example, of a material of an inductive heating element and electromagnetically coupled with an electromagnetic element (e.g., a conductive coil) in an aerosol-generating device (e.g., aerosol-generating device 1) to heat the aerosol-generating article.

The heating structure 550 may include a first body portion 510 (e.g., an upper body portion) and a second body portion 520 (e.g., a lower body portion) connected to the first body portion 510. When the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating structure 550, the first body portion 510 may define a first hollow portion 511, the first hollow portion 511 being configured to at least partially contain the aerosol-generating article first, and the second body portion 520 may define a second hollow portion 521, the second hollow portion 521 being configured to at least partially contain the aerosol-generating article entering through the first body portion 510.

The first body portion 510 may include: a first surface 512A (e.g., a first upper end surface); a second surface 512B (e.g., a first lower end surface) opposite the first surface 512A; a first exterior surface 512C between the first surface 512A and the first surface 512B; and a first interior surface 512D between the first surface 512A and the second surface 512B. The first surface 512A and the second surface 512B may be at least partially open.

The first body portion 510 may have a first cross-sectional shape having a first length L1 (e.g., length in +/-Z direction) and a first width W11, W12. The first width W11, W12 may include: a width W11 (e.g., a first length and width) in a first direction (e.g., +/-X direction); and a width W12 (e.g., a first short width) in a second direction (e.g., a +/-Y direction) that intersects (e.g., is orthogonal to) the first direction.

In an embodiment, the first cross-sectional shape may have a first width W11, W12 that varies along the first length L1. For example, the first cross-sectional shape may have a first shape (e.g., a generally circular shape) on the first surface 512A that is generally the same width W11 in a first direction (e.g., +/-X direction) and a second direction (e.g., +/-Y direction) that is generally the same width W12, the first cross-sectional shape may have a second shape (e.g., a generally elliptical shape) on the second surface 512B that has a width W11 in the first direction (e.g., +/-X direction) that is greater than the width W12 in the second direction (e.g., +/-Y direction), and the first cross-sectional shape may have a shape that varies between the first shape and the second shape along the first length L1.

In an embodiment, the first body portion 510 may include at least one (e.g., two) first walls 513 and at least one (e.g., two) second walls 514, the first walls 513 having a width W11 in a first direction (e.g., a +/-X direction) that intersects the first longitudinal direction (e.g., a +/-Z direction); the second wall 514 is connected to the first wall 513 and has a width W12 in a second direction (e.g., +/-Y direction) intersecting each of the first longitudinal direction (e.g., +/-Z direction) and the first direction. The first wall 513 and the second wall 514 may form a first surface 512A, a second surface 512B, a first outer surface 512C, and a first inner surface 512D. The first wall 513 and the second wall 514 may form a first cross-sectional shape that varies along the first length L1.

In an embodiment, the width W11 of the first wall 513 in the first direction (e.g., +/-X direction) may be substantially constant along the first length L1. The first interior surface 512D, which partially forms the first wall 513, may have a generally linear profile when viewed along the first length L1.

In an embodiment, the first interior surface 512D partially forming the first wall 513 may be formed as a generally curved surface when viewed along the circumference of the first body portion 510. For example, the first interior surface 512D partially forming the first wall 513 may be formed to have a generally circular arc-shaped profile.

In an embodiment, the width W12 of the second wall 514 in the second direction (e.g., the +/-Y direction) may vary along the first direction L1. The first interior surface 512D, which partially forms the second wall 514, may have an expanded open profile when viewed along the first length L1. In some embodiments, the first interior surface 512D partially forming the second wall 514 may form a curved surface.

In an embodiment, the amount of variation (variation) of the width W11 of the first wall 513 in the first direction (e.g., the +/-X direction) along the first length L1 may be less than the amount of variation of the width W12 of the second wall 514 in the second direction (e.g., the +/-Y direction) along the first length L1.

In an embodiment, the amount of change in the width W11 of the first wall 513 in the first direction (e.g., the +/-X direction) along the first length L1 may be substantially equal to or greater than the amount of change in the width W12 of the second wall 514 in the second direction (e.g., the +/-Y direction) along the first length L1.

The second body portion 520 may include: a third surface 522A (e.g., a second upper end surface) connected to the second surface 512B; a fourth surface 522B opposite the third surface 522A; a second outer surface 522C between the third surface 522A and the fourth surface 522B; and a second interior surface 522D between the third surface 522A and the fourth surface 522B. In an embodiment, the third surface 522A and the fourth surface 522B may be at least partially open. In an embodiment, the fourth surface 522B may be formed as a closed end surface.

The second body portion 520 may have a second cross-sectional shape with a second length L2 (e.g., length in +/-Z direction) and a second width W21, W22. The second widths W21, W22 may have: a width W21 (e.g., a second length and width) in a first direction (e.g., +/-X direction); and a width W22 (e.g., a second short width) in a second direction (e.g., a +/-Y direction) that intersects (e.g., is orthogonal to) the first direction.

In an embodiment, the second length L2 may be greater than the first length L1. In an embodiment, the second length L2 may be substantially equal to or less than the first length L1.

In an embodiment, the second cross-sectional shape may have a second width W21, W22 that is substantially constant along the second length L2. For example, the second cross-sectional shape may have a shape (e.g., a generally oval shape) on both the third surface 522A and the fourth surface 522B with a width W21 in the first direction (e.g., the +/-X direction) that is greater than a width W22 in the second direction (e.g., the +/-Y direction), and may have a shape that is generally the same as the shape along the second length L2.

In an embodiment, the second cross-sectional shape may be substantially the same as the first cross-sectional shape on the second surface 512B. In some embodiments, the second cross-sectional shape may substantially coincide with the first cross-sectional shape on the second surface 512B (coiucide). For example, the second cross-sectional shape may be a generally elliptical shape or a shape similar to an elliptical shape between the third surface 522A and the fourth surface 522B.

In an embodiment, the second body portion 520 may include at least one (e.g., two) third walls 523 and at least one (e.g., two) fourth walls 524, the third walls 523 having a width W21 in a first direction (e.g., a +/-X direction) intersecting the second longitudinal direction (e.g., a +/-Z direction); the fourth wall 524 is connected to the third wall 523 and has a width W22 in a second direction (e.g., +/-Y direction) intersecting each of the second longitudinal direction (e.g., +/-Z direction) and the first direction. The third wall 523 and the fourth wall 524 may form a third surface 522A, a fourth surface 522B, a second outer surface 522C, and a second inner surface 522D. The third wall 523 and the fourth wall 524 may form a second cross-sectional shape that varies along the second length L2.

In an embodiment, the width W21 of the third wall 523 in the first direction (e.g., +/-X direction) may be substantially constant along the second length L2. The second interior surface 522D partially forming the second wall 523 may have a generally linear profile when viewed along the second length L2.

In an embodiment, the second interior surface 522D partially forming the third wall 523 may be formed as a generally curved surface when viewed along the circumference of the second body portion 520. For example, the second inner surface 522D partially forming the third wall 523 may be formed to have a substantially circular arc-shaped profile.

In an embodiment, the width W22 of the fourth wall 524 in the second direction (e.g., the +/-Y direction) may be substantially constant along the second length L2. The second interior surface 522D partially forming the fourth wall 524 may have a linear profile when viewed along the second length L2.

In an embodiment, the second interior surface 522D partially forming the fourth wall 524 may be formed as a substantially planar surface when viewed along the circumference of the second body portion 520.

In an embodiment, the second body portion 520 may include at least one protrusion 525 protruding from the second interior surface 522D. The projection 525 may be formed, for example, on the second inner surface 522D that partially forms the third wall 523. In some embodiments, the projection 525 may be positioned at a central portion of the second interior surface 522D that substantially and partially forms the third wall 523, as viewed along the second length L2. In some embodiments, the second body portion 520 may include a plurality (e.g., two) of protrusions 525 protruding from the second interior surface 522D of each of the plurality of third walls 523.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating system comprising a heating structure according to an embodiment. Fig. 12 is a plan view of an aerosol-generating system according to an embodiment. Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating the area occupied by the aerosol-generating article in the heating structure according to an embodiment.

Referring to fig. 11-13, an aerosol-generating system 500 may include: aerosol-generating article 501 (e.g., cigarette 2); and a heating structure 550, the heating structure 550 being configured to contain and heat the aerosol-generating article 501.

When the aerosol-generating article 501 is contained in the heating structure 550, the aerosol-generating article 501 may be configured to at least partially deform to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the heating structure 550. For example, the aerosol-generating article 501 may comprise a first portion 501A (e.g., an upper portion) that is not substantially deformed by the heating structure 550 and a second portion 501B (e.g., a lower portion) that is substantially deformed by the heating structure 550 (e.g., the second body portion 520).

When the aerosol-generating article 501 is contained in the heating structure 550, the first wall 513 and/or the second wall 514 of the first body portion 510 may at least partially guide the aerosol-generating article 501 such that the aerosol-generating article 501 smoothly enters the second body portion 520.

When the aerosol-generating article 501 is contained in the heating structure 550, the third wall 523 of the second body portion 520 may be substantially free of contact at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 501 (e.g., the second region A2 of the second portion 501B) and may form at least one (e.g., two) airflow path with that portion.

When the aerosol-generating article 501 is contained in the heating structure 550, the fourth wall 524 of the second body portion 520 may deform at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 501 (e.g., the first region A1 of the second portion 501B) by substantially contacting and pressing the portion of the aerosol-generating article 501. The fourth wall 524 and the portion of the aerosol-generating article 501 (e.g., the first region A1 of the second portion 501B) may face each other and, thus, heat may be transferred from the fourth wall 524 to the aerosol-generating article 501.

In the event that the aerosol-generating article 501 is substantially misaligned with the heating structure 550, for example, when a user inserts the aerosol-generating article 501 into the heating structure 550, the protrusion 525 may allow the aerosol-generating article 501 to be aligned in the heating structure 550 in a desired orientation by pushing at least the portion of the aerosol-generating article 501 (e.g., the second region A2 of the second portion 501B).

The embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various modifications may be made to the specific embodiments of the present disclosure, including the scope of the appended claims and equivalents. Any of the one or more embodiments described herein may be used in combination with any one or more other embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. A heating structure comprising:

a first body portion having a first length and a first cross-sectional shape; and

a second body portion connected to the first body portion and having a second length and a second cross-sectional shape different from the first cross-sectional shape.

2. The heating structure of claim 1, wherein the first body portion comprises:

a first wall having a width in a first direction intersecting a first longitudinal direction of the first body portion; and

a second wall having a width in a second direction intersecting each of the first direction and the first longitudinal direction of the first body portion.

3. The heating structure of claim 2, wherein the first wall and the second wall are formed with the first cross-sectional shape that varies along the first length.

4. A heating structure according to claim 3, wherein the amount of change in the width of the first wall in the first longitudinal direction is smaller than the amount of change in the width of the second wall in the second direction in the first longitudinal direction.

5. The heating structure of claim 4, wherein the first cross-sectional shape varies from a generally circular shape to a generally elliptical shape along the first length.

6. The heating structure of claim 2, wherein the second body portion comprises:

a third wall connected to the first wall and having a width in the first direction intersecting the second longitudinal direction of the second body portion; and

a fourth wall connected to the second wall and having a width in the second direction intersecting each of the first direction and the second longitudinal direction of the second body portion.

7. The heating structure of claim 6, wherein a width of the third wall in the first direction and a width of the fourth wall in the second direction are substantially constant along the second length.

8. The heating structure of claim 6, wherein the third wall has a substantially curved surface.

9. The heating structure of claim 6, wherein the fourth wall has a substantially planar surface.

10. The heating structure of claim 6, wherein the second body portion further comprises a protrusion protruding from the third wall.

11. An aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating system comprising:

an aerosol-generating article; and

an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating structure configured to contain and heat the aerosol-generating article;

wherein the heating structure comprises:

12. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 11, wherein the first body portion comprises:

13. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 12, wherein the second body portion comprises:

14. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 13, wherein the third wall is configured to press against the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received, and the fourth wall is configured to form an airflow path with the aerosol-generating article.

15. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 13, wherein the second body portion further comprises a protrusion from the third wall.