KR20180070444A - Aerosols generating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, provided is an aerosol generation device which ensures convenient separation of cigarettes. The aerosol generation device comprises: a case; a container installed in the case to move along a longitudinal direction of the case and having an accommodation space for accommodating a cigarette; a heater disposed in the case so that the front end thereof is inserted into the accommodation space of the container and heating the cigarette when electricity is applied; and an elastic support part for elastically supporting the container with respect to the case.

Description

[0001] Aerosol generating apparatus [

More particularly, the present invention relates to an aerosol generating apparatus, and more particularly, to an apparatus for generating an aerosol, in which a container and a cigarette are moved in a direction opposite to the direction of extraction of the cigarette before the cigarette is separated, thereby facilitating the separation of the cigarette and the heater, To an aerosol generating device capable of discharging the aerosol to the outside of the aerosol generating device.

There is a growing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of common cigarettes in recent years. For example, there is an increasing demand for a method in which aerosols form as the aerosol product in the cigarette is heated, rather than burning the cigarette to produce an aerosol. Accordingly, studies on a heating type cigarette or a heating type aerosol generating apparatus have been actively conducted.

The aerosol generating device is a new type of smoking device that minimizes harmful components such as tar while satisfying the smoking needs of smokers, and forms a new market replacing traditional cigarettes. The aerosol generating apparatus includes a liquid nicotine vaporizer for vaporizing liquid cigarettes or an aerosol generator for generating cigarette gas in a fumigated manner by heating the cigarette.

When using an aerosol generating apparatus equipped with a heater for heating a cigarette using electricity, the cigarette generating the smoking gas is heated and separated by the heater to separate and dispose of the cigarette from the aerosol generating apparatus, and then a new cigarette can be inserted into the aerosol generating apparatus have.

Korean Patent No. 10-1667124 relates to an aerosol generating device for heating a cigarette to generate a smoking gas and includes a holder for assisting an operation of inserting a cigarette into the aerosol generating device or separating the cigarette from the aerosol generating device holder will be described.

When the user uses the aerosol generating apparatus having such a structure, the cigarette is inserted into the holder extracted to the outside of the aerosol generating apparatus at the time of smoking, and the holder and the cigarette are pushed into the aerosol generating apparatus. After smoking, The cigarette is removed from the holder after protruding to the outside of the apparatus.

In the aerosol generating apparatus using the holder having such a structure, since the holder merely functions to guide the inserting and separating operation of the cigarette, the residues generated in the cigarette heated during smoking are separated from the internal space of the aerosol generating apparatus, So that it is difficult to keep the aerosol generating apparatus clean.

When the user separates the cigarette from the aerosol generating device, the user removes the cigarette by pulling the cigarette out of the holder with the user holding the cigarette in the state of being inserted into the holder. The tobacco component attached to the contact surface of the cigarette and the heater The user remains in the heater without being disconnected during the operation of separating the cigarette. The tobacco component generated in the cigarette is attached to the contact surface between the cigarette and the heater. Since the tobacco component attached to the heater is condensed by the heat of the heater, the adhesion force becomes stronger. As the use time of the aerosol- The cleanliness of the internal space becomes poor.

Korean Patent No. 10-1667124 (Oct. 10, 2016)

Embodiments provide methods and apparatus for aerosol generation. Embodiments also provide a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute the method. The problems to be solved by the embodiments are not limited to the technical problems described above, and other technical problems may exist.

Embodiments also provide an aerosol generating device that is convenient for the cigarette to separate.

Embodiments also provide an aerosol generating device capable of removing material adhering to a heater.

An aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment includes a case, a container provided inside the case to move along the longitudinal direction of the case and having a receiving space for accommodating the cigarette, A heater for heating the cigarette when electricity is applied, and an elastic support portion for elastically supporting the container with respect to the case.

The case may have a guide for guiding the container to move linearly.

The container may further include a through hole through which the front end of the heater passes.

The size of the through hole can correspond to the thickness of the front end of the heater, and the through hole can contact the heater while the container is moving, so that the through hole can scrape the substance attached to the surface of the heater.

The aerosol generating apparatus may further include a coating layer including a wear-resistant material on the surface of the front end of the heater.

The size of the through hole is larger than the size of the front end of the heater, so that the inner surface of the through hole can be spaced from the front end of the heater.

The aerosol generating apparatus may further include a fixing unit coupled to the rear end of the heater and fixing the position of the heater with respect to the case, and the elastic supporting unit may be disposed between the fixing unit and the container.

The case may further include an insertion portion inserted between the inner wall surface of the extended portion of the container and the outer peripheral surface of the cigarette and extending linearly along the moving direction of the container .

The container may further include a support step formed on a surface facing the fixing part from the outside of the expanding part, and the elastic supporting part may be disposed between the support step and the fixing part.

The aerosol generating device may further include a stopper disposed between the container and the case to provide resistance against the movement of the container.

An aerosol generating system according to another embodiment includes a holder for generating an aerosol by heating the cigarette; And a cradle including an inner space into which the holder is inserted, wherein the holder is inserted into the inner space of the cradle and then tilted to generate the aerosol.

A cigarette to be inserted into a holder according to another aspect of the present invention comprises: a cigarette rod including a plurality of cigarette strands; A first filter segment comprising a hollow; A cooling structure for cooling the generated aerosol; And a second filter segment.

The aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments described above can easily separate the contact surface of the cigarette and the heater by moving the cigarette and the container in the direction opposite to the extraction direction of the cigarette before the cigarette is separated.

In addition, the heater remains fixed while the container and the cigarette move, and the residue attached to the surface of the heater is separated from the heater by the movement of the container and the cigarette to the pressing position and the movement to the initial position again So that the residue can be easily discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating apparatus.

1 is a perspective view exemplarily showing an operating state of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment.
2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a cigarette is mounted on the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment shown in FIG.
Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing an operating state for separating the cigarette of the aerosol generating apparatus of Fig. 2; Fig.
Fig. 4 is a sectional view showing an operating state in which the cigarette is separated in the aerosol generating apparatus of Fig. 3; Fig.
5 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment.
Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 5;
7 is a cross-sectional view showing an operating state of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment shown in Fig.
8 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating apparatus.
9A and 9B are views showing various examples of the holder.
10 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a cradle.
11A and 11B are views showing an example of the cradle in various aspects.
12 is a view showing an example in which the holder is inserted into the cradle.
13 is a view showing an example in which the holder is tilted while being inserted into the cradle.
14A to 14B are views showing examples in which the holder is inserted into the cradle.
15 is a flowchart for explaining an example in which a holder and a cradle operate.
16 is a flowchart for explaining an example in which the holder operates.
17 is a flowchart for explaining an example in which the cradle operates.
18 is a view showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into a holder.
19A and 19B are diagrams showing an example of a cigarette.
20A to 20F are views showing examples of the cooling structure of the cigarette.

Although the terms used in the embodiments have been selected in consideration of the functions in the present invention, it is possible to select general terms that are widely used at present. However, these may vary depending on the intention of the person skilled in the art or the precedent, the emergence of new technology. Also, in certain cases, there may be a term selected arbitrarily by the applicant, in which case the meaning thereof will be described in detail in the description of the corresponding invention. Therefore, the term used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the term, not on the name of a simple term, but on the entire contents of the present invention.

When an element is referred to as "including" an element throughout the specification, it is to be understood that the element may include other elements as well, without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Also, the terms " part, "" module," and the like, which are described in the specification, refer to a unit for processing at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware or software or by a combination of hardware and software.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view exemplarily showing an operating state of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a state in which a cigarette is mounted on the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment shown in FIG.

The aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is provided with a case 10, a cigarette 7 installed in the case 10 so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the case 10, A heater 20 for heating the cigarette 7 and disposed inside the case 10 so that the front end portion 131 is inserted into the accommodation space 20v of the container 20 And an elastic support portion 40 for elastically supporting the container 20 with respect to the case 10.

The case 10 forms an appearance of the aerosol generating apparatus and functions to receive and protect various components in the internal space 10v formed therein. The case 10 has a hollow cylindrical shape in which an interior is hollow and has an opening 10i through which the cigarette 7 can be inserted to the outside at the front end. The case 10 may be made of a plastic material that does not transmit electricity and heat, or a metallic material whose surface is coated with a plastic material.

A container (20) is installed inside the case (10) so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the case (10). The cigarette 7 can be made in a cylindrical shape and the container 20 and the case 10 also extend along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 7 corresponding to the shape of the cigarette 7.

The container 20 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and has an opening opened to insert the cigarette 7 into the front end and a through hole 20r through which the front end 31 of the heater 30 passes, And a receiving space 20v for accommodating the cigarette 7 therein.

The container 20 accommodates and supports the cigarette 7 while being accommodated in the case 10 and performs a function of moving the cigarette 7 along the longitudinal direction of the case 10 together with the cigarette 7. [ Therefore, the container 20 is not separated from the outside of the case 10.

Inside the case 10, a heater 30 that performs a function of heating the cigarette 7 is disposed. The front end portion 31 of the heater 30 is inserted into the interior of the container 20 through the through hole 20r of the container 20 and when the cigarette 7 is received in the container 20, The front end portion 31 is inserted into the rear end of the cigarette 7.

The size of the through hole 20r of the container 20 may correspond to the thickness of the front end 31 of the heater 30. [ For example, when the front end 31 of the heater 30 has a circular cross-section, the through hole 20r also has a circular sectional shape, and the inner diameter of the through hole 20r is smaller than the inner diameter of the front end 31 of the heater 30. [ As shown in Fig. Therefore, the inner surface of the through hole 20r is kept in contact with the outer surface of the front end portion 31 of the heater 30.

Therefore, the through hole 20r can perform the function of scraping off the substance adhering to the outer surface of the front end 31 of the heater 30 while the container 20 is moving. The through hole 20r of the container 20 and the front end portion 31 of the heater 30 are in contact with each other and are moved repeatedly so that the surface of the front end portion 31 of the heater 30 A coating layer may be formed. For example, the coating layer may include materials such as metals, alloys, ceramics, plastics, glass, and the like.

The embodiment is not limited to the configuration in which the inner surface of the through hole 20r is in contact with the outer surface of the front end portion 31 of the heater 30 as described above. The inner surface of the through hole 20r is spaced apart from the outer surface of the front end portion 31 of the heater 30 by the size of the through hole 20r being larger than the size of the front end portion 31 of the heater 30. [ .

The rear end portion 32 of the heater 30 is electrically connected to the electric power supply device 72 disposed behind the case 10 through the electric wiring 71. [ At the rear end of the case 10, a base 19 surrounding the electrical supply device 72 is connected. When electricity of the electric power supply device 72 is supplied to the heater 30 in a state where the cigarette 7 is inserted into the front end portion 31 of the heater 30, the heater 30 is heated to heat the cigarette 7 .

Fig. 2 shows a state in which the cigarette 7 is mounted on the aerosol generating apparatus. In order for the aerosol generating apparatus to perform the cigarette smoke generating function, the cigarette 7 is inserted to the position of the through hole 20r at the rear end of the container 20 as shown in Fig. The total length of the heater 30 is about 25 mm and the length of the portion of the front end 31 of the heater 30 inserted into the cigarette 7 is about 12 mm. The front end portion 31 of the heater 30 is inserted into the rear end portion of the cigarette 7 so that the heater 30 heats the cigarette 7 when electricity is supplied to the heater 30, .

The case 10 has a fixing portion 50 which is coupled to the rear end portion 32 of the heater 30 and fixes the position of the heater 30 with respect to the case 10. The fixing portion 50 has an upper open portion, an inner hollow cylindrical shape, and a space 50v for accommodating the container 20 therein. The fixing portion 50 has a hole 50r into which the front end portion 31 of the heater 30 is inserted at the rear end.

The front end portion 31 of the heater 30 penetrates the hole 50r of the fixing portion 50. [ The heater (30) has a flange (30p) protruding from the outer surface. The position of the heater 30 with respect to the case 10 can be fixed by fixing the flange 30p to the fixing portion 50. [

The resilient supporting portion 40 is disposed between the fixed portion 50 and the container 20 to function to elastically support the container 20 with respect to the case 10. [ In the illustrated embodiment, the resilient support 40 is embodied as a cylindrical compression coil spring, but the embodiment is not limited by the example of the resilient support 40. For example, the elastic support portion 40 can be realized by a compression cylinder using liquid or gas, rubber or the like.

The container 20 has an extension 20f that extends outward at one end. The inner diameter of the expansion portion 20f is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the cigarette 7. [ The case 10 is inserted between the inner wall surface 20w of the expansion portion 20f of the container 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the cigarette 7 and is inserted into the insertion portion 10s . That is, in the state where the extended portion 20f of the container 20 is inserted into the guide space 10g formed between the extended portion 20f of the case 10 and the inner wall surface 20w of the case 10, (20) can be linearly moved along the longitudinal direction of the case (10).

The container 20 has a support step 29 formed on a surface facing the fixing part 50 from the outside of the expansion part 20f. One end 40f of the resilient supporting portion 40 is supported by the supporting jaw 29 of the container 20 and the other end 40r is supported by the fixing portion 50. [

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an operating state for separating a cigarette of the aerosol generating apparatus of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing an operating state in which the cigarette is separated from the aerosol generating apparatus of FIG.

The user must remove the cigarette 7 from the aerosol generating device after using the aerosol generating device. Figs. 3 and 4 sequentially show the operating state of separating the cigarette from the aerosol generating apparatus.

3 shows an operating state in which the user presses the cigarette 7 to remove the cigarette 7 from the aerosol generating apparatus. When the user presses the cigarette 7 to remove the cigarette 7 from the aerosol generating device, the container 20 together with the cigarette 7 presses the resilient support 40 and the rear And moves to the pressing position. The position of the heater 30 with respect to the case 10 remains unchanged because the heater 30 remains fixed to the fixed portion 50 while the cigarette 7 and the container 20 are being pressed.

The tobacco material (residue) generated in the cigarette 7 while the cigarette 7 is heated by the heater 30 is condensed and attached to the contact surface between the heater 30 and the cigarette 7. [ The cigarette 7 and the container 20 are pressed and linearly moved to maintain the position of the heater 30 while the cigarette 7 and the container 20 are moved to the pressing position as shown in Fig. The container 20 moves by about 5 mm by moving to the pressing position. The contact surface between the cigarette 7 and the heater 30, which has remained attached to each other by the tobacco material attached to the contact surface between the cigarette 7 and the heater 30, can be easily separated.

3, when the user releases the cigarette 7 and the container 20 without pressing the container 20 and the cigarette 7 by the restoring force of the elastic support 40 as shown in Fig. 4, And moves linearly toward the front to move the container 20 to its initial position as shown in Fig. The user can then completely remove the used cigarette 7 from the container 20 of the aerosol generating apparatus by holding the cigarette 7 and extracting it out of the receiving space 20v of the container 20. [

In the conventional aerosol generating apparatus, since the user simply removes the cigarette from the aerosol generating apparatus when separating the cigarette from the aerosol generating apparatus, the tobacco material existing between the cigarette and the heater often adheres to the heater.

However, before the cigarette 7 is separated from the aerosol generating apparatus in the aerosol generating apparatus according to the above-described embodiment, the cigarette 7 and the container 20 are first moved to the pressing position, that is, The elastic supporting portion 40 can be moved to a position shifted downward so as to push the elastic supporting portion 40 to the end.

The position of the heater 30 with respect to the case 10 is not changed by keeping the heater 30 fixed while the container 20 and the cigarette 7 are moved to the pressing position so that they are fixed by the tobacco material The contact surface between the heater 30 and the cigarette 7 can be easily separated.

The operation of moving the container 20 and the cigarette 7 to the pressing position shown in Fig. 3 and the operation of moving the container 20 and the cigarette 7 moved to the pressing position to the initial position shown in Fig. 4 The action of separating the tobacco material attached to the surface of the heater 30 from the heater 30 occurs. That is, while the container 20 and the cigarette 7 reach the pressing position shown in Fig. 3, the cigarette 7 pushes the surface of the heater 30 to push out the residue attached to the surface of the heater 30 The container 20 and the cigarette 7 are pressed against each other by the urging force of the elastic supporting portion 40 in the course of moving the container 20 pressed by the elastic supporting portion 40 to the initial position shown in Fig. Vibration is transmitted between the surface of the heater 30 and the contact surface of the cigarette 7 so that the residue attached to the surface of the heater 30 is separated from the surface of the heater 30. [

The user can detach the cigarette 7 from the aerosol generating apparatus by holding the cigarette 7 after the heater 30 is first separated from the cigarette 7 through the above operation, Can be easily discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating apparatus.

3 shows the operation of removing the cigarette 7 in the aerosol generating apparatus, but it can also be in an operating state similar to that shown in Fig. 3 when the new cigarette 7 is mounted on the aerosol generating apparatus. The user inserts the cigarette 7 into the accommodating space 20v of the empty container 20 and then presses the cigarette 7 to attach the new cigarette 7 to the aerosol generating apparatus, (20) presses the elastic supporting portion (40) and moves rearward.

The user pressing the cigarette 7 can not know whether the cigarette 7 has been completely inserted into the container 20 so that the user can press the cigarette 7 with excessive force 7) can be continuously pressurized.

However, in the aerosol generating apparatus according to the above-described embodiment, the resistance force of the elastic supporting portion 40 is applied to the container 20 moving along the case 10 while the user presses the cigarette 7. [ Therefore, the user can feel that the cigarette 7 is completely inserted into the container 20 by feeling the resistance force transmitted from the container 20 and the cigarette 7.

When the user pressing the container 20 and the cigarette 7 places the cigarette 7, the cigarette 7 and the container 20 linearly move upward to reach the cigarette 7 as shown in Fig. The container 20 moves to the initial position. In the state shown in FIG. 2, the heater 30 generates cigarette smoke by heating the cigarette 7.

5 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 includes a case 110 and a receiving space 120v which is installed inside the case 110 so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the case 110 and accommodates the cigarette 7, A heater 130 disposed inside the case 110 to heat the cigarette 7 so that the front end 131 is inserted into the receiving space 120v of the container 120; And an elastic supporting portion 140 elastically supporting the container 120 with respect to the case 110. [

The case 110 forms an outer appearance of the aerosol generating apparatus and functions to receive and protect various components in the inner space 110v formed therein. The case 110 has a hollow cylindrical shape with an empty interior and is provided with an opening 110i through which the cigarette 7 can be inserted to the outside at the front end thereof. The case 110 may be made of a plastic material that does not transmit electricity and heat, or a metallic material whose surface is coated with a plastic material.

A container 120 is installed inside the case 110 so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the case 110. The cigarette 7 can be made in a cylindrical shape and the container 120 and the case 110 also extend along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 7 in correspondence with the shape of the cigarette 7.

The container 120 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and has an opening opened to insert the cigarette 7 into the front end and a through hole 120r through which the front end 131 of the heater 130 passes, And a receiving space 120v for accommodating the cigarette 7 therein.

The container 120 accommodates and supports the cigarette 7 while being accommodated in the case 110 and moves along with the cigarette 7 along the longitudinal direction of the case 110. Therefore, the container 120 is not separated from the outside of the case 110.

Inside the case 110, a heater 130 that performs a function of heating the cigarette 7 is disposed. The front end portion 131 of the heater 130 is inserted into the interior of the container 120 through the through hole 120r of the container 120. When the cigarette 7 is received in the container 120, The front end 131 is inserted into the rear end of the cigarette 7.

The rear end 132 of the heater 130 is electrically connected to the electric power supply 72 disposed at the rear of the case 110 through the electric wiring 71. When electricity is supplied to the heater 130 in a state where the cigarette 7 is inserted into the front end 131 of the heater 130, the cigarette 7 is heated by heating the heater 130 .

The case 110 is coupled to the rear end 132 of the heater 130 and has a fixing part 150 for fixing the position of the heater 130 with respect to the case 110. The fixing portion 150 has an upper opening and a hollow hollow cylindrical portion and has a space 150v for accommodating the container 120 therein. The fixing portion 150 has a hole 150r into which the front end 131 of the heater 130 is inserted at the rear end.

The front end portion 131 of the heater 130 passes through the hole 150r of the fixing portion 150. [ The heater 130 has a flange protruding from the outer surface. The position of the heater 130 with respect to the case 110 can be fixed by fixing the flange to the fixing portion 150. [

The resilient supporting portion 140 is disposed between the fixing portion 150 and the container 120 so as to elastically support the container 120 with respect to the case 110. [ In the illustrated embodiment, the resilient support 140 is implemented as a compression coil spring having a conical or trapezoidal cross-sectional shape, but the embodiment is not limited by the example of the resilient support 140. For example, the elastic supporting portion 140 can be realized by a compression cylinder using liquid or gas, rubber or the like.

The container 120 has an extension 120f that extends outward at one end. The inner diameter of the expanding portion 120f is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the cigarette 7. The case 110 is inserted between the inner wall surface 120w of the expansion portion 120f of the container 120 and the outer peripheral surface of the cigarette 7 and is inserted into the insertion portion 110s . That is, in a state where the extended portion 120f of the container 120 is inserted into the guide space 110g formed between the extended portion 120f of the case 110 and the inner wall surface 120w of the case 110, (120) can be linearly moved along the longitudinal direction of the case (110).

One end 140f of the elastic supporting portion 140 is supported by the lower surface of the container 120 and the other end 140r is supported by the fixing portion 50. [

Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, and Fig. 7 is a sectional view showing an operating state of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment shown in Fig. Figs. 6 and 7 are enlarged views of the portion indicated by F in Fig.

The aerosol generating apparatus is provided with a stopper disposed between the container 120 and the case 110 to give resistance against the movement of the container 120. [ The stopper has a moving projection 129t protruding from the outer surface of the container 120 and a fixing protrusion 119t protruding from the inner surface of the case 110. [

When the user presses the container 120 downward, the movement protrusion 129t of the container 120 moves downward together with the container 120 to approach the fixing protrusion 119t as shown in FIG. do.

When the user continues to press the container 120, the movement protrusion 129t of the container 120 is inserted between the fixing protrusions 119t of the case 110 as shown in Fig. 7, The movement of the container 120 is restricted by the engaging action of the fixing protrusion 119t.

When the size of the movable protrusion 129t and the fixed protrusion 119t is set to be large so that the force of fixing the movable protrusion 129t by the two fixing protrusions 119t is larger than the pressing force of the elastic supporting portion 140, Can hold the container 120 at the pressing position shown in Fig. In this case, in order to move the container 120 upward from the pressing position shown in FIG. 7, the user must apply force to the container 120 to release the engagement between the moving projection 129t and the fixing projection 119t. When the movable projection 129t comes out of the fixing projection 119t, the container 120 moves upward due to the restoring force of the elastic supporting portion 140. [

When the size of the movable protrusion 129t and the fixed protrusion 119t is set to be large so that the force of fixing the movable protrusion 129t by the two fixing protrusions 119t is set to be smaller than the pressing force of the elastic supporter 140, It can not perform the function of holding the container 120 at the pressing position shown in FIG. 7 and only functions to impart resistance to the movement of the container 120 moving in the downward direction. In other words, when the container 120 reaches the pressing position shown in FIG. 7 and the moving protrusion 129t is inserted between the two fixing protrusions 119t, resistance to the hand of the user pressing the container 120 is transmitted The user can know that the container 120 is sufficiently pressurized.

Although the number of the fixing protrusions 119t is shown in the above embodiment, the number of the fixing protrusions 119t is not limited by the number, shape or size of the fixing protrusions 119t. For example, only one fixing protrusion 119t may be provided, and the size of the moving protrusion 129t and the fixing protrusion 119t may be sufficiently increased so that the moving protrusion 129t can not pass through the fixing protrusion 119t, 129t and the fixing protrusion 119t can perform a function of restricting the linear movement of the container 120 such that the container 120 can not move beyond the pressing position.

The embodiments shown in Figs. 8 to 20A and 20F below show a modified aerosol generating apparatus and an aerosol generating method applicable to the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 to 7 .

The numbers indicating the components in Figs. 8 to 20A and 20F are used independently of the numbers used in Figs. 1 to 7 without any relation thereto. Thus, it should be understood that the numbers indicating the components in FIGS. 1 through 7 and the numbers indicating the components in FIGS. 8 through 20A and 20F are used to indicate different components independently of each other.

8 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 8, an aerosol generating apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as a holder) includes a battery 110, a controller 120, and a heater 130. Further, the holder 1 includes an inner space formed by the case 140. The cigarette can be inserted into the inner space of the holder 1. [

Only the components related to the present embodiment are shown in the holder 1 shown in Fig. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other general components other than the components shown in Fig. 8 can be further included in the holder 1.

When the cigarette is inserted into the holder 1, the holder 1 heats the heater 130. The aerosol product in the cigarette rises in temperature by the heated heater 130, thereby generating an aerosol. The generated aerosol is delivered to the user through the filter of the cigarette. However, even if the cigarette is not inserted into the holder 1, the holder 1 can heat the heater 130.

The case 140 can be detached from the holder 1. For example, when the user rotates the case 140 clockwise or counterclockwise, the case 140 can be separated from the holder 1.

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. In this case, It can serve as a guide for the cigarette.

The battery 110 supplies the electric power used by the holder 1 to operate. For example, the battery 110 can supply power to the heater 130 so that the heater 130 can be heated, and can supply the power required for the controller 120 to operate. In addition, the battery 110 can supply power required for the operation of the display, the sensor, the 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 example described above. For example, the battery 110 may be a lithium-cobalt (LiCoO 2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, or the like.

Also, the battery 110 may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 37 mm, but is not limited thereto. The capacity of the battery 110 may be 120 mAh or more, a rechargeable battery, or a disposable battery. For example, when the battery 110 can be charged, the charging rate (C-rate) of the battery 110 may be 10 C and the discharging rate (C-rate) may be 16 C to 20 C, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Also, for stable use, the battery 110 can be manufactured so that 80% or more of the total capacity can be ensured even when the charge / discharge progresses 8,000 times.

Here, whether the battery 110 is fully charged or completely discharged can be determined by determining the level of the power stored in the battery 110 with respect to the total capacity of the battery 110. For example, when the power stored in the battery 110 is equal to or greater than 95% of the total capacity, it can be determined that the battery 110 is fully charged. Also, when the power stored in the battery 110 is 10% or less of the total capacity, it can be determined that the battery 110 is completely discharged. However, the criterion for determining whether the battery 110 is fully charged or completely discharged is not limited to the above example.

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

The heater 130 may be a combination of a cylinder and a cone. For example, the heater 130 may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter of about 2 mm and a length of about 23 mm, and the end 131 of the heater 130 may be closed at an acute angle. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other words, the heater 130 can be applied without limitation as long as it can be inserted into the interior of the cigarette. Further, only a part of the heater 130 may be heated. For example, assuming that the length of the heater 130 is 23 mm, only 12 mm is heated from the end 131 of the heater 130, and the remaining portion of the heater 130 may not be heated.

The heater 130 may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater 130 includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater 130 can be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track.

For stable use, the heater 130 may be supplied with power according to the specifications of 3.2 V, 2.4 A, 8 W, but is not limited thereto. For example, when electric power is supplied to the heater 130, the surface temperature of the heater 130 may rise to 400 ° C or more. The surface temperature of the heater 130 may rise to about 350 ° C. before the power is supplied to the heater 130 for more than 15 seconds.

The holder 1 may be provided with a separate temperature sensor. Alternatively, the holder 1 may not be provided with a temperature sensing sensor, and the heater 130 may serve as a temperature sensing sensor. For example, the heater 130 may further include a second electrically conductive track for temperature sensing in addition to the first electrically conductive track for heat generation.

For example, when the voltage across the second electrically conductive track and the current through the second electrically conductive track are measured, the resistance R can be determined. At this time, the temperature (T) of the second electrically conductive track can be determined by the following equation (1).

In the equation (1), R denotes the current resistance value of the second electrically conductive track, R ₀ denotes the resistance value at the temperature T ₀ (for example, 0 ° C) Resistance temperature coefficient. The conductive material (e.g., metal) has a resistive temperature coefficient inherent thereto, so that? Can be predetermined according to the conductive material constituting the second electrically conductive track. Thus, when the resistance R of the second electrically conductive track is determined, the temperature T of the second electrically conductive track can be calculated by Equation (1) above.

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

The electrically conductive track includes an electrically resistive material. As an example, the electrically conductive track can be made of a metallic material. As another example, an electrically conductive track can be made of an electrically conductive ceramic material, a carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.

Further, the holder 1 may include both an electrically conductive track and a temperature sensing sensor, which serve as temperature sensing sensors.

The control unit 120 controls the operation of the holder 1 as a whole. Specifically, the control unit 120 controls the operation of not only the battery 110 and the heater 130, but also other components included in the holder 1. The controller 120 may also check the status of each of the configurations of the holder 1 to determine whether or not the holder 1 is in an operable state.

The control unit 120 includes at least one processor. A processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

For example, the control unit 120 may control the operation of the heater 130. For example, The control unit 120 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 130 and the time at which the power is supplied so that the heater 130 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature. In addition, the control unit 120 can check the state of the battery 110 (e.g., the remaining amount of the battery 110) and generate a notification signal if necessary.

In addition, the controller 120 can check the presence or absence of a user's puff and the strength of the puff, and count the number of puffs. Further, the control unit 120 can continuously confirm the time during which the holder 1 is operating. The control unit 120 determines whether the cradle 2 is coupled to the holder 1 and controls the operation of the holder 1 according to the coupling or separation of the cradle 2 and the holder 1 .

Meanwhile, the holder 1 may further include general configurations other than the battery 110, the control unit 120, and the heater 130.

For example, the holder 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information or a motor for outputting tactile information. As an example, when a display is included in the holder 1, the control unit 120 displays, via the display, information about the state of the holder 1 (e.g., availability of the holder, etc.) Information about the battery 110 (e.g., remaining capacity of the battery 110, availability, etc.), information about the battery 110 (e.g., (E.g., cleaning timing, cleaning progress, cleaning completion, etc.) related to the cleaning of the holder 1, information related to the cleaning of the holder 1 Information related to the charging of the holder 1 (e.g., charging required, charging progress, charging completed, etc.), information related to the puff (e.g., number of puffs, Time of use, etc.). As another example, when the holder 1 includes a motor, the control unit 120 can transmit the above-described information to the user by generating a vibration signal using the motor.

The holder 1 may also include a terminal coupled to the cradle 2 and / or at least one input device (e.g. a button) by which the user can control the function of the holder 1. For example, the user can perform various functions using the input device of the holder 1. [ By adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device (e.g., once, twice, etc.) or the time the input device is pressed (e.g., 0.1 second, 0.2 second, The desired function can be executed. As the user operates the input device, the holder 1 has a function of preheating the heater 130, a function of adjusting the temperature of the heater 130, a function of cleaning the space in which the cigarette is inserted, A function of checking whether the battery 110 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 holder 1 is not limited to the examples described above.

Further, the holder 1 may include a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, and / or a cigarette insertion detection sensor. For example, the puff detection sensor can be implemented by a general pressure sensor, and the cigarette insertion detection sensor can be implemented by a general capacitive sensor or a resistance sensor. Also, the holder 1 can be manufactured in such a structure that external air can flow in / out even in the state where the cigarette is inserted.

9A and 9B are views showing various examples of the holder.

9A is a view showing an example of the holder 1 viewed from the first direction. As shown in Fig. 9A, the holder 1 can be made in a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto. The case 140 of the holder 1 can be separated by the operation of the user and the cigarette can be inserted into the end 141 of the case 140. The holder 1 may also include a button 150 through which a user can control the holder 1 and a display 160 through which an image is output.

9B is a view showing an example in which the holder 1 is viewed in the second direction. The holder 1 may include a terminal 170 coupled with the cradle 2. The terminal 170 of the holder 1 is engaged with the terminal 260 of the cradle 2 so that the battery 110 of the holder 1 is charged by the power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2 . The holder 1 may be operated by the electric power supplied from the battery 210 of the cradle 2 through the terminal 170 and the terminal 260 and the communication between the holder 1 and the cradle 2 (Signal transmission / reception) is possible. For example, the terminal 170 may be composed of four micro pins, but is not limited thereto.

10 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a cradle.

Referring to FIG. 10, the cradle 2 includes a battery 210 and a control unit 220. Further, the cradle 2 includes an inner space 230 into which the holder 1 can be inserted. For example, the inner space 230 may be formed on one side of the cradle 2. Thus, the holder 1 can be inserted and fixed in the cradle 2 even if the cradle 2 does not include a separate lid.

Only the components related to the present embodiment are shown in the cradle 2 shown in Fig. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other general components other than the components shown in FIG. 10 can be further included in the cradle 2.

The battery 210 supplies the power used to operate the cradle 2. In addition, the battery 210 can supply electric power for charging the battery 110 of the holder 1. For example, when the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 so that the terminal 170 of the holder 1 and the terminal 260 of the cradle 2 are engaged, the battery 210 of the cradle 2 The battery 110 of the holder 1 can be supplied with power.

Further, when the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are engaged, the battery 210 can supply the electric power used for operating the holder 1. [ For example, when the terminal 170 of the holder 1 and the terminal 260 of the cradle 2 are engaged, the holder 1 is kept in contact with the cradle 2 regardless of whether the battery 110 of the holder 1 is discharged or not. And can operate using power supplied from the battery 210 of the battery 2.

An example of the type of the battery 210 may be the same as the example of the battery 110 described above with reference to Fig. 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 3000 mAh or more. However, the capacity of the battery 210 is not limited to the above example Do not.

The control unit 220 controls the operation of the cradle 2 as a whole. The control unit 220 can control the operation of all the configurations of the cradle 2. [ The control unit 220 can determine whether the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are coupled and control the operation of the cradle 2 in accordance with the coupling or separation of the cradle 2 and the holder 1. [

For example, when the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are coupled, the control unit 220 supplies the power of the battery 210 to the holder 1 to charge the battery 110 or heat the heater 130 . Therefore, even when the remaining amount of the battery 110 is small, the user can continuously smoke by combining the holder 1 and the cradle 2. [

The control unit 120 includes at least one processor. A processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

Meanwhile, the cradle 2 may further include general configurations other than the battery 210 and the control unit 220. [ For example, the cradle 2 may include a display capable of outputting visual information. For example, when the display is included in the cradle 2, the control unit 220 generates a signal to be displayed on the display so that the user can be informed of the remaining capacity of the battery 220 (for example, Whether or not the cleaning of the holder 1 (for example, cleaning time, cleaning necessity, cleaning, etc.), information related to the reset (E.g., completion of charging, completion of charging, completion of charging, etc.) of the cradle 2, and the like.

The cradle 2 also includes at least one input device (e.g., a button) that allows a user to control the function of the cradle 2, a terminal 260 that couples with the holder 1 and / (E. G., A USB port, etc.) for charging the battery.

For example, the user can perform various functions using the input device of the cradle 2. [ By controlling the number of times the user presses the input device or the amount of time the input device is pressed, the desired function among the plurality of functions of the cradle 2 can be executed. As the user operates the input device, the cradle 2 has a function of preheating the heater 130 of the holder 1, a function of regulating the temperature of the heater 130 of the holder 1, A function of checking whether the cradle 2 is operable or not, a function of displaying the remaining amount (available power) of the battery 210 of the cradle 2, a function of resetting the cradle 2, Function and the like can be performed. However, the function of the cradle 2 is not limited to the above-described examples.

11A and 11B are views showing an example of the cradle in various aspects.

11A is a view showing an example in which the cradle 2 is viewed in the first direction. On one side of the cradle 2, there is a space 230 into which the holder 1 can be inserted. In addition, the holder 1 can be inserted and fixed in the cradle 2 even if the cradle 2 does not include a separate securing means such as a lid. In addition, the cradle 2 may include a button 240 through which a user can control the cradle 2 and a display 250 through which an image is output.

11B is a view showing an example in which the cradle 2 is viewed in the second direction. The cradle 2 may include a terminal 260 coupled with the inserted holder 1. The battery 110 of the holder 1 can be charged by the electric power supplied from the battery 210 of the cradle 2 by engaging the terminal 260 with the terminal 170 of the holder 1. The holder 1 may be operated by the electric power supplied from the battery 210 of the cradle 2 through the terminal 170 and the terminal 260 and the signal between the holder 1 and the cradle 2 Lt; / RTI > For example, the terminal 260 may be composed of four micro pins, but is not limited thereto.

The holder 1 can be inserted into the inner space 230 of the cradle 2, as described above with reference to Figs. 8 to 11B. The holder 1 may be completely inserted into the cradle 2 or may be tilted while being inserted into the cradle 2. [ Hereinafter, examples in which the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 will be described with reference to Figs. 12 to 14B. Fig.

12 is a view showing an example in which the holder is inserted into the cradle.

12, an example in which the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 is shown. The inserted holder 1 may not be exposed to the outside by other sides of the cradle 2 because the space 230 into which the holder 1 is to be inserted is present on one side of the cradle 2. [ Therefore, the cradle 2 may not include another configuration (for example, a lid) for not exposing the holder 1 to the outside.

The cradle (2) may include at least one binding member (271, 272) for increasing the binding strength with the holder (1). Also, at least one binding member 181 may be included in the holder 1 as well. Here, the binding members 181, 271, and 272 may be magnets, but are not limited thereto. 12 shows that the holder 1 includes one binding member 181 and the cradle 2 includes two binding members 271 and 272 for convenience of explanation, (181, 271, 272) is not limited to this.

The holder 1 may include a binding member 181 at a first position and the cradle 2 may include a binding member 271 and 272 at a second position and a third position, respectively. At this time, the first position and the third position may be positions facing each other when the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2.

As the holder 1 and the cradle 2 include the binding members 181, 271 and 272, even if the holder 1 is inserted into one side of the cradle 2, It can bind more strongly. In other words, as the holder 1 and the cradle 2 further include the binding members 181, 271 and 272 in addition to the terminals 170 and 260, the holder 1 and the cradle 2 can be stuck more strongly have. Therefore, even if the cradle 2 does not have a separate structure (e.g., a lid), the inserted holder 1 may not be easily separated from the cradle 2. [

The control unit 220 determines that the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2 by the terminals 170 and 260 and / or the binding members 181, 271, The battery 110 of the holder 1 can be charged using electric power.

13 is a view showing an example in which the holder is tilted while being inserted into the cradle.

Referring to Fig. 13, the holder 1 is tilted inside the cradle 2. As shown in Fig. Here, the tilt means that the holder 1 is tilted at a certain angle in a state where it is inserted into the cradle 2. [

As shown in Fig. 12, when the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2, the user can not smoke. In other words, when the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2, the cigarette can not be inserted into the holder 1. Therefore, the user can not smoke when the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2. [

As shown in Fig. 13, when the holder 1 is tilted, the distal end 141 of the holder 1 is exposed to the outside. Therefore, the user can insert a cigarette into the distal end 141 and suck (smoke) the generated aerosol. A sufficient angle can be secured so that the cigarette may not be bent or damaged when the cigarette is inserted into the distal end 141 of the holder 1. [ For example, the holder 1 can be tilted as much as the entire cigarette insertion hole included in the distal end 141 can be exposed to the outside. For example, the range of the tilt angle [theta] may be more than 0 degrees and not more than 180 degrees, and preferably not less than 10 degrees and not more than 90 degrees. More preferably, the range of the tilt angle [theta] is from 10 degrees to 20 degrees, from 10 degrees to 30 degrees, from 10 degrees to 40 degrees, from 10 degrees to 50 degrees, or from 10 degrees to 60 degrees .

Even if the holder 1 is tilted, the terminal 170 of the holder 1 and the terminal 260 of the cradle 2 are coupled to each other. Therefore, the heater 130 of the holder 1 can be heated by the electric power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2. The holder 1 can generate aerosol using the battery 210 of the cradle 2 even when the remaining amount of the battery 110 of the holder 1 is small or absent.

13 shows an example in which the holder 1 includes one binding member 182 and the cradle 2 includes two binding members 273 and 274. [ For example, the position of each of the binding members 182, 273, and 274 is as described above with reference to FIG. If the binding members 182, 273 and 274 are assumed to be magnets, the magnet strength of the binding member 274 may be greater than the magnet strength of the binding member 273. The holder 1 may not be completely separated from the cradle 2 by the binding member 182 and the binding member 274 even if the holder 1 is tilted.

When the controller 220 determines that the holder 1 is tilted by the terminals 170 and 260 and / or the binding members 182, 273 and 274, The heater 130 of the battery 1 can be heated or the battery 110 can be charged.

14A to 14B are views showing examples in which the holder is inserted into the cradle.

14A shows an example in which the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2. As shown in Fig. The inner space 230 of the cradle 2 can be sufficiently secured to minimize the contact of the user with the holder 1 when the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2. [ When the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2, the control unit 220 supplies the power of the battery 210 to the holder 1 so that the battery 110 of the holder 1 can be charged.

Fig. 14B shows an example in which the holder 1 is tilted in a state where it is inserted into the cradle 2. Fig. When the holder 1 is tilted, the controller 220 controls the electric power of the battery 210 to be stored in the holder 1 so that the battery 110 of the holder 1 can be charged or the heater 130 of the holder 1 can be heated. (1).

15 is a flowchart for explaining an example in which the holder and the cradle operate.

The method of generating the aerosol shown in Fig. 15 consists of steps that are processed in a time-series manner in the holder 1 shown in Fig. 8 or the cradle 2 shown in Fig. Therefore, it is understood that the contents described above with respect to the holder 1 shown in Fig. 8 and the cradle 2 shown in Fig. 10 apply to the method of Fig. 15, even if omitted from the following description.

In step 810, the holder 1 determines whether it is inserted into the cradle 2 or not. For example, the control unit 120 controls the holder 1 and the cradle 2 according to whether the terminals 170 and 260 of the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are connected to each other and / or the binding members 181, 271, 1) is inserted into the cradle 2 can be determined.

If the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2, the process proceeds to step 820. If the holder 1 has separated the cradle 2, the process proceeds to step 830.

In step 820, the cradle 2 determines whether the holder 1 is tilted. For example, the control unit 220 may control the holder 1 and the cradle 2 according to whether the terminals 170 and 260 of the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are connected to each other and / or the binding members 182, 273, 1) is tilted.

In step 820, the cradle 2 determines whether or not the holder 1 is tilted. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other words, whether or not the holder 1 is tilted may be judged by the control unit 120 of the holder 1.

If the holder 1 is tilted, the process proceeds to step 840. If the holder 1 is not tilted (i.e., the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2), the process proceeds to step 870.

In step 830, the holder 1 determines whether or not the use condition of the holder 1 is satisfied. For example, the control unit 120 can determine whether the usage conditions are satisfied by checking whether the remaining amount of the battery 110 and other configurations of the holder 1 can be normally operated.

If the use condition of the holder 1 is satisfied, the process proceeds to step 840; otherwise, the procedure is terminated.

In step 840, the holder 1 informs the user that it is in the usable state. For example, the control unit 120 may output an image indicating that it is usable on the display of the holder 1, or may control the motor of the holder 1 to generate a vibration signal.

In step 850, the heater 130 is heated. As one example, when the holder 1 is detached from the cradle 2, the heater 130 can be heated by the electric power of the battery 110 of the holder 1. As another example, when the holder 1 is tilted, the heater 130 can be heated by the electric power of the battery 210 of the cradle 2.

The control unit 120 of the holder 1 or the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 checks the temperature of the heater 130 in real time and controls the amount of power supplied to the heater 130 and the amount of power supplied to the heater 130 Can be adjusted. For example, the control unit 120 or 220 can check the temperature of the heater 130 in real time through the temperature sensing sensor included in the holder 1 or the electrically conductive track of the heater 130.

In step 860, the holder 1 performs an aerosol generation mechanism. For example, the control unit 120 or 220 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 130 or the amount of power supplied to the heater 130 by checking the temperature of the heater 130 that changes as the user performs the puff You can stop. Also, the control units 120 and 220 can count the number of puffs of the user and output information indicating that the holder needs to be cleaned when the number of puffs reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 1500).

In step 870, the cradle 2 performs charging of the holder 1. For example, the control unit 220 can charge the holder 1 by supplying the battery 210 power of the cradle 2 to the battery 110 of the holder 1.

Meanwhile, the control units 120 and 220 may stop the operation of the holder 1 according to the number of puffs of the user or the operation time of the holder 1. Hereinafter, an example in which the control units 120 and 220 stop the operation of the holder 1 will be described with reference to Fig.

16 is a flowchart for explaining another example in which the holder operates.

The method of producing the aerosol shown in Fig. 16 consists of the steps of the holder 1 shown in Fig. 8 and the cradle 2 shown in Fig. 10, which are processed in a time-series manner. Therefore, it will be understood that the contents described above with respect to the holder 1 shown in Fig. 8 or the cradle 2 shown in Fig. 10 apply to the method of Fig. 16, even if omitted from the following description.

In step 910, the control unit 120 or 220 determines whether the user has puffed. For example, the controller 120 or 220 may determine whether the user has puffed through the puff detection sensor included in the holder 1.

In step 920, an aerosol is generated according to the user's puff. The control units 120 and 220 can adjust the power supplied to the heater 130 according to the temperature of the user's puff and heater 130 as described above with reference to FIG. Also, the controllers 120 and 220 count the number of puffs of the user.

In step 930, the controller 120 or 220 determines whether the number of puffs of the user is equal to or greater than the puff limit number. For example, if it is assumed that the number of puff restriction times is set to 14, the control unit 120 or 220 determines whether the counted number of puffs is 14 or more.

On the other hand, when the number of puffs of the user is close to the number of puff limitation (for example, when the number of puffs of the user is 12), the control unit 120 or 220 can output a warning signal through the display or the vibration motor.

If the number of puffs of the user is less than the number of puffs, the process proceeds to step 940. If the number of puffs of the user is less than the number of puffs,

In step 940, the controller 120 or 220 determines whether the time when the holder 1 is operated is equal to or longer than the operation limit time. Here, the time when the holder 1 is operated means the time accumulated from the time when the holder started to operate to the present time. For example, if it is assumed that the operation time limit is set to 10 minutes, the control unit 120 or 220 determines whether the holder 1 is operating for 10 minutes or more.

On the other hand, when the operation time of the holder 1 is close to the operation limit time (for example, when the holder 1 is operating for 8 minutes), the control unit 120, Can be output.

If the operation time of the holder 1 is less than the operation time limit, the operation proceeds to step 920. If the operation time of the holder 1 is less than the operation time limit,

In step 950, the control unit 120 or 220 forcibly terminates the operation of the holder. In other words, the control units 120 and 220 stop the aerosol generation mechanism of the holder. For example, the control units 120 and 220 can forcibly terminate the operation of the holder by cutting off the power supplied to the heater 130. [

17 is a flowchart for explaining an example in which the cradle operates.

The flow chart shown in Fig. 17 consists of steps that are processed in a time-series manner in the cradle 2 shown in Fig. Therefore, it will be understood that the contents described above with respect to the cradle 2 shown in Fig. 10 apply to the flow chart of Fig. 17, even if omitted from the following description.

Although not shown in FIG. 17, the operation of the cradle 2 to be described below can be performed regardless of whether or not the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2.

In step 1010, the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 determines whether the button 240 is pressed. If the button 240 is pressed, the process proceeds to step 1020. If the button 240 is not pressed, the process proceeds to step 1030. [

In step 1020, the cradle 2 displays the status of the battery. For example, the control unit 220 may output information about the current state of the battery 210 (for example, the remaining amount, etc.) to the display 250.

In step 1030, the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 determines whether a 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, etc.) included in the cradle 2. [ If the cable is connected to the cradle 2, the process proceeds to step 1040; otherwise, the procedure is terminated.

In step 1040, the cradle 2 performs a charging operation. For example, the cradle 2 charges the battery 210 using electric power supplied through a connected cable.

As described above with reference to Fig. 8, the cigarette can be inserted into the holder 1. [ The cigarette contains an aerosol product, and an aerosol is produced by the heated heater 130.

Hereinafter, an example of a cigarette which can be inserted into the holder 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 18 to 20F.

18 is a view showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into a holder.

Referring to Fig. 18, the cigarette 3 can be inserted into the holder 1 through the end 141 of the case 140. Fig. When the cigarette 3 is inserted, the heater 130 is positioned inside the cigarette 3. Thus, the heated heater 130 heats the aerosol generating material of the cigarette 3, thereby generating an aerosol.

The cigarette 3 may be similar to a general soft cigarette. For example, the cigarette 3 may be divided into a first portion 310 comprising an aerosol generating material and a second portion 320 comprising a filter or the like. Meanwhile, the cigarette 3 according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating material in the second portion 320. [ For example, an aerosol product made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion 320.

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

The user may inhale the aerosol from the second portion 320 into the mouth. At this time, the aerosol is mixed with the outside air and transferred to the user's mouth. 18, the external air may be introduced (1110) through at least one hole formed in the surface of the cigarette 3, and may be introduced into the holder 1 through at least one air passage formed in the holder 1 (1120). For example, the air passage formed in the holder 1 may be made openable and closable by the user.

19A and 19B are block diagrams showing an example of a cigarette.

19A and 19B, the cigarette 3 includes a cigarette rod 310, a first filter segment 321, a cooling structure 322 and a second filter segment 323. The first portion 310 described above with reference to Figure 18 comprises a tobacco rod 310 and the second portion 320 comprises a first filter segment 321, a cooling structure 322 and a second filter segment 323 ).

19A and 19B, the cigarette 3 of FIG. 19B further includes a fourth wrapper 334 as compared to the cigarette 3 of FIG. 19A.

However, the structure of the cigarette 3 shown in Figs. 19A and 19B is merely an example, and a part of the structure may be omitted. For example, the cigarette 3 may not include at least one of the first filter segment 321, the cooling structure 322, and the second filter segment 323.

The tobacco rod 310 comprises an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol producing material may comprise at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol and oleyl alcohol. The length of the tobacco rod 310 may be about 7 mm to 15 mm, or preferably about 12 mm. In addition, the diameter of the tobacco rod 310 may be between 7 mm and 9 mm, or preferably about 7.9 mm. The length and diameter of the tobacco rod 310 are not limited to the above-described numerical ranges.

In addition, the tobacco rod 310 may contain other additive materials such as flavorings, wetting agents and / or acetate compounds. For example, the flavorings may be selected from the group consisting of licorice, sucrose, fructose syrup, isosweet, cocoa, lavender, cinnamon, cardamom, celery, fenugreek, cascara, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, Mint oil, cinnamon, keragene, cognac, jasmine, chamomile, menthol, cinnamon, ylang ylang, salvia, spearmint, ginger, coriander or coffee and the like. In addition, the wetting agent may include glycerin or propylene glycol.

As an example, the tobacco rod 310 may be charged with cigarette ore. Here, tobacco orchards can be produced by finely crushing a tobacco sheet.

In order for the wide tobacco sheet to be filled in the tobacco rod 310 in the narrow space, a process is further required to allow the tobacco sheet to be easily folded. Thus, it is easier to fill the tobacco rod 310 with cigarette ore, as compared to filling the tobacco rod 310 with a cigarette sheet, and the productivity and efficiency of the process of producing the tobacco rod 310 can be higher have.

As another example, the tobacco rod 310 can be filled with a plurality of cigarette strands that are cut into a cigarette sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 310 can be formed by combining a plurality of tobacco strands in the same direction (parallel) or randomly. One cigarette strand may be manufactured in a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a length of 1 mm, a length of 12 mm, and a thickness (height) of 0.1 mm, but is not limited thereto.

Compared to the tobacco rod 310 being filled with a cigarette sheet, the tobacco rod 310 filled with tobacco strands can generate a greater amount of aerosol. Assuming that they are filled in the same space, the tobacco strands ensure a wider surface area than the tobacco sheet. A large surface area means that the aerosol product has a greater chance of contact with the outside air. Thus, when the tobacco rod 310 is filled with tobacco strands, more aerosol can be generated than when filled with the tobacco sheet.

Further, when the cigarette 3 is separated from the holder 1, the tobacco rod 310 filled with the cigarette strands can be separated more easily than the tobacco sheet 310 is filled with the cigarette sheet. Compared to a cigarette sheet, the tobacco strands are less frictional to contact with the heater 130. Thus, when the tobacco rod 310 is filled with the tobacco strands, it can be more easily separated from the holder 1 than it is filled with the tobacco sheet.

The tobacco sheet may be formed by pulverizing the tobacco raw material into a slurry form and then drying the slurry. For example, 15 to 30% of the aerosol product may be added to the slurry. The tobacco raw materials may be tobacco leaf slices, tobacco stalks, tobacco dusts generated during tobacco processing, and / or major side strips of tobacco leaves. The tobacco sheet may also contain other additives such as wood cellulose fibers.

The first filter segment 321 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first filter segment 321 may be in the form of a tube containing hollows therein. The length of the first filter segment 321 may be about 7 mm to 15 mm, or preferably about 7 mm. The length of the first filter segment 321 may be less than about 7 mm, but preferably has a length such that the function of at least one cigarette element (e.g., cooling element, capsule, acetate filter, etc.) . The length of the first filter segment 321 is not limited to the above-described numerical range. On the other hand, the length of the first filter segment 321 is expandable, and the length of the entire cigarette 3 can be adjusted according to the length of the first filter segment 321.

The second filter segment 323 may also be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the second filter segment 323 may be made of a recess filter including a hollow, but is not limited thereto. The length of the second filter segment 323 may be about 5 mm to 15 mm, or preferably about 12 mm. The length of the second filter segment 323 is not limited to the above-described numerical range.

Also, at least one capsule 324 may be included in the second filter segment 323. Here, the capsule 324 may be a structure in which a content liquid containing a perfume is wrapped in a film. For example, the capsule 324 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape. The diameter of the capsule 324 may be 2 mm or more, or preferably 2 to 4 mm.

The material forming the capsule of the capsule 324 may be starch and / or gelling agent. For example, as the gelling agent, gellan gum or gelatin may be used. Further, as a material for forming the film of the capsule 324, a gelling agent may further be used. Here, as the gelling agent, for example, calcium chloride may be used. Further, a plasticizer may be further used as a material for forming the film of the capsule 324. [ As the plasticizer, glycerin and / or sorbitol may be used. Further, a coloring agent may be further used as a material for forming the capsule of the capsule 324.

For example, as the fragrance contained in the content liquid of the capsule, menthol, plant essential oil and the like can be used. As the solvent of the flavor included in the content liquid, for example, a medium chain fatty acid triglyceride (MCT) may be used. In addition, the content liquid may contain other additives such as coloring matters, emulsifying agents, thickening agents and the like.

The cooling structure 322 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 130 heating the tobacco rod 310. Thus, the user can inhale the cooled aerosol to a suitable temperature. The length of the cooling structure 322 may be about 10 mm to 20 mm, or preferably about 14 mm. The length of the cooling structure 322 is not limited to the above-described numerical range.

For example, the cooling structure 322 may be made of polylactic acid. The cooling structure 322 may be manufactured in various forms to increase the surface area per unit area (i.e., the surface area in contact with the aerosol). Various examples of the cooling structure 322 will be described later with reference to Figs. 20A to 20F.

The tobacco rod 310 and the first filter segment 321 may be packaged by the first wrapper 331. For example, the first wrapper 331 may be made of a paper wrapping material having oil resistance.

The cooling structure 322 and the second filter segment 323 may be packaged by the second wrapper 332. [ Further, the entire cigarette 3 can be repackaged by the third wrapper 333. For example, the second wrapper 332 and the third wrapper 333 can be made of ordinary paper wrapping materials. Optionally, the second wrapper 332 may be an oil-resistant hard wrapper or a PLA liner. The second wrapper 332 may also wrap the second filter segment 323 portion and further package the second filter segment 323 and the cooling structure 322.

Referring to FIG. 19B, the cigarette 3 may include a fourth wrapper 334. At least one of the tobacco rod 310 and the first filter segment 321 may be packaged by a fourth wrapper 334. In other words, only the tobacco rod 310 may be packed by the fourth wrapper 334, and the tobacco rod 310 and the first filter segment 321 may be packed by the fourth wrapper 334. [ For example, the fourth wrapper 334 may be made of paper wrapping material.

The fourth wrapper 334 may be formed by coating (or coating) a predetermined material on one surface or both surfaces of the paper wrapper. Here, examples of a predetermined material may include, but are not limited to, silicon. Silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change with temperature, oxidation resistance not oxidized, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not made of silicon, it can be applied (or coated) to the fourth wrapper 334 without restriction if it is a material having the above-mentioned characteristics.

In FIG. 19B, the cigarette 3 includes both the first wrapper 331 and the fourth wrapper 334, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the cigarette 3 may include only one of the first wrapper 331 and the fourth wrapper 334.

The fourth wrapper 334 can prevent the cigarette 3 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 310 is heated by the heater 130, there is a possibility that the cigarette 3 is burned. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 310, the cigarette 3 can be burned. Even in this case, the fourth wrapper 334 includes a non-combustible material, so that burning of the cigarette 3 can be prevented.

Further, the fourth wrapper 334 can prevent the holder 1 from being contaminated by the substances generated in the cigarette 3. [ By means of the puff of the user, liquid substances can be produced in the cigarette 3. For example, the aerosol generated in the cigarette 3 is cooled by the outside air, so that liquid substances (for example, water, etc.) can be generated. As the fourth wrapper 334 packs the tobacco rod 310 and / or the first filter segment 321, the liquid substances produced in the cigarette 3 are prevented from leaking out of the cigarette 3 . Therefore, the case 140 of the holder 1 and the like can be prevented from being contaminated by the liquid substances generated in the cigarette 3. [

20A to 20F are views showing examples of the cooling structure of the cigarette.

For example, the cooling structure shown in Figs. 20A to 20F can be fabricated using fibers produced with pure polylactic acid (PLA).

As one example, when a film (sheet) is filled and the cooling structure is made into a film (sheet), the film (sheet) may be broken by an external impact. In this case, the effect of the cooling structure cooling the aerosol is reduced.

As another example, when a cooling structure is manufactured by extrusion molding or the like, the efficiency of the process is lowered as a process such as cutting of the structure is added. Also, there are limitations in manufacturing the cooling structure in various shapes.

Depending upon the fabrication (e.g., weaving) of the cooling structure according to one embodiment using polylactic acid fibers, the risk that the cooling structure will be deformed or lost by external impact may be reduced. Further, by changing the manner of combining the fibers, a cooling structure having various shapes can be manufactured.

Further, by making the cooling structure using the fibers, the surface area in contact with the aerosol is increased. Therefore, the effect of cooling the aerosol of the cooling structure can be further improved.

Referring to FIG. 20A, the cooling structure 1310 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and at least one air passage 1311 may be formed in a cross section of the cooling structure 1310.

Referring to FIG. 20B, the cooling structure 1320 can be made of a structure in which a plurality of fibers are intertwined with each other. At this time, the aerosol may flow between the fibers and vortices may form depending on the shape of the cooling structure 1320. [ The vortex formed expands the area of contact of the aerosol in the cooling structure 1320 and increases the residence time of the aerosol within the cooling structure 1320. Thus, the heated aerosol can be effectively cooled.

Referring to FIG. 20C, the cooling structure 1330 may be formed by gathering a plurality of bundles 1331.

20D, the cooling structure 1340 can be filled with granules made of polylactic acid, an orchard or char, respectively. The granules may also be prepared from a mixture of polylactic acid, an orchard, and charcoal. On the other hand, the granules may further comprise, in addition to the polylactic acid, the orchards and / or charcoal, an element capable of increasing the cooling effect of the aerosol.

Referring to FIG. 20E, the cooling structure 1350 may include a first end face 1351 and a second end face 1351.

The first end face 1351 is bounded by the first filter segment 321 and may include a cavity through which the aerosol flows. The second end face 1352 may be bounded by the second filter segment 323 and may include voids through which the aerosol may be released. For example, the first end face 1351 and the second end face 1352 may include a single cavity having the same diameter, but the diameter and the number of the cavities included in the first end face 1351 and the second end face 1352 Are not limited thereto.

The cooling structure 1350 may include a third end face 1353 including a plurality of voids between the first end face 1351 and the second end face 1352. [ For example, the diameter of the plurality of voids included in the third section 1353 may be smaller than the diameter of the void included in the first section 1351 and the second section 1352. In addition, the number of voids included in the third end face 1353 may be greater than the number of voids included in the first end face 1351 and the second end face 1352.

20F, the cooling structure 1360 can include a first end face 1361 that abuts the first filter segment 321 and a second end face 1362 that abuts the second filter segment 323 . In addition, the cooling structure 1360 can include one or more tubular elements 1363. For example, the tubular element 1363 may penetrate the first end face 1361 and the second end face 1362. [ In addition, the tubular element 1363 can be packed with a microporous packaging material and filled with a filler (e.g., the granules described above with reference to Figure 20d) that can increase the cooling effect of the aerosol.

According to the above, the holder can generate an aerosol by heating the cigarette. In addition, the holder can be produced independently or even when the holder is inserted into the cradle and tilted. In particular, when the holder is tilted, the heater can be heated by the electric power of the battery of the cradle.

Meanwhile, the above-described method can be implemented in a general-purpose digital computer that can be created as a program that can be executed by a computer and operates the program using a computer-readable recording medium. In addition, the structure of the data used in the above-described method can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium through various means. The computer-readable recording medium includes a storage medium such as a magnetic storage medium (e.g., ROM, RAM, USB, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.), optical reading medium (e.g. CD ROM, do.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered from an illustrative point of view, not from a restrictive point of view. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope of equivalents thereof should be construed as being included in the present invention.

7: cigarette 30, 130: heater
10g, 110g: guide space 31, 131: front end
10i, 110i: openings 32, 132: rear end
10s, 110s: insertion portions 40r, 140r:
10v, 110v: internal space 40f, 140f:
10, 110: case 40, 140:
19: base 50, 150:
20w, 120w: inner wall surface 50r, 150r: hole
20v, 120v: Capacity space 50v, 150v: Space
20, 120: Container: Container 71: Electrical wiring
20r, 120r: through hole 72: electric supply device
20f, 120f: Extension 119t: Fixing projection
29: Support jaw 129t: Movement projection
30p: Flange

Claims (10)

case;
A container installed inside the case to move along the longitudinal direction of the case and having a receiving space for receiving the cigarette;
A heater disposed inside the case so that a front end thereof is inserted into the accommodation space of the container and heating the cigarette when electricity is applied; And
And an elastic support portion elastically supporting the container with respect to the case. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the case has a guide space for guiding the container to move linearly. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the container further comprises a through hole through which the front end of the heater passes. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the size of the through hole corresponds to the thickness of the front end of the heater and the through hole contacts the heater while the container is moving so that the through hole scrapes the substance attached to the surface of the heater. 5. The method of claim 4,
Further comprising a coating layer comprising a wear-resistant material on a surface of the front end of the heater. The method of claim 3,
And the inner surface of the through hole is spaced from the front end of the heater by the size of the through hole being larger than the size of the front end of the heater. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising: a fixing unit coupled to a rear end of the heater and fixing the position of the heater with respect to the case, wherein the elastic supporting member is disposed between the fixing unit and the container. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the container further comprises an enlarged portion having an inner diameter of one end extended outward,
Wherein the case includes an insertion portion inserted between an inner wall surface of the extension portion of the container and an outer peripheral surface of the cigarette and extending linearly along a moving direction of the container. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the container further comprises a support step formed on a surface facing the fixed part from the outside of the expansion part, and the elastic support part is disposed between the support step and the fixing part. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising: a stopper disposed between the container and the case, the stopper providing resistance against movement of the container.

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