JP7664428B2 - Heating body and aerosol generating device and system including the same - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a heating body and an aerosol generating device and system including the same.

In order to realize atomization performance, technology has been developed to introduce airflow into an aerosol-generating article. For example, aerosol generating devices have been developed that generate aerosols from aerosol-generating articles using a non-combustion method. The above-mentioned background art was possessed or acquired in the process of deriving this disclosure, and cannot necessarily be said to be publicly known technology that was disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of this disclosure.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a heating body that can accommodate an aerosol product and fix the aerosol product even when there is a deviation between the aerosol product and the heating body, and an aerosol generating device including the same.

The heater 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 length direction of the first body portion, and a second wall having a width in a second direction intersecting the first length direction of the first body portion and the first direction, respectively.

The first wall and the second wall may define a shape of the first cross section that is variable along the first length.

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

The shape of the first cross section may vary from substantially circular to substantially elliptical 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 length direction of the second body portion, and a fourth wall connected to the second wall and having a width in a second direction intersecting the second length direction of the second body portion and the first direction, respectively.

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 substantially curved surface.

The fourth wall may have a substantially flat surface.

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

The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device including an aerosol generating article and a heating body configured to receive and heat the aerosol generating article, the heating body including 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 length direction of the first body portion, and a second wall having a width in a second direction intersecting the first length direction of the first body portion and the first direction, respectively.

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 length direction of the second body portion, and a fourth wall connected to the second wall and having a width in a second direction intersecting the second length direction of the second body portion and the first direction, respectively.

When the aerosol-generating article is contained, the third wall may be configured to pressurize the aerosol-generating article, and the fourth wall may be configured to form an airflow passage with the aerosol-generating article.

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

According to one embodiment, the aerosol product can be heated uniformly even if there is a deviation between the aerosol product and the heating body. According to one embodiment, the fixing force of the aerosol product can be increased. The effects of the heating body and the aerosol generating device and system including the same according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description.

The above and further aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment in which an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette) is inserted. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment in which an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette) is inserted. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment in which an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette) is inserted. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol-generating article (e.g., a cigarette) according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol-generating article (e.g., a cigarette) according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heating element according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a heating element according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of a heating element according to an embodiment as viewed from one direction. FIG. 11 is a side view of the heating element according to the embodiment as viewed from another direction. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generation system including a heating element according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a plan view of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the area occupied by an aerosol-generating article in a heater according to one embodiment.

The terms used in the examples are currently common terms that are widely used as much as possible while taking into consideration their functions in the present invention, but this may change depending on the intentions or precedents of engineers in this field, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, in which case their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings that the terms have and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply by their names.

Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, this does not mean to exclude other components, but may further include other components, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as ". . . unit" and ". . . module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and is embodied in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

The following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Below, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Figures 1 to 3 show examples of a cigarette inserted into an aerosol generating device.

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes a vaporizer 14. Furthermore, a cigarette 2 can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1.

The aerosol generating device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 shows the components according to this embodiment. Therefore, a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field according to this embodiment will understand that the aerosol generating device 1 may further include other general-purpose components in addition to the components shown in Figures 1 to 3.

Furthermore, although Figures 2 and 3 show the aerosol generating device 1 as including a heater 13, the heater 13 may be omitted if desired.

In FIG. 1, the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater 13 are shown arranged in a line. Also, in FIG. 2, the battery 11, the control unit 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are shown arranged in a line. Also, in FIG. 3, the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are shown arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1.

When the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 activates the heater 13 and/or the vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and/or the vaporizer 14 passes through the cigarette 2 and is delivered to the user.

If necessary, the aerosol generating device 1 can heat the heater 13 even when the cigarette 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 1.

The battery 11 supplies the power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. For example, the battery 11 supplies power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and supplies the power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12. The battery 11 also supplies the power necessary for the operation of the display, sensor, motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generator 1.

The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14, but also the other components included in the aerosol generating device 1. The control unit 12 may also check the state of each component of the aerosol generating device 1 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state.

The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored. Those having ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment pertains will understand that the processor may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

The heater 13 is heated by the power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 is located outside the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 13 can increase the temperature of the aerosol generating material inside the cigarette.

The heater 13 may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater 13 includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater 13 is heated by passing an electric current through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and there is no restriction as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 1, or may be set to the desired temperature by the user.

Meanwhile, as another example, the heater 13 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette in an induction heating manner, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heater.

For example, the heater 13 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and heats the inside or outside of the cigarette 2 depending on the shape of the heating element.

The aerosol generating device 1 may also have a plurality of heaters 13 arranged therein. In this case, the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, or may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Also, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. The shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 1 to 3, and may be manufactured into various shapes.

The vaporizer 14 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol passes through the cigarette 2 and is transmitted to the user. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can move along the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 1, and the airflow passage is configured to allow the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 to pass through the cigarette and be transmitted to the user.

For example, the vaporizer 14 includes, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device 1 as independent modules.

The liquid storage unit can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit may be manufactured so as to be detachable from the vaporizer 14, or may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14.

For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvent, ethanol, botanical extracts, fragrances, flavorings, or vitamin mixtures. Flavorings may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit scent ingredients, and the like. Flavorings may include ingredients that provide a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. Vitamin mixtures may include, but are not limited to, at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid composition may also include an aerosol forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition in the liquid reservoir to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means can be a wick such as, but not limited to, cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc. The heating element may also be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element may be heated by a current supply, and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element to heat the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol is generated.

For example, the vaporizer 14 may also be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited to these.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generating device 1 may also include at least one sensor (such as a puff sensor, a temperature sensor, or an insertion detection sensor for an aerosol-generating article). The aerosol generating device 1 may also be manufactured in a structure that allows the inflow of external air or the outflow of internal gas even when the cigarette 2 is inserted.

Although not shown in Figures 1 to 3, the aerosol generator 1 may form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle is used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generator 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 is heated when the cradle and the aerosol generator 1 are combined.

The cigarette 2 may be similar to a typical combustion cigarette. For example, the cigarette 2 may be divided into a first portion including an aerosol generating material and a second portion including a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 2 may also include an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, or the entire first part and a part of the second part may be inserted. The user inhales the aerosol while holding the second part in their mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by the passage of outside air through the first part, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user's mouth by passing through the second part.

As an example, the external air may flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1 and/or the size of the air passage may be adjusted by the user. This allows the user to adjust the amount of atomization, smoking sensation, etc. As another example, the external air may flow in through at least one hole formed in the surface of the cigarette 2.

Below, an example of cigarette 2 is described with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

Figures 4 and 5 show examples of cigarettes.

Referring to FIG. 4, the cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the first portion described above includes the tobacco rod 21, and the second portion includes the filter rod 22.

Although the filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment in FIG. 4, this is not limiting. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment that cools the aerosol and a segment that filters a specific component contained in the aerosol. Also, if necessary, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment that performs another function.

The diameter of the cigarette 2 is in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length is about 48 mm, but is not limited to this. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 12 mm, but is not limited to this.

The cigarette 2 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. As an example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped by one wrapper 24. As another example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped by two or more wrappers 24 in layers. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 may be wrapped by wrappers 242, 243, and 244. Furthermore, the entire cigarette 2 may be wrapped again by a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped by a wrapper 242, 243, and 244.

The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of a general filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be a porous wrapping paper or a non-porous wrapping paper. The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may also be made of oil-resistant paper and/or aluminum laminated paper wrapping material.

The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 is in the range of 88 g/m2 to 96 g/m2, and preferably in the range of 90 g/m2 to 94 g/m2. The thickness of the third wrapper 243 is in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 is in the range of 88 g/m2 to 96 g/m2, and preferably in the range of 90 g/m2 to 94 g/m2. The thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 is in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 is in the range of 57 g/m2 to 63 g/m2, and preferably 60 g/m2. In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 is in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

A specific substance may be added to the fifth trumpet 245. An example of the specific substance is silicone, but is not limited to this. For example, silicone has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any substance other than silicone that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth trumpet 245 without any restrictions.

The fifth trumpet 245 can prevent the cigarette 2 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 13, the cigarette 2 may burn. Specifically, if the temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 21, the cigarette 2 will burn. Even in such a case, the fifth trumpet 245 contains a non-flammable substance, so the cigarette 2 is prevented from burning.

The fifth trumpet 245 can also prevent the aerosol generating device (e.g., holder) from being contaminated by the substance generated in the cigarette 2. A liquid substance may be generated within the cigarette 2 due to the user's puff. For example, the aerosol generated in the cigarette 2 is cooled by external air, generating a liquid substance (e.g., moisture, etc.). The fifth trumpet 245 can encase the cigarette 2, thereby preventing the liquid substance generated within the cigarette 2 from leaking outside the cigarette 2.

The tobacco rod 21 includes an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. The tobacco rod 21 may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and/or organic acids. A flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, is added to the tobacco rod 21 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 21.

The tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in a sheet or in a strand. The tobacco rod 21 may also be manufactured in a cut tobacco sheet. The tobacco rod 21 may also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may uniformly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 to improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco taste. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 also serves as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown in the drawing, the tobacco rod 21 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the outside.

The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. However, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod, or a tubular rod having a hollow inside. The filter rod 22 may also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure having a hollow inside. The first segment can prevent the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed backward when the heater 13 is inserted, and also has a cooling effect on the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow in the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The length of the first segment is an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited to this. Preferably, the length of the first segment is 10 mm, but is not limited to this.

The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of plasticizer during manufacturing of the first segment. The first segment may also be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube made of the same or different material inside (e.g., hollow).

The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 13 heating the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol that has been cooled to an appropriate temperature.

The length or diameter of the second segment may vary depending on the shape of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the second segment may be appropriately within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment is about 14 mm, but is not limited to this.

The second segment may be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, the scented liquid may be applied to the fibers made of the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be produced by weaving together separate fibers to which the scented liquid has been applied and fibers made of the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed from a crimped polymer sheet.

For example, the polymer may be made of 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.

When the second segment is formed from woven polymer fibers or a crimped polymer sheet, the second segment includes one or more longitudinally extending channels, where a channel refers to a passageway through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) can pass.

For example, the second segment of the crimped polymer sheet is formed from a material having a thickness of about 5 μm to about 300 μm, for example, about 10 μm to about 250 μm. The total surface area of the second segment is about 300 mm2/mm to about 1000 mm2/mm. The aerosol cooling element is formed from a material having a specific surface area of about 10 mm2/mg to about 100 mm2/mg.

Meanwhile, the second segment includes a thread containing a volatile flavor component, which may be, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread may be loaded with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment is suitably within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment is about 12 mm, but is not limited to this.

In the process of manufacturing the third segment, the third segment may be manufactured so that a flavor is generated by spraying a flavoring liquid onto the third segment. Alternatively, separate fibers coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted inside the third segment. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 21 is cooled by passing through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user through the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the effect of increasing the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user is achieved.

The filter rod 22 may also include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 has a function of generating a flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 has a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring is enveloped in a coating. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 5, the cigarette 3 may further include a front end plug 33. The front end plug 33 is located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The front end plug 33 prevents the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside, and can prevent aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generating device (FIGS. 1 to 3).

The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322, where the first segment 321 corresponds to the first segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 4, and the second segment 322 corresponds to the third segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 4.

The diameter and overall length of the cigarette 3 correspond to the diameter and overall length of the cigarette 2 in FIG. 4. For example, but not limited to, the length of the front end plug 33 is about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 is about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 is about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 is about 14 mm.

The cigarette 3 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. For example, the front end plug 33 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped by a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped by a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper 354. Furthermore, the entire cigarette 3 may be wrapped again by a fifth wrapper 355.

The fifth wrapper 355 may also have at least one perforation 36 formed therein. For example, but not limited to, the perforation 36 may be formed in the area surrounding the tobacco rod 31. The perforation 36 serves to transfer heat generated by the heater 13 shown in Figures 2 and 3 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

The second segment 322 may also include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 has a function of generating a flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 has a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring is enveloped in a coating. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

The first wrapper 351 is a typical filter paper combined with a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 is within the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 is within the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably 6.3 μm. The basis weight of the first wrapper 351 is within the range of 50 g/m2 to 55 g/m2, and preferably 53 g/m2.

The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be made of a general filter wrapping paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be a porous wrapping paper or a non-porous wrapping paper.

For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 is 35,000 CU, but is not limited to this. The thickness of the second wrapper 352 is in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and preferably 78 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 is in the range of 20 g/m2 to 25 g/m2, and preferably 23.5 g/m2.

For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 is 24,000 CU, but is not limited to this. The thickness of the third wrapper 353 is in the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 68 μm. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 is in the range of 20 g/m2 to 25 g/m2, and preferably 21 g/m2.

The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, PLA laminated paper means a triple layer paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and another paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 is in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably 110 μm. Also, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 is in the range of 80 g/m2 to 100 g/m2, and preferably 88 g/m2.

The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 is in the range of 57 g/m2 to 63 g/m2, and preferably 60 g/m2. In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 is in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

A specific substance may be added to the fifth trumpet 355. An example of the specific substance is silicone, but is not limited to this. For example, silicone has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any substance other than silicone that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth trumpet 355 without any restrictions.

The front end plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the front end plug 33 is made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow is in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of the front end plug 33 is 5.0. The cross section of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the front end plug 33 is in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the front end plug 33 is 28,000.

If desired, the front end plug 33 may also include at least one channel, the cross-sectional shape of which may be varied.

The tobacco rod 31 corresponds to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to FIG. 4. Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior. The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate tow with a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin). For example, the mono-denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono-denier and total denier of the front end plug 33.

The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 is in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 is 9.0. The cross section of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 is in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably 25,000.

Figure 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 400 according to one embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 400 includes a control unit 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. In other words, a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 400, some parts may be omitted from the configuration shown in FIG. 6, or new configurations may be added.

The sensing unit 420 senses the state of the aerosol generating device 400 or the state around the aerosol generating device 400, and transmits the sensed information to the control unit 410. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 410 controls the aerosol generating device 400 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 450, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying a notification.

The sensing unit 420 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 422, an insertion detection sensor 424, and a puff sensor 426, but is not limited to these.

The temperature sensor 422 senses the temperature to which the heater 450 (or the aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 400 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 450, or the heater 450 itself may act as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 422 may be disposed around the battery 440 to monitor the temperature of the battery 440.

The insertion detection sensor 424 detects the insertion and/or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 424 includes at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and detects a signal change due to the insertion and/or removal of an aerosol-generating article.

The puff sensor 426 senses the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel. For example, the puff sensor 426 senses the user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

In addition to the aforementioned sensors 422 to 426, the sensing unit 420 may further include at least one of a temperature/humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from its name by an ordinary engineer, so a detailed description is omitted.

The output unit 430 outputs information regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 400 to provide it to the user. The output unit 430 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 432, a haptic unit 434, and an audio output unit 436. When the display unit 432 and the touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 432 is used not only as an output device but also as an input device.

The display unit 432 visually provides information about the aerosol generating device 400 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 400 means various information such as the charging/discharging state of the battery 440 of the aerosol generating device 400, the preheating state of the heater 450, the insertion/removal state of an aerosol generating item, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 400 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display unit 432 outputs the information to the outside. The display unit 432 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display unit 432 may also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

The haptic unit 434 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generating device 400. For example, the haptic unit 434 includes a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The acoustic output unit 436 provides audible information about the aerosol generating device 400 to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit 436 converts an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and outputs it to the outside.

The battery 440 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device 400. The battery 440 supplies power to heat the heater 450. The battery 440 also supplies power necessary for the operation of other components (e.g., the sensing unit 420, the output unit 430, the user input unit 460, the memory 470, and the communication unit 480) provided within the aerosol generating device 400. The battery 440 is a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 440 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to this.

The heater 450 receives power from the battery 440 and heats the aerosol generating material. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device 400 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC/DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 440 and supplies it to the heater 450. In addition, if the aerosol generating device 400 generates aerosol using an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 400 may further include a DC/AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 440 into an AC power supply.

The control unit 410, the sensing unit 420, the output unit 430, the user input unit 460, the memory 470, and the communication unit 480 function by receiving power from the battery 440. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device 400 may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 440 and supplies it to each component.

In one embodiment, the heater 450 is formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like. The heater 450 may also be embodied as, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate having an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, and the like.

In one embodiment, the heater 450 may be an induction heater. For example, the heater 450 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol generating material.

In one embodiment, the heater 450 may include multiple heaters. For example, the heater 450 may include a first heater for heating the cigarette and a second heater for heating the liquid.

The user input unit 460 receives information input by a user or outputs information to a user. For example, the user input unit 460 may be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (contact type capacitance type, pressure type resistive film type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral type tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device 400 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may connect to other external devices through a connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 440.

The memory 470 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 400, and stores data processed by the control unit 410 and data to be processed. The memory 470 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (such as an SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), or a programmable read-only memory (PROM). The memory 470 includes at least one type of storage medium, such as a memory, a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. The memory 470 stores the operation time of the aerosol generating device 400, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data regarding the user's smoking pattern.

The communication unit 480 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 480 includes a short-range communication unit 482 and a wireless communication unit 484.

The short-range wireless communication unit 482 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra-wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

The wireless communication unit 484 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 484 may also use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 400 within the communication network.

The control unit 410 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 400. In one embodiment, the control unit 410 may include at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be embodied as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. In addition, it will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment pertains that the processor may be embodied in other forms of hardware.

The control unit 410 controls the temperature of the heater 450 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 440 to the heater 450. For example, the control unit 410 controls the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 440 and the heater 450. In another example, a heating direct circuit can also control the power supply to the heater 450 according to a control command from the control unit 410.

The control unit 410 analyzes the results sensed by the sensing unit 420 and controls subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 410 controls the power supplied to the heater 450 so that the operation of the heater 450 starts or ends based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 420. As another example, the control unit 410 controls the amount of power supplied to the heater 450 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater 450 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 420.

The control unit 410 controls the output unit 430 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 420. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 426 reaches a preset number, the control unit 410 can notify the user through at least one of the display unit 432, the haptic unit 434, and the audio output unit 436 that the aerosol generating device 400 will soon be shut down.

In one embodiment, the control unit 410 may control the time and/or amount of power supplied to the heater 450 depending on the state of the aerosol-generating article sensed by the sensing unit 420. For example, when the aerosol-generating article is in an overly humid state, the control unit 410 may control the time of power supply to the induction coil to increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol-generating article is in a normal state.

An embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium including computer-executable instructions such as program modules executed by a computer. A computer-readable medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, including both volatile and non-volatile media, and both separate and non-separate media. A computer-readable medium may also include both computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage medium includes both volatile and non-volatile, separate and non-separate media embodied in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. A communication medium typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal such as a program module, or other transmission mechanism, and includes any information delivery medium.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a heating element according to one embodiment. Figure 8 is a plan view of a heating element according to one embodiment. Figure 9 is a side view of a heating element according to one embodiment seen from one direction. Figure 10 is a side view of a heating element according to one embodiment seen from another direction.

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

The heating element 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 an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating element 550, the first body portion 510 defines a first hollow portion 511 configured to at least partially accommodate the aerosol-generating article in advance, and the second body portion 520 defines a second hollow portion 521 configured to at least partially accommodate the aerosol-generating article entering through the first body portion 510.

The first body portion 510 includes 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 outer surface 512C between the first surface 512A and the second surface 512B, and a first inner 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 the +/-Z direction) and a first width W11, W12. The first width W11, W12 may include a width W11 (e.g., first long width) in a first direction (e.g., +/-X direction) and a width W12 (e.g., first short width) in a second direction (e.g., +/-Y direction) that intersects (e.g., is perpendicular to) the first direction.

In one embodiment, the first cross-sectional shape may have a first width W11, W12 that is variable along the first length L1. For example, the first cross-sectional shape may have a first shape (e.g., substantially circular) at the first surface 512A in which the width W11 in the first direction (e.g., +/-X direction) and the width W12 in the second direction (e.g., +/-Y direction) are substantially the same, and a second shape (e.g., substantially elliptical) at the second surface 512B in which the width W11 in the first direction (e.g., +/-X direction) is greater than the width W12 in the second direction (e.g., +/-Y direction), and may have a shape that is variable between the first and second shapes along the first length L1.

In one embodiment, the first body portion 510 may include at least one (e.g., two) first walls 513 having a width W11 in a first direction (e.g., +/-X direction) intersecting the first length direction (e.g., +/-Z direction), and at least one (e.g., two) second walls 514 connected to the first wall 513 and having a width W12 in a second direction (e.g., +/-Y direction) intersecting the first length direction (e.g., +/-Z direction) and the first direction, respectively. 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 is variable along the first length L1.

In one 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 that partially forms the first wall 513 may have a substantially linear profile when viewed along the first length L1.

In one embodiment, the first interior surface 512D that partially defines the first wall 513 may be formed as a substantially curved surface when viewed around the circumference of the first body portion 510. For example, the first interior surface 512D that partially defines the first wall 513 may be formed to have a substantially arcuate profile.

In one embodiment, the width W12 of the second wall 514 in the second direction (e.g., +/-Y direction) may be variable along the first length L1. The first interior surface 512D that partially forms the second wall 514 may have a widened, open profile when viewed along the first length L1. In an embodiment, the first interior surface 512D that partially forms the second wall 514 may form a curved surface.

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

In one embodiment, the amount of change in width W11 of the first wall 513 in a first direction (e.g., +/-X direction) along the first length L1 may be substantially the same as or greater than the amount of change in width W12 of the second wall 514 in a second direction (e.g., +/-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 inner surface 522D between the third surface 522A and the fourth surface 522B. In one embodiment, the third surface 522A and the fourth surface 522B may be at least partially open. In one 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 having a second length L2 (e.g., length in the +/-Z direction) and a second width W21, W22. The second width W21, W22 may include a width W21 (e.g., second long width) in a first direction (e.g., +/-X direction) and a width W22 (e.g., second short width) in a second direction (e.g., +/-Y direction) that intersects (e.g., is perpendicular to) the first direction.

In one embodiment, the second length L2 may be greater than the first length L1. In one embodiment, the second length L2 may be substantially the same as or less than the first length L1.

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

In one embodiment, the shape of the second cross section may be substantially identical to the shape of the first cross section at the second surface 512B. In one embodiment, the shape of the second cross section may be substantially identical to the shape of the first cross section at the second surface 512B. For example, the shape of the second cross section may be substantially elliptical or close to elliptical between the third surface 522A and the fourth surface 522B.

In one embodiment, the second body portion 520 may include at least one (e.g., two) third walls 523 having a width W21 in a first direction (e.g., +/-X direction) intersecting the second length direction (e.g., +/-Z direction), and at least one (e.g., two) fourth walls 524 connected to the third walls 523 and having a width W22 in a second direction (e.g., +/-Y direction) intersecting the second length direction (e.g., +/-Z direction) and the first direction, respectively. 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 is variable along the second length L2.

In one 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 that partially forms the second wall 523 may have a substantially linear profile when viewed along the second length L2.

In one embodiment, the second interior surface 522D that partially defines the third wall 523 may be formed as a substantially curved surface when viewed around the second body portion 520. For example, the second interior surface 522D that partially defines the third wall 523 may be formed to have a substantially arcuate profile.

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

In one embodiment, the second interior surface 522D that partially forms the fourth wall 524 may be formed as a substantially flat surface when viewed around the second body portion 520.

In one embodiment, the second body portion 520 may include at least one protrusion 525 protruding from the second inner surface 522D. The protrusion 525 may be formed, for example, on the second inner surface 522D that partially forms the third wall 523. In one embodiment, the protrusion 525 may be located substantially in a central portion of the second inner surface 522D that partially forms the third wall 523 when viewed along the second length L2. In one embodiment, the second body portion 520 may include multiple (e.g., two) protrusions 525 protruding from each of the second inner surfaces 522D of the multiple third walls 523.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating system including a heater according to one embodiment. Figure 12 is a plan view of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment. Figure 13 is a diagram showing the area occupied by an aerosol-generating article in a heater according to one embodiment.

Referring to Figures 11-13, the aerosol generating system 500 can include an aerosol generating article 501 (e.g., a cigarette 2) and a heating element 550 configured to receive and heat the aerosol generating article 501.

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

When the aerosol-generating article 501 is housed in the heating element 550, the first wall 513 and/or the second wall 514 of the first body portion 510 can at least partially guide the aerosol-generating article 501 so that the aerosol-generating article 501 can smoothly enter the second body portion 520.

When the aerosol-generating article 501 is contained in the heating element 550, the third wall 523 of the second body portion 520 can form at least one (e.g., two) airflow passages with at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 501 (e.g., the second region A2 of the second portion 501B) without being in substantial contact with that portion.

When the aerosol-generating article 501 is housed in the heating element 550, the fourth wall 524 of the second body portion 520 can substantially contact and pressurize at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 501 (e.g., the first region A1 of the second portion 501B) to cause deformation of that portion. The fourth wall 524 and the portion of the aerosol-generating article 501 (e.g., the first region A1 of the second portion 501B) are in face-to-face correspondence with each other, allowing heat to be transferred from the fourth wall 524 to the aerosol-generating article 501.

If the aerosol-generating article 501 is not substantially aligned with respect to the heating element 550, for example when a user inserts the aerosol-generating article 501 into the heating element 550, the protrusion 525 can push out at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 501 (e.g., the second region A2 of the second portion 501B) so that the aerosol-generating article 501 is aligned in a desired orientation within the heating element 550.

The embodiments herein are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. There may be various changes to the details of the present disclosure, including those within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Any embodiment of the embodiments described herein may be used in combination with any other embodiment described herein.

Claims (8)

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.
Including,
the first body portion includes a first wall having a width in a first direction intersecting a first length direction of the first body portion, and a second wall having a width in a second direction intersecting the first length direction of the first body portion and the first direction,
the second body portion includes a third wall connected to the first wall and having a width in a first direction intersecting a second length direction of the second body portion, and a fourth wall connected to the second wall and having a width in a second direction intersecting the second length direction of the second body portion and the first direction,
the third wall forms an airflow passage between the aerosol-generating article and the third wall when the aerosol-generating article is accommodated therein without coming into contact with at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article;
The second body portion further includes a protrusion protruding from the third wall to push at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article out, thereby allowing the aerosol-generating article to be aligned in a desired orientation . The heating element of claim 1 , wherein the first wall and the second wall define the first cross-sectional shape that is variable along the first length. The heating element of claim 2 , wherein a change in width of the first wall along the first length direction is smaller than a change in width of the second wall along the first length direction. The heating element of claim 3 , wherein the first cross-sectional shape varies from substantially circular to substantially elliptical along the first length. The heater element of claim 1 , wherein a width of the third wall in a first direction and a width of the fourth wall in a second direction are substantially constant along the second length. The heater element of claim 1 , wherein the third wall has a substantially curved surface. The heater element of claim 1 , wherein the fourth wall has a substantially flat surface. an aerosol generating device including an aerosol-generating article and a heating element configured to accommodate and heat the aerosol-generating article;
Including,
The heating body is
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.
Including,
the first body portion includes a first wall having a width in a first direction intersecting a first length direction of the first body portion, and a second wall having a width in a second direction intersecting the first length direction of the first body portion and the first direction,
the second body portion includes a third wall connected to the first wall and having a width in a first direction intersecting a second length direction of the second body portion, and a fourth wall connected to the second wall and having a width in a second direction intersecting the second length direction of the second body portion and the first direction,
the third wall forms an airflow passage between the aerosol-generating article and the third wall when the aerosol-generating article is accommodated therein without coming into contact with at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article;
The second body portion further includes a protrusion protruding from the third wall to push at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article out, thereby allowing the aerosol-generating article to be aligned in a desired orientation .