Aerosol generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device according to the present disclosure comprises: a main body; a heater module configured to be detachably coupled with the main body, the heater module being shaped to define a first insertion space and including an open end portion; a heater coupled to the heater module; a memory coupled to the heater module and configured to store information specifically associated with the heater; and a controller coupled to the main body and configured to receive the information from the memory and control an operation of the heater based on the information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] An aerosol generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or substance by forming an aerosol. The medium may contain a multi-component substance. The substance contained in the medium may be a multi-component flavoring substance. For example, the substance contained in the medium may include a nicotine component, a herbal component, and / or a coffee component. Recently, various studies have been conducted on aerosol generating devices. Summary of the invention

[0003]

Technical issues

[0004] Another object of the present disclosure is to accurately calculate the temperature of the heater.

[0005] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to accurately control the heater and other components of an aerosol generating device.

[0006] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to facilitate cleaning of the heater module.

[0007] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to enable easier replacement of the heater.

[0008]

Technical solution

[0009]

Technical Effect

[0010] In accordance with at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a heater and other components of an aerosol generating device may be precisely controlled.

[0011] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, cleaning of the heater module may be easily achieved.

[0012] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, replacement of the heater can be easily achieved.

[0013] According to the following detailed description, the further applicable scope of the present disclosure will become apparent. However, it should be understood that the detailed description of the present disclosure and specific embodiments such as the preferred embodiments are given by way of example only, because those skilled in the art can clearly understand various changes and modifications within the thought and scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figures 1 to 11 An example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Now, a detailed description will be given according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same or equivalent components have the same or similar reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0016] In the following description, suffixes such as "module" and "unit" may be used to refer to elements or components. Such suffixes are used herein only to facilitate the description of the specification, and the suffixes themselves are not intended to give any special meaning or function.

[0017] In the present disclosure, for the sake of brevity, the contents known to ordinary technicians in the relevant fields are generally omitted. The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand the technical ideas of the present disclosure, and it should be understood that the concept of the present disclosure is not limited by the accompanying drawings. The concept of the present disclosure should be interpreted as extending to any changes, equivalents and alternatives other than the accompanying drawings.

[0018] It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element.

[0019] It will be understood that when a component is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, it may be directly connected to or coupled to the other component, or intervening components may be present. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another component, there are no intervening components.

[0020] As used herein, singular statements are intended to include plural statements unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2, the aerosol generating device may include at least one of a battery 101, a controller 102, and a sensor 103. At least one of the battery 101, the controller 102, and the sensor 103 may be accommodated in the body 10 of the aerosol generating device. The body 10 may have a shape that is elongated up and down or vertically elongated. The controller 102 and the sensor 103 may be mounted on a first substrate 104 disposed inside the body 10. The controller 102 and the sensor 103 may be mounted together on a single first substrate 104. Optionally, the function of the sensor 103 may be embedded in the controller 102.

[0022] The battery 101 may supply power to operate the components of the aerosol generating device. The battery 101 may supply power to at least one of the controller 102, the sensor 103, the heater 25, and the memory 27. The battery 101 may supply the required power to operate various components installed at the aerosol generating device (such as an induction coil (not shown), a user interface, etc.).

[0023] The controller 102 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device. The controller 102 may control the operation of at least one of the battery 101, the sensor 103, the heater 25, and the memory 27. The controller 102 may receive information from the sensor 103. The controller 102 may control the operation of an induction coil (not shown) installed at the aerosol generating device, a user interface, etc. The controller 102 may check the state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device to determine whether the aerosol generating device is in an operable state.

[0024] The heater module 20 can be detachably coupled to an upper portion or part of the main body 10. For example, the heater module 20 and the main body 10 can be coupled to each other by magnetic force, in a snap-on style, or by screws. The heater module 20 may have a first insertion space 24 open at the top. The first insertion space 24 may have an elongated cylindrical shape. The main body 10 may have a second insertion space 14, and the heater module 20 is detachably inserted into the second insertion space 14. The second insertion space 14 may be formed at the upper portion of the main body 10 and may be open at the top.

[0025] The heater module 20 may include a heater 25. The heater 25 may heat the first insertion space 24. For example, the heater 25 may have an upwardly tapered shape protruding from the bottom of the first insertion space 24 toward the opening of the first insertion space 24. As another example, the heater 25 may have a cylindrical shape surrounding the first insertion space 24.

[0026] A stick S may be inserted into a first insertion space 24 formed in the heater module 20. The stick S may have an elongated cylindrical shape. The lower end of the stick S may be inserted into the first insertion space 24, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude from the first insertion space 24 to the outside of the aerosol generating device. When the stick S is inserted into the first insertion space 24, the heater 25 may be inserted into the stick S. The user may inhale air while holding the upper end of the stick S exposed to the outside in his (or her) mouth. The heater 25 may heat the stick S inserted into the first insertion space 24. When the stick S is heated to a predetermined temperature by the heater 25, an aerosol may be generated from the stick S.

[0027] The heater 25 may be a resistive heater. The heater 25 may include a variable resistance metal. The heater 25 may generate heat using power received from the battery 101. Alternatively, the heater 25 may generate heat using eddy currents generated by a magnetic field generated by an induction coil (not shown) surrounding the heater 25.

[0028] The heater 25 may have unique (or specific) information. The unique information of the heater 25 (parameters related to the inherent characteristics of the heater 25) may be parameters for determining the voltage applied to the heater 25. For example, the unique information of the heater 25 may include parameters related to the inherent characteristics of the heater 25 that affect the heating operation of the heater 25, such as the specific resistance value of the heater 25, the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) value of the heater 25 (hereinafter referred to as "TCR value"), the inductance value of the heater 25, the capacitance value of the heater 25, etc. The resistance value of the heater 25 may vary with temperature. When the temperature rises as the heater 25 generates heat, the resistance value of the heater 25 may increase. The resistance value at a specific temperature may vary according to the specific resistance value and the TCR value of the heater 25.

[0029] The sensor 103 may detect a value related to the temperature of the heater 25 or a value related to the resistance of the heater 25. For example, the sensor 103 may detect a voltage value applied to the heater 25. For example, the sensor 103 may detect a current value flowing through the heater 25.

[0030] The controller 102 may receive a value detected by the sensor 103. The controller 102 may estimate the temperature of the heater 25 based on the value received from the sensor 103. For example, since the resistance value of the heater 25 varies according to the temperature of the heater 25, the controller 102 may calculate the resistance value of the heater 25 based on the current value received from the sensor 103 to determine the temperature of the heater 25. As another example, the controller 102 may receive the temperature value of the heater 25 detected by the sensor 103 to determine the temperature of the heater 25.

[0031] The specific information of the heater 25 may depend on the material properties of the heater 25, but may also be slightly changed, for example, by dimensional errors in shape that may occur during manufacturing (such as the length and thickness of the heating wire of the heater 25). As another example, errors in the proportions of the components of the alloy constituting the heater 25 that may occur during manufacturing may also affect the specific information of the heater 25. These are merely examples, and the factors affecting the specific information of the heater 25 are not limited thereto. Due to these factors, a difference between the estimated temperature of the heater 25 and the actual temperature of the heater 25 may occur, resulting in inaccurate control.

[0032] Figure 3 is a graph showing the relationship between resistance and temperature of heaters having different TCR values. Figure 3 , the first heater 25A and the second heater 25B made of the same material may have slightly different specific resistance values ​​and TCR values ​​due to errors in alloy ratios occurring during manufacturing. As another example, due to foreign matter on the heating wire, lead wire 259 of the second heater 25B, or the first substrate 104 on which the controller 102 is mounted, or due to internal noise and external noise, the TCR value of the second heater 25B may be determined as the TCR value of the third heater 25B'.

[0033] Therefore, the resistance values ​​of the heater 25 at a specific temperature of the heater 25 may be different for the first heater 25A, the second heater 25B, and the third heater 25B′. As a result, an error in the resistance value calculated by the controller 102 may occur, resulting in an error in calculating the temperature of the heater 25.

[0034] To solve this problem, the heater module 20 may include a memory 27. The memory 27 may be mounted on the second substrate 26 mounted in the heater module 20. The memory 27 may store unique (or specific) information of the heater 25 included in the heater module 20.

[0035] For example, the specific resistance value or TCR value of the heater 25 included in the heater module 20 may be stored in the memory 27. When the heater module 20 is manufactured, accurate unique parameters of each manufactured heater 25 may be measured by an external measuring device to be stored in each memory 27. For these reasons, the specific resistance values ​​of the heaters 25 respectively stored in the memories 27 included in the respective heater modules 20 may be different from each other.

[0036] The controller 102 may store information corresponding to a plurality of heater parameters. For example, the controller 102 may store temperature (T)-resistance value (R) curve information for each heater parameter (see Figure 3). For example, the controller 102 may store information corresponding to a plurality of heater parameters in the form of a lookup table. The controller 102 may receive unique information about the heater 25 from the memory 27 included in the heater module 20 to match the unique information about the heater 25 with any one of the stored plurality of heater parameters. For example, the controller 102 may match the received unique information about the heater 25 with a specific heater parameter on a temperature (T)-resistance value (R) curve.

[0037] Also refer to Figure 4 When the heater module 20 is coupled to the body 10, the heater 25 may be electrically connected to at least one of the battery 101, the controller 102, and the sensor 103 (see Figure 4 When the heater module 20 is coupled to the body 10, the memory 27 may be electrically connected to at least one of the battery 101 and the controller 102 (see Figure 4 When the heater module 20 is removed from the body 10, the heater 25 may be separated from the battery 101, the controller 102, and the sensor 103. When the heater module 20 is removed from the body 10, the memory 27 may be separated from the battery 101 and the controller 102.

[0038] The controller 102 may receive information specific to the heater 25 from the memory 27 (see Figure 4 2). For example, the controller 102 may receive the specific resistance value of the heater 25 from the memory 27. For example, the controller 102 may receive a specific TCR value of the heater 25 from the memory 27. However, these are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The controller 102 may receive various specific information of the heater 25 for estimating the temperature of the heater 25.

[0039] The controller 102 may calculate the temperature of the heater 25 based on the specific information of the heater 25 (refer to Figure 4 Step S3). For example, refer to Figure 3 , the controller 102 may receive the TCR value of the heater 25 corresponding to the first heater 25A from the memory 27 and receive the current value flowing through the heater 25 from the sensor 103 to determine the current resistance value of the heater 25. Therefore, the current temperature of the heater 25 corresponding to the first heater 25A may be estimated.

[0040] Therefore, the controller 102 can calculate the precise temperature of the heater 25. By determining the precise temperature of the heater 25, the controller 102 can perform more precise control on various components (see Figure 4 , step S4 in the above process).

[0041] For example, the controller 102 may control the temperature of the heater 25 based on the calculated temperature of the heater 25. The controller 102 may control the voltage applied to the heater 25 to increase or decrease the heating temperature of the heater 25, thereby adjusting the temperature of the heater 25 to the target temperature. As another example, the controller 102 may determine whether the liquid stored in the cartridge (not shown) is exhausted based on the current temperature of the heater 25. As another example, the controller 102 may control the user interface to provide the user with information about the current temperature of the heater 25.

[0042] The memory 27 may store identification information for identifying whether the heater module 20 is authentic (genuine). When the heater module 20 is coupled to the main body 10, the controller 102 may receive the identification information stored in the memory 27 to determine whether the heater module 20 is authentic. For example, the controller 102 may compare the embedded information with the identification information to determine whether the heater module 20 is authentic. For example, the memory 27 may store the identification information about the heater module 20 in the form of an encrypted code, and the controller 20 may decode the encrypted code to determine whether the heater module 20 is authentic.

[0043] For example, when the heater module 20 is false, the controller 102 may cut off the power supply to the heater 25, and when the heater module 20 is true, the controller 102 may control so that power is supplied to the heater 25. The controller 102 may control the user interface to provide the user with information about whether the heater module 20 is authentic.

[0044] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the heater module 20 may have a first insertion space 24 opened at the top. The heater module 20 may include a heater 25. The heater 25 may be fixed to the heater module 20. The heater 25 may heat the first insertion space 24. The first insertion space 24 may have a vertically elongated cylindrical shape.

[0045] The side wall 21 of the heater module 20 may surround the outer peripheral side of the first insertion space 24. The side wall 21 of the heater module 20 may have a vertically elongated cylindrical shape. The side wall 21 of the heater module 20 may be referred to as a duct portion 21.

[0046] The heater module 20 may include a base 22. The base 22 may be formed at a lower end of the heater module 20. The base 22 may cover a lower end of the first insertion space 24. The base 22 may be connected to a lower end of the duct portion 21. The base 22 may have a disc-shaped (or disk-shaped) outer circumference.

[0047] The heater module 20 may include an extension portion 23. The extension portion 23 may extend from the upper end of the duct portion 21 in a horizontal outward direction and may cover at least a portion of the upper end of the body 10. The extension portion 23 may be referred to as an edge portion 23.

[0048] The heater module 20 may include a heater rod 251. The heater rod 251 may be fixed to the base 22 so as to protrude into the first insertion space 24. The heater 25 may be inserted into the heater rod 251. The heater rod 51 may include a cavity opened at the bottom. The heater rod 251 may surround the heater 25. The heater rod 251 may have a cylindrical shape. The heater rod 251 may have a sharp upper end or a pointed upper end. The heater rod 251 may have high thermal expansion, excellent thermal insulation and low thermal conductivity. The heater rod 251 may have high rigidity. For example, the heater rod 251 may be made of zirconium oxide. However, the material of the heater rod 51 is not limited thereto. The heat generated from the heater 25 may be transferred to the outside through the heater rod 251. When the rod S is inserted into the first insertion space 24, the heater rod 251 and the heater 25 may be arranged inside the rod S.

[0049] The lead wire 259 may extend from the heater 25 to the outside of the heater rod 251 through the opening at the bottom of the heater rod 251. A first end of the lead wire 259 may be connected to the heater 25, and a second end of the lead wire 259 may be connected to the second substrate 26. The heater 25 and the second substrate 26 may be electrically connected via the lead wire 259. For example, the lead wire 259 may be bonded to the heater 25 and the second substrate 26 by a welding process such as soldering or ultrasonic welding. The lead wire 259 may be electrically connected to the battery 101, the controller 102, and the sensor 103 through a circuit pattern printed on the second substrate 26.

[0050] Therefore, the heater 25 may receive power through the lead 259, thereby generating heat. In addition, the sensor 103 may detect a value related to the temperature of the heater 25 or a value related to the resistance of the heater 25 through the lead 259. The controller 102 may receive the value detected by the sensor 103. This has been described above, and therefore, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0051] The lower end of the heater rod 251 may be buried in the base 22. The heater rod 251 may protrude upwardly from the base 22 toward the first insertion space 24. The heater module 20 may be insert-molded together with the heater rod 251. In this case, the heater module 20 may be injection-molded by inserting the heater rod 251 into an injection mold and then injecting a polymer resin into the injection mold. In a state where the heater 25 and the lead wire 259 are disposed inside the heater rod 251, the polymer resin may be injected when the heater rod 251 is inserted into the injection mold.

[0052] The main body 10 may have a second insertion space 14 opened at the top. The inner side wall 111 of the main body 10 may surround the outer peripheral side of the second insertion space 14. The inner side wall 111 of the main body 10 may have a vertically elongated cylindrical shape. The lower wall 12 of the main body 10 may cover the bottom of the second insertion space 14. The lower wall 12 of the main body 10 may be connected to the lower end of the inner side wall 111 of the main body 10. The upper wall 13 of the main body 10 may extend outward from the upper end of the inner side wall 111. The upper wall 13 of the main body 10 may connect the upper end of the inner side wall 111 and the upper end of the outer side wall 112.

[0053] The duct portion 21 and the base 22 of the heater module 20 can be detachably inserted into the second insertion space 14. The duct portion 21 of the heater module 20 can be surrounded by the inner side wall 111 of the main body 10. The base 22 can cover the lower wall 12 of the main body 10. The extension portion 23 of the heater module 20 can cover the upper wall 13 of the main body 10. The user can remove the heater module 20 from the main body 10 by holding the extension portion 23. By removing the heater module 20 from the main body 10, the user can more easily clean the heater module 20. The heater module 20 can be replaced.

[0054] The extension seal 33 may be sealed between the heater module 20 and the main body 10. The extension seal 33 may be disposed between the extension 23 and the upper wall 13 of the main body 10 so as to seal between the extension 23 and the upper wall 13 of the main body 10. When the heater module 20 is coupled to the main body 10, the extension 23 may press the extension seal 33 toward the upper wall 13 of the main body 10. The extension seal 33 may prevent foreign matter from entering the second insertion space 14 from the outside through the gap between the main body 10 and the heater module 20. The extension seal 33 may be made of a material having elasticity. For example, the extension seal 33 may be made of a rubber or silicone material. The extension seal 33 may be referred to as an external seal 33.

[0055] Therefore, foreign matter such as liquid can be prevented from being introduced into the second substrate 26 inside the base 22 .

[0056] The first terminal 18 may be coupled to the body 10. The first terminal 18 may be exposed to the second insertion space 14. For example, the first terminal 18 may protrude upward from the lower wall 12 of the body 10 toward the second insertion space 14. The first terminal 18 may be electrically connected to a first substrate 104 on which the controller 102 is mounted. The first substrate 104 may be installed in the body 10.

[0057] The heater module 20 may include a second substrate 26, a memory 27 (see Figure 1) is mounted on the second substrate 26. The second substrate 26 may be mounted inside the base 22. The heater module 20 may include a second terminal 28 electrically connected to the second substrate 26. The second terminal 28 may be exposed to the outside from the base 22. For example, the second terminal 28 may be exposed downward. The second terminal 28 may be disposed in a terminal groove 2224 formed in the base 22. The terminal groove 2224 may be open at the bottom of the base 22.

[0058] When the heater module 20 is coupled to the body 10, the second terminal 28 may be in contact with the first terminal 18. The first terminal 18 may be inserted into the terminal groove 2224 so as to be in contact with the second terminal 28. When the second terminal 28 and the first terminal 18 are in contact with each other, the memory 27 and the controller 102 may be electrically connected to each other. When the second terminal 28 and the first terminal 18 are in contact with each other, the memory 27 and the battery 101 may be electrically connected to each other. When the second terminal 28 and the first terminal 18 are in contact with each other, the heater 25 and the controller 102 may be electrically connected to each other. When the second terminal 28 and the first terminal 18 are in contact with each other, the heater 25 and the sensor 103 may be electrically connected to each other. When the second terminal 28 and the first terminal 18 are in contact with each other, the heater 25 and the battery 101 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0059] The second terminal 28 may include a portion that is recessed upward and has an inverted 'U' shape. The second terminal 28 may have a shape that is open at the bottom. The side of the second terminal 28 may extend downward from the opposite side edges of the second terminal 28. The side of the second terminal 28 may have elasticity so that the second substrate 26 can be pivoted in and out. The side of the second terminal 28 may have a shape that protrudes (or bends) inwardly. Therefore, the first terminal 18 can be press-fitted into the second terminal 28.

[0060] Therefore, the position of the heater module 20 can be aligned or fixed relative to the main body 10. In addition, when a force of a predetermined load or more is applied, the heater module 20 can be removed from the main body 10. This can prevent the heater module 20 from shaking relative to the main body 10 when the user uses the aerosol generating device, thereby improving the structural stability. In addition, foreign matter such as liquid can be prevented from contacting the second terminal 28 of the heater module 20.

[0061] The first terminal 18 and the second terminal 28 may electrically connect the memory 27 and the controller 102. The first terminal 18 and the second terminal 28 may electrically connect the heater 25 and the battery 101. The first terminal 18 and the second terminal 28 may electrically connect the heater 25 and the sensor 103.

[0062] The first terminal 18 may include a first memory terminal 181. The first memory terminal 181 may be provided as a pair of first memory terminals 181. The first memory terminal 181 may be mounted on the first substrate 104 on which the controller 102 is mounted so as to be connected to the controller 102. The second terminal 28 may include a second memory terminal 281. The second memory terminal 281 may be provided as a pair of second memory terminals 281. The second memory terminal 282 may be mounted on the second substrate 26 on which the memory 27 is mounted so as to be connected to the memory 27 (see Fig.11 ). The first memory terminal 181 and the second memory terminal 281 may contact each other to achieve electrical connection. Therefore, the memory 27 and the controller 102 may be electrically connected to each other, thereby allowing the controller 102 to receive unique information of the heater 25 from the memory 27.

[0063] The first terminal 18 may include a first heater terminal 182. The first heater terminal 182 may be provided as a pair of first heater terminals 182. The first heater terminal 182 may be connected to the battery 101 side. The first heater terminal 182 may be mounted on the first substrate 104 so as to be connected to a power circuit pattern mounted on the first substrate 104. The second terminal 28 may include a second heater terminal 282. The second heater terminal 282 may be provided as a pair of second heater terminals 282. The second heater terminal 282 may be connected to the heater 25 and the lead 259 side. The second heater terminal 282 may be mounted on the second substrate 26 so as to be connected to a power circuit pattern mounted on the second substrate 26. The first heater terminal 182 and the second heater terminal 282 may contact each other, thereby achieving electrical connection. Therefore, the heater 25 may generate heat using the power supplied from the battery 101.

[0064] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the first terminal 18 and the second terminal 28 may have in addition Figure 6 The first terminal 18 may protrude upward from the lower wall 12 of the body 10 toward the second insertion space 14. The second terminal 28 may be open at the bottom. The first terminal 18 may be removably inserted into the second terminal 28 so as to contact the second terminal 28. The first terminal 18 may be press-fitted into the second terminal 28.

[0065] In one example, the first terminal 18 may include a first terminal head 18a, a first terminal recess 18b, and a first terminal body 18c. The first terminal head 18a may be formed at the upper end of the first terminal 18. The first terminal head 18a may protrude outward or have a circular shape. The first terminal recess 18b may be formed between the first terminal head 18a and the first terminal body 18c. The first terminal recess 18b may be radially recessed inward from the first terminal head 18a and the first terminal body 18c. The first terminal body 18c may extend downward from the first terminal recess 18b. The first terminal body 18c may have a cylindrical shape. The first terminal body 18c may be fixed to the lower wall 12 of the body 10.

[0066] In one example, the second terminal 28 may include a second terminal body 28a and a second terminal wing 28b. The second terminal body 28a may be pressed upward (ie, concave downward) or have a rounded shape. The second terminal body 28a may have a curvature corresponding to the first terminal head 18a.

[0067] Reference Figure 7 , the second terminal wing 28b may be provided in plurality. The plurality of second terminal wing 28b may be spaced apart from each other and may extend downward from the end of the second terminal body 28a. A pair of second terminal wing 28b may extend downward from opposite ends of the second terminal body 28a. The pair of second terminal wing 28b may be provided opposite to each other relative to the terminal insertion portion 28d. Optionally, referring to Figure 8 The second terminal wing 28b may extend downward along the outer periphery of the second terminal body 28a, and at least one side of the second terminal wing 28b may be vertically cut away. The second terminal wing 28b may surround the outer periphery of the terminal insertion portion 28d.

[0068] The terminal insertion portion 28d may be defined by the second terminal body 28a and the second terminal wing 28b. The terminal insertion portion 28d may be open at the bottom. The second terminal wing 28b may protrude inwardly toward the terminal insertion portion 28d. The second terminal wing 28b may have a curvature corresponding to the first terminal recess 18b. The lower portion of the second terminal wing 28b may have a shape that widens outwardly.

[0069] The first terminal 18 can be inserted into the terminal insertion portion 28d. The second terminal wing 28b can be tilted inwardly and outwardly relative to the second terminal body 28a. When the first terminal 18 is inserted into the terminal insertion portion 28d, the first terminal head 18a can contact the lower inner surface of the second terminal wing 28b. The first terminal head 18a can push the second terminal wing 28b to expand the second terminal wing 28b outward. Then, the first terminal head 18a can be inserted into the terminal insertion portion 28d so as to be covered by the second terminal body 28a. The second terminal wing 28b can be tilted inwardly relative to the second terminal body 28a so as to return to its original position, thereby allowing the second terminal wing 28b to be inserted into the first terminal recess 18b and engage with the first terminal recess 18b. When the first terminal 18 is removed from the terminal insertion portion 28d, the first terminal head 18a can push to expand the second terminal wing 28b so as to separate from the terminal insertion portion 28d. The second terminal wing portion 28 d may be inclined outward only when a predetermined force or more is applied from the first terminal 18 .

[0070] Therefore, the first terminal 18 may be press-fitted into the second terminal 28 , thereby allowing the first terminal 18 to be securely coupled to the second terminal 28 .

[0071] Reference Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The base 22 may include a first base 221 and a second base 222. The first base 221 may be connected to the lower end of the duct portion 21. The first base 221 may be formed integrally with the duct portion 21. The first base 221 may include a disk (or magnetic disk) shape. The first base 221 may cover the lower portion of the first insertion space 24.

[0072] The first base 221 may be insert-molded with the lower end of the heater rod 251. The outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the heater rod 251 may include a flange portion 253 protruding radially outward. The first base 221 may surround the flange portion 253. The flange portion 253 may be fixed to the first base 221. The flange portion 253 may be vertically supported by the first base 221. The flange portion 253 may prevent the heater rod 251 from being vertically separated from the first base 221. The flange portion 253 may have a non-circular cross-section so as to engage with the first base 221 in the circumferential direction. The flange portion 253 may prevent the heater rod 251 from rotating in the circumferential direction relative to the heater module 20. The central portion of the first base 221 combined with the flange portion 253 may protrude downward. The lead wire 259 may pass through an opening formed in the center of the first base 221 from the inside of the heater rod 251 so as to be connected to the second substrate 26 disposed below the first base 221.

[0073] The second base 222 may be coupled to the lower side of the first base 221. The second base 222 may cover the lower portion of the first base 221. The second base 222 may include a bottom 2221 and a peripheral portion 2222. The peripheral portion 2222 may extend upward from the outer circumference of the bottom 2221. The peripheral portion 2222 may have an annular shape extending in a circumferential direction. The outer circumference of the peripheral portion 2222 may vertically correspond to the outer circumference of the duct portion 21.

[0074] The second base 222 and the first base 221 may be coupled to each other in a snap-fit ​​manner. For example, the second base 222 may include a coupling hook 2227, and the first base 221 may include a coupling groove 2217, to which the coupling hook 2227 is fastened. The coupling hook 2227 may be disposed on the peripheral portion 2222 of the second base 222. The coupling groove 2217 may be formed adjacent to the periphery of the first base 221. The coupling hook 2227 and the coupling groove 2217 may be disposed in pairs at positions corresponding to each other on opposite sides of the base 22, respectively. Alternatively, the coupling hook 2227 may be disposed on the first base 221, and the coupling groove 2217 may be formed in the second base 222.

[0075] The second substrate 26 may be disposed inside the base 22. The second substrate 26 may be disposed between the first base 221 and the second base 222. The second substrate 26 may be surrounded by the first base 221 and the second base 222.

[0076] The second base 222 may have a terminal groove 2224. The terminal groove 2224 may be open at the bottom of the second base 222. The terminal groove 2224 may be provided in plurality corresponding to the number of the second terminals 28. For example, the second terminal 28 may include a pair of memory terminals 281 and a pair of heater terminals 282, and accordingly, four terminal grooves 2224 may be provided. The second terminal 28 may be exposed to the outside of the base 22 through the terminal groove 2224. The plurality of second terminals 28 and the plurality of terminal grooves 2224 may be spaced apart in the circumferential direction (see Fig. 9 ). The second substrate 26 may cover the terminal groove 2224 .

[0077] The first base seal 31 may be sealed between the first base 221 and the second base 222. For example, the first base seal 31 may be sealed between the outer periphery of the second base 222 and the outer periphery of the first base 221. The first base seal 31 may have an annular shape extending in a circumferential direction along the outer periphery of the base 22. The first base seal 31 may be disposed at the upper side of the outer peripheral portion 2222 of the second base 222. The first base seal 31 may be made of a material having elasticity. For example, the first base seal 31 may be made of a rubber or silicone material. When the first base 221 and the second base 222 are combined with each other, the second base 222 may press the first base seal 31 toward the first base 221.

[0078] The second base seal 32 may be sealed between the terminal groove 2224 and the second terminal 28. For example, the second base seal 32 may be sealed between the terminal groove 2224 and the second substrate 26. The second base seal 32 may seal the gap around the second terminal 28. The second base seal 32 may have a shape corresponding to the outer periphery of the terminal groove 2224. For example, the second base seal 32 may have an annular shape. One surface of the second base seal 32 may contact the second substrate 26, and the other surface of the second base seal 32 may contact the second base 222 around the terminal groove 2224. The second base seal 32 may be made of a material having elasticity. For example, the second base seal 32 may be made of a rubber or silicone material.

[0079] Since the second substrate 26 is disposed inside the base 22, the second substrate 26 and the lead 259 can be protected from external impact. In addition, foreign matter such as liquid can be prevented from being introduced into the base 22. In addition, malfunction or sensing noise caused by contact of foreign matter with the lead 259 and the second substrate 26 can be prevented.

[0080] Furthermore, the user may easily clean the heater module 20 by removing the heater module 20 from the main body 10. When liquid is prevented from being introduced into the heater module 20, the user may clean the heater module 20 with water.

[0081] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.11, the second substrate 26 may have a circular plate shape or a disc shape. A hole 264 may be formed in the center of the second substrate 26. The central portion of the first base 221 may pass through the hole 264 of the second substrate 26. The second substrate 26 may surround the central portion of the first base 221. The second terminal 28 may be coupled to the second substrate 26. The second terminal 28 may include a pair of memory terminals 281 and a pair of heater terminals 282. The memory terminal 281 may be electrically connected to the memory 27 mounted on the second substrate 26. The memory terminal 281 may be in contact with the first terminal 18 connected to the controller 102. The lead 259 extending from the heater 25 may be connected to the second substrate 26. The lead 259 may be welded to the second substrate 26. The heater terminal 282 may be electrically connected to the lead 259, which is connected to the second substrate 26. The heater terminal 282 may be in contact with the first terminal 18 connected to the battery 101. A circuit for electrically connecting the second terminal 28 and various elements may be printed on the second substrate 26.

[0082] Reference Figures 1 to 11 According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device may include: a main body; a heater module, which is constructed to be detachably coupled to the main body, and the heater module is shaped to define a first insertion space and includes an open end; a heater, coupled to the heater module; a memory, coupled to the heater module and configured to store information specifically associated with the heater; and a controller, coupled to the main body and configured to receive information from the memory and control the operation of the heater based on the information.

[0083] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a sensor configured to detect information associated with the temperature of the heater. The controller may be configured to: calculate the temperature of the heater based on information received from the memory and information associated with the temperature of the heater received from the sensor; and control the temperature of the heater based on the calculated temperature of the heater.

[0084] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater module may include: a duct portion defining a side portion of the first insertion space; and a base defining a portion of the other end of the first insertion space. The storage may be located inside the base.

[0085] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the base may include: a first portion coupled to a lower end of the pipe portion; and a second portion coupled to a lower side of the first portion. The storage may be disposed between the first portion and the second portion.

[0086] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a first sealer to seal a gap between an outer periphery of the first portion and an outer periphery of the second portion.

[0087] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the base may include: a coupling groove formed in any one of the first part and the second part; and a coupling hook provided on the other of the first part and the second part and positioned to be coupled to the coupling groove.

[0088] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may also include: a first terminal element, including a plurality of first terminals attached to the heater module, and the first terminal element is coupled to the memory and the heater; and a second terminal element, including a plurality of second terminals attached to the main body and coupled to the controller, the second terminal element being configured to contact the first terminal element to allow electrical communication between the controller and the memory and electrical communication between the controller and the heater.

[0089] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the base may be shaped to define a terminal recess located at a bottom of the base and sized to receive the first terminal element.

[0090] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first terminal element may be shaped to define a recess, and the second terminal element may protrude upward from the body and be press-fitted into the first terminal element through the terminal recess.

[0091] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a second base sealer to seal a gap between the terminal groove and the first terminal element.

[0092] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the body may be shaped to define a second insertion space that is open at one side and is sized to be detachably coupled with the heater module.

[0093] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further comprise an external seal to seal an interface between the body and the heater module.

[0094] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater module may include an edge portion extending from one end of the duct portion in a horizontal outward direction and overlapping one end of the body. The outer seal may seal a gap between the edge portion and the one end of the body.

[0095] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, information specifically associated with the heater may include parameters related to inherent characteristics of the heater that affect the operation of the heater.

[0096] The above-mentioned certain embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure are not mutually exclusive or different from each other. Any or all elements of the above-mentioned embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined or combined with each other in configuration or function.

[0097] For example, configuration "A" described in one embodiment and the drawings of the present disclosure and configuration "B" described in another embodiment and the drawings of the present disclosure may be combined with each other. That is, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, all combinations except for the case described as impossible combination are possible.

[0098] Although the embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that numerous other modifications and embodiments may occur to those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of the present disclosure. More specifically, various changes and modifications may be made to the components and / or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to changes and modifications to the components and / or arrangements, alternative uses will also be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: main body; a heater module configured to be detachably coupled to the body, wherein the heater module is shaped to define a first insertion space and includes an open end; a heater coupled to the heater module; a memory coupled to the heater module and configured to store information specifically associated with the heater; and A controller is coupled to the body and is configured to: receiving the information from the memory, and Operation of the heater is controlled based on the information.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor configured to detect information associated with the temperature of the heater, in, The controller is configured to: calculating the temperature of the heater based on the information received from the memory and the information associated with the temperature of the heater received from the sensor, and The temperature of the heater is controlled based on the calculated temperature of the heater.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The heater module comprises: a duct portion defining a side portion of the first insertion space; and a base defining a portion of the other end of the first insertion space, Wherein, the memory is located inside the base.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein: The base comprises: a first portion coupled to a lower end of the pipe portion; and a second portion, bonded to the underside of the first portion, Wherein, the memory is arranged between the first part and the second part. 5 . The aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , further comprising a first sealing member that seals a gap between an outer periphery of the first portion and an outer periphery of the second portion.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein: The base comprises: a coupling groove formed in any one of the first portion and the second portion; and A coupling hook is provided on the remaining one of the first portion and the second portion and is positioned to be coupled to the coupling groove.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, further comprising: a first terminal element including a plurality of first terminals attached to the heater module, wherein the first terminal element is coupled to the memory and the heater; and a second terminal element including a plurality of second terminals attached to the body and coupled to the controller, The second terminal element is configured to contact the first terminal element to allow electrical communication between the controller and the memory and between the controller and the heater.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein: The base is shaped to define a terminal recess located at a bottom of the base and sized to receive the first terminal element.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein: The first terminal element is shaped to define a recess, and The second terminal element protrudes upward from the main body and is press-fitted into the first terminal element through the terminal groove. 10 . The aerosol generating device according to claim 8 , further comprising a second base seal to seal a gap between the terminal groove and the first terminal element.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein: The body is shaped to define a second insertion space that is open at one side and is sized to be detachably coupled to the heater module.

12. An aerosol generating device according to claim 11, further comprising an external seal to seal the interface between the body and the heater module.

13. An aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein: The heater module includes an edge portion extending from one end of the duct portion in a horizontal outward direction and overlapping one end of the body, and The external seal seals a gap between the edge portion and the one end of the main body.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The information specifically associated with the heater includes parameters relating to intrinsic characteristics of the heater that affect operation of the heater.

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