Aerosol generating device

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is disclosed. The aerosol generating device includes: a main body including a first opening leading to a first insertion space; and a heater module configured to be removably inserted into the first insertion space, in which the heater module includes a heater holder including a second opening leading to a second insertion space in which a heater is disposed, a frame coupled to the heater holder, and a substrate coupled to the frame, a memory configured to store specific information about the heater is mounted on the substrate; and a controller provided in the main body and configured to control an operation of the heater based on receiving the unique information about the heater from the memory.

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 a specific component from a medium or substance by forming an aerosol. The medium may include a multi-component substance. The substance included in the medium may be a multi-component flavoring substance. For example, the substance included 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 precisely control components of an aerosol-generating device, including the heater.

[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 facilitate replacement of the heater.

[0008]

Technical solution

[0009]

Technical Effect

[0010] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, components of an aerosol generating device, including a heater, may be precisely controlled.

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

[0012] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, replacement of a heater may be achieved in an easier manner.

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

[0014] Figures 1 to 20 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 are provided with 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 concept of the present disclosure, and it should be understood that the concept of the present disclosure is not limited by the accompanying drawings. In addition to the accompanying drawings, the concept of the present disclosure should be interpreted as also extending to any variants, equivalents and alternatives.

[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 should be understood that when a component is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, the component may be directly connected to or coupled to the other component, or intervening components may exist. 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, a singular expression is intended to include a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] Reference Figures 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device may include at least one of a main body 10, an outer cover 20, a heater module 30, and an inner cover 40. The main body 10 may accommodate at least one of a battery 101, a controller 102, and a sensor 103 therein. The main body 10 may have therein a first insertion space 14 opened at the top. The first insertion space 14 may be formed at an upper portion of the main body 10.

[0022] The heater module 30 may be detachably inserted into the first insertion space 14. The heater module 30 may have therein a second insertion space 34 opened at the top. The second insertion space 34 may extend vertically. The heater 35 may be fixed to the heater module 30. The heater 35 may protrude upward from the lower portion of the second insertion space 34. The heater 35 may heat the second insertion space 34 surroundings.

[0023] The outer cover 20 may be detachably coupled to the top of the main body 10. The outer cover 20 may cover the upper portion of the main body 10 and the heater module 30. The outer cover 20 may include an extractor 21. The extractor 21 may have therein a third insertion space 24 opened at the top. The extractor 21 and the third insertion space 24 may have a vertically extending shape. The extractor 21 may be inserted into the second insertion space 34 inside the heater module 30. When the extractor 21 is inserted into the second insertion space 34, the heater 35 may be exposed to the third insertion space 24 through the through hole 24a opened at the bottom of the extractor 21. The cap 25 may be movably coupled to the outer cover 20 to open and close the opening of the third insertion space 24.

[0024] The first magnet 26 may be provided in the outer cover 20. When an attractive force is applied between the first magnet 26 and the second magnet 46 provided in the inner cover 40, the outer cover 20 may be detachably coupled on the top of the inner cover 40.

[0025] A stick S may be inserted into the third insertion space 24 to be supported by the extractor 21. A heater 35 may be inserted into the stick S inserted into the third insertion space 24. The heater 35 may heat the third insertion space 24 and the stick S to generate an aerosol. When the outer cover 20 is removed from the main body 10, the stick S inside the extractor 21 may also be separated from the main body 10 and pulled out. Therefore, the stick S may be easily removed.

[0026] The inner cover 40 may be disposed between the body 10 and the outer cover 20. The inner cover 40 may be detachably coupled to the body 10. The inner cover 40 may cover the upper portion of the body 10 and the heater module 30. The inner cover 40 may be detachably coupled to the upper portion of the heater module 30. When the inner cover 40 is removed from the body 10, the heater module 30 may be separated from the first insertion space 14. Therefore, the heater module 30 may be easily removed from the body 10, thereby allowing the heater module 30 to be more easily replaced.

[0027] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 , 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 a body 10 of the aerosol generating device. The body 10 may have a vertically extended shape. The controller 102 and the sensor 103 may be mounted on a first substrate 104 provided in 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.

[0028] 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 35, and the memory 37. The battery 101 may supply power required to operate various components installed at the aerosol generating device, such as an induction coil (not shown), a user interface, etc.

[0029] 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 35, and the memory 37. 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.

[0030] The heater module 30 may be detachably coupled to the upper side of the main body 10. For example, the heater module 30 and the main body 10 may be coupled together by magnetic force, in a snap-fitting manner, or by screws. The heater module 30 may have a second insertion space 34 opened at the top. The second insertion space 34 may have an elongated cylindrical shape. The main body 10 may have a first insertion space 14, and the heater module 30 may be detachably inserted into the first insertion space 14. The first insertion space 14 may be formed at the upper portion of the main body 10 and may be open at the top.

[0031] The heater module 30 may include a heater 35. The heater 35 may heat the second insertion space 34. For example, the heater 35 may protrude from the bottom of the second insertion space 34 toward the opening of the second insertion space 34 in an upwardly tapered shape. As another example, the heater 35 may have a cylindrical shape surrounding the second insertion space 34.

[0032] The stick S may be inserted into a second insertion space 34 formed in the heater module 30. The stick S may have an elongated cylindrical shape. The lower end of the stick S may be inserted into the second insertion space 34, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude from the second insertion space 34 to the outside of the aerosol generating device. When the stick S is inserted into the second insertion space 34, the heater 35 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 35 may heat the stick S inserted into the second insertion space 34. When the stick S is heated to a predetermined temperature by the heater 35, an aerosol may be generated from the stick S.

[0033] The heater 35 may be a resistance heater. The heater 35 may include a variable resistance metal. The heater 35 may generate heat using power received from the battery 101. Alternatively, the heater 35 may generate heat using eddy currents generated by a magnetic field generated by an induction coil (not shown) surrounding the heater 35.

[0034] The heater 35 may have unique (or specific) information. The unique information of the heater 35 (parameters related to the inherent characteristics of the heater 35) may be parameters for determining the voltage applied to the heater 35. For example, the unique information of the heater 35 may include parameters related to the inherent characteristics of the heater 35 that affect the heating operation of the heater 35, such as the specific resistance value of the heater 35, the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) value of the heater 35 (hereinafter referred to as "TCR value"), the inductance value of the heater 35, the capacitance value of the heater 35, etc. The resistance value of the heater 35 may vary with temperature. When the temperature rises as the heater 35 generates heat, the resistance value of the heater 35 may increase. The resistance value at a specific temperature may vary according to the specific resistance value and the TCR value of the heater 35.

[0035] The sensor 103 may detect a value related to the temperature of the heater 35 or a value related to the resistance of the heater 35. For example, the sensor 103 may detect a voltage value applied to the heater 35. For example, the sensor 103 may detect a current value flowing through the heater 35.

[0036] The controller 102 may receive a value detected by the sensor 103. The controller 102 may estimate the temperature of the heater 35 based on the value received from the sensor 103. For example, since the resistance value of the heater 35 changes according to the temperature of the heater 35, the controller 102 may calculate the resistance value of the heater 35 based on the current value received from the sensor 103 to determine the temperature of the heater 35. As another example, the controller 102 may receive the temperature value of the heater 35 detected by the sensor 103 to determine the temperature of the heater 35.

[0037] The specific information of the heater 35 may vary according to the material properties of the heater 35, but, for example, may also be slightly affected by shape and size errors that may occur during manufacturing, such as the length and thickness of the heating wire of the heater 35. As another example, a ratio error of the components of the alloy constituting the heater 35 that may occur during manufacturing may also affect the specific information of the heater 35. These are merely examples, and the factors affecting the specific information of the heater 35 are not limited thereto. Due to these factors, a difference may occur between the estimated temperature of the heater 35 and the actual temperature of the heater 35, resulting in inaccurate control.

[0038] Figure 6 is a graph showing the relationship between resistance and temperature of heaters having different TCR values. Figure 6 , the first heater 35A and the second heater 35B made of the same material may have slightly different specific resistance values ​​and TCR values ​​due to errors in alloy ratios occurring in the manufacturing process. As another example, due to foreign matter contacting the heating wire, lead wire 359, and first substrate 104 on which controller 102 is mounted of the second heater 35B, or due to internal and external noise, the TCR value of the second heater 35B may be determined as the TCR value of the third heater 35B'.

[0039] Therefore, the resistance values ​​of the heater 35 at a specific temperature of the heater 35 may be different for the first heater 35A, the second heater 35B, and the third heater 35B′. As a result, an error in the resistance value calculated by the controller 102 may occur, which may cause an error in calculating the temperature of the heater 35.

[0040] To solve this problem, the heater module 30 may include a memory 37. The memory 37 may be mounted on the second substrate 26 mounted in the heater module 30. The memory 37 may store unique (or specific) information of the heater 35 included in the heater module 30.

[0041] For example, the memory 37 may store therein the specific resistance values ​​or TCR values ​​of the heaters 35 included in the heater module 30. When the heater module 30 is manufactured, accurate unique parameters of each manufactured heater 35 may be measured by an external measuring device to be stored in the memory 37. For these reasons, the memory 37 included in each heater module 30 may store therein the specific resistance values ​​of the heaters 35 that are different from each other.

[0042] 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 6). 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 35 from the memory 37 included in the heater module 30 to match the unique information about the heater 35 with any one of the stored plurality of heater parameters. For example, the controller 102 may match the received unique information about the heater 35 with a specific heater parameter on a temperature (T)-resistance value (R) curve.

[0043] Reference Figure 7 When the heater module 30 is coupled to the body 10, the heater 35 may be electrically connected to at least one of the battery 101, the controller 102, and the sensor 103 (see Figure 7 When the heater module 30 is coupled to the body 10, the memory 37 may be electrically connected to at least one of the battery 101 and the controller 102 (see Figure 7 When the heater module 30 is removed from the body 10, the heater 35 may be separated from the battery 101, the controller 102, and the sensor 103. When the heater module 30 is removed from the body 10, the memory 37 may be separated from the battery 101 and the controller 102.

[0044] The controller 102 may receive information specific to the heater 35 from the memory 37 (see Figure 7 35 ). For example, the controller 102 may receive the specific resistance value of the heater 35 from the memory 37. For example, the controller 102 may receive a specific TCR value of the heater 35 from the memory 37. However, these are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The controller 102 may receive various specific information of the heater 35 for estimating the temperature of the heater 35.

[0045] The controller 102 may calculate the temperature of the heater 35 based on the specific information of the heater 35 (see Figure 7 For example, refer to step S3 in Figure 6 , the controller 102 may receive the TCR value of the heater 35 corresponding to the first heater 35A from the memory 37, and receive the current value flowing through the heater 35 from the sensor 103, so as to determine the current resistance value of the heater 35. Therefore, the current temperature of the heater 35 corresponding to the first heater 35A may be estimated.

[0046] Thus, the controller 102 can calculate the exact temperature of the heater 35. By determining the exact temperature of the heater 35, the controller 102 can perform more precise control of various components (see Figure 7 , step S4 in the above process).

[0047] For example, the controller 102 may control the temperature of the heater 35 based on the calculated temperature of the heater 35. The controller 102 may control the voltage applied to the heater 35 to increase or decrease the heating temperature of the heater 35, thereby adjusting the temperature of the heater 35 to the target temperature. As another example, based on the current temperature of the heater 35, the controller 102 may determine whether the liquid stored in the cartridge (not shown) is exhausted. As another example, the controller 102 may control the user interface to provide the user with information about the current temperature of the heater 35.

[0048] The memory 37 may store therein identification information for identifying whether the heater module 30 is authentic (genuine). When the heater module 30 is coupled to the main body 10, the controller 102 may receive the identification information stored in the memory 37 to determine whether the heater module 30 is authentic. For example, the controller 102 may compare the embedded information with the identification information to determine whether the heater module 30 is authentic. For example, the memory 37 may store the identification information about the heater module 30 in the form of an encrypted code, and the controller 102 may decode the encrypted code to determine whether the heater module 30 is authentic.

[0049] For example, when the heater module 30 is false, the controller 102 may cut off the power supply to the heater 35, and when the heater module 30 is true, the controller 102 may control so that power is supplied to the heater 35. The controller 102 may control the user interface to provide the user with information about whether the heater module 30 is authentic.

[0050] Reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the heater module 30 may be detachably inserted into the first insertion space 14, which is opened at the top in the upper portion of the main body 10. The heater module 30 may be separated from the first insertion space 14 by removing the inner cover 40 from the main body 10. After removing the heater module 30 from the inner cover 40, the user may couple a new heater module 30 to the inner cover 40, and then couple the inner cover 40 to the main body 10, so that the heater module 30 may be fixed or placed in the first insertion space 14. Therefore, the heater module 30 may be easily removed, replaced, and assembled.

[0051] Reference Figures 9 to 11 The heater module 30 may include a heater holder 31. The heater holder 31 may include a vertically extending tubular shape. The heater holder 31 may have a second insertion space 34 opened at the top therein. The second insertion space 34 may be formed in a vertically extending cylindrical shape. The heater 35 may be fixed to the heater holder 31 (see Fig.12 ).

[0052] The heater module 30 may include a frame 32. The frame 32 may be coupled to the heater holder 31. A side wall (or side portion) 321 of the frame 32 may cover one side wall (or side portion) 311 of the heater holder 31. The side wall 321 of the frame 32 may extend vertically. The side wall 321 of the frame 32 may have a curved "U" shape. A lower portion 322 of the frame 32 may cover a lower portion 312 of the heater holder 31.

[0053] The mounting wall 321a may extend upward from the outer circumference of the lower portion 322 of the frame 32. The mounting wall 321a may be connected to the side wall 321 of the frame 32. The mounting wall 321a may be connected to the side wall 311 of the heater holder 31. The mounting wall 321a may cover one side of the lower portion 312 of the heater holder 31.

[0054] The memory 37 may be mounted on the second substrate 36. The second substrate 36 may be disposed between the heater holder 31 and the frame 32. The second substrate 36 may be coupled or fixed to the frame 32. For example, the second substrate 36 may have a plate shape as shown in the drawings.

[0055] The second substrate 36 may be disposed between the sidewall 311 of the heater holder 31 and the sidewall 321 of the frame 32. The second substrate 36 may be disposed parallel to the vertical direction or the up-down direction. The second substrate 36 may be parallel to the sidewall 311 of the heater holder 31 and the sidewall 321 of the frame 32.

[0056] The frame 32 may have a groove 328. The second substrate 36 may be inserted into the groove 328. The groove 328 may be formed in the side wall 321 of the frame 32. The groove 328 may extend in the vertical direction. The groove 328 may be open at the top. The second substrate 36 may be vertically disposed in the groove 328. The second substrate 36 may be inserted downward into the groove 328.

[0057] The insertion guide surface 327 may be formed near the opening of the groove 328 in a manner inclined toward the groove 328. For example, the groove 328 may be open at the top, and the insertion guide surface 327 may be inclined downward toward the groove 328. The insertion guide surface 327 may be formed at the upper end surface of the side wall 321 of the frame 32. The insertion guide surface 327 may guide the second substrate 36 to be inserted into the groove 328. For example, during the insertion of the second substrate 36, even when the second substrate 36 collides with the side wall 321 of the frame 32 near the opening of the groove 328, the second substrate 36 may contact the insertion guide surface 327, thereby sliding into the groove 238.

[0058] The rear surface and both edges of the second substrate 36 may be supported by the sidewall 321 of the frame 32 in the groove 328. The front surface of the second substrate 36 may face the sidewall 311 of the heater holder 31 in the groove 328.

[0059] The second substrate 36 may be provided with a first module terminal 361. The first module terminal 361 may be provided on the front surface of the second substrate 36. A first end of a lead 359 may be connected to the heater 35, and a second end of the lead 359 may be connected to the first module terminal 361. Both the lead 359 and the first module terminal 361 may be provided in plural. For example, two first module terminals 361 and two leads 359 may be provided. The lead 359 may be provided between the heater holder 31 and the frame 32.

[0060] The second substrate 36 may be provided with a second module terminal 362. The second module terminal 362 may be provided on the rear surface of the second substrate 36. The second module terminal 362 may be provided at the lower end of the second substrate 36. The second module terminal 362 may be provided in plurality. For example, four second module terminals 362 may be provided so that two second module terminals 362 may be electrically connected to the heater 35, and the other two second module terminals 362 may be electrically connected to the memory 37.

[0061] The frame 32 may have a terminal hole 324. The frame 32 may be opened on one side to define the terminal hole 324. For example, when the side wall 321 of the frame 32 supporting the rear surface of the second substrate 36 is opened, the terminal hole 324 may be formed. Alternatively, when the lower corner or edge of the side wall 321 of the frame 32 is opened, the terminal hole 324 may be formed. The terminal hole 324 may be connected to the groove 328. The terminal hole 324 may be provided in plurality. The terminal hole 324 may correspond to the second module terminal 362. The plurality of second module terminals 362 may be exposed to the outside of the heater module 30 through the corresponding plurality of terminal holes 324.

[0062] The frame 32 may have a support member 326. The support member 326 may protrude from the side wall 321 of the frame 32. The support member 326 may extend vertically. The support member 326 may support the front surface of the second substrate 36. A pair of support members 326 may be provided to support opposite corners of the front surface of the second substrate 36. The support member 326 and the side wall 321 of the frame 32 may define a groove 328 together.

[0063] The frame 32 and the heater holder 31 may be combined together in a snap-fit ​​manner. The frame 32 may be combined to the heater holder 31 in an inseparable (or non-removable) manner. Any one of the heater holder 31 and the frame 32 may be provided with a first combining hook 315, and the other may be provided with a first combining groove 325 to which the first combining hook 315 is fastened. For example, the first combining hook 315 may protrude from the heater holder 31 in a lateral direction, and the first combining groove 325 may be formed in the side wall 321 of the frame 32 at a position corresponding to the first combining hook 315.

[0064] The second substrate 36 may have a positioning groove 364 opened at the top. The positioning groove 364 may extend vertically. The heater holder 31 may have a positioning protrusion 316. The positioning protrusion 316 may extend vertically and may protrude from the side wall 311 of the heater holder 31 in the lateral direction. The positioning protrusion 316 may have a shape corresponding to the positioning groove 364. The positioning protrusion 316 may be fitted into the positioning groove 364 so that the second substrate 36 can be aligned or fixed relative to the heater holder 31 to be positioned.

[0065] The first seal 33 may be coupled to the heater module 30. The first seal 33 may have an annular shape. The first seal 33 may surround the upper periphery of the heater holder 31. The upper periphery of the heater holder 31 may be recessed in a radially inward direction to define a first edge portion 313. The first seal 33 may be assembled and fixed to the first edge portion 313. The first seal 33 may be made of a material having elasticity. For example, the first seal 33 may be formed of a material such as rubber, silicone, etc.

[0066] Reference Fig.12 and Fig.13 , the heater 35 may include a heater rod 351. The heater rod 351 may be fixed to the lower portion 312 of the heater holder 31 so as to protrude into the second insertion space 34. The heater 35 may be inserted into the heater rod 351. The heater rod 351 may have a cavity opened at the bottom. The heater rod 351 may surround the heater 35. The heater rod 351 may have a cylindrical shape. The heater rod 351 may have a sharp or pointed upper end. The heater rod 351 may have high thermal expansion, excellent thermal insulation and low thermal conductivity. The heater rod 351 may have high rigidity. For example, the heater rod 351 may be formed using zirconium oxide. However, the material of the heater rod 351 is not limited thereto. The heat generated from the heater 35 may be transferred to the outside through the heater rod 351. When the rod S is inserted into the second insertion space 34, the heater rod 351 and the heater 35 may be arranged inside the rod S.

[0067] The lead wire 359 may extend from the heater 35 to the outside of the heater rod 351 and the heater holder 31 through the bottom opening of the heater rod 351. A first end of the lead wire 359 may be connected to the heater 35, and a second end of the lead wire 359 may be connected to the second substrate 36. The lead wire 359 may provide an electrical connection between the heater 35 and the second substrate 36. For example, the lead wire 359 may be connected to the heater 35 and the second substrate 36 through a welding process such as soldering or ultrasonic welding. The lead wire 359 may be electrically connected to the battery 101, the controller 102, and the sensor 103 through a circuit pattern printed on the second substrate 36.

[0068] Therefore, the heater 35 may generate heat by receiving power through the lead 359. In addition, the sensor 103 may detect a value regarding the temperature of the heater 35 or a value regarding the resistance of the heater 35 through the lead 359. The controller 102 may receive the value detected by the sensor 103. Since this has been described above, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] The heater rod 351 may be buried in the lower portion 312 of the heater holder 31. The heater rod 351 may protrude upwardly long from the lower portion 312 of the heater holder 31 toward the second insertion space 34. The heater holder 31 may be insert-injected with the heater rod 351. In this case, the heater holder 31 may be injected by inserting the heater rod 351 into an injection mold and then injecting a polymer resin into the injection mold. In a state where the heater 35 and the lead wire 359 are placed in the heater rod 351, the polymer resin may be injected while the heater rod 351 is inserted into the injection mold.

[0070] The lower portion 312 of the heater holder 31 may be spaced apart upward from the lower portion 322 of the frame 32, thereby forming a wire accommodation space 354. The lead wire 359 may be accommodated in the wire accommodation space 354. For example, the wire accommodation space 354 may be defined by the lower portion 312 of the heater holder 31, the lower portion 322 of the frame 32, and the mounting wall 321a. A first end of the lead wire 359 accommodated in the wire accommodation space 354 may be connected to the lower side of the heater holder 31, and a second end of the lead wire 359 may be connected to the second substrate 36.

[0071] The mounting wall 321a may be provided with an engaging protrusion 329. The heater holder 31 may have a recess 319 near the lower portion 312. The recess 319 may be supported by the engaging protrusion 329 so that the lower portion 312 of the heater holder 31 may be fixedly positioned relative to the frame 32.

[0072] Reference Fig.14 , the heater module 30 may be detachably inserted into the first insertion space 14. The main body terminal 162 may protrude from a lower corner or edge of the first insertion space 14. The main body terminal 162 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the module terminal 362. When the heater module 30 is inserted into the first insertion space 14, the second module terminal 362 of the heater module 30 may contact the main body terminal 162 to be electrically connected thereto. The cross-section of the first insertion space 14 and the cross-section of the frame 32 may have non-circular shapes corresponding to each other.

[0073] Therefore, when the heater module 30 is inserted into the first insertion space 14 , the module terminals 362 and the body terminals 162 may be aligned at a set or predetermined position to contact each other.

[0074] In addition, since the terminals are electrically connected to each other through lateral contact therebetween rather than bottom contact therebetween, the heater module 30 does not receive external force from the main body terminals 162 in a direction separating from the first insertion space 14 , thereby allowing the heater module 30 to be firmly positioned in the first insertion space 14 .

[0075] When the module terminal 362 and the main body terminal 162 are in contact with each other, the memory 37 and the controller 102 may be electrically connected to each other. When the module terminal 362 and the main body terminal 162 are in contact with each other, the memory 37 and the battery 101 may be electrically connected to each other. When the module terminal 362 and the main body terminal 162 are in contact with each other, the heater 35 and the controller 102 may be electrically connected to each other. When the module terminal 362 and the main body terminal 162 are in contact with each other, the heater 35 and the sensor 103 may be electrically connected to each other. When the module terminal 362 and the main body terminal 162 are in contact with each other, the heater 35 and the battery 101 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0076] Reference Fig.15 and Fig.16 , the inner cover 40 may include an inner cover body 41. The inner cover 40 may include an inner cover head 42. The inner cover head 42 may be disposed on the top of the inner cover body 41 to cover the inner cover body 41.

[0077] The inner cover head 42 may include a cover plate 421 and wings 422. The cover plate 421 may cover the upper portion 411 of the inner cover body 41. A pair of wings 422 may extend downward from opposite sides of the cover plate 421. The pair of wings 422 may each cover the side portion 412 of the inner cover body 41.

[0078] The cover plate 421 and the upper portion 411 of the inner cover body 41 may have an inner cover hole 44 communicating with the opening of the second insertion space 34 of the heater holder 31. The second magnet 46 may be disposed between the upper portion 411 of the inner cover body 41 and the cover plate 421.

[0079] The wing 422 may have a second coupling hook 425. The second coupling hook 425 may protrude outward from the wing 422. The second coupling hook 425 may be disposed at a lower portion of the wing 422. The second coupling hook 425 may be fastened to a second coupling groove 15 formed in the body 10 to couple the inner cover 40 to the body 10 (see Fig.19 ).

[0080] The wing 422 may have a third coupling groove 424. The third coupling groove 424 may be formed above the second coupling hook 425. The wing 422 may be opened inwardly or inwardly and outwardly to define the third coupling groove 424. The third coupling hook 415 protruding from the side 412 of the inner cover body 41 may be fastened to the third coupling groove 424 to couple the inner cover head 42 to the inner cover body 41.

[0081] The second seal 43 may be coupled to the inner cover 40. The second seal 43 may have an annular shape. The second seal 43 may surround the lower periphery of the inner cover body 41. The lower periphery of the inner cover body 41 may be recessed in a radially inward direction to define a second edge portion 413. The second seal 43 may be assembled and fixed to the second edge portion 413. The second seal 43 may be made of a material having elasticity. For example, the second seal 43 may be formed of a material such as rubber, silicone, etc.

[0082] Reference Fig.16 and Fig.17 , a first collar 418 may be formed at an upper portion 411 of the inner cover body 41. A second collar 428 may be formed at the cover plate 421. The second collar 428 may surround the inner cover hole 44. The second collar 428 may extend downward from the cover plate 421. The second collar 428 may be inserted into a space surrounded by the first collar 418. The first collar 418 may surround the second collar 428. The first collar 418 may be spaced apart from the outer periphery of the second collar 428 in a radially outward direction. The retainer groove 48 may be defined by the first collar 418, the second collar 428, and the cover plate 421. The retainer groove 48 may be formed between the first collar 418 and the second collar 428. The retainer groove 48 may be open at the bottom.

[0083] Reference Fig.18 , the upper end portion of the heater holder 31 may be inserted and fitted into the holder groove 48. The outer peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the heater holder 31 may be supported by the first collar 418 in the holder groove 48, and the inner peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the heater holder 31 may be supported by the second collar 428 in the holder groove 48. The upper end portion of the heater holder 31 may be fitted into the holder groove 48 so as to be detachably coupled to the inner cover 40.

[0084] The first seal 33 may seal between the heater holder 31 and the inner cover 40. The first seal 33 may be in close contact with the first edge portion 313 and the second collar 418 in the holder groove 48 so as to seal between the first edge portion 313 and the second collar 418. Due to the elasticity of the first seal 33, the heater holder 31 may be detachably coupled to the inner cover 40.

[0085] The second seal 43 may seal between the body 10 and the inner cover 40. The side wall 11 of the body 10 may extend upward so as to cover the lower side surface of the inner cover body 41 and the lower portion of the wing 422. The second seal 43 may be in close contact with the second edge portion 413 and the inner surface of the side wall 11 of the body 10 so as to seal between the second edge portion 413 and the side wall 11 of the body 10.

[0086] Therefore, foreign matter such as liquid may be prevented from being introduced into the heater module 30 from the third insertion space 24 and the second insertion space 34 to avoid contact with the second substrate 36 or the lead wires 359 , thereby being able to suppress failure or malfunction.

[0087] Reference Fig.18 and Fig.19 , the second coupling groove 15 may be opened inward from the side wall 11 of the body 10. The second coupling hook 425 may be fastened to the second coupling groove 15 so as to couple the inner cover 40 to the body 10.

[0088] The wings 422 may be configured to pivot in and out relative to the cover plate 421. The wings 422 and the side 412 of the inner cover body 41 may be spaced apart to define a pivoting space 45 for allowing the wings 422 to pivot. The wings 422 may pivot in a direction toward the side 412 of the inner cover body 41 or in a direction away from the side 412 of the inner cover body 41. The user may press the pair of wings 422 inward with his or her hand to pivot the pair of wings 422. When the user removes his or her hand from the pair of wings 422, the pair of wings 422 may pivot to return to the original position.

[0089] When the user presses the wing 422 inward to pivot the wing 422, the second coupling hook 425 can be separated from or coupled to the second coupling groove 15, thereby allowing the inner cover 40 to be easily separated from or coupled to the body 10 (see Fig. 20 ). In addition, this may allow the user to easily remove or replace the heater module 30 (see Fig. 20 ).

[0090] The second coupling hook 425 may be inclined upward so as to gradually protrude outward toward an upper side thereof. An upper end of the second coupling hook 425 may extend horizontally.

[0091] Therefore, when the inner cover 40 is pressed downward toward the main body 10, the second coupling hook 425 can slide onto the side wall 11 of the main body 10, and the wing 422 can pivot inward, allowing the inner cover 40 to be more easily coupled to the main body 10, thereby improving the ease of assembly. In addition, unless the wing 422 pivots, since the inner cover 40 is not separated from the main body 10, structural stability can be achieved.

[0092] The third coupling hook 415 may be inclined downward so as to gradually protrude outward toward a lower side thereof. A lower end of the third coupling hook 415 may extend horizontally.

[0093] Therefore, when the inner cover head 42 is pressed to the lower side of the inner cover body 41, the lower end of the wing 422 can move downward while sliding onto the third coupling hook 415, and the third coupling hook 415 can be inserted into the coupling groove 424, thereby improving the ease of assembly. In addition, since the inner cover head 42 is not separated upward from the inner cover body 41, structural stability can be achieved.

[0094] Reference Figures 1 to 20 According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device includes: a main body, including a first opening leading to a first insertion space; a heater module, configured to be removably inserted into the first insertion space, wherein the heater module includes: a heater holder, including a second opening leading to a second insertion space, wherein a heater is arranged in the second insertion space, a frame is coupled to the heater holder, and a substrate, which is coupled to the frame and on which a memory configured to store specific information about the heater is mounted; and a controller, which is disposed in the main body and is configured to control the operation of the heater based on receiving specific information about the heater from the memory.

[0095] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the frame may include a slot configured to receive an inserted substrate.

[0096] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a groove may be formed at a side of the frame covering a side of the heater holder, wherein the substrate may be inserted at an opening of a top of the groove to face the side of the heater holder.

[0097] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the frame may include an insertion guide surface near an opening of the slot and having an angled surface so as to guide insertion of the substrate into the slot.

[0098] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the groove may be defined by a support extending between the heater holder and one side of the frame to fix the substrate.

[0099] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a lead wire electrically connecting the heater and the substrate to each other may be further provided, wherein the lead wire is disposed between the heater holder and the frame.

[0100] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the frame may include a lower portion that supports a lower portion of the heater holder. The lead wire may be received between the lower portion of the heater holder and the lower portion of the frame.

[0101] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the substrate may include a positioning groove recessed at a top of the substrate, and the heater holder may include a positioning protrusion configured to be inserted into the positioning groove to align a position of the substrate.

[0102] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include: a terminal hole formed at a lower end of a side portion of the frame and configured to allow a module terminal disposed on the substrate to be exposed through the terminal hole; and a lead having a first end connected to the heater and a second end connected to a second surface of the substrate, wherein a main body terminal disposed at a lower portion of the first insertion space is configured to contact the module terminal exposed through the terminal hole when the heater module is inserted into the first insertion space.

[0103] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the module terminal may include a first module terminal connected to the heater; and a second module terminal connected to the memory.

[0104] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first opening may be non-circular and correspond to a cross-sectional shape of the frame to allow the frame to be inserted into the first opening.

[0105] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may also include: a first coupling groove formed at one of the heater retainer and the frame; and a first coupling hook formed at the other of the heater retainer and the frame, so that the first coupling hook is constructed to engage the first coupling groove to fix the heater retainer and the frame together.

[0106] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include an inner cover, which is detachably coupled to the upper portion of the main body to cover the upper portion of the main body and the heater retainer, wherein the inner cover includes an insertion hole corresponding to the second insertion space, and wherein the heater retainer is detachably coupled to the inner cover.

[0107] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a first seal for providing a seal between the heater holder and the inner cover; and a second seal for providing a seal between the inner cover and the body.

[0108] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inner cover may include a retainer groove configured to receive an insertion of an upper end of the heater retainer, and wherein a first seal extends along an outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the heater retainer to provide a seal between the heater retainer inserted into the retainer groove and the inner cover.

[0109] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inner cover may include: a cover plate covering an upper portion of the main body and an upper portion of the heater retainer and formed to define an insertion hole; and a pair of wings extending downward from opposite sides of the cover plate to cover corresponding lateral sides of the upper portion of the main body and corresponding side portions of the heater retainer, wherein the pair of wings are configured to be detachably coupled to the main body.

[0110] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the upper portion of the main body includes a pair of second coupling grooves formed inwardly facing the side wall, wherein a pair of wings each include a second coupling hook protruding outwardly and configured to engage with the corresponding second coupling groove, and wherein the pair of wings are configured to pivot inwardly relative to the inner cover plate to allow the second coupling hook to disengage from the second coupling groove.

[0111] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an outer surface of each second combining hook is angled inwardly with respect to a downward direction.

[0112] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the wing may include a pair of third coupling grooves respectively formed above the second coupling hooks, and wherein the inner cover includes an inner cover body arranged below the inner cover head and covered by the wing, and wherein the inner cover includes a pair of third coupling hooks protruding outward from the side of the inner cover body and configured to respectively engage with the third coupling grooves.

[0113] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a second seal to provide a seal between the inner cover and the inner cover body.

[0114] 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 structure or function.

[0115] For example, the configuration "A" described in one embodiment and the drawings of the present disclosure and the 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, the combination is possible except for the case where the impossible combination is described.

[0116] Although the embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that numerous other variations and embodiments may be devised by 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 component parts 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 component parts and / or arrangements, alternative uses will also be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a body including a first opening leading to a first insertion space; a heater module configured to be removably inserted into the first insertion space, wherein the heater module comprises: a heater holder comprising a second opening leading to a second insertion space, wherein the heater is disposed in the second insertion space, a frame coupled to the heater holder, and a substrate coupled to the frame and having a memory configured to store unique information about the heater mounted thereon; and A controller is provided in the main body and is configured to control the operation of the heater based on receiving the unique information about the heater from the memory.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The frame includes a slot configured to receive the inserted substrate.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The groove is formed at a side of the frame covering a side of the heater holder, wherein the substrate is inserted at an opening of a top of the groove to face the side of the heater holder.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein: The frame includes an insertion guide surface proximate the opening of the slot and having an angled surface to guide insertion of the substrate into the slot.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein: The groove is defined by a support extending between the heater holder and one side of the frame to fix the substrate.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, further comprising a lead wire electrically connecting the heater and the substrate to each other, wherein The lead wire is disposed between the heater holder and the frame, wherein the frame includes a lower portion that supports a lower portion of the heater holder, and wherein the lead wire is received between the lower portion of the heater holder and the lower portion of the frame.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein: The base plate includes a positioning groove recessed at the top of the base plate, and The heater holder includes a positioning protrusion configured to be inserted into the positioning groove to align the position of the substrate.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising: a terminal hole formed at a lower end of a side portion of the frame and configured to allow a module terminal provided on the substrate to be exposed through the terminal hole; as well as a lead having a first end connected to the heater and a second end connected to the second surface of the substrate, wherein the body terminal disposed at a lower portion of the first insertion space is configured to contact the module terminal exposed through the terminal hole when the heater module is inserted into the first insertion space.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein: The first opening is non-circular and corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of the frame to allow the frame to be inserted into the first opening.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising: a first combining groove formed at one of the heater holder and the frame; as well as A first coupling hook is formed at the other of the heater holder and the frame such that the first coupling hook is configured to engage the first coupling groove to fix the heater holder and the frame together.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising an inner cover detachably coupled to an upper portion of the main body to cover the upper portion of the main body and the heater holder, in, The inner cover includes an insertion hole corresponding to the second insertion space, Wherein, the heater holder is detachably coupled to the inner cover.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, further comprising: a first seal configured to provide a seal between the heater retainer and the inner cover; as well as a second sealing member configured to provide a seal between the inner cover and the body, wherein the inner cover includes a retainer groove configured to receive insertion of an upper end of the heater retainer, and wherein the first seal extends along an outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the heater holder to provide sealing between the heater holder inserted into the holder groove and the inner cover.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein: The inner cover comprises: a cover plate covering the upper portion of the body and the upper portion of the heater holder and formed to define the insertion hole; and a pair of wings extending downwardly from opposite sides of the cover plate to cover corresponding lateral sides of the upper portion of the body and corresponding side portions of the heater holder, Wherein, the pair of wings are configured to be detachably coupled to the body.

14. An aerosol generating device according to claim 13, wherein: The upper portion of the main body includes a pair of second coupling grooves formed inwardly at the side wall, wherein each of the pair of wings comprises a second coupling hook, the second coupling hook protruding outward and configured to engage with a corresponding second coupling groove, and wherein the pair of wings are configured to pivot inwardly relative to the inner cover plate to allow the second coupling hook to disengage from the second coupling groove, Wherein, the outer surface of each second coupling hook is angled inwardly relative to the downward direction.

15. An aerosol generating device according to claim 14, wherein: The wing further includes a pair of third coupling grooves respectively formed above the second coupling hooks, and The inner cover comprises an inner cover body, which is arranged below the inner cover head and covered by the wing, and Among them, the inner cover includes a pair of third combining hooks, which protrude outward from the side of the inner cover body and are constructed to engage with the third combining grooves respectively, and the inner cover also includes a second seal, which is constructed to provide a seal between the inner cover and the inner cover body.

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