Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

The invention discloses an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure includes a main body providing an insertion space into which a rod is inserted, and a heater disposed inside the main body and having a heat generating portion for heating the insertion space. The heat-generating unit includes a heat-generating layer surrounding the insertion space, and a wiring layer laminated on the heat-generating layer and supplying a current. And the thickness of the heating part is changed along the depth direction of the insertion space.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device. BACKGROUND

[0002] An aerosol-generating device is used to extract a prescribed component from a medium or a substance through an aerosol. The medium can include a substance of various components. The substance included in the medium can be a flavoring substance of various components. For example, the substance included in the medium can include a nicotine component, a herbal component, and / or a coffee component, etc. Recently, a great deal of research has been conducted on such an aerosol-generating device.

[0003] An aerosol-generating device heats an aerosol-generating substance through a heater to generate an aerosol. A conventional metal heater composed of copper or constantan, etc. has a problem in that it takes a long time and power to be heated to a temperature required to generate an aerosol.

[0004] A carbon-based substance such as a carbon nanotube or graphene has higher thermal conductivity than a conventional general metal. When a heater composed of a carbon-based substance is applied to an aerosol-generating device, it can be heated to a temperature required to generate an aerosol in a few seconds or less.

[0005] A heated cigarette rod can include a suction portion that a user contacts with a body as needed and a heating portion in which various flavoring substances are built and heated by a heater. The heating portion can be divided into a plurality of regions according to the constitution and state (phase) of the built components. The plurality of regions differ from each other in the range of appropriate heating temperature due to the characteristics of the built components, but a conventional heater has a problem in that it cannot heat the plurality of regions with appropriate heating temperatures, respectively. SUMMARY

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The disclosure is intended to address the above problems and other problems.

[0008] Still another object is to provide an aerosol-generating device applying a heater composed of a carbon-based substance.

[0009] Still another object is to provide an aerosol-generating device applying a heater heating each portion of a cigarette rod with an appropriate temperature.

[0010] Still another object is to provide an aerosol-generating device applying a heater having improved heating performance.

[0011] Still another object is to provide an aerosol-generating device applying a heater having improved power efficiency.

[0012] Still another object is to provide an aerosol-generating device capable of diffusing heat generated by a heater.

[0013] Still another object is to provide an aerosol-generating device of simplified structure.

[0014] Still another object is to provide an aerosol-generating device of simplified heater control.

[0015] Means for solving the problem

[0016] According to an aspect of the disclosure for achieving the above object, there is provided an aerosol-generating device including a main body providing an insertion space into which a cigarette stick is inserted, and a heater configured inside the main body and having a heating portion that heats the insertion space; the heating portion includes a heating layer surrounding the insertion space, and a wiring layer laminated on the heating layer and supplying a current; a thickness of the heating portion varies in a depth direction of the insertion space.

[0017] Inventive effects

[0018] According to at least one of the embodiments of the disclosure, by using a heater composed of a carbon-based substance, a time required to heat the heater can be reduced, and user satisfaction can be improved.

[0019] According to at least one of the embodiments of the disclosure, by making the thickness of the heating portion corresponding to each portion of the cigarette stick different, a plurality of substances built in the cigarette stick can be heated at appropriate temperatures, and heating performance and power efficiency can be improved.

[0020] According to at least one of the embodiments of the disclosure, by varying the thickness of a single wiring layer or laminating a single wiring layer on a heating layer having different thicknesses, the structure and control of the heater can be simplified.

[0021] According to at least one of the embodiments of the disclosure, the thickness of the second heating portion can be formed in a manner that the closer to the first heating portion, the thinner, or the closer to the first heating portion, the lower the wiring density of the second heating portion is formed, thereby minimizing the influence of the second heating portion on the first heating portion.

[0022] The applicable additional scope of the disclosure will become clear through the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications that one skilled in the art can clearly understand within the idea and scope of the disclosure, it should be understood that the specific embodiments such as the detailed description and the preferred embodiments of the disclosure are given only as examples. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0024] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a view showing a cigarette rod and a heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 4 FIG. 2 is a view showing a cross section of a heating portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 5 FIG. 3 is a view showing a cross section of Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a view showing a cross section of

[0027] Figure 6 FIG. 5 is a view showing a cross section of a heating portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 7 FIG. 6 is a view showing a wiring layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 8 FIG. 7 is a view showing a wiring layer according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 9 FIG. 8 is a view showing a heating portion according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 10 FIG. 9 is a view showing a heating portion according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 11 FIG. 10 is a view showing a schematic view of a wiring layer according to a depth of an insertion space according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 12 FIG. 11 is a view showing a schematic view of a wiring layer according to a depth of an insertion space according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 13 FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar components are given the same reference numbers regardless of the figure number, and repetitive description of the same or similar components will be omitted.

[0036] The suffixes "module" and "part" used in the components used in the following description are used only to facilitate the disclosure, and both can be used interchangeably. The "module" and "part" do not inherently have mutual distinguishing meanings or roles.

[0037] Also, in describing the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, detailed description of related known functions or configurations will be omitted when it is determined that the scope of the disclosure is or can be not obviously affected in relation to the background of the present disclosure. In addition, the drawings are provided only for facilitating understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical idea disclosed in the present specification is not limited to the drawings. It should be understood that the drawings encompass all modifications, equivalents, substitutions included in the scope of the idea and technology of the present disclosure.

[0038] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. can be used to describe various constituent elements. However, the constituent elements are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one constituent element from another.

[0039] When it is referred to that a certain constituent element is "connected" or "coupled" to another constituent element, it should be understood that it can be directly connected or coupled to the other constituent element. However, it should be understood that there can be another constituent element therebetween. In contrast, when it is referred to that a certain constituent element is "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another constituent element, it should be understood that there is no other constituent element therebetween.

[0040] Unless explicitly stated otherwise in the context, the singular form includes the plural form.

[0041] Throughout the specification, the directions of the aerosol generating device and the cartridge can be defined based on an orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device and the cartridge. At this time, with the origin as a reference, the direction toward +x can refer to the right side direction, and the direction toward -x can refer to the left side direction. The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-rear direction of the aerosol generating device and the cartridge. At this time, with the origin as a reference, the direction toward +y can refer to the rear side direction, and the direction toward -y can refer to the front side direction. The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device and the cartridge. With the origin as a reference, the direction toward +z can refer to the upper side direction, and the direction toward -z can refer to the lower side direction.

[0042] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0043] Referring to Figure 1The aerosol generating device can include at least one of a power supply 11, a control portion 12, a sensor 13, and a heater 18. At least one of the power supply 11, the control portion 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18 can be disposed inside the main body 10 of the aerosol generating device. The main body 10 can provide a space open upward for the aerosol generating article, i.e., the stick S, to be inserted. The space open upward can be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space can be formed to be recessed by a predetermined depth inside the main body 10 for at least a portion of the stick S to be inserted. The depth of the insertion space can correspond to the length of a region of the stick S in which an aerosol generating material and / or a medium are contained. The lower end of the stick S can be inserted into the inside of the main body 10, and the upper end of the stick S can protrude outside the main body 10. A user can hold the upper end of the stick S exposed outside in the mouth and inhale air.

[0044] The heater 18 can heat the stick S. The heater 18 can extend in a long strip shape upward of the periphery of the space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 can be in the form of a tube having a cavity inside. The heater 18 can be disposed at the periphery of the insertion space. The heater 18 can be disposed to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater 18 can heat the insertion space or the stick S inserted into the insertion space. The heater 18 can include an electric resistance heater and / or an inductive heater.

[0045] For example, referring to Figure 1 The heater 18 can be an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 18 includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater 18 can be heated when an electric current flows on the electrically conductive track. The heater 18 can be electrically connected with the power supply 11. The heater 18 can receive an electric current from the power supply 11 to directly generate heat. The heater 18, as a hollow-shaped heater, can be disposed to surround at least a portion of the stick S inserted into the insertion space, can heat the outside of the inserted stick S, or as a heater in the shape of a needle, a rod, a tube, etc., can be inserted into the inside of the stick S inserted into the insertion space, can heat the inside thereof.

[0046] For example, referring to Figure 2 The aerosol generating device can include an inductive coil 181 surrounding the heater 18. The inductive coil 181 can heat the heater 18. The heater 18, as a susceptor, can be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing in the inductive coil 181. The magnetic field can penetrate through the heater 18, and can generate an eddy current inside the heater 18. The electric current can generate heat in the heater 18.

[0047] In addition, a susceptor can be included in the inside of the stick S, and the susceptor in the inside of the stick S can be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing in the inductive coil 181.

[0048] The power supply 11 can supply power to enable the constituent elements of the aerosol generating device to act. The power supply 11 can be referred to as a battery. The power supply 11 can supply power to at least one of the control portion 12, the sensor 13, the heater 18. When the aerosol generating device 1 includes the induction coil 181, the power supply 11 can supply power to the induction coil 181.

[0049] The control portion 12 can control the action of the entire aerosol generating device. The control portion can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control portion 12 can control the action of at least one of the power supply 11, the sensor 13. The control portion 12 can control the action of the induction coil 181. The control portion 12 can control the action of a display, a motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generating device. The control portion 12 can determine whether the aerosol generating device is in a state in which it can act by confirming the state of each of the constituents of the aerosol generating device.

[0050] The control portion 12 can analyze the result sensed by the sensor 13 and control the process to be performed thereafter. For example, the control portion 12 can control the supply of power to the heater 18 based on the result sensed by the sensor 13 to start or end the action of the heater 18. For example, the control portion 12 can control the amount and time of power supplied to the heater 18 based on the result sensed by the sensor 13 to heat the heater 18 to a prescribed temperature or maintain it at an appropriate temperature.

[0051] The sensor 13 can include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion sensing sensor. For example, the sensor 13 can sense at least one of the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power supply 11, the temperature of the inside and outside of the main body 10. For example, the sensor 13 can sense the user's puff. For example, the sensor 13 can sense whether the cigarette stick S is inserted into the insertion space.

[0052] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a cigarette stick and a heater according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0053] Referring to Figure 3 The cigarette stick S can include an insertion portion S1 disposed in the insertion space and an exposed portion S2 extending from the insertion portion S1 and exposed to the outside.

[0054] The insertion portion S1 can be inserted into the insertion space. The insertion portion S1 can be directly heated by the heater 18. The heater 18 can surround the insertion portion S1. The insertion portion S1 can be a portion directly heated by the heater 18. The insertion portion S1 can include a medium. The insertion portion S1 can include flavor substances of various ingredients. For example, the insertion portion S1 can contain nicotine ingredients, herbal ingredients, and / or coffee ingredients, etc.

[0055] The insertion portion S1 can include a first substance portion S11 and a second substance portion S12. The first substance portion S11 can accommodate various favorite substances. The first substance portion S11 can be inserted to the innermost side of the insertion space. The first substance portion S11 can be an end portion of the cigarette stick S. The first substance portion S11 can include a liquid substance. For example, the liquid substance can be a liquid cartridge. The liquid substance included in the first substance portion S11 can be heated to form an aerosol. The liquid substance can be built in the cigarette stick S. The liquid substance can include nicotine, various flavors, and a liquid medium to accommodate these substances, etc.

[0056] The second substance portion S12 can extend from the first substance portion S11. The second substance portion S12 can be a central portion of the cigarette stick S. The second substance portion S12 can be located between the exposure portion S2 and the first substance portion S11 described later. For example, the second substance portion S12 can be located between the cooling portion S3 described later and the first substance portion S11. The second substance portion S12 can be inserted into the insertion space adjacent to the outside. The second substance portion S12 can include a solid medium. The second substance portion S12 can include a different component from that of the first substance portion S11. The component heated in the first substance portion S11 can pass through the second substance portion S12.

[0057] The exposure portion S2 can extend from the insertion portion S1. The insertion portion S1 forms a part of the cigarette stick S, and the exposure portion S2 can form the remaining part of the cigarette stick S. The exposure portion S2 can be located outside the insertion space. The exposure portion S2 can not be directly heated by the heater 18. The aerosol formed in the insertion portion S1 by heating of the heater 18 can move to the exposure portion S2. The aerosol can be filtered while passing through the exposure portion S2. The aerosol can be cooled while passing through the exposure portion S2.

[0058] The exposure portion S2 can include a cooling portion S3 that cools the aerosol. The temperature of the aerosol can decrease while passing through the cooling portion S3. The cooling portion S3 can form a central portion of the cigarette stick S. The cooling portion S3 can be located between the filter portion S22 and the second substance portion S12 described later.

[0059] The exposure portion S2 can include a filter portion S22 that filters the substance formed in the insertion portion S1. The filter portion S22 can be in contact with the user's body. For example, the user can put the filter portion S22 in the mouth to inhale. The filter portion S22 can form the other end portion of the cigarette stick S. For example, the first substance portion S11 can form one end portion of the cigarette stick S, and the filter portion S22 can form the other end portion of the cigarette stick S.

[0060] The heater 18 can include a heat generating portion 180 that generates heat. An insertion space can be formed at an inner side of the heat generating portion 180. The heat generating portion 180 can surround the insertion space. For example, the heat generating portion 180 can surround the insertion space in a cylindrical shape. The heat generating portion 180 can surround the insertion portion S1 of the smoking rod S. The heat generating portion 180 can directly heat the insertion portion S1 of the smoking rod S. The heat generating portion 180 can heat the first substance portion S11 and the second substance portion S12. The heat generating portion 180 can extend in a length corresponding to a length of the insertion portion S1 of the smoking rod S.

[0061] Figure 4 FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a cross section of a heat generating portion according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0062] Referring to Figure 4 The heat generating portion 180 can include a heat generating layer 182 that generates heat when a current flows therethrough, and a wiring layer 184 that is laminated to the heat generating layer 182.

[0063] A current can flow through the heat generating layer 182. The heat generating layer 182 can generate heat when a current flows therethrough. The heat generating layer 182 can be made of a carbon-based substance. For example, the heat generating layer 182 can be made of graphene or a carbon nanotube (CNT). The heat generating layer 182 can have thermal conductivity. The heat generating layer 182 can have electrical conductivity. The heat generating layer 182 can be manufactured using at least one of a chemical vapor deposition method, an arc discharge method, a laser deposition method, a vapor growth method, and a flame synthesis method. The heat generating layer 182 can heat the insertion space. For example, the heat generating layer 182 can heat the smoking rod S disposed in the insertion space.

[0064] The heat generating portion 180 can include the wiring layer 184 laminated to the heat generating layer 182. The wiring layer 184 can have electrical conductivity. The wiring layer 184 can include an electrically conductive pattern. The wiring layer 184 can be formed on the heat generating layer 182. The wiring layer 184 can be spaced apart from the insertion space. The heat generating layer 182 can be disposed between the wiring layer 184 and the insertion space. That is, the heat generating layer 182 can surround the insertion space, and the wiring layer 184 can surround the heat generating layer 182. The wiring layer 184 can surround the insertion space. The wiring layer 184 can extend along a circumferential direction of the insertion space. When a power source is applied to the wiring layer 184, a current flows through the heat generating layer 182, and the heat generating layer 182 can generate heat.

[0065] The heat generating portion 180 can include a base layer 181 that surrounds the insertion space. The heat generating layer 182 can be laminated to the base layer 181. The base layer 181 is closest to the insertion space. The base layer 181 can form an innermost side surface of the heat generating portion 180. The base layer 181 can protect the heat generating layer 182. For example, the base layer 181 can reduce the occurrence of damage to the heat generating layer 182 due to external force.

[0066] The heat generating portion 180 can include a protective layer 185 stacked on the wiring layer 184. The protective layer 185 can be farthest from the insertion space. The protective layer 185 can form the outermost side of the heat generating portion 180. The protective layer 185 can protect the wiring layer 184. For example, the protective layer 185 can reduce the occurrence of damage to the metal pattern of the wiring layer 184 due to external force. The wiring layer 184 and the heat generating layer 182 can be located between the base layer 181 and the protective layer 185.

[0067] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a cross section of a tobacco rod and a heater according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0068] Referring to Figure 5 , the heat generating portion can include a first heat generating portion 180a heating the first substance portion S11 and a second heat generating portion 180b heating the second substance portion S12.

[0069] The first heat generating portion 180a can correspond to the first substance portion S11. For example, the position of the first heat generating portion 180a can correspond to the position of the first substance portion S11. For example, the extension length of the first heat generating portion 180a can correspond to the extension length of the first substance portion S11. The first heat generating portion 180a can surround a portion of the insertion space. The first heat generating portion 180a can surround the first substance portion S11. The first heat generating portion 180a can surround the inner side portion of the insertion space.

[0070] The second heat generating portion 180b can correspond to the second substance portion S12. For example, the position of the second heat generating portion 180b can correspond to the position of the second substance portion S12. For example, the extension length of the second heat generating portion 180b can correspond to the extension length of the second substance portion S12. The second heat generating portion 180b can surround a portion of the insertion space. The second heat generating portion 180b can surround the second substance portion S12. The second heat generating portion 180b can surround the outer side portion of the insertion space.

[0071] The thickness L (referring to Figure 3 ) of the heat generating portion 180 can vary in the depth direction of the insertion space. For example, the thickness L of the heat generating portion 180 can gradually thin in the direction in which the depth of the insertion space deepens. Conversely, the thickness L of the heat generating portion 180 can gradually thicken in the direction in which the depth of the insertion space shallows. The thickness L2 of the second heat generating portion 180b can be greater than the thickness L1 of the first heat generating portion 180a. The thickness L1 of the first heat generating portion 180a can be less than the thickness L2 of the second heat generating portion 180b. The thickness L2 of the second heat generating portion 180b can decrease as it approaches the first heat generating portion 180a. The thickness L2 of the second heat generating portion 180b can decrease as it moves away from the center of the second heat generating portion 180b.

[0072] The first heat generating portion 180a and the second heat generating portion 180b can be connected to each other. The first heat generating portion 180a and the second heat generating portion 180b can be electrically connected. The second heat generating portion 180b can extend from the first heat generating portion 180a. The first heat generating portion 180a and the second heat generating portion 180b can be integrally formed. When a power source is applied, a current can flow through the first heat generating portion 180a and the second heat generating portion 180b. At this time, the first heat generating portion 180a and the second heat generating portion 180b can generate heat. The temperature of the second heat generating portion 180b heated can be higher than the temperature of the first heat generating portion 180a heated. Accordingly, the magnitude of heat energy applied to the second substance portion S12 can be greater than the magnitude of heat energy applied to the first substance portion S11. The amount of heat contained in the second substance portion S12 can be greater than the amount of heat contained in the first substance portion S11. Accordingly, when the power source is applied, the temperature of the second substance portion S12 can be higher than the temperature of the first substance portion S11. However, it is not limited thereto, and the relationship of the heating temperature of the first substance portion S11 and the second substance portion S12 can also be formed in reverse, according to the kind of substances included in the first substance portion S11 and the second substance portion S12.

[0073] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a cross section of a heat generating portion according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0074] Referring to Figure 6 The thickness of the heat generating portion 180 can be determined by the thickness of the heat generating layer 182 and / or the thickness of the wiring layer 184.

[0075] The first heat generating portion 180a can include a first heat generating layer 182a and a first wiring layer 184a. The first heat generating layer 182a can be a part of the heat generating layer 182. For example, the first heat generating layer 182a can be a part of the heat generating portion 180 corresponding to the first substance portion S11.

[0076] The first wiring layer 184a can be laminated on the first heat generating layer 182a. The first wiring layer 184a can be formed on the first heat generating layer 182a. A power source can be applied to the first wiring layer 184a. When the power source is applied, a current can flow through the first wiring layer 184a. The first heat generating layer 182a can have electrical conductivity. The current flowing through the first heat generating layer 182a can generate heat in the first heat generating layer 182a.

[0077] The second heat generating portion 180b can include a second heat generating layer 182b and a second wiring layer 184b. The second heat generating layer 182b can be a part of the heat generating layer 182. For example, the second heat generating layer 182b can be a part of the heat generating portion 180 corresponding to the second substance portion S12. The second heat generating layer 182b can be integrally formed with the first heat generating layer 182a. The second heat generating layer 182b can be connected to the first heat generating layer 182a.

[0078] The second wiring layer 184b can be laminated on the second heat generating layer 182b. The second wiring layer 184b can be formed on the second heat generating layer 182b. A power source can be applied to the second wiring layer 184b. When the power source is applied, an electric current can flow through the second wiring layer 184b. The second heat generating layer 182b can have an electric conductivity. The electric current flows through the second heat generating layer 182b, and heat can be generated in the second heat generating layer 182b.

[0079] The thicker the thickness t of the heat generating layer 182, the more the amount of heat energy generated in the heat generating layer 182. That is, the thicker the thickness t of the heat generating layer 182, the higher the temperature of the heat generating layer 182. The thicker the thickness t of the heat generating layer 182, the more heat is applied to the tobacco rod S. The thicker the thickness t of the heat generating layer 182, the higher the temperature of the tobacco rod S.

[0080] Referring to Figure 6 (a), the thickness t2 of the second heat generating layer 182b can be greater than the thickness t1 of the first heat generating layer 182a. At this time, the thickness d2 of the second wiring layer 184b can correspond to the thickness d1 of the first wiring layer 184a. The thickness t2 of the second heat generating layer 182b can be constant. The thickness t1 of the first heat generating layer 182a can be constant. Since the thickness t2 of the second heat generating layer 182b is greater than the thickness t1 of the first heat generating layer 182a, the temperature of the second heat generating layer 182b can be greater than the temperature of the first heat generating layer 182a. Accordingly, the temperature of the second substance portion S12 heated can be greater than the temperature of the first substance portion S11 heated. However, it is not limited thereto, and the relationship between the thickness t2 of the second heat generating layer 182b and the thickness t1 of the first heat generating layer 182a can be formed in reverse. In this case, the temperature of the first heat generating layer 182a can be greater than the temperature of the second heat generating layer 182b, and the temperature of the first substance portion S11 heated can be greater than the temperature of the second substance portion S12 heated. That is, the thickness t of the heat generating layer 182 can be adjusted according to the kind of the substance contained in a portion of the tobacco rod S corresponding thereto.

[0081] The thicker the thickness d of the wiring layer 184, the more the amount of heat energy generated in the heat generating layer 182. That is, the thicker the thickness d of the wiring layer 184, the higher the temperature of the heat generating layer 182. The thicker the thickness d of the wiring layer 184, the more heat is applied to the tobacco rod S. The thicker the thickness d of the wiring layer 184, the higher the temperature of the tobacco rod S. The thickness d of the wiring layer 184 can be the thickness of the metal pattern formed on the heat generating layer 182.

[0082] Referring to Figure 6The thickness d2 of the second wiring layer 184b can be greater than the thickness d1 of the first wiring layer 184a in (b). At this time, the thickness t2 of the second heat generating layer 182b can correspond to the thickness t1 of the first heat generating layer 182a. The first wiring layer 184a and the second wiring layer 184b can be connected. The first wiring layer 184a and the second wiring layer 184b can be physically connected. The first wiring layer 184a and the second wiring layer 184b can be integrally formed. The thickness d2 of the second wiring layer 184b can be constant. The thickness d1 of the first wiring layer 184a can be constant. Since the thickness d2 of the second wiring layer 184b is greater than the thickness d1 of the first wiring layer 184a, the temperature of the second heat generating layer 182b can be greater than the temperature of the first heat generating layer 182a. Accordingly, the temperature of the second substance portion S12 heated can be greater than the temperature of the first substance portion S11 heated. However, it is not limited thereto, and the relationship between the thickness d2 of the second wiring layer 184b and the thickness d1 of the first wiring layer 184a can be formed in reverse. In this case, the temperature of the first heat generating layer 182a can be greater than the temperature of the second heat generating layer 182b, and the temperature of the first substance portion S11 heated can be greater than the temperature of the second substance portion S12 heated. That is, the thickness d of the wiring layer 184 can be adjusted according to the kind of the substance contained in the portion of the cigarette S corresponding thereto.

[0083] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a wiring layer according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0084] Referring to Figure 7 The wiring layer 184 can include a power supply portion 1841 connected to the power supply 11 and a terminal portion 1844 extending from the power supply portion 1841.

[0085] The power supply portion 1841 can be connected to the power supply 11, and a current can flow through the wiring layer 184. The power supply portion 1841 can be connected to the power supply 11, and the wiring layer 184 can receive power. The power supply portion 1841 can include a pair of power supply portions 1841a, 1841b connected to the power supply 11. The pair of power supply portions 1841a, 1841b can form a potential difference of a predetermined voltage. For example, the pair of power supply portions 1841a, 1841b can include a first power supply portion 1841a having a first potential and a second power supply portion 1841b having a second potential greater than the first potential by a predetermined voltage. A potential difference is formed between the first power supply portion 1841a and the second power supply portion 1841b, and a current can flow through a pair of terminal portions 1844a, 1844b connected to the pair of power supply portions 1841a, 1841b.

[0086] The pair of power supply portions 1841a, 1841b can be spaced apart from each other. The pair of power supply portions 1841a, 1841b can extend in different directions from each other. For example, the first power supply portion 1841a can extend along a first edge of the heat generation layer 182, and the second power supply portion 1841b can extend along a second edge of the heat generation layer 182. However, the pair of power supply portions 1841a, 1841b can also extend in the same direction.

[0087] The wiring layer 184 can include a terminal portion 1844 extending from the power supply portion 1841. The terminal portion 1844 can extend from the power supply portion 1841 and be bendable. The pair of power supply portions 1841a, 1841b can each include a pair of terminal portions 1844a, 1844b extending therefrom. The pair of terminal portions 1844a, 1844b can be spaced apart from each other. Current can flow between the pair of terminal portions 1844a, 1844b spaced apart from each other. The current flowing through the first terminal portion 1844a can flow through the heat generation layer 182 between the pair of terminal portions 1844a, 1844b spaced apart from each other. The heat generation layer 182 can have electrical conductivity. For example, a potential difference is formed between the first power supply portion 1841a and the second power supply portion 1841b, and the current flowing through the first terminal portion 1844a can flow through the heat generation layer 182 to the second terminal portion 1844b. In this process, heat can be generated in the heat generation layer 182. The heat generation layer 182 can have thermal conductivity. The heated heat generation layer 182 can heat the insertion space. The heated heat generation layer 182 can heat the tobacco rod S disposed in the insertion space, and can aerosolize the substance built in the tobacco rod S.

[0088] The first power supply portion 1841a extends in a first direction, and the first terminal portion 1844a can be bent from one end of the first power supply portion and extend in a second direction. The second power supply portion 1841b can extend in a direction opposite to the first direction, and the second terminal portion 1844b can be bent from one end of the second power supply portion 1841b and extend in a direction opposite to the second direction. At this time, the first terminal portion 1844a and the second terminal portion 1844b can be spaced apart by a predetermined distance W.

[0089] Figure 8 FIG. 18 is a view illustrating a wiring layer 184 according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0090] Referring to Figure 8 The terminal portion 1844 can include a main terminal 1843 extending from the power supply portion 1841, and a plurality of sub terminals 1844 branched from the main terminal 1843.

[0091] The main terminal 1843 can extend from the power supply part 1841. The main terminal 1843 can be directly connected to the power supply part 1841. The main terminal 1843 can be bent from the power supply part 1841. The terminal part 1844 can include a pair of main terminals 1843a, 1843b extending from a pair of power supply parts 1841a, 1841b. For example, the terminal part 1844 can include a first main terminal 1843a extending from a first power supply part 1841a and a second main terminal 1843b extending from a second power supply part 1841b. The first main terminal 1843a and the second main terminal 1843b can be spaced apart from each other. The first main terminal 1843a and the second main terminal 1843b can extend in different directions from each other. For example, the first main terminal 1843a and the second main terminal 1843b can extend in opposite directions from each other.

[0092] A plurality of sub terminals 1844 can be provided. The plurality of sub terminals 1844 can extend from the main terminal 1843. The sub terminal 1844 can include a pair of a plurality of sub terminals 1844 extending from a pair of main terminals 1843a, 1843b. For example, the sub terminal 1844 can include a plurality of first sub terminals 1844a extending from the first main terminal 1843a and a plurality of second sub terminals 1844b extending from the second main terminal 1843b. The pair of a plurality of sub terminals 1844 can be alternately arranged with each other. The pair of a plurality of sub terminals 1844 can be spaced apart from each other. For example, the plurality of first sub terminals 1844a and the plurality of second sub terminals 1844b can be alternately arranged with each other and spaced apart from each other. That is, the plurality of first sub terminals 1844a can be respectively disposed between the plurality of second sub terminals 1844b disposed to be spaced apart from each other, and the first sub terminal 1844a can be spaced apart from the adjacent second sub terminal 1844b. At this time, the first sub terminal 1844a can be disposed on both sides of the second sub terminal 1844b, the first sub terminal 1844a adjacent to one side of the second sub terminal 1844b can be spaced apart from the second sub terminal 1844b by a first interval W1, and the first sub terminal 1844a adjacent to the other side of the second sub terminal 1844b can be spaced apart from the second sub terminal 1844b by a second interval W2. The first interval W1 and the second interval W2 can be different from each other. The first interval W1 and the second interval W2 can correspond to each other.

[0093] Figure 9 FIG. 18 is a view illustrating a heat generating part according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0094] Referring to Figure 9 The heat generating part 180 can include a heat generating layer 182 surrounding the insertion space and a wiring layer 184 laminated on the heat generating layer 182.

[0095] The heating layer 182 can include an extension portion 1821 formed with a power supply portion 1841, and a wiring portion 1822 formed with a terminal portion 1844. The heating layer 182 can include an overlapping portion 1824 extending from the wiring portion 1822.

[0096] The overlapping portion 1824 can be a portion that overlaps when the heating layer 182 surrounds the insertion space. The overlapping portion 1824 can be adhered to the back surface of the wiring portion 1822.

[0097] The power supply portion 1841 can be disposed at the extension portion 1821. The extension portion 1821 can extend from the wiring portion 1822. For example, the extension portion 1821 can extend from the wiring portion 1822 in the opposite direction of the first direction D1. The extension portion 1821 can be disposed inside the aerosol generating device 1. The extension portion 1821 can be electrically connected to the power supply 11. In addition, the extension portion 1821 can be connected to the electrical component.

[0098] The terminal portion 1844 can be disposed at the wiring portion 1822. A plurality of sub terminals 1844 can be disposed at the wiring portion 1822. The main terminal 1843 can be disposed at the wiring portion 1822. The main terminal 1843 can be disposed at the extension portion 1821. For example, the first main terminal 1843a and the second main terminal 1843b can be disposed across the extension portion 1821 and the wiring portion 1822.

[0099] The power supply portion 1841 can be disposed at the extension portion 1821. The power supply portion 1841 can be connected to the electrical component. The power supply portion 1841 can be connected to the power supply 11. A pair of power supply portions 1841a, 1841b can be disposed on one face of the extension portion 1821 in a spaced-apart manner.

[0100] The main terminal 1843 can extend from the power supply portion 1841. For example, the first main terminal 1843a and the second main terminal 1843b can extend from the first power supply portion 1841a and the second power supply portion 1841b, respectively, in the first direction D1. The extended first main terminal 1843a and the second main terminal 1843b can be connected to the plurality of sub terminals 1844 disposed on the wiring portion 1822. The first main terminal 1843a and the second main terminal 1843b can extend to the center portion of the wiring portion 1822. For example, the first main terminal 1843a and the second main terminal 1843b can extend from the first power supply portion 1841a and the second power supply portion 1841b, respectively, in the first direction D1 to the center portion of the wiring portion 1822.

[0101] The sub terminals 1844 can be branched from the main terminal 1843. The plurality of sub terminals 1844 can be branched from the main terminal 1843 in one direction. The plurality of first sub terminals 1844a can be branched from the first main terminal 1843a. For example, the plurality of first sub terminals 1844a can be branched from the first main terminal 1843a in the opposite direction of the second direction D2. The plurality of first sub terminals 1844a branched can extend in the opposite direction of the second direction D2. The plurality of first sub terminals 1844a extended can be bent in the first direction D1. The plurality of first sub terminals 1844a bent can extend in the first direction D1. The first direction D1 can be a depth direction of the insertion space. That is, the first direction D1 can be a direction from a deeper portion toward a shallower portion of the insertion space. The second direction D2 can be a circumferential direction of the insertion space. The plurality of first sub terminals 1844a extending in the first direction D1 can be bent and extend in the second direction D2. The plurality of first sub terminals 1844a extended can be bent and extend in the opposite direction of the first direction D1. The plurality of first sub terminals 1844a extended can be bent and extend in the opposite direction of the second direction D2.

[0102] The plurality of second sub terminals 1844b can be branched from the second main terminal 1843b. For example, the plurality of second sub terminals 1844b can be branched from the second main terminal 1843b in the second direction D2. The plurality of second sub terminals 1844b branched can extend in the second direction D2. The plurality of second sub terminals 1844b extended can be bent in the first direction D1. The plurality of second sub terminals 1844b bent can extend in the first direction D1. The plurality of second sub terminals 1844b extending in the first direction D1 can be bent and extend in the opposite direction of the second direction D2. The plurality of second sub terminals 1844b extended can be bent and extend in the opposite direction of the first direction D1. The plurality of first sub terminals 1844a extended can be bent and extend in the second direction D2.

[0103] The plurality of first sub terminals 1844a and the plurality of second sub terminals 1844b can be alternately arranged with each other. That is, the plurality of first sub terminals 1844a branched from the first main terminal 1843a and extending in the circumferential direction of the wiring portion 1822 and the plurality of second sub terminals 1844b branched from the second main terminal 1843b and extending in the opposite direction of the circumferential direction of the wiring portion 1822 can be alternately arranged with each other. At this time, the circumferential direction of the wiring portion 1822 can be a direction of the circumferential direction in the clockwise direction of the wiring portion 1822. Any one of the plurality of second sub terminals 1844b can be surrounded by the plurality of first sub terminals 1844a in the up and down direction of the depth direction of the insertion space. That is, in the depth direction of the insertion space, the first sub terminal 1844a and the second sub terminal 1844b can be alternately arranged.

[0104] The first sub terminal 1844a can be spaced apart from the second sub terminal 1844b. For example, the first sub terminal 1844a can be spaced apart from the second sub terminal 1844b in the first direction D1. The spacing between the first sub terminal 1844a and the second sub terminal 1844b can be formed constantly. The wiring portion 1822 can include a gap portion 1823 disposed between the first sub terminal 1844a and the second sub terminal 1844b. Current can flow from the first sub terminal 1844a to the second sub terminal 1844b through the gap portion 1823. Conversely, current can flow from the second sub terminal 1844b to the first sub terminal 1844a through the gap portion 1823.

[0105] Any one of the first terminal portion 1844a and the second terminal portion 1844b can include a center terminal 1845. The center terminal 1845 can be disposed at the center of the wiring portion 1822. The center terminal 1845 can extend from one end of any one of the first main terminal 1843a and the second main terminal 1843b. The center terminal 1845 can be connected to any one of the first main terminal 1843a and the second main terminal 1843b. For example, the center terminal 1845 can be connected to the other end of the second main terminal 1843b, and the second power supply portion 1841b can be connected to one end of the second main terminal 1843b.

[0106] The center terminal 1845 can extend in the circumferential direction of the insertion space. For example, the center terminal 1845 can extend in the second direction D2.

[0107] The center terminal 1845 can be surrounded by a shortest sub terminal 1846 of any one of the first terminal portion 1844a and the second terminal portion 1844b. The shortest sub terminal 1846 can be a sub terminal having the shortest extension length among the plurality of sub terminals 1844. The shortest sub terminal 1846 can include a first shortest sub terminal 1846a extending from the first terminal portion 1844a and a second shortest sub terminal 1846b extending from the second terminal portion 1844b. The first shortest sub terminal 1846a can extend from the other end of the first main terminal 1843a. For example, one end of the first main terminal 1843a can be connected to the first power supply portion 1841a, and the first shortest sub terminal 1846a can extend from the other end of the first main terminal 1843a. The second shortest sub terminal 1846b can extend from the other end of the second main terminal 1843b. For example, one end of the second main terminal 1843b can be connected to the second power supply portion 1841b, and the second shortest sub terminal 1846b can extend from the other end of the second main terminal 1843b. For example, the center terminal 1845 can be connected to the other end of the second main terminal 1843b and extend in the second direction D2, and the first shortest sub terminal 1846a can surround the center terminal 1845.

[0108] Figure 10is a diagram illustrating a heat generating portion 180 according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0109] Referring to Figure 10 , the wiring layer 184 can include a first wiring layer 184a disposed on one side of the heat generating layer 182 and a second wiring layer 184b disposed on the other side of the heat generating layer 182.

[0110] The first wiring layer 184a is disposed on one side of the heat generating layer 182. For example, the first wiring layer 184a can be disposed on a surface of the heat generating layer 182. The surface of the heat generating layer 182 can be an outer side surface of the heat generating layer 182. The first power supply portion 1841a and the first terminal portion 1844a can be disposed on the surface of the heat generating layer 182.

[0111] The second wiring layer 184b can be disposed on the other side of the heat generating layer 182. The other side of the heat generating layer 182 can be opposite to the side of the heat generating layer on which the first wiring layer 184a is disposed. For example, the second wiring layer 184b can be disposed on a back surface of the heat generating layer 182. The back surface of the heat generating layer 182 can be an inner side surface of the heat generating layer 182. The second power supply portion 1841b and the second terminal portion 1844b can be disposed on the surface of the heat generating layer 182.

[0112] The power supply 11 can be connected to the first power supply portion 1841a disposed on one side of the heat generating layer 182 and the second power supply portion 1841b disposed on the other side of the heat generating layer 182. The first wiring layer 184a and the second wiring layer 184b can form a potential difference. Current can flow from the first wiring layer 184a to the second wiring layer 184b through the heat generating layer 182. Conversely, current can flow from the second wiring layer 184b to the first wiring layer 184a through the heat generating layer 182. The heat generating layer 182 can generate heat when current flows therethrough.

[0113] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating a wiring layer according to a depth of an insertion space according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. The z direction can be a depth direction of the insertion space, and the x direction can be a circumferential direction of the insertion space. Along the z direction, the depth of the insertion space gradually deepens. The heat generating portion 180 can be curved in the x direction (the circumferential direction of the insertion space) to surround the insertion space.

[0114] Referring to Figure 11 , the distance w between the sub terminals 1844 can differ according to the depth of the insertion space. The distance w between the sub terminals 1844 can be a pitch w at which the first sub terminals 1844a and the second sub terminals 1844b, which are adjacent to and alternately arranged with each other, are spaced apart from each other.

[0115] The distance wa between the sub terminals 1844 of the first heat generating portion 180a can be greater than the distance wb between the sub terminals 1844 of the second heat generating portion 180b. The longer the distance w between the sub terminals 1844, the less heat energy is generated. The longer the distance w between the sub terminals 1844, the lower the temperature of the heating portion. The heating temperature of the first heat generating portion 180a can be lower than the heating temperature of the second heat generating portion 180b.

[0116] The second heat generating portion 180b can include a central heat generating portion 180C corresponding to the position of the central portion of the second substance portion S12.

[0117] The second heat generating portion 180b can include a lower heat generating portion 180L located between the central heat generating portion 180C and the first heat generating portion 180a. The lower heat generating portion 180L can include, with reference to the depth direction of the insertion space, a first lower heat generating portion 1801L, and a second lower heat generating portion 1802L located at a deeper position than the first lower heat generating portion 1801L. The second lower heat generating portion 1802L can be located between the first lower heat generating portion 1801L and the first heat generating portion 180a. The first lower heat generating portion 1801L can be located between the central heat generating portion 180C and the second lower heat generating portion 1802L.

[0118] With reference to the depth direction of the insertion space, the second heat generating portion 180b can include an upper heat generating portion 180U located at a shallower position than the central heat generating portion 180C. With reference to the depth direction of the insertion space, the upper heat generating portion 180U can include a first upper heat generating portion 1801U, and a second upper heat generating portion 1802U located at a shallower position than the first upper heat generating portion 1801U. The first upper heat generating portion 1801U can be located between the second upper heat generating portion 1802U and the central heat generating portion 180C.

[0119] The distance wC between the sub terminals 1844 of the central heat generating portion 180C can be the shortest distance among the heat generating portions. The distance wC between the sub terminals 1844 of the central heat generating portion 180C can be less than the distance wU between the sub terminals 1844 of the upper heat generating portion 180U or the distance wL between the sub terminals of the lower heat generating portion 180L. As a result, the temperature of the second heat generating portion 180b can be the highest near the central heat generating portion 180C. From the central heat generating portion 180C to both ends of the depth direction of the insertion space, the temperature of the second heat generating portion 180b gradually decreases.

[0120] The distance wL between the subterminals 1844 of the first lower heat generating portion 1801L can be greater than the distance wC between the subterminals 1844 of the central heat generating portion 180C. The distance wL1 between the subterminals 1844 of the first lower heat generating portion 1801L can be smaller than the distance wL2 between the subterminals 1844 of the second lower heat generating portion L1. Thus, the temperature of the first lower heat generating portion 1801L can be greater than the temperature of the second lower heat generating portion L1.

[0121] The temperature of the second lower heat generating portion L1 can be lower than the temperature of the central heat generating portion 180C and the temperature of the first lower heat generating portion 1801L. The temperature of the second lower heat generating portion L1 can be greater than the temperature of the first heat generating portion 180a.

[0122] The distance wU1 between the subterminals 1844 of the first upper heat generating portion 1801U can be greater than the distance wC between the subterminals 1844 of the central heat generating portion 180C. The distance wU1 between the subterminals 1844 of the first upper heat generating portion 1801U can be smaller than the distance wU2 between the subterminals 1844 of the second upper heat generating portion 1802U. Thus, the temperature of the first upper heat generating portion 1801U can be greater than the temperature of the second upper heat generating portion 1802U.

[0123] The temperature of the second upper heat generating portion 1802U can be lower than the temperature of the central heat generating portion 180C and the temperature of the first upper heat generating portion 1801U. The temperature of the second upper heat generating portion 1802U can be greater than the temperature of the first heat generating portion 180a.

[0124] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the wiring layer according to the depth of the insertion space according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0125] Referring to Figure 12 , the deeper the depth of the insertion space, the greater the distance w between the subterminals 1844.

[0126] The distance wU between the subterminals 1844 of the upper heat generating portion 180U can be smaller than the distance wL between the subterminals 1844 of the lower heat generating portion 180L. The distance wU between the subterminals 1844 of the upper heat generating portion 180U can be smaller than or correspond to the distance wC between the subterminals 1844 of the central heat generating portion 180C. Alternatively, the distance wU between the subterminals 1844 of the upper heat generating portion 180U can be greater than the distance wC between the subterminals 1844 of the central heat generating portion 180C.

[0127] The distance wL between the sub terminals 1844 of the lower heat generating portion 180L can be greater than the distance wC between the sub terminals 1844 of the central heat generating portion 180C and the distance wU between the sub terminals 1844 of the upper heat generating portion 180U. Thereby, the temperature of the upper heat generating portion 180U and the temperature of the central heat generating portion 180C can be greater than the temperature of the lower heat generating portion 180L.

[0128] Figure 13 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0129] Referring to Figure 13 , the aerosol generating device 1 can include a power supply 11, a control portion 12, a sensor 13, an output portion 14, an input portion 15, a communication portion 16, a storage 17, and at least one heater 18, 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to Figure 13 that shown in the drawings. That is, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1, it can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that Figure 13 part of the configuration shown in the drawings can be omitted, or a new configuration can be further added.

[0130] The sensor 13 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 1 or the state of the surroundings of the aerosol generating device 1, and deliver the sensed information to the control portion 12. The control portion 12 can control the aerosol generating device 1 based on the sensed information to perform various functions, such as action control of the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18, restriction of smoking, judgment of the insertion or non-insertion of the cigarette stick S and / or the cartomizer 19, notification display, etc.

[0131] The sensor 13 can include at least one of a temperature sensor 131, a puffing sensor 132, an insertion sensing sensor 133, a repeated use sensing sensor 134, a cartomizer sensing sensor 135, a cap sensing sensor 136, and a movement sensing sensor 137.

[0132] The temperature sensor 131 can sense the temperature at which the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is heated. The aerosol generating device 1 can include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18, or the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 itself can function as a temperature sensor.

[0133] The temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 can include a resistance element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. This can be implemented by a thermistor or the like having a property that the resistance changes with temperature. At this time, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 can be configured of a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. At this time, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0134] The temperature sensor 131 can be disposed around the power supply 11 to monitor the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor 131 can be disposed adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 can be attached to a surface of a battery that is the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 can be mounted on a surface of a printed circuit board.

[0135] The temperature sensor 131, which is disposed inside the main body 10, can sense the internal temperature of the main body 10.

[0136] The puff sensor 132 can sense a user's puff based on various physical changes of the airflow passage. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1 can correspond to the pressure of the airflow passage in which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 can be disposed corresponding to the airflow passage in which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0137] The insertion sensing sensor 133 can sense insertion and / or removal of the cartomiser S. The insertion sensing sensor 133 can sense a change in a signal due to the cartomiser S being inserted and / or removed. The insertion sensing sensor 133 can be disposed at the periphery of the insertion space. The insertion sensing sensor 133 can sense insertion and / or removal of the cartomiser S according to a change in the dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 133 can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitive sensor.

[0138] The inductive sensor can include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor can be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. For example, when a magnetic field around the coil through which a current flows changes, a characteristic of the current flowing through the coil can change according to Faraday's law. Among them, the characteristic of the current flowing through the coil can include a frequency of an alternating current, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, an impedance value, etc.

[0139] The inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristic of the current flowing through the coil. For example, the inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0140] The capacitive sensor can include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitive sensor can be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitive sensor can output a signal corresponding to an electromagnetic characteristic of the periphery (for example, a capacitance of the periphery of the conductor). For example, when the smoking article S of which the wrapping paper contains a metal material is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic characteristic of the periphery of the conductor can change due to the wrapping paper of the smoking article S.

[0141] The reuse sensing sensor 134 can sense whether the smoking article S is reused. The reuse sensing sensor 134 can be a color sensor. The color sensor can sense a color of the smoking article S. The color sensor can sense a color of a portion of the wrapping paper wrapping the outside of the smoking article S. The color sensor can detect a value of an optical characteristic corresponding to a color of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic can be a wavelength of light. The color sensor can be implemented as a single structure together with the proximity sensor, or as a separate structure different from the proximity sensor.

[0142] A color of at least a portion of the wrapping paper constituting the smoking article S can change due to the aerosol. When the smoking article S is inserted into the insertion space, the reuse sensing sensor 134 can be disposed at a position corresponding to a position at which at least a portion of the wrapping paper of which the color changes due to the aerosol is disposed. For example, before the smoking article S is used by the user, the color of at least a portion of the wrapping paper can be a first color. At this time, in a process in which the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device 1 passes through the smoking article S, as at least a portion of the wrapping paper is wetted by the aerosol, the color of at least a portion of the wrapping paper can change to a second color. In addition, the color of at least a portion of the wrapping paper can be maintained at the second color after changing from the first color to the second color.

[0143] The cartridge sensing sensor 135 can sense installation and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge sensing sensor 135 can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall IC using a hall effect, etc.

[0144] The cap portion sensing sensor 136 can sense the installation and / or removal of the cap portion. When the cap portion is separated from the main body 10, a portion of the main body 10 and the cartridge 19 covered by the cap portion can be exposed to the outside. The cap portion sensing sensor 136 can be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor, an optical sensor, etc.

[0145] The movement sensing sensor 137 can sense the movement of the aerosol generating device. The movement sensing sensor 137 can be implemented by at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0146] The sensor 13 can further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a location sensor (GPS), a proximity sensor, in addition to the above-described sensors (131 to 137). The functions of the respective sensors can be intuitively inferred by those skilled in the art from their names, and thus specific descriptions will be omitted.

[0147] The output portion 14 can output the state information of the aerosol generating device 1 and provide it to the user. The output portion 14 can include at least one of a display 141, a haptic portion 142, and an audio output portion 143, but is not limited thereto. When the display 141 forms a layered structure with a touch panel and constitutes a touch screen, the display 141 can be used as an input device in addition to being an output device.

[0148] The display 141 can provide the information of the aerosol generating device 1 to the user in a visual manner. For example, the information of the aerosol generating device 1 can be various information such as the charging / discharging state of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generating device 1, the preheating state of the heater 18, the insertion / removal state of the cartomizer S and / or the cartridge 19, the installation / removal state of the cap portion, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 1 is restricted (e.g., sensing of an abnormal article), etc., and the display 141 can output the information to the outside. For example, the display 141 can be in the form of an LED light emitting element. For example, the display 141 can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0149] The haptic portion 142 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus, and thus can provide the information of the aerosol generating device 1 to the user in a tactile manner. For example, when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 for a set time, the haptic portion 142 can emit a vibration corresponding to the completion of the initial preheating. The haptic portion 142 can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0150] The audio output portion 143 can provide information of the aerosol generating device 1 to the user in an audible manner. For example, the audio output portion 143 can convert an electrical signal into an audio signal and output to the outside.

[0151] The power supply 11 can supply power required for the aerosol generating device 1 to operate. The power supply 11 can supply power to enable the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to be heated. In addition, the power supply 11 can supply power required for the other structures (the sensor 13, the output portion 14, the input portion 15, the communication portion 16, and the memory 17) provided in the aerosol generating device 1 to operate. The power supply 11 can be a rechargeable battery or a primary battery. For example, the power supply 11 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0152] Figure 13 Although not illustrated in the drawings, the aerosol generating device 1 can further include a power supply protection circuit. The power supply protection circuit can be electrically connected to the power supply 11 and can include a switching element.

[0153] The power supply protection circuit can block the circuit of the power supply 11 according to a predetermined condition. For example, when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is above a first voltage corresponding to overcharging, the power supply protection circuit can block the circuit of the power supply 11. For example, when the voltage level of the power supply 11 does not reach a second voltage corresponding to over-discharging, the power supply protection circuit can block the circuit of the power supply 11.

[0154] The heater 18 receives power from the power supply 11 and can heat the medium or the aerosol generating material in the cigarette stick S. Figure 13 Although not illustrated in the drawings, the aerosol generating device 1 can further include a power conversion circuit (for example, a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the power supply 11 and supplies it to the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 1 generates an aerosol in an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 1 can further include a DC / AC converter that converts the direct current power of the power supply 11 into alternating current power.

[0155] The control portion 12, the sensor 13, the output portion 14, the input portion 15, the communication portion 16, and the memory 17 can receive power from the power supply 11 to perform functions. Figure 13 Although not illustrated in the drawings, a power conversion circuit, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the power supply 11 to supply it to each constituent element can be further included. In addition, Figure 13Although not illustrated, a noise filter can be further provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter can be a low pass filter. The low pass filter can include at least one inductor and a capacitor. A cutoff frequency of the low pass filter can correspond to a frequency of a high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. Through the low pass filter, a high-frequency noise component can be prevented from being applied to the sensor 13 such as the insertion sensing sensor 133.

[0156] In an embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 can be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, the suitable electrically resistive material can be a metal or a metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 18 can be implemented by a metal heating plate configured with a metal heating wire, an electrically conductive track, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0157] In other embodiments, the heater 18 can be a heater of an induction heating type. For example, the heater 18 can include a susceptor that is heated by a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats an aerosol generating material.

[0158] The input 15 can receive information input by a user or output information to the user. For example, the input 15 can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor that senses a touch. For example, the touch sensor can include a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, an ultrasonic touch sensor (surface acoustic wave touch sensor), an infrared touch sensor, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0159] The display 141 and the touch panel can be implemented by one panel. For example, the touch panel can be inserted into the display 141 (On-Cell type or In-Cell type). For example, the touch panel can be an add-on to the display panel 141 (Add-On type).

[0160] In addition, the input 15 can include a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0161] The memory 17, which is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1, can store data processed by the control portion 12 and data to be processed. The memory 17 can include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., an SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 17 can store data of a working time of the aerosol generating device 1, a maximum number of puffs, a current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a smoking pattern of a user, etc.

[0162] The communication portion 16 can include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication portion 16 can include at least one of a short-range communication portion and a wireless communication portion.

[0163] The short-range communication portion (short-range wireless communication unit) can include a Bluetooth communication portion, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication portion, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication portion, a Zigbee communication portion, an infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication portion, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication portion, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication portion, an Ant+ communication portion, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0164] The wireless communication portion can include a cellular network communication portion, an Internet communication portion, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a WAN) communication portion, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0165] Figure 13Although not illustrated, the aerosol generating device 1 can further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and be connected to other external devices through the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0166] The control portion 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In an embodiment, the control portion 12 can include at least one processor. The processor can be implemented by an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. In addition, it can also be implemented by other forms of hardware as long as it is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present embodiment pertains.

[0167] The control portion 12 can control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the power supply of the heater 18 by the power supply 11. The control portion 12 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 sensed by the temperature sensor 131. The control portion 12 can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the control portion 12 can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0168] The aerosol generating device 1 can include a power supply circuit (not illustrated) electrically connected between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The power supply circuit can be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, the heater 18, or the induction coil 181. The power supply circuit can include at least one switching element. The switching element can be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effective transistor (FET), or the like. The control portion 12 can control the power supply circuit.

[0169] The control portion 12 can control the power supply by controlling the turn-on and turn-off of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit can be an inverter that converts the direct current power output from the power supply 11 into alternating current power. For example, the inverter can be constituted by a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

[0170] The control section 12 can cause the switching element to turn on so as to supply power from the power supply 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The control section 12 can cause the switching element to turn off so as to block the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The control section 12 can adjust the current supplied from the power supply 11 by adjusting the frequency and / or the duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0171] The control section 12 can control the voltage output from the power supply 11 by controlling the turning on and off of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit can include a Buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented by a Buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.

[0172] The control section 12 can adjust the level of the voltage output in the power conversion circuit by controlling the turning on or off action of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit. When the on state of the switching element is maintained, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit can correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power supply 11. The duty ratio of the turning on or off action of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 11. As the duty ratio of the turning on or off action of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit can also decrease. The heater 18 can be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0173] The control section 12 can supply power to the heater 18 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a Proportional-Integral-Differential (PID) method.

[0174] For example, the control section 12 can control the supply of the current pulse having a predetermined frequency and a duty ratio to the heater 18 using the PWM method. The control section 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 by adjusting the frequency and the duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0175] For example, the control section 12 can determine the target temperature that becomes a control target based on the temperature profile. The control section 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 using the PID method (a feedback control method using the difference between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference over time).

[0176] The control portion 12 can prevent the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 from overheating. For example, when the temperature of the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeds a preset limit temperature, the control portion 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit in a manner to interrupt the supply of power to the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, when the temperature of the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeds a preset limit temperature, the control portion 12 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 by a prescribed ratio. For example, when the temperature of the cartomizer heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature, the control portion 12 can determine that the aerosol generating material accommodated in the cartomizer 19 is depleted, and block the supply of power to the cartomizer heater 24.

[0177] The control portion 12 can control the charge and discharge of the power supply 11. The control portion 12 can confirm the temperature of the power supply 11 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0178] When the electric wire is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device 1, the control portion 12 can confirm whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is above a first limit temperature that is a reference to block the charging of the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 does not reach the first limit temperature, the control portion 12 can control to charge the power supply 11 based on a preset charging current. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is above the first limit temperature, the control portion 12 can block the charging of the power supply 11.

[0179] When the power supply of the aerosol generating device 1 is in a turned-on state, the control portion 12 can confirm whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is above a second limit temperature that is a reference to block the discharging of the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 does not reach the second limit temperature, the control portion 12 can control to use the power stored in the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is above the second limit temperature, the control portion 12 can interrupt the use of the power stored in the power supply 11.

[0180] The control portion 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the control portion 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on the voltage and / or current sensing value of the power supply 11.

[0181] The control portion 12 can determine whether the cigarette stick S is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion sensing sensor 133. The control portion 12 can determine the insertion of the cigarette stick S based on the output signal of the insertion sensing sensor 133. When it is determined that the cigarette stick S is inserted into the insertion space, the control portion 12 can control to supply power to the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the control portion 12 can supply power to the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0182] The control portion 12 can determine whether the tobacco rod S is removed from the insertion space. For example, the control portion 12 can determine whether the tobacco rod S is removed from the insertion space through the insertion sensing sensor 133. For example, when the temperature of the heater 18 is above the limit temperature, or when the temperature change slope of the heater 18 is above the set slope, the control portion 12 can determine that the tobacco rod S is removed from the insertion space. When it is determined that the tobacco rod S is removed from the insertion space, the control portion 12 can block the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0183] The control portion 12 can control the power supply time and / or the power supply amount to the heater 18 according to the state of the tobacco rod S sensed through the sensor 13. The control portion 12 can confirm a level range of a level of a signal of the capacitive sensor based on a lookup table. The control portion 12 can determine the water content of the tobacco rod S according to the confirmed level range.

[0184] The control portion 12 can increase the preheating time of the tobacco rod S by controlling the power supply time to the heater 18 when the tobacco rod S is in the over-wet state compared to when it is in the normal state.

[0185] The control portion 12 can determine whether the tobacco rod S inserted in the insertion space is reused by repeatedly using the reuse sensing sensor 134. For example, the sensing value of the signal of the reuse sensing sensor is compared with a first reference range including a first color, and when the sensing value is included in the first reference range, the control portion 12 can determine that the tobacco rod S is not used. For example, the sensing value of the signal of the reuse sensing sensor is compared with a second reference range including a second color, and when the sensing value is included in the second reference range, the control portion 12 can determine that the tobacco rod S is used. When it is determined that the tobacco rod S is used, the control portion 12 can block the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0186] The control portion 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled and / or removed through the cartridge sensing sensor 135. For example, the control portion 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge sensing sensor.

[0187] The control portion 12 can determine whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 is exhausted. For example, the control portion 12 can preheat the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature in the preheating interval, and when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, it can be determined that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 is exhausted. When it is determined that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 is exhausted, the control portion 12 can block the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0188] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 can be used. For example, based on the data stored in the memory 17, if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set in the cartridge 19, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used. For example, if the total heating time of the heater 24 is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total power supplied to the heater 24 is greater than or equal to the preset maximum power, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used.

[0189] The control unit 12 can perform judgments regarding user inhalation via the inhalation sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether inhalation has occurred based on the sensed value of the signal from the inhalation sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the inhalation intensity based on the sensed value of the signal from the inhalation sensor 132. When the number of inhalations reaches a preset maximum number of inhalations or when no inhalation is sensed for a preset duration, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0190] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cover has been engaged and / or removed by the cover sensing sensor 136. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the cover has been engaged and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal from the cover sensing sensor.

[0191] The control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the results sensed by the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 132 reaches a preset number, the control unit 12 can notify the user that the aerosol generating device 1 is about to end through at least one of the display 141, the tactile unit 142, and the audio output unit 143. For example, the control unit 12 can inform the user through the output unit 14 based on the determination that there is no tobacco stick S in the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can inform the user through the output unit 14 based on the determination that the tobacco cartridge 19 and / or the cap is not installed. For example, the control unit 12 can transmit information about the temperature of the tobacco cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to the user through the output unit 14.

[0192] The control portion 12 can store and update a history regarding an event that occurs based on a predetermined event occurrence in the memory 17. The event can include a plurality of events performed in the aerosol generating device 1, such as insertion sensing of the cartomizer S, heating start of the cartomizer S, puff sensing, puff end, overheat sensing of the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18, overvoltage application sensing to the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18, heating end of the cartomizer S, power on or off of the aerosol generating device 1, charging start to the power supply 11, overcharge sensing of the power supply 11, charging end to the power supply 11, and the like. The history for the event can include a date and time of the event occurrence, log data corresponding to the event, and the like. For example, when the predetermined event is the insertion sensing of the cartomizer S, the log data corresponding to the event can include data regarding a sensing value of the insertion sensing sensor 133, and the like. For example, when the predetermined event is the overheat sensing of the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event can include data regarding a temperature of the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18, a voltage applied to the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18, a current flowing in the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18, and the like.

[0193] The control portion 12 can control to form a communication link with an external device such as a mobile terminal of a user. When receiving data related to authentication from the external device through the communication link, the control portion 12 can release a restriction on use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. Among them, the data related to authentication can include data for indicating completion of user authentication regarding a user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform the user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether user data is valid based on a birthday of the user, an inherent serial number indicating the user, and the like, and can receive data regarding a use authority of the aerosol generating device 1 from an external server. The external device can transmit data indicating completion of the user authentication to the aerosol generating device 1 based on the data regarding the use authority. When the user authentication is completed, the control portion 12 can release the restriction on use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, when the user authentication is completed, the control portion 12 can release the restriction on use of a heating function of supplying power to the heater 18.

[0194] The control portion 12 can transmit data regarding a state of the aerosol generating device 1 to the external device through the communication link formed with the external device. The external device can output a remaining capacity of the power supply 11, an operation mode, and the like of the aerosol generating device 1 through a display of the external device based on the received state data.

[0195] The external device can transmit a location search request to the aerosol generating device 1 based on an input to start searching for a location of the aerosol generating device 1. When the location search request is received from the external device, the control portion 12 can control at least one of the output devices to perform an action corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic portion 142 can generate vibration in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 can output an object corresponding to the location search and the search end in response to the location search request.

[0196] When the firmware data is received from the external device, the control portion 12 can control in a manner to perform the firmware update. The external device can confirm a current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device 1 and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. When an input to request firmware download is received, the external device can receive firmware data of the new version and transmit the firmware data of the new version to the aerosol generating device 1. With the reception of the firmware data of the new version, the control portion 12 can control in a manner to perform the firmware update of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0197] The control portion 12 can transmit data on the sensing value of the at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not illustrated) through the communication portion 16, and can receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. The control portion 12 can perform an action of determining the inhalation pattern of the user, an action of generating a temperature profile, etc. by using the learning model received from the server. The control portion 12 can store the sensing value data of the at least one sensor 13 and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN), etc. in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 can store a database for learning an artificial neural network (ANN) with respect to a structure provided to the aerosol generating device 1 and a weight, a bias constituting an artificial neural network (ANN) structure. The control portion 12 generates at least one learning model for determining the inhalation pattern of the user, generating a temperature profile by learning the data on the sensing value of the at least one sensor 13, the inhalation pattern of the user, the temperature profile, etc. stored in the memory 17.

[0198] Referring to Figures 1 to 13 According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device 1 can include a main body providing an insertion space into which a cartridge is inserted, and a heater disposed inside the main body and having a heating portion that heats the insertion space. The heating portion can include a heating layer surrounding the insertion space, and a wiring layer stacked on the heating layer and supplying a current. A thickness of the heating portion can vary in a depth direction of the insertion space.

[0199] Also, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heating portion can include a first heating portion disposed at a position corresponding to a position of the first material portion, and a second heating portion disposed at a position corresponding to a position of the second material portion and extending from the first heating portion.

[0200] Also, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a thickness of a second heating layer of the second heating portion can be greater than a thickness of a first heating layer of the first heating portion.

[0201] Also, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the thickness of the second heating layer can decrease as it approaches the first heating portion.

[0202] Also, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the thickness of the second heating layer can decrease as it moves away from a center of the second heating layer.

[0203] Also, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first heating portion can include a first heating layer, and a first wiring layer stacked on the first heating layer and through which a current flows, and the second heating portion can include a second heating layer, and a second wiring layer stacked on the second heating layer and electrically connected to the first wiring layer, and a thickness of the second wiring layer can be greater than a thickness of the first wiring layer.

[0204] Also, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the wiring layer can include a first wiring layer stacked on one face of the heating layer, and a second wiring layer stacked on the other face of the heating layer.

[0205] Also, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the wiring layer can include a pair of power supply portions connected to a power supply, and a pair of terminal portions extending from each of the power supply portions and spaced apart from each other, and the pair of terminal portions can be stacked on the heating layer and surround the insertion space.

[0206] Also, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heating portion can include a first heating portion disposed at a position corresponding to a position of the first material portion and having a first wiring layer, and a second heating portion disposed at a position corresponding to a position of the second material portion and having a second wiring layer, and a distance between a pair of the terminal portions located in the second wiring layer can be less than a distance between a pair of the terminal portions located in the first wiring layer.

[0207] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the pair of power supply portions can include a first power supply portion, and a second power supply portion spaced apart from the first power supply portion, the pair of terminal portions can include a first terminal portion extending from the first power supply portion, and a second terminal portion extending from the second power supply portion and spaced apart from the first terminal portion, the first terminal portion can include a first main terminal connected to the first power supply portion, and a plurality of first sub-terminals branched from the first main terminal, and the second terminal portion can include a second main terminal connected to the second power supply portion, and a plurality of second sub-terminals branched from the second main terminal.

[0208] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of first sub-terminals and the plurality of second sub-terminals can be spaced apart from each other and alternately arranged.

[0209] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first main terminal can extend from the first power supply portion in a first direction, the plurality of first sub-terminals can extend in a second direction crossing the first direction, then extend in the first direction, then extend in the opposite direction of the second direction, then extend in the opposite direction of the first direction, then extend in the second direction, the plurality of second sub-terminals can extend in the opposite direction of the second direction, then extend in the first direction, then extend in the second direction, then extend in the opposite direction of the first direction, then extend in the opposite direction of the second direction, and the plurality of second sub-terminals can be located between the plurality of first sub-terminals.

[0210] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, any one of the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion can include a center terminal surrounded by a shortest sub-terminal having the shortest extension length among the other one of the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion.

[0211] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a distance between the pair of terminal portions located at the second wiring layer can increase as it approaches the first wiring layer.

[0212] Any of the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure or other embodiments can not be mutually exclusive or different from each other. The configuration or function of each of the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure or other embodiments can be combined.

[0213] For example, it means that the structure A described in a specific embodiment and / or a drawing can be combined with the structure B described in other embodiments and / or drawings. That is, it means that even in the case where the combination between the structures is not directly described, it is always regarded as being able to be combined unless it is explicitly described that the combination is not possible.

[0214] The foregoing detailed description should be considered exemplary, and not limiting, of the scope of the application. The scope of the application is to be determined solely by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device, characterized by, Comprises: a main body providing an insertion space for insertion of a cigarette rod, and a heater configured inside the main body and having a heating portion heating the insertion space; the heating portion comprises: a heating layer surrounding the insertion space, and a wiring layer laminated on the heating layer and supplying an electric current; a thickness of the heating portion varies in a depth direction of the insertion space.

2. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein the cigarette rod comprises: a first substance portion configured at the insertion space, and a second substance portion extending from the first substance portion and configured at the insertion space; the heating portion comprises: a first heating portion configured at a position corresponding to a position of the first substance portion, and a second heating portion configured at a position corresponding to a position of the second substance portion and extending from the first heating portion; a thickness of the second heating portion is greater than a thickness of the first heating portion.

3. The aerosol-generating device of claim 2, wherein a thickness of a second heating layer of the second heating portion is greater than a thickness of a first heating layer of the first heating portion.

4. The aerosol-generating device of claim 3, wherein the thickness of the second heating layer decreases as it approaches the first heating portion.

5. The aerosol-generating device of claim 3, wherein the thickness of the second heating layer decreases as it moves away from a center of the second heating layer.

6. The aerosol-generating device of claim 2, wherein the first heating portion comprises: a first heating layer, and a first wiring layer laminated on the first heating layer, through which an electric current flows; the second heating portion comprises: a second heating layer, and a second wiring layer laminated on the second heating layer and electrically connected to the first wiring layer; a thickness of the second wiring layer is greater than a thickness of the first wiring layer.

7. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein the wiring layer comprises: a first wiring layer laminated on one side of the heating layer, and a second wiring layer laminated on the other side of the heating layer.

8. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein the wiring layer comprises: a pair of power supply portions connected to a power supply, and a pair of terminal portions extending from each of the power supply portions and spaced apart from each other; the pair of terminal portions are laminated on the heating layer and surround the insertion space.

9. The aerosol-generating device of claim 8, wherein the cigarette rod comprises: a first substance portion configured at the insertion space, and a second substance portion extending from the first substance portion and configured at the insertion space; the heating portion comprises: a first heating portion configured at a position corresponding to a position of the first substance portion and having a first wiring layer, and a second heating portion configured at a position corresponding to a position of the second substance portion and having a second wiring layer; a distance between the pair of terminal portions located at the second wiring layer is less than a distance between the pair of terminal portions located at the first wiring layer. 10.The aerosol-generating device of claim 8, wherein the pair of power supply portions includes: a first power supply portion, and a second power supply portion spaced apart from the first power supply portion; the pair of terminal portions includes: a first terminal portion extending from the first power supply portion, and a second terminal portion extending from the second power supply portion and spaced apart from the first terminal portion; the first terminal portion includes: a first main terminal connected to the first power supply portion, and a plurality of first sub-terminals branched from the first main terminal; the second terminal portion includes: a second main terminal connected to the second power supply portion, and a plurality of second sub-terminals branched from the second main terminal. 11.The aerosol-generating device of claim 10, wherein the plurality of first sub-terminals and the plurality of second sub-terminals are spaced apart from and alternately arranged with each other. 12.The aerosol-generating device of claim 10, wherein the first main terminal extends in a first direction from the first power supply portion, the plurality of first sub-terminals extend in a second direction crossing the first direction, then in the first direction, then in the opposite direction of the second direction, then in the opposite direction of the first direction, then in the second direction, the plurality of second sub-terminals extend in the opposite direction of the second direction, then in the first direction, then in the second direction, then in the opposite direction of the first direction, then in the opposite direction of the second direction, the plurality of second sub-terminals are located between the plurality of first sub-terminals. 13.The aerosol-generating device of claim 12, wherein any one of the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion includes a center terminal surrounded by a shortest sub-terminal of the other one of the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion having the shortest extension length. 14.The aerosol-generating device of claim 9, wherein a distance between the pair of terminal portions located in the second wiring layer is increased as it approaches the first wiring layer. 15.The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein the heat generating layer includes at least one of graphene and carbon nanotube, the wiring layer is a metal material plate laminated on the heat generating layer.

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