Aerosol Generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is disclosed that includes a body including a first opening to a first insertion space, a heater module detachably inserted into the first insertion space, a heater holder including a second opening to a second insertion space in which a heater is disposed, a frame coupled to the heater holder, and a substrate coupled to the frame and on which a memory for storing unique information about the heater is mounted, and a controller disposed in the body and configured to control operation of the heater when the unique information about the heater is received from the memory.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol generating devices. [Background technology]

[0002] An aerosol generating device is used to extract a predetermined component from a medium or substance via an aerosol. The medium may contain a variety of components. The components contained in the medium may be flavorings of a variety of components. For example, the components contained in the medium may include nicotine, herbal, and / or coffee components. In recent years, much research has been conducted on such aerosol generating devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present disclosure is directed to solving the above-mentioned problems and other problems.

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

[0005] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to precisely control the configuration of an aerosol generating device, including the heater.

[0006] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to make the heater module easy to clean.

[0007] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to easily replace the heater. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the subject matter described in the present application, an aerosol generating device includes a body including a first opening to a first insertion space, a heater module that is detachably inserted into the first insertion space and includes a heater holder having a second opening to a second insertion space in which a heater is disposed, a frame that is coupled to the heater holder, and a substrate that is coupled to the frame and on which a memory that stores unique information about the heater is mounted, and a control unit that is disposed in the body and controls the operation of the heater when it receives unique information about the heater from the memory. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the temperature of the heater can be accurately calculated.

[0010] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration of the aerosol generating device, including the heater, can be precisely controlled.

[0011] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure allows for easy cleaning of the heater module.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater can be easily replaced.

[0013] Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar components will be given the same reference numerals even if they are shown in different drawings, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0016] The suffixes "module" and "section" for components used in the following description are used solely for the convenience of explanation of the specification. "Module" and "section" do not have different meanings or roles from each other.

[0017] Furthermore, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed herein, detailed descriptions of related known technologies may be omitted if they may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and do not limit the technical ideas disclosed herein. Therefore, the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc. may be used to describe various components, but it should be understood that the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0019] When a component is said to be "connected" to another component, it will be understood that there may be other components in between, whereas when a component is said to be "directly connected" to another component, it will be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0020] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0021] 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device may include at least one of a body 10, an outer cover 20, a heater module 30, and an inner cover 40. The body 10 may accommodate at least one of a battery 101, a control unit 102, and a sensor 103 therein. The body 10 may have a first insertion space 14 that is open upward. The first insertion space 14 may be formed in an upper portion of the body 10.

[0022] The heater module 30 may be detachably inserted into the first insertion space 14. The heater module 30 may have a second insertion space 34 therein that is open to the upper side. The second insertion space 34 may extend vertically. The heater 35 may be fixed to the heater module 30. The heater 35 may protrude upward from the lower part of the second insertion space 34. The heater 35 may heat the periphery of the second insertion space 34.

[0023] The outer cover 20 may be detachably coupled to the upper side of the body 10. The outer cover 20 may cover the upper part of the body 10 and the heater module 30. The outer cover 20 may include an extractor 21. The extractor 21 may have a third insertion space 24 therein that is open to the upper side. The extractor 21 and the third insertion space 34 may have a shape that is elongated vertically. The extractor 21 may be inserted into the second insertion space 34 inside the heater module 30. When the extractor 21 is inserted into the second insertion space 34, the heater 35 may be exposed to the third insertion space 24 through a through-hole 24a that opens to the lower part of the extractor 21. The cap 25 is movably coupled to the outer cover 20 and can open and close the opening of the third insertion space 34.

[0024] The first magnet 26 may be disposed inside the outer cover 20. The first magnet 26 exerts an attractive force on the second magnet 46 disposed inside the inner cover 40, thereby enabling the outer cover 20 to be detachably coupled to the upper side of the inner cover 40.

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

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

[0027] 4 and 6, the aerosol generating device may include at least one of a battery 101, a control unit 102, and a sensor 103. At least one of the battery 101, the control unit 102, and the sensor 103 may be housed inside a body 10 of the aerosol generating device. The body 10 may have a shape that extends long in the vertical direction. The control unit 102 and the sensor 103 may be mounted on a first substrate 104 disposed inside the body 10. The control unit 102 and the sensor 103 may be mounted together on one first substrate 104. Alternatively, the function of the sensor 103 may be built into the control unit 102.

[0028] The battery 101 can supply power to operate the components of the aerosol generating device. The battery 101 can supply power to at least one of the control unit 102, the sensor 103, the heater 35, and the memory 37. The battery 101 can supply power necessary to operate various components installed in the aerosol generating device, such as an induction coil (not shown) and a user interface.

[0029] The control unit 102 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device. The control unit 102 can control the operation of at least one of the battery 101, the sensor 103, the heater 35, and the memory 37. The control unit 102 can receive information from the sensor 103. The control unit 102 can control the operation of an induction coil (not shown) installed in the aerosol generating device, a user interface, etc. The control unit 102 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device and determine whether the aerosol generating device is in an operable state.

[0030] The heater module 30 may be detachably coupled to the upper side of the body 10. For example, the heater module 30 may be coupled to the body 10 by magnetic force, a snap-fit method, or a screw method. The heater module 30 may have a second insertion space 34 that is open to the upper side. The second insertion space 34 may have an elongated cylindrical shape. The body 10 may have a first insertion space 14 into which the heater module 30 is detachably inserted. The first insertion space 14 may be formed in the upper part of the body 10 and may be open to the upper side.

[0031] The heater module 30 may include a heater 35. The heater 35 may heat the second insertion space 34. For example, the heater 35 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the bottom of the second insertion space 34 toward the opening of the second insertion space 34. As another example, the heater 35 may have a cylindrical shape that surrounds the second insertion space 34.

[0032] The stick S can be inserted into the second insertion space 34 formed in the heater module 30. The stick S can have a long cylindrical shape. The lower end of the stick S can be inserted into the second insertion space 34, and the upper end of the stick S can protrude from the second insertion space 34 to the outside of the aerosol generating device. When the stick S is inserted into the second insertion space 34, the heater 35 can be inserted into the inside of the stick S. A user can inhale air by holding the upper end of the stick S exposed to the outside in their mouth. The heater 35 can heat the stick S inserted into the second insertion space 34. When the heater 35 heats the stick S to a predetermined temperature, an aerosol can be generated from the stick S.

[0033] The heater 35 may be a resistive heater. The heater 35 may include a variable resistance metal. The heater 35 may receive power from the battery 101 to generate heat. As another example, the heater 35 may generate heat by generating an eddy current due to a magnetic field generated by an induction coil (not shown) surrounding the heater 35.

[0034] The heater 35 may have intrinsic (specific) information. The intrinsic information of the heater 35 may be parameters related to the intrinsic characteristics of the heater 35 and may be parameters for determining the voltage applied to the heater 35. For example, the intrinsic information of the heater 35 may include parameters related to the intrinsic characteristics of the heater 35 that affect the heating operation of the heater 35, such as the intrinsic resistance value of the heater 35, the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR; hereinafter referred to as the TCR value), the impedance value of the heater 35, and the capacitance value of the heater 35. The resistance value of the heater 35 may change depending on the temperature. When the heater 35 generates heat and the temperature rises, the resistance value may increase. The resistance value may change at a specific temperature depending on the intrinsic resistance value and TCR value of the heater 35.

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

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

[0037] The heater 35's characteristic information varies depending on the material of the heater 35 itself, but may also vary slightly due to errors in the shape and dimensions of the heater 35, such as the length and thickness of the heating wire, which may occur during manufacturing. As another example, errors in the proportions of components constituting the alloy of the heater 35, which may occur during manufacturing, may also affect the heater 35's characteristic information. These are merely examples, and factors that affect the heater 35's characteristic information are not limited to those described above. This may result in a discrepancy between the estimated temperature of the heater 35 and the actual temperature of the heater 35, leading to inaccurate control.

[0038] 6 is a graph showing the relationship between resistance and temperature of heaters having different TCR values. For example, referring to FIG. 6, first heater 35A and second heater 35B made of the same material may have slightly different specific resistance and TCR values due to an error in the alloy ratio that occurs during manufacturing. As another example, if foreign matter comes into contact with the hot wire, lead wire 359, or first board 104 on which controller 102 is mounted of second heater 35B, or due to internal or external noise, the TCR value of second heater 35B may be interpreted as the TCR value of third heater 35B'.

[0039] Therefore, the resistance values of the heaters 35 at a specific temperature may differ among the first heater 35A, the second heater 35B, and the third heater 35B'. This may cause an error in the resistance values calculated by the control unit 102, resulting in an error in the calculation of the temperature of the heaters 35.

[0040] To solve this problem, the heater module 30 may include a memory 37. The memory 37 may be mounted on a second substrate 36 installed inside the heater module 30. The second substrate 36 may be referred to as a second substrate 36. The memory 37 may store unique information about the heater 35 included in the heater module 30.

[0041] For example, the memory 37 may store the specific resistance or TCR value of the heater 35 included in the heater module 30. When the heater modules 30 are manufactured, the precise specific parameters of each manufactured heater 35 may be measured using an external measuring device and stored in the memory 37. For the reasons described above, the memories 37 included in each of the plurality of heater modules 30 may store different specific resistance values of the heaters 35.

[0042] The control unit 102 may store information corresponding to a plurality of heater parameters. For example, the control unit 102 may store temperature (T)-resistance (R) curve information for each heater parameter (see FIG. 6). For example, the control unit 102 may store information corresponding to a plurality of heater parameters in the form of a look-up table. The control unit 102 may receive specific information about the heater 35 from the memory 37 included in the heater module 30 and match the specific information about the heater 35 with any one of the plurality of stored heater parameters. For example, the control unit 102 may match the received specific information about the heater 35 with a specific heater parameter on the temperature (T)-resistance (R) curve.

[0043] 7, when the heater module 30 is coupled to the body 10, the heater 35 may be electrically connected to at least one of the battery 101, the control unit 102, and the sensor 103 (see step S1 of FIG. 7). When the heater module 30 is coupled to the body 10, the memory 37 may be electrically connected to at least one of the battery 101 and the control unit 102 (see step S1 of FIG. 7). When the heater module 30 is separated from the body 10, the heater 35 may be separated from the battery 101, the control unit 102, and the sensor 103. When the heater module 30 is separated from the body 10, the memory 37 may be separated from the battery 101 and the control unit 102.

[0044] The control unit 102 may receive information specific to the heater 35 from the memory 37 (see step S2 of FIG. 7). For example, the control unit 102 may receive a specific resistance value of the heater 35 from the memory 37. For example, the control unit 102 may receive a specific TCR value of the heater 35 from the memory 37. This is merely an example and is not limited to the above, and the control unit 102 may receive various types of information specific to the heater 35 for estimating the temperature of the heater 35.

[0045] The control unit 102 can calculate the temperature of the heater 35 based on the unique information of the heater 35 (see step S3 of FIG. 7). For example, referring to FIG. 6, the control unit 102 can receive the TCR value of the heater 35 corresponding to the first heater 35A from the memory 37 and the current value flowing through the heater 35 from the sensor 103 to determine the current resistance value of the heater 35. Thus, the current temperature of the heater 35 corresponding to the first heater 35A can be estimated.

[0046] Therefore, the control unit 102 can accurately calculate the temperature of the heater 35. By determining the accurate temperature of the heater 35, the control unit 102 can perform more precise control over various configurations (see step S4 in FIG. 7).

[0047] For example, the control unit 102 may control the temperature of the heater 35 based on the calculated temperature of the heater 35. The control unit 102 may control the voltage applied to the heater 35 to increase or decrease the heat generation temperature of the heater 35, thereby matching the temperature of the heater 35 to the target temperature. As another example, the control unit 102 may determine whether the liquid stored in the cartridge (not shown) has been consumed based on the current temperature of the heater 35. As another example, the control unit 102 may control a user interface to provide the user with information about the current temperature of the heater 35.

[0048] The memory 37 may store identification information for identifying whether the heater module 30 is genuine. When the heater module 30 is coupled to the body 10, the control unit 102 receives the identification information stored in the memory 37 and determines whether the heater module 30 is genuine. For example, the control unit 102 may compare the stored information with the identification information to determine whether the heater module 30 is genuine. For example, the memory 37 may store the identification information for the heater module 30 in the form of an encrypted code, and the control unit 102 may decrypt the code to determine whether the heater module 30 is genuine.

[0049] For example, if the heater module 30 is a counterfeit product, the control unit 102 may limit the power supply to the heater 35, and if the heater module 30 is a normal product, the control unit 102 may supply power to the heater 35. The control unit 102 may control the user interface to provide the user with information about whether the heater module 30 is a normal product.

[0050] 8 and 9, the heater module 30 can be detachably inserted into the first insertion space 14, which is open upward at the top of the body 10. The heater module 30 can be separated from the first insertion space 14 by separating the inner cover 40 from the body 10. A user can separate the heater module 30 from the inner cover 40, attach a new heater module 30 to the inner cover 40, and then attach the inner cover 40 to the body 10 to seat the heater module 30 in the first insertion space 14. This facilitates separation, replacement, and assembly of the heater module 30.

[0051] 9 to 11, the heater module 30 may include a heater holder 31. The heater holder 31 may have a pipe shape that extends vertically. The heater holder 31 may have a second insertion space 34 therein that is open to the upper side. The second insertion space 34 may be formed in a cylindrical shape that extends vertically. A heater 35 may be fixed to the heater holder 31 (see FIG. 12).

[0052] The heater module 30 may include a frame 32. The frame 32 may be coupled to the heater holder 31. A lateral wall 321 of the frame 32 may cover one side wall 311 of the heater holder 31. The side wall 321 of the frame 32 may extend vertically. The side wall 321 of the frame 32 may have a U-shaped curve. A lower portion 322 of the frame 32 may cover the lower portion 312 of the heater holder 31.

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

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

[0055] The second substrate 36 may be disposed between the side wall 311 of the heater holder 31 and the side wall 321 of the frame 32. The second substrate 36 may be disposed parallel to the vertical direction. The second substrate 36 may be disposed parallel to the side wall 311 of the heater holder 31 and the side wall 321 of the frame 32.

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

[0057] The insertion guide surface 327 may be formed obliquely toward the slot 328 around the opening of the slot 328. For example, the slot 328 may open upward, and the insertion guide surface 327 may be formed obliquely downward toward the slot 328. The insertion guide surface 327 may be formed on the upper end surface of the side wall 321 of the frame 32. The insertion guide surface 327 can guide the second substrate 36 being inserted into the slot 328. For example, even if the second substrate 36 collides with the side wall 321 of the frame 32 around the opening of the slot 328 during insertion, the second substrate 36 can come into contact with the insertion guide surface 327 and slide into the slot 328.

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

[0059] The second substrate 36 may include a first module terminal 361. The first module terminal 361 may be formed on the front surface of the second substrate 36. One end of the lead wire 359 may be connected to the heater 35, and the other end of the lead wire 359 may be connected to the first module terminal 361. The lead wire 359 and the first module terminal 361 may be formed in plural. For example, each of the first module terminal 361 and the lead wire 359 may be formed in two. The lead wire 359 may be disposed between the heater holder 31 and the frame 32.

[0060] The second substrate 36 may include second module terminals 362. The second module terminals 362 may be formed on the rear surface of the second substrate 36. The second module terminals 362 may be formed on the lower end of the second substrate 36. A plurality of second module terminals 362 may be formed. For example, four second module terminals 362 may be formed, and two of the second module terminals 362 may be electrically connected to the heater 35, and the other two second module terminals 362 may be electrically connected to the memory 37.

[0061] The frame 32 may include a terminal hole 324. The terminal hole 324 may be formed by opening one side of the frame 32. For example, the terminal hole 324 may be formed by opening a side wall 321 of the frame 32 that supports the rear surface of the second substrate 36. Alternatively, the terminal hole 324 may be formed by opening a lower corner of the side wall 321 of the frame 32. The terminal hole 324 may communicate with the slot 328. A plurality of terminal holes 324 may be formed. The terminal hole 324 may correspond to the second module terminals 362. Each of the plurality of module terminals 362 may be exposed to the outside of the heater module 30 through each of the plurality of terminal holes 324.

[0062] The frame 32 may have a supporter 326. The supporter 326 may protrude from the side wall 321 of the frame 32. The supporter 326 may extend vertically. The supporter 326 may support the front surface of the second substrate 36. The supporter 326 may be formed in pairs and may support both corners of the front surface of the second substrate 36. The supporter 326 may define a slot 328 together with the side wall 321 of the frame 32.

[0063] The frame 32 may be connected to the heater holder 31 by a snap-fit method. The frame 32 may be connected to the heater holder 31 so that it cannot be separated (or removed). One of the heater holder 31 and the frame 32 may include a first connecting hook 315, and the other may have a first connecting groove 325 to which the first connecting hook 315 is fastened. For example, the first connecting hook 315 may protrude laterally from the heater holder 31, and the first connecting groove 325 may be formed in a sidewall 321 of the frame 32 at a position corresponding to the first connecting hook 315.

[0064] The second substrate 36 may have a positioning groove 364 that opens upward. The positioning groove 364 may extend vertically. The heater holder 31 may include a positioning protrusion 316. The positioning protrusion 316 may extend vertically and protrude laterally from the side wall 311 of the heater holder 31. The positioning protrusion 316 may have a shape corresponding to the positioning groove 364. The positioning protrusion 316 may be inserted into the positioning groove 364 to align or fix the position of the second substrate 36 relative to the heater holder 31.

[0065] The first sealer 33 may be coupled to the heater module 30. The first sealer 33 may have a ring shape. The first sealer 33 may surround the upper periphery of the heater holder 31. The first rim portion 313 may be formed by recessing the upper periphery of the heater holder 31 radially inward. The first sealer 33 may be fitted and fixed to the first rim portion 313. The first sealer 33 may be made of an elastic material. For example, the first sealer 33 may be made of a material such as rubber or silicone.

[0066] 12 and 13, the heater module 30 may include a heater rod 351. The heater rod 351 may be fixed to the lower part of the heater holder 31 and protrude into the second insertion space 34. The heater 35 may be inserted into the heater rod 351. The heater rod 351 may have a hollow portion open to the bottom. The heater rod 351 may surround the heater 35. The heater rod 351 may have a cylindrical shape. The upper end of the heater rod 351 may be formed to be pointed upward. The heater rod 351 may have high thermal expandability, excellent thermal insulation, and low thermal conductivity. The heater rod 351 may have high rigidity. For example, the heater rod 351 may be made of zirconia. However, the material of the heater rod 351 is not limited thereto. Heat generated from the heater 35 may be transferred to the outside through the heater rod 351. When the stick S is inserted into the second insertion space 34, the heater rod 351 and the heater 35 may be disposed inside the stick S.

[0067] The lead wire 359 may extend from the heater 35 to the outside of the heater holder 31 of the heater rod 351 through a lower opening of the heater rod 351. One end of the lead wire 359 may be connected to the heater 35, and the other end of the lead wire 359 may be connected to the second substrate 36. The lead wire 359 may electrically connect the heater 35 and the second substrate 36. For example, the lead wire 359 may be connected to the heater 35 and the second substrate 36 by a welding process such as soldering or ultrasonic welding. The lead wire 359 may be electrically connected to the battery 101, the control unit 102, and the sensor 103 via a circuit pattern printed on the second substrate 36.

[0068] Therefore, the heater 35 can generate heat by receiving power via the lead wire 359. Also, the sensor 103 can detect a value related to the temperature of the heater 35 or a value related to the resistance of the heater 35 via the lead wire 359. The control unit 102 can receive the value detected by the sensor 103. This has been described above, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] The heater rod 351 may be embedded in the lower part of the heater holder 31. The heater rod 351 may protrude upward from the lower part of the heater holder 31 toward the second insertion space 34. The heater holder 31 may be formed on the heater rod 351 by insert injection molding. Here, the heater rod 351 may be inserted into an injection mold, and then polymer resin may be injected to inject the heater holder 31. With the heater 35 and lead wire 359 positioned inside the heater rod 351, the heater rod 351 may be inserted into the injection mold, and polymer resin may be injected.

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

[0071] The mounting wall 321a may include an engagement protrusion 329. The heater holder 31 may have a recess 319 around the periphery of the lower portion 312. The recess 319 is supported by the engagement protrusion 329, and the position of the lower portion of the heater holder 31 may be fixed relative to the frame 32.

[0072] 14, the heater module 30 may be detachably inserted into the first insertion space 14. The body terminal 162 may protrude from a lower corner of the first insertion space 14. The body terminal 162 may be formed at a position corresponding to the module terminal 362. When the heater module 30 is inserted into the first insertion space 14, the second module terminal 362 of the heater module 30 may come into contact with the body terminal 162 and be electrically connected. The cross-sectional shape of the first insertion space 14 and the cross-sectional shape of the frame 32 may have corresponding non-circular shapes.

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

[0074] In addition, since the terminals are electrically connected to each other through side contact rather than bottom contact, the heater module 30 is not subjected to external force in a direction that would cause it to separate from the first insertion space 14 from the body terminal 162, so the heater module 30 can be stably positioned in the first insertion space 14.

[0075] When the module terminal 362 and the body terminal 162 come into contact with each other, the memory 37 and the control unit 102 can be electrically connected to each other. When the module terminal 362 and the body terminal 162 come into contact with each other, the memory 37 and the battery 101 can be electrically connected to each other. When the module terminal 362 and the body terminal 162 come into contact with each other, the heater 35 and the control unit 102 can be electrically connected to each other. When the module terminal 362 and the body terminal 162 come into contact with each other, the heater 35 and the sensor 103 can be electrically connected to each other. When the module terminal 362 and the body terminal 162 come into contact with each other, the heater 35 and the battery 101 can be electrically connected to each other.

[0076] 15 and 16 , the inner cover 40 may include an inner cover body 41. The inner cover 40 may include an inner cover head 42. The inner cover head 42 may be disposed above the inner cover body 41 and may surround the inner cover body 41.

[0077] The inner cover head 42 may include a head plate 421 and wings 422. The head plate 421 may cover the top 411 of the inner cover body 41. The pair of wings 422 may extend downward from both sides of the head plate 421. The pair of wings 422 may cover the side portions 412 of the inner cover body 41.

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

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

[0080] The wing 422 may have a third coupling groove 424. The third coupling groove 424 may be formed above the second coupling hook 425. The third coupling groove 424 may be formed by opening the wing 422 inward or opening both inside and outside. The third coupling hook 415 protruding from the side portion 412 of the inner cover body 41 is fastened to the third coupling groove 424 to couple the inner cover head 42 to the inner cover body 41.

[0081] The second sealer 43 may be coupled to the inner cover 40. The second sealer 43 may have a ring shape. The second sealer 43 may surround the periphery of the lower part of the inner cover body 41. The second rim portion 413 may be formed by recessing the periphery of the lower part of the inner cover body 41 radially inward. The second sealer 43 may be fitted and fixed to the second rim portion 413. The second sealer 43 may be made of an elastic material. For example, the second sealer 43 may be made of a material such as rubber or silicone.

[0082] 16 and 17, a first collar 418 may be formed on the upper portion 411 of the inner cover body 41. A second collar 428 may be formed on the head plate 421. The second collar 428 may surround the inner cover hole 44. The second collar 428 may extend downward from the head plate 421. The second collar 428 may be inserted into a space surrounded by the first collar 418. The first collar 418 may surround the second collar 428. The first collar 418 may be spaced radially outward from the periphery of the second collar 428. A holder groove 48 may be defined by the first collar 418, the second collar 428, and the head plate 421. The holder groove 48 may be formed between the first collar 418 and the second collar 428. The holder groove 48 may open downward.

[0083] 18, the upper end of the heater holder 31 may be inserted into and fitted into the holder groove 48. The outer circumferential surface of the upper part of the heater holder 31 may be supported by a first collar 418 in the holder groove 48, and the inner circumferential surface of the upper part of the heater holder 31 may be supported by a second collar 428 in the holder groove 48. The upper end of the heater holder 31 is fitted into the holder groove 48, and may be detachably coupled to the inner cover 40.

[0084] The first sealer 33 can seal between the heater holder 31 and the inner cover 40. The first sealer 33 can be in close contact with the first rim portion 313 and the second collar 418 through the holder groove 48 to seal between the first rim portion 313 and the second collar 418. The first sealer 33 can detachably connect the heater holder 31 to the inner cover 40 using its elasticity.

[0085] The second sealer 43 can seal between the body 10 and the inner cover 40. The side wall 11 of the body 10 extends upward and can cover the lower side of the inner cover body 41 and the lower part of the wing 422. The second sealer 43 can be in close contact with the second rim portion 413 and the inner surface of the side wall 11 of the body 10 to seal between the second rim portion 413 and the side wall 11 of the body 10.

[0086] Therefore, it is possible to prevent external foreign matter such as liquid from flowing into the heater module 30 from the third insertion space 24 and the second insertion space 34 and coming into contact with the second substrate 36 or the lead wires 359, thereby causing a malfunction.

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

[0088] The wings 422 can pivot inward and outward around the head plate 421. The wings 422 and the side portions 412 of the inner cover body 41 are spaced apart to form pivot spaces 45 in which the wings 422 can pivot. The wings 422 can pivot toward or away from the side portions 412 of the inner cover body 41. A user can pivot the pair of wings 422 by pressing them inward with one hand. When the user releases the hand, the wings 422 can pivot back to their original position.

[0089] Therefore, the user can easily separate or attach the inner cover 40 to the body 10 by pressing the wings 422 inward to pivot the second connecting hooks 425 into or to the second connecting grooves 15 (see FIG. 20). Also, the user can easily separate or replace the heater module 30 (see FIG. 20).

[0090] The second coupling hook 425 may be formed obliquely upward so as to gradually protrude outward as it goes upward, and the upper end of the second coupling hook 425 may be formed horizontally.

[0091] Therefore, when the inner cover 40 is pressed downward toward the body 10, the second connecting hooks 425 slide onto the side wall 11 of the body 10 and the wings 422 pivot inward, which allows the inner cover 40 to be more easily connected to the body 10, thereby improving ease of assembly. Furthermore, the inner cover 40 cannot be separated from the body 10 unless the wings 422 pivot, ensuring structural safety.

[0092] The third connecting hook 415 may be formed obliquely downward so as to gradually protrude outward as it goes downward, and the lower end of the third connecting hook 415 may be formed horizontally.

[0093] Therefore, when the inner cover head 42 is pushed downwards on the inner cover body 41, the lower end of the wing 422 slides downwards onto the third connecting hook 415, and the third connecting hook 415 is inserted into the third connecting groove 424, thereby improving ease of assembly. Also, since the inner cover head 42 is not separated upwards from the inner cover body 41, structural safety can be ensured.

[0094] 1 to 20, an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a body including a first opening to a first insertion space, a heater module that is detachably inserted into the first insertion space and includes a heater holder including a second opening to a second insertion space having a heater disposed therein, a frame that is coupled to the heater holder, and a heater module that is coupled to the frame and includes a substrate on which a memory that stores unique information about the heater is mounted, and a control unit that is disposed in the body and controls the operation of the heater when it receives unique information about the heater from the memory.

[0095] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the frame may include a slot into which the substrate is inserted.

[0096] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the slot may be formed in a side of the frame covering the side of the heater holder, and the substrate may be inserted at an upper end of the slot to face the side of the heater holder.

[0097] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the frame may include an insertion safety inner surface formed around the opening of the slot and having an inclined surface that guides the substrate when inserted into the slot.

[0098] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the slot may be defined by a supporter that extends between the heater holder and a side of the frame to secure the substrate.

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

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

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

[0102] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device further includes a terminal hole formed at a lower end of a side portion of the frame, exposing a module provided on the substrate, and a lead wire having one end connected to the heater and the other end connected to a second surface of the substrate, and a body terminal disposed at a lower portion of the first insertion space can come into contact with the module terminal exposed through the terminal hole when the heater module is inserted into the first insertion space.

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

[0104] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first opening may have a non-circular shape that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the frame so that the frame can be inserted into the first opening.

[0105] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a first coupling groove formed in either the heater holder or the frame, and a first coupling hook formed in the other of the heater holder or the frame and fastened to the first coupling groove to fix the heater holder and the frame together.

[0106] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device further includes an inner cover that is detachably connected to an upper portion of the body and covers the upper portion of the body and the heater holder, the inner cover having an insertion opening corresponding to the second insertion space, and the heater holder can be detachably connected to the inner body.

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

[0108] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inner cover has a holder groove into which the upper end of the heater holder is inserted, and the first sealer extends along the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the heater holder to seal between the heater holder and the inner cover inserted into the holder groove.

[0109] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inner cover may include a head plate that covers an upper portion of the body and an upper portion of the heater holder and has the insertion opening formed therein, and a pair of wings that extend downward from both sides of the head plate to cover each side of the upper portion of the body and each side of the heater holder and are detachably connected to the body.

[0110] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the upper portion of the body may include a pair of second coupling grooves formed on a side wall facing inward, and each of the pair of wings may include a second coupling hook that protrudes outward and is fastened to the corresponding second coupling groove, and the pair of wings may pivot inward around the inner cover head to separate the second coupling hook from the second coupling groove.

[0111] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an outer surface of each of the second coupling hooks may be inclined inward relative to the outward direction.

[0112] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the wings include a pair of third coupling grooves each formed above the second coupling hook, the inner cover includes an inner cover body disposed below the inner cover head and covered by the wings, and the inner cover includes a pair of third coupling hooks protruding outward from sides of the inner cover body and fastened to the third coupling grooves, respectively.

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

[0114] The specific embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct, and the structure or function of any or all elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be combined with other elements or combined with each other.

[0115] For example, configuration A described in one embodiment of the present disclosure and drawings and configuration B described in another embodiment of the present disclosure and drawings can be combined with each other. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible unless it is described that the combination is not possible.

[0116] While the embodiments have been described above in accordance with a number of exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that many other variations and embodiments are possible for those skilled in the art that fall within the scope of the principles of the present disclosure. More particularly, various modifications and variations are possible in the components and / or arrangements of the subject combinations within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to the modifications and variations of the components and / or arrangements, other uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. a body including a first opening to the first insertion space; a heater module detachably inserted into the first insertion space, the heater module including a heater holder having a second opening to a second insertion space in which a heater is disposed, a frame coupled to the heater holder, and a substrate coupled to the frame and having a memory mounted thereon for storing unique information about the heater; a control unit disposed in the body, the control unit controlling operation of the heater when receiving specific information about the heater from the memory.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the frame includes a slot into which the substrate is inserted.

3. the slot is formed in a side of the frame covering a side of the heater holder; The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 , wherein the substrate is inserted at an upper end of the slot and faces a side of the heater holder.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3 , wherein the frame includes an insertion safety inner surface formed around the opening of the slot and having an inclined surface that guides the substrate when inserted into the slot.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3 , wherein the slot is defined by a supporter that extends between the heater holder and a side of the frame to fix the substrate.

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

7. the substrate includes a positioning groove recessed at an upper end of the substrate; The aerosol generating device according to claim 3 , wherein the heater holder includes a positioning protrusion that is inserted into the positioning groove to align the position of the substrate.

8. a terminal hole formed at a lower end of a side of the frame to expose a module provided on the board; a lead wire, one end of which is connected to the heater and the other end of which is connected to the second surface of the substrate; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein a body terminal disposed at a lower portion of the first insertion space contacts the module terminal exposed through the terminal hole when the heater module is inserted into the first insertion space.

9. 9. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the first opening has a non-circular shape that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the frame so that the frame can be inserted into the first opening.

10. a first coupling groove formed in one of the heater holder and the frame; 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising: a first connecting hook formed on the other of the heater holder or the frame, fastened to the first connecting groove, and fixing the heater holder and the frame together.

11. an inner cover detachably coupled to the upper portion of the body and covering the upper portion of the body and the heater holder; the inner cover includes an insertion opening corresponding to the second insertion space; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the heater holder is detachably coupled to the inner body.

12. a first sealer that seals between the heater holder and the inner cover; a second sealer for sealing between the inner cover and the body, the inner cover includes a holder groove into which an upper end of the heater holder is inserted, The aerosol generating device according to claim 11 , wherein the first sealer extends along an outer circumferential surface of an upper end of the heater holder to seal between the heater holder and the inner cover inserted into the holder groove.

13. The inner cover is a head plate covering an upper portion of the body and an upper portion of the heater holder and having the insertion opening formed therein; a pair of wings extending downward from both sides of the head plate to cover each side of the upper portion of the body and each side of the heater holder; The aerosol generating device according to claim 11 , wherein the pair of wings are detachably coupled to the body.

14. The upper portion of the body includes a pair of second coupling grooves formed on a side wall facing inward, Each of the pair of wings includes a second coupling hook protruding outward and fastened to a corresponding second coupling groove; The pair of wings pivot inwardly around the inner cover head to separate the second coupling hook from the second coupling groove; The aerosol generating device according to claim 13 , wherein an outer surface of each of the second coupling hooks is inclined inward relative to an outward direction.

15. The wings include a pair of third coupling grooves formed above the second coupling hooks, the inner cover includes an inner cover body disposed below the inner cover head and covered by the wing; the inner cover includes a pair of third coupling hooks protruding outward from the sides of the inner cover body and fastened to the third coupling grooves, respectively; The aerosol generating device according to claim 14 , further comprising a second sealer that seals between the inner cover and the inner cover body.

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