HEATER ASSEMBLY FOR AEROSOL GENERATION DEVICE AND AEROSOL GENERATION DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME

Abstract

The heater assembly for the aerosol generating device includes a heater that forms a storage space for storing an aerosol product and heats the aerosol product stored in the storage space, and a heater mounting portion that is connected to the heater and is insert-ejected into the heater so that the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material flows into the aerosol product stored in the storage space.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device that can prevent aerosol from leaking into a gap between a heater and a heater mounting portion, and an aerosol generating device including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for technologies to replace the method of supplying aerosols by burning a conventional cigarette. For example, research is being conducted into methods of supplying flavored aerosols by generating aerosols from liquid or solid aerosol-generating substances, or by generating vapor from a liquid aerosol-generating substance and then passing the generated vapor through a solid flavor carrier.

[0003] An example of an aerosol generating device may include an aerosol generating device that uses both an aerosol product and a cartridge that holds a liquid aerosol generating substance. Aerosol generating devices that use an aerosol generating substance have advantages over aerosol generating devices that use a solid aerosol generating substance, such as being small in size and easy to carry, not producing smoking by-products, and being easy to use, and interest in aerosol generating devices that use a liquid aerosol generating substance is gradually increasing. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an aerosol generating device that uses both an aerosol generating product and a liquid aerosol generating substance, the liquid aerosol generating substance is heated to generate vapor, which is mixed with air flowing in from the outside to generate aerosol, and the generated aerosol is inhaled by the user through the aerosol generating product.

[0005] For this purpose, the aerosol generating device includes a chamber that provides a space in which an aerosol is generated from a liquid aerosol generating substance, a heater that heats the aerosol product, and a heater mounting portion on which the heater is mounted and which communicates with the chamber.

[0006] At this time, as the aerosol generated in the chamber is delivered to the user via the aerosol product, at least a portion of the aerosol cools and liquefies upon contact with air, resulting in leakage of the liquefied aerosol into the gap between the heater and the heater mounting portion.

[0007] In this case, the liquefied aerosol may accumulate inside the aerosol generating device due to the leak, causing malfunction or damage to components of the aerosol generating device. Also, the leak may reduce the amount of aerosol passing through the aerosol product, thereby reducing the amount of aerosol that can be inhaled by the user.

[0008] The present invention provides a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, which can prevent aerosol from leaking into the gap between the heater and the heater mounting portion, thereby preventing malfunction or damage to components of the aerosol generating device and increasing the amount of aerosol that a user can inhale, and an aerosol generating device including the same.

[0009] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to one embodiment, a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device includes a heater that forms a storage space for storing an aerosol product and heats the aerosol product stored in the storage space, and a heater mounting portion that is connected to the heater and is insert-ejected with the heater so that an aerosol generated from an aerosol generating material flows into the aerosol product stored in the storage space.

[0011] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes an aerosol generating device heater assembly that contains the aerosol product and heats the aerosol product, and a cartridge that stores the aerosol generating material and is connected to the aerosol generating device heater assembly so that the generated aerosol is transferred to the aerosol product. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The heater assembly for an aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention can prevent malfunction or damage to components and increase the amount of aerosol that can be inhaled by a user.

[0013] The effects of the technical idea of ​​the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example in which an aerosol product is inserted into an aerosol generating device. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing an example in which an aerosol product is inserted into an aerosol generating device. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol product according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol product according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment and an aerosol product inserted therein. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generation device shown in FIG. 5, showing the cap and the aerosol generation device body disassembled. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generation device shown in FIG. 6, showing the cartridge and the aerosol generation device body disassembled. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the cartridge shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, a cartridge, and an aerosol generating device body combined together according to one embodiment; [Figure 10] 6 is a front cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment taken along the line II in FIG. 5. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 10 to explain one embodiment of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device including a protrusion. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 10 to illustrate one embodiment of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device including an extension portion. [Figure 13] 11 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 10 to explain one embodiment of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device including a first extension portion and a second extension portion. [Figure 14] 11 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 10 to explain a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device including a seal ring. [Figure 15] 11 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 10 to explain one embodiment of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device in which the inner surface of the heater and the inner surface of the heater mounting portion are spaced apart from each other. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 10 for explaining another embodiment of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. 10 for explaining yet another embodiment of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device. [Figure 18]10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the connecting structure between the heater and the heater mounting portion. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] According to one embodiment, a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device includes a heater that forms a storage space for storing an aerosol product and heats the aerosol product stored in the storage space, and a heater mounting portion that is connected to the heater and is insert-ejected with the heater so that an aerosol generated from an aerosol generating material flows into the aerosol product stored in the storage space.

[0016] The heater and the heater mounting portion are integrally formed.

[0017] At least one of the heater and the heater mounting portion includes a protrusion protruding toward the other one.

[0018] The heater includes an extension portion extending in a direction transverse to the extension direction of the heater mounting portion.

[0019] The heater mounting portion is connected to the heater so as to surround the entire outer surface of the extension portion.

[0020] The inner surface of the heater facing the accommodation space and the inner surface of the heater mounting portion facing the accommodation space are connected by a continuous surface.

[0021] The heater includes a first extension portion extending along a second direction intersecting a first direction in which the heater mounting portion extends, and a second extension portion extending from the first extension portion along the first direction.

[0022] The heater assembly for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment further includes a seal ring disposed to surround both the heater and the heater mounting portion.

[0023] The heater extends in the extending direction of the heater mounting portion and is insert-injected with the heater mounting portion.

[0024] The heater includes a film that generates heat when electricity is applied, and a heat transfer tube located inside the film that transfers the heat generated in the film to the aerosol product contained in the storage space.

[0025] The heater mounting portion and the insert injected are the heat transfer tubes.

[0026] The heater mounting portion includes an aerosol inlet connected to a chamber where the aerosol is generated.

[0027] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes an aerosol generating device heater assembly that contains the aerosol product and heats the aerosol product, and a cartridge that stores the aerosol generating material and is connected to the aerosol generating device heater assembly so that the generated aerosol is transferred to the aerosol product.

[0028] The cartridge includes a storage section in which the aerosol-generating material is stored, a heating section that absorbs the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage section and heats the aerosol-generating material, and a chamber that houses the heating section and provides a space in which the aerosol is generated.

[0029] The aerosol generated in the cartridge is discharged to the outside through the aerosol generating unit housed in the heater assembly for the aerosol generating device.

[0030] The terms used in the embodiments are generally used in the present invention, taking into consideration their functions in the present invention. However, these terms may change depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, legal precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply by their names.

[0031] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain element, this does not mean that it excludes other elements and may further include other elements, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "module" and "unit" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0032] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one of," precedes an element in an arrangement, it modifies the entire element and not each individual element in the arrangement. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, and c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0033] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in an internal space.

[0034] The aerosol generating device comprises a heater, in one embodiment the heater is an electrically resistive heater, for example the heater comprises a conductive track, and when an electric current is passed through the conductive track the heater is heated.

[0035] The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0036] Cigarettes include tobacco rods and filter rods. Tobacco rods can be made in sheet or strand form, or can be made from shredded tobacco, which is a tobacco sheet. The tobacco rod can also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material, such as, but not limited to, a metal foil, such as aluminum foil.

[0037] The filter rod may also be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod may have a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters out certain components contained in the aerosol.

[0038] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance.

[0039] The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substance and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge is detachably connected to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed integrally with the body, incorporated therein, or fixed so as not to be detachable by a user. The cartridge is attached to the body with the aerosol-generating substance contained therein. However, is not limited thereto, and the aerosol-generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is connected to the body.

[0040] The cartridge contains an aerosol-forming material in any one of a variety of states, such as a liquid, solid, gas, or gel. The aerosol-forming material includes a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0041] The cartridge is activated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body to convert the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge into a gas phase, thereby generating an aerosol. The aerosol refers to a gas mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material and air.

[0042] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user through the cigarette, i.e., the aerosol generated from the liquid composition travels along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, the airflow passage being configured to deliver the aerosol through the cigarette to the user.

[0043] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method, which refers to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing an aerosol generating material using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0044] The aerosol generating device includes a vibrator that generates short-period vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating material. The vibrations generated by the vibrator are ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations is, but is not limited to, about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz.

[0045] The aerosol generating device further includes a wick that absorbs the aerosol-generating substance, for example, the wick is positioned to surround or contact at least a region of the vibrator.

[0046] When a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator are transferred to the aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick is converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transferred from the vibrator, resulting in the generation of an aerosol.

[0047] For example, the heat generated from the vibrator reduces the viscosity of the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the core, and the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator break the reduced viscosity aerosol-generating substance into fine particles, thereby generating an aerosol, but this is not limiting.

[0048] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol product contained in the aerosol generating device using an induction heating method.

[0049] The aerosol generating device includes a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil applies a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field is formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is a magnetic material that generates heat when an external magnetic field is applied. When the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied, the susceptor generates heat, thereby heating the aerosol product. Alternatively, the susceptor may be located inside the aerosol product.

[0050] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device further comprises a cradle.

[0051] The aerosol generating device may be combined with a separate cradle to form a system. For example, the cradle may charge a battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may heat the aerosol generating device when the cradle and the aerosol generating device are combined.

[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating device of the various embodiments described above, or may be embodied in various different forms, but is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0053] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0054] 1 and 2 are diagrams showing an example in which an aerosol product is inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0055] 1 and 2, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 10, a processor 20, a heater 30, and a vaporizer 40. An aerosol product 2 is inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0056] 1 and 2 includes a vaporizer, the embodiment is not limited by the realization method of the aerosol generation device, and the vaporizer 40 may be omitted from the aerosol generation device 1. When the vaporizer 40 is omitted from the aerosol generation device 1, the aerosol product 2 contains an aerosol-generating substance, and when the aerosol product 2 is heated by the heater 30, the aerosol product 2 generates an aerosol.

[0057] The components according to this embodiment are shown in the aerosol generating device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the aerosol generating device 1 may further include other general-purpose components in addition to the components shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0058] 1 and 2 show that the aerosol generating device 1 includes a heater 30, but the heater 30 may be omitted if necessary.

[0059] 1 shows that the battery 10, the processor 20, the vaporizer 40, and the heater 30 are arranged in a line. Also, FIG. 2 shows that the vaporizer 40 and the heater 30 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1 or 2. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 10, the processor 20, the vaporizer 40, and the heater 30 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0060] When the aerosol product 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 activates the vaporizer 40 to generate an aerosol from the vaporizer 40. The aerosol generated by the vaporizer 40 passes through the aerosol product 2 and is delivered to the user. The vaporizer 40 will be described in more detail below.

[0061] The battery 10 supplies power used when the aerosol generation device 1 operates. For example, the battery 10 supplies power to heat the heater 30 or the vaporizer 40, and supplies power required when the processor 20 operates. The battery 10 also supplies power required when a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like provided in the aerosol generation device 1 operate.

[0062] The processor 20 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 1. Specifically, the processor 20 controls the operation of not only the battery 10, the heater 30, and the vaporizer 40, but also other components provided in the aerosol generation device 1. The processor 20 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generation device 1 to determine whether the aerosol generation device 1 is in an operable state.

[0063] The processor 20 includes at least one processor, which may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, a general-purpose microprocessor in combination with a memory storing a program executed by the microprocessor, or other hardware implementations, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0064] The heater 30 is heated by power supplied from the battery 10. For example, when the aerosol production product 2 is inserted into the aerosol generation device 1, the heater 30 is located outside the aerosol production product 2. Thus, the heated heater 30 increases the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance inside the aerosol production product 2.

[0065] The heater 30 may be an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 30 has a conductive track, and current flows through the conductive track to heat the heater 30. However, the heater 30 is not limited to the above example, and any heater that can heat up to a desired temperature can be used without limitation. Here, the desired temperature may be already set in the aerosol generation device 1, or may be set to the desired temperature by the user.

[0066] Alternatively, the heater 30 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 30 includes an electrically conductive coil for inductively heating the aerosol product, and the aerosol product includes a susceptor that is heated by the induction heater.

[0067] 1 and 2, the heater 30 is shown as being disposed externally of the aerosol product 2, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heater 30 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the interior or exterior of the aerosol product 2 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0068] Furthermore, a plurality of heaters 30 may be disposed in the aerosol generating device 1. In this case, the plurality of heaters 30 may be disposed so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 2, or may be disposed outside the aerosol product 2. Furthermore, some of the plurality of heaters 30 may be disposed so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 2, and the rest may be disposed outside the aerosol product 2. Furthermore, the shape of the heater 30 is not limited to the shapes shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and various shapes may be manufactured.

[0069] The vaporizer 40 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which is then transmitted to the user through the aerosol product 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 40 travels along an airflow passage in the aerosol generating device 1, and the airflow passage is configured to allow the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 40 to pass through the aerosol product 2 and be transmitted to the user.

[0070] For example, the vaporizer 40 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be provided in the aerosol generation device 1 as independent modules.

[0071] The liquid storage unit stores a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit may be configured to be detachable from the vaporizer 40, or may be configured as an integral part of the vaporizer 40.

[0072] For example, the liquid composition may contain water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring, or vitamin mixture. Flavorings include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. Flavorings include ingredients that provide the user with a variety of flavors or tastes. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid composition may also contain an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0073] The liquid transfer means transfers the liquid composition of the liquid reservoir to the heating element, for example, but not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc.

[0074] The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. The heating element may also be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a wound structure around the liquid delivery means. The heating element is heated by supplying electric current and transfers heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol is generated.

[0075] For example, the vaporizer 40 may be called, but is not limited to, a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0076] Meanwhile, the aerosol generation device 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 10, the processor 20, the heater 30, and the vaporizer 40. For example, the aerosol generation device 1 includes a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generation device 1 also includes at least one sensor (such as a puff sensor, a temperature sensor, or an aerosol product insertion sensor). The aerosol generation device 1 is also fabricated with a structure that allows outside air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even when the aerosol product 2 is inserted.

[0077] 1 and 2, the aerosol generation device 1 may form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle is used to charge the battery 10 of the aerosol generation device 1. Alternatively, the heater 30 may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generation device 1 are coupled together.

[0078] The aerosol-producing product 2 is similar to a typical combustion-type cigarette. For example, the aerosol-producing product 2 is divided into a first portion containing an aerosol-generating material and a second portion containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the aerosol-producing product 2 may also contain an aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0079] The entire first part is inserted into the aerosol generation device 1, and the second part is exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part, or both the first part and the second part, may be inserted into the aerosol generation device 1. A user inhales the aerosol while holding the second part in their mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by outside air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

[0080] As one example, outside air flows in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the opening and / or closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generation device 1 and / or the size of the air passage can be adjusted by the user. This allows the user to adjust the amount of atomization, smoking sensation, etc. As another example, outside air can flow into the aerosol product 2 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the aerosol product 2.

[0081] An example of an aerosol product 2 will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0082] 3 and 4 are drawings showing examples of aerosol products.

[0083] 3, the aerosol product 2 comprises a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first portion 21 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises the tobacco rod 21, and the second portion 22 comprises the filter rod 22.

[0084] 3, the filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment, but is not limited to this. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. If necessary, the filter rod 22 may also include at least one additional segment that performs another function.

[0085] The aerosol product 2 is wrapped in at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 has at least one hole through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. In one example, the aerosol product 2 is wrapped in a single wrapper 24. In another example, the aerosol product 2 may be wrapped in two or more wrappers 24 stacked one on top of the other. For example, the tobacco rod 21 is wrapped in a first wrapper 24a, and the filter rod 22 is wrapped in wrappers 24a, 24b, and 24c. The entire aerosol product 2 may then be repackaged in a single wrapper 24e. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped in a wrapper 24b, 24c, or 24d.

[0086] The tobacco rod 21 includes an aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol-forming material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited to these. The tobacco rod 21 may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Flavoring liquids, such as menthol or humectants, may also be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying them onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0087] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in the form of a sheet or a strand. The tobacco rod 21 can also be manufactured from shredded tobacco, which is a tobacco sheet. The tobacco rod 21 can also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can uniformly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, improving the thermal conductivity of the tobacco rod and thereby improving the tobacco taste. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can also function as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 can further include a susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the exterior.

[0088] The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod with a hollow interior. The filter rod 22 may also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0089] The filter rod 22 may also be manufactured to emit a flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22, or a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22.

[0090] The filter rod 22 also includes at least one capsule 23. The capsule 23 generates a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 has a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a coating. The capsule 23 may be, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0091] If the filter rod 22 includes a segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment is made of a polymer or a biodegradable polymer. For example, the cooling segment may be made of pure polylactic acid, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling segment may be made of a cellulose acetate filter with multiple holes. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the above examples and may be any material that can cool the aerosol.

[0092] 4, the aerosol production product 3 further includes a front end plug 33. The front end plug 33 is located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 opposite the filter rod 32. The front end plug 33 prevents the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside and prevents liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 31 into the aerosol generating device (1 in FIGS. 1 and 2) during smoking.

[0093] Filter rod 32 comprises a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, first segment 321 corresponds to the first segment of filter rod 22 of FIG. 3, and second segment 322 corresponds to the third segment of filter rod 22 of FIG. 3.

[0094] The diameter and overall length of the aerosol product 3 correspond to those of the aerosol product 2 in Figure 3. For example, but not limited to, the length of the front end plug 33 is about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 is about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 is about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 is about 14 mm.

[0095] The aerosol product 3 is wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 has at least one hole for allowing outside air to flow in or for allowing internal gas to flow out. For example, the front end plug 33 is wrapped by the first wrapper 35a, the tobacco rod 31 is wrapped by the second wrapper 35b, the first segment 321 is wrapped by the third wrapper 35c, and the second segment 322 is wrapped by the fourth wrapper 35d.

[0096] The entire aerosol product 3 may then be repackaged using the fifth wrapper 35e. At least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 35e. For example, but not limited to, the perforation 36 may be formed in the area surrounding the tobacco rod 31. The perforation 36 serves to transfer heat generated by the heater 30 shown in Figures 1 and 2 to the interior of the tobacco rod 31.

[0097] The second segment 322 may also include at least one capsule 34. The capsule 34 generates a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 has a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a coating. The capsule 34 may be, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0098] An embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer-readable media are any available media accessible by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, and detachable and non-detachable media. Computer-readable media also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, detachable and non-detachable media embodied in any method or technology for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, or other transmission mechanism, and include any information delivery media.

[0099] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment and an aerosol product 2 inserted therein.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 5, an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment includes an aerosol generating device heater assembly 100, a cartridge 200, an aerosol generating device body 300, and a cap 400.

[0101] The heater assembly 100 for an aerosol generating device (hereinafter referred to as the "heater assembly") accommodates an aerosol product 2 and heats the aerosol product 2. In this case, the heater assembly 100 heats the tobacco rod of the aerosol product 2 described in Figures 3 and 4 to heat the aerosol-generating material contained in the aerosol product 2.

[0102] The heater assembly 100 may be coupled to the aerosol generation device body 300 and fixed thereto.

[0103] An aerosol-generating material is stored inside the cartridge 200, and the aerosol-generating material stored in the cartridge 200 is supplied to a heating unit included in the cartridge 200. The aerosol-generating material is then aerosolized in a chamber included in the cartridge 200 by the heating unit. In the present invention, the term "aerosol" refers to particles generated when the aerosol-generating material is heated and vapor is generated and mixed with air, and this term may be used interchangeably hereinafter. The heating unit and the chamber will be described in detail below.

[0104] The cartridge 200 is connected or fluidly connected to the heater assembly 100. As a result, the aerosol generated in the chamber of the cartridge 200 can pass through the aerosol product 2 housed in the heater assembly 100 and be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1. At this time, the aerosol generated in the chamber of the cartridge 200 is discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1 together with the aerosol generating material or additive material contained in the aerosol product 2 that is heated by the heater assembly 100. A user can bring their mouth to the aerosol product 2 and inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1 through the aerosol product 2.

[0105] The aerosol generation device body 300 is located below (e.g., at the portion facing the -z direction) the heater assembly 100, the cartridge 200, and the cap 400, and supports the heater assembly 100, the aerosol generation device body 300, and the cap 400. Components for operating the aerosol generation device 1 may be arranged inside the aerosol generation device body 300.

[0106] The cap 400 may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the heater assembly 100, at least a portion of the cartridge 200, and at least a portion of the aerosol generation device body 300. For example, the cap 400 may be coupled to the aerosol generation device body 300 so as to surround the entire exterior of the heater assembly 100 and the cartridge 200. The cap 400 protects the heater assembly 100, the cartridge 200, and the aerosol generation device body 300 from external impact or the inflow of external foreign matter.

[0107] The coupling relationship between the aerosol generation device main body 300 and the cap 400 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

[0108] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generation device 1 shown in FIG. 5, showing the cap 400 and the aerosol generation device main body 300 disassembled.

[0109] 6, an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment includes a heater assembly 100, a cartridge 200, an aerosol generating device body 300, and a cap 400. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 5, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0110] The heater assembly 100 is disposed on one side (e.g., in the +x direction) of the cartridge 200. A receiving space for receiving the aerosol product 2 is formed in the heater assembly 100, and the receiving space may be connected to the cartridge 200. As a result, the aerosol generated in the cartridge 200 can move to the receiving space.

[0111] Cartridge 200 includes a storage portion 210 in which an aerosol-generating substance is stored, and a chamber 220 connected to storage portion 210 .

[0112] The aerosol-forming material stored in storage section 210 may include a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor components, or may include a liquid composition containing non-tobacco materials.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the liquid composition contains any one or a mixture of water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring, and vitamin mixture. Flavorings include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit-flavored ingredients. Flavorings include ingredients that provide various flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid composition also contains an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0114] For example, the liquid composition may include a glycerin and propylene glycol solution in any weight ratio to which a nicotine salt has been added. The liquid composition may also include two or more nicotine salts. The nicotine salt may be formed by adding a suitable acid, including an organic or inorganic acid, to nicotine. The nicotine may be naturally occurring or synthetic nicotine, and may be present in any suitable concentration by weight relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0115] The acid for forming the nicotine salt is appropriately selected taking into consideration the blood nicotine absorption rate, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 1, the flavor or taste, solubility, etc. For example, the acid for forming the nicotine salt can be a single acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharinic acid, malonic acid, or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group, but is not limited thereto.

[0116] Chamber 220 is connected to storage unit 210 and is a space where aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material stored in storage unit 210. Chamber 220 is located at the bottom (e.g., the portion facing the -z direction) of storage unit 210. The aerosol-generating material stored in storage unit 210 flows into the internal space of chamber 220, and the aerosol generated in the internal space of chamber 220 moves to aerosol-generating product 2 housed in heater assembly 100.

[0117] Components for operating the aerosol generation device 1 may be disposed inside the aerosol generation device main body 300. For example, a battery (not shown) and a processor (not shown) are disposed inside the aerosol generation device 300. However, the battery and the processor are merely examples of components disposed inside the aerosol generation device main body 300, and other components (e.g., a user interface, a sensor, etc.) in addition to the above-mentioned components may also be disposed inside the aerosol generation device main body 300.

[0118] The battery supplies power used to operate the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the battery is electrically connected to the heater assembly 100 and the heating section of the cartridge 200 to supply power to heat the heater assembly 100 and the heating section. As another example, the battery may also supply power necessary to operate other components of the aerosol generation device 1 (e.g., a processor, etc.).

[0119] The processor controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. The processor may be embodied as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be embodied as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor, but is not limited to these.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the processor may control the power supplied from the battery to the heater assembly 100 and the heating section of the cartridge 200. For example, the processor may control the amount of power supplied from the battery to the heater assembly 100 and the heating section and the time that power is supplied so that the heater assembly 100 and the heating section heat up to or maintain a specified temperature.

[0121] The aerosol generating device main body 300 includes a coupling portion 310 .

[0122] The cartridge 200 can be detachably coupled to the coupling part 310. The cartridge 200 is connected to the aerosol generation device main body 300 and the heater assembly 100 by being coupled to the cartridge coupling part 310. The cartridge 200 is separated from the aerosol generation device main body 300 and the heater assembly 100 by being separated from the coupling part 310.

[0123] The coupling part 310 includes a coupling body 311 and a receiving hole 312 .

[0124] The coupling body 311 functions as the body of the coupling part 310, and a coupling space for coupling the cartridge 200 may be formed in the coupling body 311. When the cartridge 200 is coupled to the coupling space, the cartridge 200 may be coupled to the heater assembly 100 disposed inside the coupling body 311 and electrically coupled to the battery and processor of the aerosol generation device body 300.

[0125] The receiving hole 312 is formed in the upper part of the coupling body 311 (for example, the part facing the +z direction) and is connected to the receiving space of the heater assembly 100. The aerosol product 2 is received in the receiving space of the heater assembly 100 through the receiving hole 312.

[0126] The cap 400 includes a cap body 410 , a door 420 , and a cap hole 430 .

[0127] The cap body 410 functions as a main body of the cap 400 and is detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device body 300. The cap body 410 may be disposed to surround the outside of the cartridge 200 and the coupling portion 310. A door guide hole into which at least a portion of the door 420 is inserted to guide the movement of the door 420 may be formed in the cap body 410.

[0128] The door 420 is located at the top of the cap body 410 (e.g., the portion facing the +z direction) and opens or closes the cap hole 430. The door 420 is inserted into a door guide hole of the cap body 410 and moves along one direction (e.g., the x-axis direction).

[0129] The cap hole 430 is formed in the upper part of the cap body 410 (e.g., the part facing the +z direction) and communicates with the receiving hole 312 of the coupling part 310. When the cap 400 is coupled to the aerosol generation device body 300, the aerosol product 2 can be received in the receiving space of the heater assembly 100 by passing through the cap hole 430 and the receiving hole 312 in sequence.

[0130] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generation device 1 shown in FIG. 6, showing the cartridge 200 and the aerosol generation device main body 300 disassembled.

[0131] 7, an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment includes a heater assembly 100, a cartridge 200, and an aerosol generating device main body 300. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 6, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0132] The cartridge 200 is detachably coupled to the aerosol generation device body 300. For example, the cartridge 200 can be coupled to or detached from the aerosol generation device body 300 by being coupled to or detached from the coupling portion 310. When the cartridge 200 is coupled to the coupling portion 310, the cartridge 200 is connected or fluidly coupled to the heater assembly 100 and can also be electrically connected to a battery via terminals (not shown) of the aerosol generation device body 300. At least a portion of the terminal is exposed to the coupling portion 310 so as to be electrically connected to the heating portion of the cartridge 200.

[0133] When the aerosol-generating substance stored in cartridge 200 is depleted, the user can continue smoking by replacing the existing cartridge 200 with a new cartridge 200. As another example, when the performance of a component of cartridge 200 (e.g., the heating section or plate) deteriorates and a sufficient amount of aerosol is not generated or leakage of the aerosol-generating substance occurs, the user can replace the existing cartridge 200 with a new cartridge 200 to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol or prevent leakage of the aerosol-generating substance.

[0134] The structure of cartridge 200 in which the aerosol-generating substance is stored will now be described in detail.

[0135] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the cartridge 200 shown in FIG.

[0136] 8, cartridge 200 includes a storage section 210, a chamber 220, a plate 230, and a heating section 240. At least one of the components of cartridge 200 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of cartridge 200 shown in FIG. 6, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0137] The storage unit 210 stores the aerosol-generating material and may be disposed above the chamber 220 and connected or fluid-connected to the interior space of the chamber 220 .

[0138] The chamber 220 provides a space in which an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material. The chamber 220 is disposed below the storage unit 210 and on one side of the heater assembly 100, and is connected to both the storage unit 210 and the heater assembly 100. As a result, the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 210 flows into the internal space of the chamber 220, and the aerosol generated in the internal space of the chamber 220 moves to the receiving space of the heater assembly 100.

[0139] Plate 230 is disposed between storage unit 210 and chamber 220 and serves to prevent leakage of the aerosol-generating material stored in storage unit 210 to the outside of cartridge 200. For example, plate 230 may be coupled to storage unit 210 and chamber 220 by a force-fitting method, but the coupling method is not limited thereto. Plate 230 includes an elastic material such as rubber.

[0140] An aerosol-generating material inlet (not shown) is formed in the plate 230. The aerosol-generating material inlet is connected or fluidly connected to the interior of the chamber 220, and the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 210 flows into the interior space of the chamber 220 through the aerosol-generating material inlet. As a result, the aerosol-generating material flowing into the interior space of the chamber 220 can be absorbed by the wick 242 inside the chamber 220 and heated by the heating coil 241.

[0141] Heating unit 240 is disposed inside chamber 220 and functions to convert the phase of the aerosol-generating material into a gas phase. A heating unit receiving groove for receiving heating unit 240 is formed in chamber 220, and heating unit 240 is disposed in chamber 220 by being received in the heating unit receiving groove.

[0142] The heating unit 240 heats the aerosol-generating material supplied from the storage unit 210. For example, the heating unit 240 heats the aerosol-generating material supplied from the storage unit 210 to generate vapor from the aerosol-generating material, and the generated vapor is mixed with external air flowing into the chamber 220. In this way, an aerosol is generated.

[0143] The heating section 240 includes a heating coil 241 and a wick 242 .

[0144] Heating coil 241 heats the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in wick 242. Heating coil 241 can be arranged so as to be wound around wick 242. For example, heating coil 241 heats the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in wick 242 using power supplied from a battery in the aerosol generating device body.

[0145] The heating coil 241 includes a metal material that generates heat through electrical resistance. For example, the heating coil 241 includes stainless steel to prevent corrosion by the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick 242, but the metal material of the heating coil 241 is not limited thereto. In other examples, the heating coil 241 may include a metal material such as copper, nickel, or tungsten.

[0146] Wick 242 is disposed inside chamber 220 at a lower portion of storage portion 210 (eg, the portion facing the −z direction) and absorbs the aerosol-generating material that flows from storage portion 210 into the interior space of chamber 220 .

[0147] According to one embodiment, the wick 242 includes a cotton material. However, the material of the wick 242 is not limited to the above embodiment and may include other materials (e.g., glass or ceramic) depending on the embodiment.

[0148] The wick 242 is housed in a heater housing groove of the chamber 220. By housing the wick 242 in the heater housing groove, the heater 240 can be fixed in position inside the chamber 220.

[0149] The structure of the heater assembly 100 according to one embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0150] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device heater assembly 100, a cartridge 200, and an aerosol generating device main body 300, all assembled together, according to one embodiment.

[0151] 9, an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment includes a heater assembly 100, a cartridge 200, and an aerosol generating device main body 300. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0152] The heater assembly 100 according to one embodiment includes a heater 110 and a heater mounting portion 120 .

[0153] The heater 110 accommodates the aerosol product and heats the aerosol product. The heater 110 can be arranged to surround the outside of the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol generating device 1.

[0154] The heater 110 includes a heat transfer tube 110a and a film 110b.

[0155] The heat transfer tube 110a transfers heat generated in the film 110b to the aerosol product. The heat transfer tube 110a is made of a thermally conductive metal material, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or copper, or a combination thereof. The heat transfer tube 110a may have a storage space for storing the aerosol product. For example, the heat transfer tube 110a may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape.

[0156] The film 110b is disposed to surround the outside of the heat transfer tube 110a. The film 110b is electrically connected to the battery of the aerosol generation device 1, and can generate heat when electricity is applied to the film 110b. The film 110b includes a conductor for generating heat, and the conductor is electrically connected to the battery. The film 110b may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape to accommodate the heat transfer tube 110a therein. The film 110b may be formed by printing a circuit pattern, such as copper, on a flexible substrate made of a flexible material, such as polyimide, or by laminating a flexible substrate and a circuit layer using a process such as lamination.

[0157] The heater 110 described below refers to the heat transfer tube 110a and the same expression can be continued.

[0158] The heater 110 is placed on the heater mounting part 120. The heater mounting part 120 is disposed below the heater 110 (for example, in the -z direction) and is coupled to the aerosol generation device main body 300. The heater mounting part 120 can be connected to the accommodation space of the heater 110 and the chamber of the cartridge 200, respectively.

[0159] Hereinafter, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0160] FIG. 10 is a front cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation device 1 according to one embodiment taken along the line II in FIG.

[0161] 10, an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment includes a heater assembly 100, a cartridge 200, an aerosol generating device body 300, and a cap 400. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIGS. 5 to 9, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0162] The heater assembly 100 includes a heater 110 and a heater mounting portion 120 .

[0163] The heater 110 may have a receiving space 100a for receiving an aerosol product, the receiving space 100a being connected to the interior space of the heater mounting part 120 and the outside.

[0164] According to the heater assembly 100 of one embodiment, the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120 may be integrally formed by an insert injection method. As a result, the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120 are connected without a joint, and no gap is generated between the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120. Therefore, the possibility of aerosol passing through the heater assembly 100 leaking into the gap may be fundamentally prevented. Therefore, the heater assembly 100 of one embodiment may prevent malfunction or damage to components (e.g., a battery) of the aerosol generating device 1 due to leakage and increase the amount of aerosol delivered to the user.

[0165] The insert injection process is a molding method in which a material (e.g., resin) is poured into a metallic mold and then injected into the mold after a separate material, such as metal, has been inserted into the mold. Through the insert sawing process, a product in which metal and resin (e.g., thermoplastic plastic) are combined can be manufactured. In one embodiment, the metal is the heater 110, and the resin is the heater mounting portion 120.

[0166] Furthermore, the phrase "the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120 are connected seamlessly" means that there is no separate connecting means (e.g., adhesive) for connecting the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120 to each other, and the distance between the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120 is minimized so that liquid or gas cannot pass between the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120. In one embodiment, the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120 may be connected seamlessly by directly attaching the heater mounting portion 120 to the heater 110 at a contact surface between the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120.

[0167] The heater mounting portion 120 includes a mounting body 121 and an aerosol inlet 122 .

[0168] The mounting body 121 functions as the main body of the heater mounting part 120 and is integrally formed with the heater 110 by an insert injection method. The aerosol product accommodated in the accommodation space 100a may be surrounded by both the heater 110 and the mounting body 121. That is, the accommodation space 100a may be defined as the internal space of the heater 110 and a portion of the internal space of the mounting body 121. The mounting body 121 is disposed between the heater 110 and the cartridge 200.

[0169] The aerosol inlet hole 122 is formed in the mounting body 121, and the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material stored in the cartridge 200 flows into the internal space of the heater mounting part 120 through the aerosol inlet hole 122 and moves to the accommodating space 100a. The aerosol inlet hole 122 is connected to the chamber 220 of the cartridge 200 and the accommodating space 100a, respectively.

[0170] The cartridge 200 includes a storage section 210 , a chamber 220 , a plate 230 , a heating section 240 , and an airflow passage 250 .

[0171] The aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 210 flows into the chamber 220 through an aerosol-generating material inlet formed in the plate 230 and is absorbed into the wick of the heating unit 240. The heating coil of the heating unit 240 heats the wick to vaporize the aerosol-generating material. At this time, the vapor mixes with external air that flows into the chamber 220 in the direction of the white arrow shown in FIG. 10 through the airflow passage 250, generating an aerosol. The airflow passage 250 is connected to the interior space of the chamber 220. The airflow passage 250 is formed in one direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) from one side (e.g., the -x direction) of the cartridge 200, but is not limited thereto.

[0172] The aerosol generated in the internal space of the chamber 220 moves along the direction of the black arrow shown in Figure 10 through the aerosol inlet hole 122 into the internal space of the heater mounting portion 120, passes through the aerosol product contained in the storage space 100a, and is discharged outside the aerosol generating device 1.

[0173] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the shape and coupling structure of the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0174] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 10 to illustrate one embodiment of a heater assembly 100 for an aerosol generating device including a protrusion 112. As shown in FIG.

[0175] 11, a heater assembly 100 according to an embodiment includes a heater 110 and a heater mounting portion 120. At least one of the components of the heater assembly 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 100 shown in FIG. 10, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0176] According to the heater assembly 100 according to an embodiment, the heater body 111 and the mounting body 121 may be integrally formed by an insert injection method, so that no gap is formed between the heater body 111 and the mounting body 121.

[0177] At least one of the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120 includes a protrusion that protrudes toward the other. Fig. 11 shows an embodiment in which the heater 110 includes the protrusion 112, and the heater mounting portion 120 also includes the protrusion, and both the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120 may include the protrusion. The protrusion is formed integrally with the heater body 111 or the mounting body 121.

[0178] The protrusion 112 protrudes from the heater main body 111 toward the heater mounting portion 120. In this case, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 11, the distance between the first point P1 and the second point P2 increases along the heater 110.

[0179] Here, the first point P1 is defined as a portion on the inner surface 111a of the heater 110 where the heater body 111 and the mounting body 121 are connected, and the second point P2 is defined as a portion on the outer surface 111b of the heater 110 where the heater body 111 and the mounting body 121 are connected.

[0180] In the comparative example that does not include the protrusion 112, the first surface 111c of the heater 110 and the first surface 121b of the heater mounting portion 120 extend only in one direction (e.g., the x-axis direction), so the distance between the first point P1 and the second point P2 is short.

[0181] However, in the heater assembly 100 according to one embodiment, the first surface 111c of the heater 110 and the first surface 121b of the heater mounting portion 120 include portions extending in at least two directions (e.g., the x-axis direction and the z-axis direction) due to the protrusion 112, thereby increasing the area of ​​the prevention path that prevents aerosol leakage. As a result, the heater assembly 100 according to one embodiment reduces the possibility of aerosol leakage due to insert injection, while improving the ability to prevent aerosol leakage along the shapes of the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120.

[0182] The inner surface 111a of the heater 110 is one of the inner surfaces of the heater 110 facing the accommodation space 100a, and the outer surface 111b of the heater 110 is the opposite upper surface of the inner surface 111a. The first surface 111c of the heater 110 is the lower surface of the heater 110 facing the heater mounting portion 120.

[0183] An inner surface 121a of the heater mounting portion 120 is one inner surface of the heater mounting portion 120 facing the accommodation space 100a, and a first surface 121b of the heater mounting portion 120 is an upper surface of the heater mounting portion 120 facing the heater 110.

[0184] The above definition of a surface may be used interchangeably below.

[0185] The inner surface 111a of the heater 110 and the inner surface 121a of the heater mounting portion 120 are connected to each other by a continuous surface, so that the inner surface 111a of the heater 110 and the inner surface 121a of the heater mounting portion 120 can be smoothly connected to each other without bending.

[0186] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 10 to illustrate one embodiment of a heater assembly 100 for an aerosol generating device including an extension portion 113. As shown in FIG.

[0187] 12, a heater assembly 100 according to an embodiment includes a heater 110 and a heater mounting portion 120. At least one of the components of the heater assembly 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 100 shown in FIG. 10, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0188] According to the heater assembly 100 according to an embodiment, the heater body 111 and the mounting body 121 may be integrally formed by an insert injection method, so that no gap is formed between the heater body 111 and the mounting body 121.

[0189] The heater 110 includes an extension 113 .

[0190] The extension portion 113 extends along a second direction (e.g., x-axis direction) that intersects with a first direction, which is the direction in which the heater assembly 100 extends (e.g., z-axis direction). In this case, the heater mounting portion 120 is disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the heater 110. For example, the heater mounting portion 120 is disposed so as to surround the entire extension portion 113 and at least a portion of the heater body 111.

[0191] The heater assembly 100 according to an embodiment has a structure that can easily fix the heater 110 to the heater mounting portion 120 because the extension portion 113 can increase the coupling area between the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120. This is because the heater 110 is prevented from moving in the first direction by the extension portion 113 extending in the second direction. Therefore, the heater assembly 100 according to an embodiment facilitates an insert injection process between the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120.

[0192] 12, the extension 113 increases the separation distance between the first point P1 and the second point P2 along the heater 110. As a result, the heater assembly 100 according to one embodiment reduces the possibility of aerosol leakage due to insert injection, and improves the ability to prevent aerosol leakage along the shapes of the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120.

[0193] The extension 113 extends from the heater body 111 in the second direction and is formed integrally with the heater body 111 .

[0194] The inner surface 111a of the heater 110 and the inner surface 121a of the heater mounting portion 120 are connected to each other by a continuous surface, so that the inner surface 111a of the heater 110 and the inner surface 121a of the heater mounting portion 120 can be smoothly connected to each other without bending.

[0195] 13 is an enlarged view of portion A in FIG. 10 to illustrate one embodiment of a heater assembly 100 for an aerosol generating device, which includes a first extension 113 and a second extension 114. In the present invention, the first extension 113 is the same as or similar to the extension 113 shown in FIG. 12.

[0196] 13, a heater assembly 100 according to an embodiment includes a heater 110 and a heater mounting portion 120. At least one of the components of the heater assembly 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 100 shown in FIG. 12, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0197] The heater 110 includes a first extension 113 and a second extension 114 .

[0198] The first extension portion 113 extends along a second direction (e.g., x-axis direction) that intersects with the first direction, which is the extension direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the heater assembly 100. The first extension portion 113 is the same as the extension portion 113 shown in FIG. 12, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0199] The second extension portion 114 extends along a first direction (e.g., z-axis direction) that intersects with the second direction (e.g., x-axis direction) in which the first extension portion 113 extends. For example, the second extension portion 114 extends downward (e.g., −z direction) from the first extension portion 113 and is formed integrally with the first extension portion 113.

[0200] In this case, the heater mounting portion 120 is disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the heater 110. For example, the heater mounting portion 120 is disposed so as to surround the entire first extension portion 113, the entire second extension portion 114, and at least a portion of the heater body 111.

[0201] The heater assembly 100 according to an embodiment has a structure that can more easily fix the heater 110 to the heater mounting portion 120 because the first extension portion 113 and the second extension portion 114 can increase the coupling area between the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120. This is because the heater 110 is prevented from moving in the first direction by the first extension portion 113 extending in the second direction, and is prevented from moving in the second direction by the second extension portion 114 also extending in the first direction. Therefore, the heater assembly 100 according to an embodiment further facilitates an insert injection process between the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120.

[0202] 13, the first extension portion 113 and the second extension portion 114 further increase the separation distance between the first point P1 and the second point P2 along the heater 110. As a result, the heater assembly 100 according to an embodiment can further improve the ability to prevent aerosol leakage along the shapes of the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120 while reducing the possibility of aerosol leakage due to insert injection.

[0203] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 10 to explain the heater assembly 100 for an aerosol generating device including the seal ring 130. As shown in FIG.

[0204] 14, a heater assembly 100 according to one embodiment includes a heater 110, a heater mounting portion 120, and a seal ring 130. At least one of the components of the heater assembly 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 100 shown in FIG. 12, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0205] The seal ring 130 is disposed so as to surround both the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120. This further improves the ability to prevent aerosol leakage. For example, the seal ring 130 is disposed at the second point P2.

[0206] The seal ring 130 is formed in a circular ring shape and includes a rubber material.

[0207] Meanwhile, although not shown, the heater assembly 100 according to one embodiment shown in FIG. 14 further includes at least one of the components (e.g., the second extension portion 114) of the heater assembly 100 shown in FIG. 13.

[0208] Figure 15 is an enlarged view of part A in Figure 10 to explain one embodiment of a heater assembly 100 for an aerosol generating device in which the inner surface 111a of the heater 110 and the inner surface 121a of the heater mounting portion 120 are spaced apart.

[0209] 15, a heater assembly 100 according to an embodiment includes a heater 110 and a heater mounting portion 120. At least one of the components of the heater assembly 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 100 shown in FIG. 12, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0210] The inner surface 111a of the heater 110 is spaced apart from the inner surface 121a of the heater mounting portion 120. In one embodiment, the inner surface 121a of the heater mounting portion 120 is spaced apart from the inner surface 111a of the heater 110 toward the accommodation space 100a.

[0211] In this embodiment, the heater mounting portion 120 is disposed to surround the entire outer surface of the extension portion 113 and at least a portion of the heater body 111. In this embodiment, the bonding area between the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120 is further increased compared to the embodiment shown in Fig. 12. This is because, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 12, the inner surface 111a of the heater 110 is completely open toward the receiving space 100a, whereas in the embodiment shown in Fig. 15, a portion of the inner surface 111a of the heater 110 is surrounded by the mounting body 121. Therefore, the heater assembly 100 according to this embodiment further facilitates the insert injection molding method between the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120.

[0212] 15, the extension 113 further increases the separation distance between the first point P1 and the second point P2 along the heater 110. As a result, the heater assembly 100 according to one embodiment can further improve the ability to prevent aerosol leakage along the shapes of the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120 while reducing the possibility of aerosol leakage due to insert injection.

[0213] In another embodiment, the inner surface 111a of the heater 110 may be spaced apart from the inner surface 121a of the heater mounting portion 120 toward the accommodation space 100a.

[0214] Meanwhile, although not shown, the heater assembly 100 according to one embodiment shown in FIG. 15 further includes at least one of the components of the heater assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 (e.g., the second extension 114, the seal ring 130).

[0215] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 10 for explaining another embodiment of the heater assembly 100 for an aerosol generating device.

[0216] 16, a heater assembly 100 according to an embodiment includes a heater 110 and a heater mounting portion 120. At least one of the components of the heater assembly 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 100 shown in FIG. 12, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0217] The heater 110 includes a heater body 111 that extends in one direction (for example, the z-axis direction) and is integrally formed with a mounting body 121 by insert injection.

[0218] The heater mounting part 120 has a heater insertion groove into which at least a portion of the heater body 111 is inserted. When at least a portion of the heater body 111 is inserted into the heater insertion groove, the heater mounting part 120 is disposed to surround at least a portion of the heater body 111.

[0219] In this embodiment, the separation distance between the first point P1 and the second point P2 along the heater 110 also increases, as shown by the dotted line in FIG.

[0220] 16, the inner surface 111a of the heater 110 may be spaced apart from the inner surface 121a of the heater mounting portion 120. In one embodiment, the inner surface 121a of the heater mounting portion 120 is spaced apart from the inner surface 111a of the heater 110 toward the accommodating space 100a.

[0221] Meanwhile, although not shown, the heater assembly 100 according to one embodiment shown in FIG. 16 further includes at least one of the components of the heater assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 (e.g., the second extension 114, the seal ring 130).

[0222] FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. 10 for explaining yet another embodiment of the heater assembly 100 for an aerosol generating device.

[0223] 17, a heater assembly 100 according to an embodiment includes a heater 110 and a heater mounting portion 120. At least one of the components of the heater assembly 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 100 shown in FIG. 12, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0224] The heater 110 includes a first surface 111c facing the heater mounting portion 120 and a second surface 111d opposite the first surface 111c. The first surface 111c is the lower surface of the heater 110, and the second surface 111d is the upper surface of the heater 110.

[0225] In one embodiment, a first diameter D1 of the lower portion of the heater 110 is larger than a second diameter D2 of the upper portion of the heater 110. That is, a first length L1 of the first surface 111c is larger than a second length L2 of the second surface 111d.

[0226] This increases the bonding area between the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120. Therefore, the heater assembly 100 according to the embodiment facilitates an insert injection process between the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120.

[0227] Meanwhile, although not shown, the heater assembly 100 according to one embodiment shown in FIG. 17 further includes at least one of the components of the heater assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 (e.g., the second extension 114, the seal ring 130).

[0228] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a modified example of the coupling structure between the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120. In FIG.

[0229] Referring to FIG. 18, a heater assembly 100 according to one embodiment includes a heater 110 and a heater mounting portion 120 .

[0230] A screw thread 115 is formed on the outer surface of the heater 110. The screw thread 115 is formed along the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the heater 110. The screw thread 115 of the heater 110 is inserted into a screw groove (not shown) formed on the inner surface of the heater mounting portion 120.

[0231] Even in this embodiment, the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120 may be integrally formed by insert injection. That is, the heater assembly 100 shown in Fig. 18 may be manufactured by placing the heater 110, on which the threads 115 are formed, in a mold and then injecting a resin that forms the heater mounting portion 120 into the mold. In this embodiment, the threads 115 increase the bonding area between the heater 110 and the heater mounting portion 120, and also increase the area of ​​the prevention path that prevents aerosol leakage.

[0232] FIG. 19 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0233] The aerosol generation device 1 includes a control unit 1000, a sensing unit 2000, an output unit 3000, a battery 4000, a heater 5000, a user input unit 6000, a memory 7000, and a communication unit 8000. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 19. That is, a person skilled in the art would understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 19 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0234] The sensing unit 2000 senses the state of the aerosol generation device 1 or the state around the aerosol generation device 1, and transmits the sensed information to the control unit 1000. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1000 controls the aerosol generation device 1 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 5000, restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert an aerosol product (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.), and displaying notifications.

[0235] The sensing unit 2000 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 2100, an insertion third sensor 2200, and a puff sensor 2300, but is not limited thereto.

[0236] The temperature sensor 2100 senses the temperature to which the heater 5000 (or the aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 5000, or the heater 5000 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 2100 may be disposed around the battery 4000 so as to monitor the temperature of the battery 4000.

[0237] The insertion third sensor 2200 detects the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product product. For example, the insertion third sensor 2200 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and detects a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product product.

[0238] The puff sensor 2300 detects a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, such as a temperature change, a flow rate change, a voltage change, or a pressure change.

[0239] The sensing unit 2000 further includes at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor in addition to the above-described sensors 2100 to 2300. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a skilled artisan from its name, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0240] The output unit 3000 outputs and provides to a user information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1. The output unit 3000 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 3100, a haptic unit 3200, and an audio output unit 3300. When the display unit 3100 and a touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 3100 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0241] The display unit 3100 visually provides a user with information about the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the information about the aerosol generation device 1 refers to various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 4000 of the aerosol generation device 1, the preheating status of the heater 5000, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol product, or a status that restricts the use of the aerosol generation device 1 (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display unit 3100 outputs the information to the outside. The display unit 3100 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display unit 3100 may also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0242] The haptic unit 3200 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the haptic unit 3200 includes a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0243] The acoustic output unit 3300 audibly provides the user with information about the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 3300 converts an electric signal into an acoustic signal and outputs it to the outside.

[0244] The battery 4000 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generation device 1. The battery 4000 supplies power to heat the heater 5000. The battery 4000 also supplies power necessary for the operation of other components provided within the aerosol generation device 1 (e.g., the sensing unit 2000, the output unit 3000, the user input unit 6000, the memory 7000, and the communication unit 8000). The battery 4000 is a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 4000 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0245] The heater 5000 receives power from the battery 4000 and heats the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Fig. 19, the aerosol generation device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 4000 and supplies it to the heater 5000. Furthermore, when the aerosol generation device 1 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generation device 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 4000 into AC power supply.

[0246] The control unit 1000, the sensing unit 2000, the output unit 3000, the user input unit 6000, the memory 7000, and the communication unit 8000 perform their functions by receiving power from a battery 4000. Although not shown in FIG. 19 , a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, may be further included to convert the power of the battery 4000 and supply it to each component.

[0247] In one embodiment, the heater 5000 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Additionally, the heater 5000 may be embodied as, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate having conductive tracks disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0248] In another embodiment, heater 5000 is an induction heater, for example, heater 5000 includes a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0249] The user input unit 6000 receives information input by a user or outputs information to a user. For example, the user input unit 6000 may be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (such as a contact-type capacitance type, a pressure-type resistive film type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, or a piezoelectric effect type), a jog wheel, or a jog switch. Although not shown in FIG. 19 , the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, through which the aerosol generating device 1 can connect to other external devices to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 4000.

[0250] The memory 7000 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generation device 1, and stores data that has been processed by the control unit 1000 and data to be processed by the control unit 1000. The memory 7000 includes at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 7000 stores the operating time of the aerosol generation device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data regarding the user's smoking pattern.

[0251] The communication unit 8000 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 8000 includes a short-range communication unit 8100 and a wireless communication unit 8200.

[0252] The short-range communication unit 8100 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a short-range wireless communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a ZigBee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0253] The wireless communication unit 8200 includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 8200 can identify and authenticate the aerosol generation device 1 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

[0254] The control unit 1000 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 1000 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may also be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0255] The control unit 1000 controls the temperature of the heater 5000 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 4000 to the heater 5000. For example, the control unit 1000 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 4000 and the heater 5000. In another example, a heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the heater 5000 in response to a control command from the control unit 1000.

[0256] The control unit 1000 analyzes the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000 and controls subsequent processes. For example, the control unit 1000 controls the power supplied to the heater 5000 so that the operation of the heater 5000 starts or ends based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000. As another example, the control unit 1000 controls the amount of power supplied to the heater 5000 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater 5000 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000.

[0257] The control unit 1000 controls the output unit 3000 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 2000. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 2300 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 1000 can notify the user through at least one of the display unit 3100, the haptic unit 3200, and the audio output unit 3300 that the aerosol generating device 1 will soon end.

[0258] An embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer-readable media are any available media accessible by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, and detachable and non-detachable media. Computer-readable media also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, detachable and non-detachable media embodied in any method or technology for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, or other transmission mechanism, and include any information delivery media.

[0259] The above description of the embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope of the claims should be construed as being included in the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. a heater that forms a storage space for storing an aerosol product and heats the aerosol product stored in the storage space; A heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a heater mounting portion connected to the heater so that the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substance flows into the aerosol product contained in the storage space, and inserted and injected into the heater.

2. The heater assembly for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the heater and the heater mounting portion are integrally formed.

3. The heater assembly for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the heater and the heater mounting portion includes a protrusion protruding toward the other one.

4. The heater assembly for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the heater includes an extension portion extending in a direction transverse to the extension direction of the heater mounting portion.

5. The heater assembly for an aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , wherein the heater mounting portion is connected to the heater so as to surround the entire outer side of the extension portion.

6. 5. The heater assembly for an aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein an inner surface of the heater facing the accommodation space and an inner surface of the heater mounting portion facing the accommodation space are connected by a continuous surface.

7. 2. A heater assembly for an aerosol generating device as described in claim 1, wherein the heater includes a first extension portion extending along a second direction intersecting a first direction in which the heater mounting portion extends, and a second extension portion extending from the first extension portion along the first direction.

8. The heater assembly for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a seal ring disposed to surround both the heater and the heater mounting portion.

9. The heater assembly for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the heater extends in an extending direction of the heater mounting portion and is insert-injected into the heater mounting portion.

10. The heater is a film that generates heat when electricity is applied; 2. The heater assembly for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising: a heat transfer tube positioned inside the film and transferring heat generated in the film to the aerosol product contained in the storage space.

11. The heater assembly for an aerosol generating device according to claim 10 , wherein the heater mounting portion and the insert-injected one are the heat transfer tube.

12. The heater assembly for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the heater mounting portion includes an aerosol inlet port connected to a chamber that is a space in which the aerosol is generated.

13. a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which contains the aerosol product and heats the aerosol product; a cartridge for storing the aerosol generating material and coupled to the heater assembly for the aerosol generating device so that the generated aerosol is transferred to the aerosol product.

14. The cartridge comprises: a storage section in which the aerosol-generating substance is stored; a heating unit that absorbs the aerosol-forming material stored in the storage unit and heats the aerosol-forming material; and a chamber that houses the heating unit and provides a space in which the aerosol is generated.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 13 , wherein the aerosol generated in the cartridge is discharged to the outside through the aerosol producing article housed in a heater assembly for the aerosol generating device.

Images