Heater module for aerosol generating device, cartridge for aerosol generating device, and aerosol generating device

Abstract

The heater module for an aerosol generating device includes a heater module body that is detachably connected to a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material and has an inlet through which external air flows in; a wick that is disposed in the heater module body and has a first surface facing the inlet and extending along a direction transverse to the direction in which air flows in through the inlet, and that absorbs the aerosol generating material; and a heater that is disposed on the first surface of the wick facing the inlet and heats the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heater module for an aerosol generating device, a cartridge for an aerosol generating device, and an aerosol generating device that can generate a sufficient amount of aerosol at reduced operating costs. [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 a flavored aerosol by generating aerosols from a liquid or solid aerosol generating substance, or by generating vapor from a liquid aerosol generating substance and then passing the generated vapor through a solid flavor carrier.

[0003] In particular, aerosol generating devices that use a liquid aerosol generating material have the advantages of being smaller in size, more portable, not producing smoking by-products, and easier to use than aerosol generating devices that use a solid aerosol generating material, and interest in aerosol generating devices that use a liquid aerosol generating material is gradually increasing. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating a liquid aerosol generating material may include a cartridge that stores the aerosol generating material and a heater module that heats the aerosol generating material. The heater module may include a wick that absorbs the aerosol generating material and a heater that heats the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick.

[0005] When the aerosol generating material in the cartridge is consumed and the cartridge needs to be replaced, the cartridge and heater are replaced together, rather than just the cartridge itself. As a result, the heater is replaced along with the cartridge even when the heater's service life has not yet expired, which increases the overall operating costs of the aerosol generating device.

[0006] Meanwhile, in the heater module, aerosol may be generated by mixing vapor generated by heating the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the wick with air introduced from the outside. In this case, if a sufficient amount of air is not supplied to the area where the wick is heated by the heater, the amount of aerosol generated in the heater module may decrease. Furthermore, the lack of air supplied to the area where the wick is heated may increase the likelihood of carbonization occurring in the heater module, resulting in a burnt taste for the user.

[0007] The present invention provides a heater module for an aerosol generating device, a cartridge for an aerosol generating device, and an aerosol generating device that allow replacement of only the cartridge excluding the heater, generate a sufficient amount of aerosol, and reduce the possibility of carbonization.

[0008] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one embodiment, a heater module for an aerosol generating device includes a heater module body that is detachably coupled to a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material and has an inlet through which external air flows in; a wick that faces the inlet and has a first surface that extends along a direction transverse to the direction in which air flows in through the inlet, the wick being disposed in the heater module body and absorbing the aerosol generating material; and a heater that is disposed on the first surface of the wick facing the inlet and heats the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick.

[0010] According to one embodiment, a cartridge for an aerosol generating device may include a storage section fluidly connected to the internal space of a heater module for the aerosol generating device and storing the aerosol generating material, a transmission section transporting the aerosol generating material stored in the storage section to the heater module for the aerosol generating device, and a recognition contact section spatially separated from the transmission section and electrically connected to the heater module for the aerosol generating device.

[0011] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating device main body that is detachably coupled to a heater module for the aerosol generating device, a battery disposed inside the aerosol generating device main body and electrically connected to the heater module for the aerosol generating device, and a processor that controls the power supplied from the battery to the heater module for the aerosol generating device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The heater module for an aerosol generating device, the cartridge for an aerosol generating device, and the aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention can reduce the overall cost of use.

[0013] In addition, the heater module for an aerosol generating device, the cartridge for an aerosol generating device, and the aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention can generate and supply a sufficient amount of aerosol to the user, reducing the possibility of carbonization and improving the flavor perceived by the user.

[0014] The effects of the technical concept of the present invention are not limited to the effects described 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]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heater module for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a heater module and a cartridge for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment taken along the VV cross-sectional line in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 5, seen from the bottom. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the heater module according to the embodiment taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the heater module according to the embodiment taken along the line VIII-VIII in FIG. 3. [Figure 9A] 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a recognition terminal is disposed inside a heater module for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9B] 9B is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 9A. [Figure 10]9B is a cross-sectional view of the heater module according to the embodiment taken along the line XX in FIG. 9A. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] According to one embodiment, a heater module for an aerosol generating device may include: a heater module body that is detachably coupled to a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material and has an inlet through which external air flows; a wick that faces the inlet and has a first surface that extends along a direction transverse to the direction in which air flows through the inlet, the wick being disposed in the heater module body and absorbing the aerosol generating material; and a heater that is disposed on the first surface of the wick facing the inlet and heats the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick.

[0017] The wick may further include a second surface positioned opposite the first surface and facing the cartridge, and a third surface facing the side wall of the heater module body, and the first surface may have a size larger than at least one of the second surface or the third surface.

[0018] The wick may include a contact member protruding toward the cartridge to absorb the aerosol-forming substance stored in the cartridge.

[0019] The heater module body may include an aerosol generating material inlet through which the contact member passes and through which the aerosol generating material flows.

[0020] The contact member may include a first contact member and a second contact member disposed via a discharge passage through which the generated aerosol is discharged.

[0021] The wick may surround at least a portion of an exit passage through which the generated aerosol is exited.

[0022] The heater module body may include an exhaust passage through which the generated aerosol is exhausted, and a partition wall surrounding the exhaust passage.

[0023] The heater module body may include an exhaust passage located corresponding to the inlet and extending in a direction in which air is introduced through the inlet.

[0024] The heater module for the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment may further include a heater terminal disposed on the heater module body to face the first surface and electrically connected to the heater.

[0025] The heater terminal may include a first heater terminal member that contacts the heater and has at least a portion that includes a curved surface, a second heater terminal member that is connected to the first heater terminal member, and a third heater terminal member that is connected to the second heater terminal member and electrically connected to a battery.

[0026] The heater module for the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment may further include a recognition terminal disposed in the heater module body and electrically connected to the cartridge.

[0027] The recognition terminal may include a recognition terminal body coupled to the heater module body, and a cartridge contact member that contacts the cartridge and is elastically and movably coupled to the recognition terminal body.

[0028] According to one embodiment, a cartridge for an aerosol generating device may include a storage section fluidly connected to the internal space of a heater module and storing the aerosol generating material, a transmission section transporting the aerosol generating material stored in the storage section to the heater module for the aerosol generating device, and a recognition contact section spatially separated from the transmission section and electrically connected to the heater module for the aerosol generating device.

[0029] The cartridge for the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment may further include a discharge passage through which the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating material passes through the storage unit and is discharged. The transfer unit may include a first transfer unit and a second transfer unit disposed with the discharge passage interposed therebetween.

[0030] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating device main body that can be detachably connected to a heater module, a battery disposed inside the aerosol generating device main body and electrically connected to the heater module for the aerosol generating device, and a processor that controls the power supplied from the battery to the heater module for the aerosol generating device.

[0031] The terms used in the embodiments are currently commonly used terms, and are selected as much as possible while taking into consideration the functions of the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intentions or precedents of engineers in the field, 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 must be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply the names of the terms.

[0032] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, it does not mean that it excludes other components and may further include other components, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "... unit" and "... module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and may be realized by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0033] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one of" precedes an array of elements, it modifies the entire array and not each individual element in the array. 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.

[0034] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates the aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in the interior space.

[0035] The aerosol generating device includes a heater. In one embodiment, the heater is an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater may include a conductive track, and when an electric current is passed through the conductive track, the heater may be heated.

[0036] 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 interior or exterior of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0037] Cigarettes include tobacco rods and filter rods. Tobacco rods can be made in sheet or strand form, and tobacco sheets can be made from shredded tobacco. The tobacco rod is surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to this.

[0038] 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 include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters out specific components contained in the aerosol.

[0039] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating substance.

[0040] The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating material and a body that supports the cartridge. The cartridge is detachably connected to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed integrally with the body or assembled and fixed so that it cannot be removed by a user. The cartridge may be attached to the body with the aerosol generating material stored therein. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating material may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is connected to the body.

[0041] The cartridge holds an aerosol-forming material in any one of a variety of states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state. The aerosol-forming material may include 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.

[0042] The cartridge is activated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body, and functions to convert the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge into a gas phase to generate an aerosol. The aerosol refers to a gas in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material are mixed with air.

[0043] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be 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, and the airflow passage can be configured to deliver the aerosol through the cigarette to the user.

[0044] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method refers to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing an aerosol generating material using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0045] 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 about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0046] The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol-generating substance, for example, the wick being positioned to surround or contact at least a region of the transducer.

[0047] 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.

[0048] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol-generating substance absorbed into the core is reduced by heat generated from the vibrator, and the reduced viscosity aerosol-generating substance is broken down into fine particles by ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol, but this is not limited to this.

[0049] 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 by induction heating.

[0050] The aerosol generating device includes a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil can apply 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. The susceptor is located inside the coil, and generates heat when a magnetic field is applied, thereby heating the aerosol product. Alternatively, the susceptor can be located inside the aerosol product.

[0051] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

[0052] The aerosol generating device may be configured as a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may charge a battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generating device are coupled together.

[0053] 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 them. 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, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0054] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0055] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include a heater module 10 for an aerosol generating device (hereinafter referred to as a “heater module”), a cartridge 20, and an aerosol generating device main body 30.

[0057] The heater module 10 is located between the cartridge 20 and the aerosol generating device body 30 and functions to convert the phase of the aerosol generating material into a gas phase to generate an aerosol. The heater module 10 heats the aerosol generating material supplied from the cartridge 20 to generate an aerosol.

[0058] For example, the heater module 10 may heat the aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge 20 to generate vapor from the aerosol-generating material, and the generated vapor may be mixed with external air flowing into the heater module 10 from the outside of the heater module 10. In this manner, an aerosol may be generated. In the present invention, the term "aerosol" refers to particles generated when the vapor generated by heating the aerosol-generating material is mixed with air, and this term will be used in the following description with the same meaning.

[0059] An aerosol-generating substance is stored inside the cartridge 20, and the aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 20 can be supplied to the heater module 10 arranged at the lower end of the cartridge 20 (e.g., the part facing the -z direction).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 20 may include a mouthpiece 20m for supplying aerosol to a user. For example, the mouthpiece 20m may connect or fluidly connect the interior of the heater module 10 for the aerosol generation device to the exterior of the aerosol generation device 1, and the aerosol generated inside the heater module 10 may be discharged to the exterior of the aerosol generation device 1 through the mouthpiece 20m. In this case, a user may inhale the aerosol discharged to the exterior of the aerosol generation device 1 by contacting their mouth with the mouthpiece 20m. Meanwhile, in the present invention, "fluid connection" means that components are interconnected so that a fluid such as air or liquid can flow through them, and this expression will be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

[0061] The aerosol generation device main body 30 is located at the lower end (e.g., the portion facing the -z direction) of the heater module 10 and can support the heater module 10. Components for operating the aerosol generation device 1 can be disposed inside the aerosol generation device main body 30. For example, a battery (not shown) and a processor (not shown) can be disposed inside the aerosol generation device main body 30. However, the battery and the processor are merely examples of components that can be disposed inside the aerosol generation device main body 30, and other components (e.g., a user interface, a sensor, etc.) in addition to the above-mentioned components can also be disposed inside the aerosol generation device main body 30.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 may further comprise a cover 31 for protecting the components of the aerosol generating device 1 .

[0063] The cover 31 can be arranged to surround at least a region of the heater module 10, the cartridge 20, and the aerosol generation device main body 30. The cover 31 can fix the positions of the heater module 10, the cartridge 20, and the aerosol generation device main body 30, and protect the heater module 10, the cartridge 20, and the aerosol generation device main body 30 from external impact or the inflow of foreign matter.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the cover 31 may be, but is not limited to, integrally formed with the aerosol generation device body 30. In another embodiment, the cover 31 may be detachably coupled to the aerosol generation device body 30.

[0065] The coupling relationship between the heater module 10, the cartridge 20, and the aerosol generation device main body 30 will be specifically described below with reference to FIG.

[0066] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG.

[0067] 2, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include a heater module 10, a cartridge 20, an aerosol generating device body 30, and a cover 31. 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. 1, and therefore, a redundant description will be omitted below.

[0068] Furthermore, the components of the aerosol generating device 1 are not limited to those described above, and at least one of the components described above (for example, the cover 31) may be omitted or other components may be added depending on the embodiment.

[0069] The heater module 10 may be detachably coupled to the cartridge 20. For example, the heater module 10 may be detachably coupled to the lower end (e.g., the portion facing the -z direction) of the cartridge 20. The heater module 10 may heat the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the storage portion 200 of the cartridge 20 to generate an aerosol.

[0070] In one embodiment, the heater module 10 may include a protrusion that protrudes outward. The protrusion may be inserted into or separated from a groove formed in the cartridge 20, thereby allowing the heater module 10 to be detachably coupled to the cartridge 20.

[0071] In other embodiments, the heater module 10 may be removably coupled to the cartridge 20 by coupling or decoupling a first coupling member (not shown) located in a region of the heater module 10 facing the cartridge 20 to a second coupling member (not shown) located on the lower end surface of the cartridge 20.

[0072] However, the method of connecting the cartridge 20 and the heater module 10 is not limited to this.

[0073] When the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage portion 200 of the cartridge 20 is depleted, the user can continue smoking by replacing the existing cartridge 20 with a new cartridge 20. As another example, when the performance of a component (e.g., heater or wick) of the heater module 10 deteriorates and a sufficient amount of aerosol is not being generated, the user can replace the existing heater module 10 with a new heater module 10 to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol.

[0074] When the aerosol generating material stored in the storage unit 200 of the cartridge 20 is consumed and the cartridge 20 needs to be replaced, the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may be implemented with a structure in which only the cartridge 20 is replaced and the heater module 10 is reusable. The heater module 10 according to an embodiment may be implemented with a reusable structure because the heater module 10 according to the embodiment is detachably coupled to the cartridge 20. As a result, even when the cartridge 20 needs to be replaced, components such as the heater included in the heater module 10 do not need to be replaced together, thereby reducing the overall usage cost of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the heater module 10 may include a heater module body 100, an aerosol-generating material inlet 101 connecting the interior of the heater module 10 with the interior of the storage unit 200, an air inlet 102 for allowing external air to flow into the interior of the heater module 10, and an exhaust passage 103 for exhausting the aerosol generated inside the heater module 10 to the outside.

[0076] The heater module body 100 functions as the body of the heater module 10 and can form the overall outer shape of the heater module 10. The heater module body 100 can be removably coupled to the cartridge 20.

[0077] The aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 200 of the cartridge 20 flows into the heater module 10 through the aerosol-generating material inlet 101, and a heater disposed inside the heater module 10 heats the aerosol-generating material supplied from the storage unit 200. The components disposed inside the heater module 10 will be described in detail below.

[0078] External air flows into the heater module 10 through the air inlet 102, and inside the heater module 10, the external air flows in and mixes with the vapor generated by heating the aerosol-generating material, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0079] The aerosol generated inside the heater module 10 flows from the heater module 10 to the cartridge 20 through an exhaust passage 103 disposed in a region of the heater module 10 toward the cartridge 20, and can then be exhausted to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1 through the mouthpiece 20m. For example, when the user inhales through the mouthpiece 20m, the pressure inside the cartridge 20 decreases, causing the air and / or aerosol inside the heater module 10 to move from the heater module 10 to the inside of the cartridge 20, and the user can inhale the air and / or aerosol that has moved into the inside of the cartridge 20.

[0080] Cartridge 20 may include a storage portion 200 in which the aerosol-generating substance is stored.

[0081] When the cartridge 20 and the heater module 10 are combined, the storage unit 200 is connected or fluidly connected to the internal space of the heater module 10, so that the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 200 can flow into the internal space of the heater module 10.

[0082] In this case, the aerosol-forming material stored in the storage unit 200 may include a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid composition containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the liquid composition may contain any one or a mixture of water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring, and vitamin mixture. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavoring ingredients. The flavoring may include ingredients that can 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 include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0084] 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 include two or more nicotine salts. The nicotine salt may be formed by adding a suitable acid, including an organic acid or an inorganic acid, to nicotine. The nicotine may be naturally occurring or synthetic nicotine and may have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0085] The acid for forming the nicotine salt may be appropriately selected taking into consideration the rate of nicotine absorption in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 1, the flavor or taste, solubility, etc. For example, the acid for forming the nicotine salt may be, but is not limited to, 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.

[0086] The aerosol generation device body 30 may be detachably coupled to a lower portion (e.g., a portion facing the -z direction) of the heater module 10 to support the heater module 10. For example, at least one region of the aerosol generation device body 30 may be inserted into an insertion groove formed on the lower end surface of the heater module 10 or may be detachably coupled to the heater module 10 in a manner of being separated from the insertion groove, but the coupling method between the heater module 10 and the aerosol generation device body 30 is not limited thereto.

[0087] According to one embodiment, components for operating the aerosol generation device 1 may be arranged inside the aerosol generation device main body 30. For example, a battery (not shown) for power supply and a processor (not shown) for controlling the operation of the aerosol generation device 1 may be arranged inside the aerosol generation device main body 30.

[0088] The battery can supply power used to operate the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the battery can be electrically connected to the heater module 10 and supply power to heat the heater of the heater module 10. As another example, the battery can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components of the aerosol generation device 1 (e.g., a processor, etc.).

[0089] The processor can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. The processor may also be embodied by an array of multiple logic gates, and may be embodied by, but is not limited to, a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the processor may control the power supplied from the battery to the heater of the heater module 10. For example, the processor may control the amount of power supplied from the battery to the heater and the time for which power is supplied so that the heater of the heater module 10 heats up to or maintains a specified temperature.

[0091] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 enables replacement of the cartridge 20 and / or the heater module 10 through a structure in which the cartridge 20 and the heater module 10 are detachably connected and the heater module 10 and the aerosol generating device main body 30 are detachably connected.

[0092] The components of the heater module 10 according to the embodiment will be specifically described below.

[0093] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a heater module for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0094] The heater module 10 shown in FIG. 3 is one embodiment of the heater module 10 of the aerosol generating device 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2, and a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0095] 3, heater module 10 according to one embodiment may include heater module body 100, aerosol generating material inlet 101, air inlet 102, exhaust passage 103, and wick 110. At least one of the components of heater module 10 according to one embodiment may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of heater module 10 shown in FIG.

[0096] The aerosol-generating material inlet 101 may serve to allow the aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge to flow into the heater module 10. For example, the aerosol-generating material inlet 101 may be disposed in a region (e.g., a region facing the +z direction) of the heater module 10 coupled to the cartridge, and the aerosol-generating material stored in a storage portion of the cartridge may flow into the heater module 10 through the aerosol-generating material inlet 101.

[0097] The air inlet 102 may serve to introduce air outside the heater module 10 (hereinafter, "external air") into the heater module 10. The air inlet 102 may be formed in a region of the heater module body 100 at a position spaced apart from the aerosol generating material inlet 101. For example, the air inlet 102 may be formed in a side portion (e.g., a portion facing the +x direction) of the heater module body 100. The external air may pass through the air inlet 102 and enter the heater module 10.

[0098] The external air introduced into the heater module 10 can travel along the airflow passages disposed inside the heater module 10 to the chamber where the aerosol is generated.

[0099] The discharge passage 103 may serve to discharge aerosol generated inside the heater module 10 and / or air introduced into the heater module 10 to the outside of the heater module 10. The discharge passage 103 may be formed in a region of the heater module body 100 at a position spaced apart from each of the aerosol generating material inlet 101 and the air inlet 102. For example, the discharge passage 103 may be formed in a middle portion of the heater module body 100 at the top (e.g., a portion facing the +z direction) of the heater module body 100. The middle portion of the heater module body 100 may also be a portion spaced apart from both one side (e.g., the +x direction) and the other side (e.g., the -x direction) of the heater module body 100 at the same position.

[0100] The wick 110 can absorb the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the cartridge and allow the aerosol-generating substance to flow into the heater module 10. The wick 110 is entirely located inside the heater module body 100, and one region of the wick 110 (e.g., the portion facing the +z direction) can be exposed to the outside of the heater module 10 through the aerosol-generating substance inlet 101. The one region of the wick 110 exposed to the outside of the heater module 10 is connected or fluidly connected to a storage portion of the cartridge, and the aerosol-generating substance can be absorbed into the wick 110 by coming into contact with the one region of the wick 110.

[0101] Wick 110 may include ceramic fiber or porous ceramic for absorbing the aerosol-generating substance. In other words, wick 110 is also a ceramic wick. However, wick 110 is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and depending on the embodiment, wick 110 may be formed of other materials (e.g., cotton or glass).

[0102] The joining structure between the heater module 10 and the cartridge 20 will be specifically described below with reference to FIG.

[0103] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a heater module and a cartridge for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0104] 4, an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may include a heater module 10 and a cartridge 20. The heater module 10 shown in Fig. 4 is the same as or similar to the heater module 10 shown in Fig. 3, and the cartridge 20 shown in Fig. 4 is the same as or similar to the cartridge 20 shown in Figs. 1 and 2, so redundant description will be omitted below.

[0105] According to one embodiment, heater module 10 may include heater module body 100 , aerosol generating material inlet 101 , exhaust passage 103 , wick 110 , and identification terminal 140 .

[0106] The heater module 10 may further include a passage partition 130a surrounding the outside of the discharge passage 103. The passage partition 130a may be disposed in the heater module body 100 so as to surround the discharge passage 103. The passage partition 130a prevents aerosol generated inside the heater module body 100 and / or air flowing into the heater module body 100 from flowing between the cartridge 20 and the heater module 10. Thus, the heater module 10 according to one embodiment reduces the possibility of damage to internal components of the aerosol generation device 1 due to aerosol and / or air flowing between the cartridge 20 and the heater module 10.

[0107] The passage partition 130a may extend upward (for example, in the +z direction) from the heater module body 100. The passage partition 130a may be formed integrally with the heater module body 100.

[0108] According to one embodiment, a region of the wick 110 (e.g., a portion facing the +z direction) may be exposed to the outside of the heater module body 100. When the cartridge 20 is coupled to the heater module 10, the exposed region of the wick 110 may come into contact with the transmission part 210 of the cartridge 20. The exposed regions of the wick 110 may be arranged on either side of the discharge passage 103.

[0109] The recognition terminal 140 may be electrically connected to the cartridge 20. The recognition terminal 140 may be entirely housed inside the heater module body 100. One region of the recognition terminal 140 (e.g., a portion facing the +z direction) may be exposed to the outside of the heater module body 100, and for this reason, a hole through which the one region of the recognition terminal 140 passes may be formed in one region of the heater module body 100 (e.g., a surface facing the +z direction).

[0110] The identification terminals 140 may include, but are not limited to, conductive materials.

[0111] The cartridge 20 may include a transmission portion 210 , a discharge passage 220 , and a recognition contact portion 230 .

[0112] The transfer unit 210 can absorb and temporarily store the aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage unit of the cartridge 20, and transfer the aerosol-generating substance to the wick 110 of the heater module 10. When the heater module 10 and the cartridge 20 are coupled to each other, the transfer unit 210 can come into contact with the wick 110.

[0113] The transmitting portion 210 may include ceramic fiber or porous ceramic for absorbing the aerosol-generating substance. In other words, the transmitting portion 210 is also a ceramic core. As another example, the transmitting portion 210 may be made of a fiber material such as felt. However, the transmitting portion 210 is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and according to the embodiment, the transmitting portion 210 may include other materials (e.g., cotton or glass).

[0114] The transmission parts 210 may be arranged on the cartridge 20 so as to correspond to the core 110. In one embodiment, the transmission parts 210 may be arranged on either side of the discharge passage 220 of the cartridge 20.

[0115] The transfer portion 210 and the wick 110 may be formed so that the contact areas between them have the same shape and / or size. For example, the contact area between the transfer portion 210 and the wick 110 may be formed in a rectangular shape. However, this is merely an example, and the transfer portion 210 and the wick 110 may be formed in other shapes as long as the transfer portion 210 and the wick 110 contact each other and transfer the aerosol-generating substance.

[0116] The discharge passage 220 may function to discharge aerosol and / or air to the outside of the cartridge 20. The discharge passage 220 of the cartridge 20 may be connected to the discharge passage 103 of the heater module 10. Thus, when the cartridge 20 is coupled to the heater module 10, the aerosol and / or air discharged to the outside of the heater module 10 through the discharge passage 103 of the heater module 10 may flow into the cartridge 20 through the discharge passage 220 of the cartridge 20. At this time, the aerosol and / or air flowing into the cartridge 20 may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 20 through the mouthpiece by the user's inhalation.

[0117] The discharge passage 220 of the cartridge 20 may be located in a middle region of the cartridge 20. The middle portion of the cartridge 20 may be a portion that is spaced apart from one side (e.g., the +x direction) and the other side (e.g., the −x direction) of the cartridge 20 at the same position.

[0118] The cartridge 20 may include a passage partition 220a surrounding the outside of the discharge passage 220. The passage partition 220a may be disposed in the cartridge 20 to surround the discharge passage 220. The passage partition 220a prevents aerosol generated inside the heater module body 100 and / or air flowing into the heater module body 100 from flowing out between the heater module 10 and the cartridge 20. The passage partition 220a may extend downward (e.g., in the −z direction) from the cartridge 20.

[0119] When the cartridge 20 is coupled to the heater module 10, the discharge passage 103 of the heater module 10 and the discharge passage 220 of the cartridge 20 may be connected to each other. In this case, the passage partition 130a of the heater module 10 and the passage partition 220a of the cartridge 20 may be connected to each other and disposed to surround the outside of the discharge passage 103 of the heater module 10 and the discharge passage 220 of the cartridge 20. As a result, the aerosol generated inside the heater module body 100 and / or the air introduced into the heater module body 100 may move to the outside of the aerosol generation device 1 by sequentially passing through the discharge passage 103 of the heater module 10 and the discharge passage 220 of the cartridge 20.

[0120] When the cartridge 20 is coupled to the heater module 10, the passage partition 130a of the heater module 10 and the passage partition 220a of the cartridge 20 can be connected to each other without a gap, so that aerosols generated inside the heater module body 100 and / or air introduced into the heater module body 100 do not flow between the heater module 10 and the cartridge 20.

[0121] In the present invention, the term "connected to each other without a gap" means that there is no additional connecting means (e.g., adhesive) and the gap between the passage partition 130a of the heater module 10 and the passage partition 220a of the cartridge 20 is minimized so that liquids and gases cannot pass through. This expression will be used in the following description with the same meaning.

[0122] The recognition contact portion 230 may be in contact with the recognition terminal 140 of the heater module 10. The recognition contact portion 230 may be located on one side (e.g., in the -x direction) of the cartridge 20 to correspond to the position of the recognition terminal 140. When the cartridge 20 is coupled to the heater module 10, the recognition contact portion 230 is electrically connected to the recognition terminal 140, and as a result, the cartridge 20 and the heater module 10 may be electrically connected.

[0123] In the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment, the processor can control the power supplied to the heater module 10 based on the electrical connection between the recognition terminal 140 and the recognition contact portion 230. For example, if the recognition terminal 140 and the recognition contact portion 230 are electrically connected, the processor can control the supply of power to the heater module 10. This allows the heater module 10 to heat the aerosol generating substance absorbed in the wick 110.

[0124] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the processor can control a display that notifies the user of the remaining life of the heater module 10 based on the electrical connection between the recognition terminal 140 and the recognition contact unit 230. For example, if the recognition terminal 140 and the recognition contact unit 230 are electrically connected, the puff sensor senses a change in pressure inside the airflow passage, and the processor can control the display to notify the user of the remaining life of the heater module 10 based on the number of puffs sensed by the puff sensor. Although not shown, the display can be disposed on the outer surface of the aerosol generation device body.

[0125] The internal structures of the heater module 10 and the cartridge 20 will be specifically described below with reference to FIGS.

[0126] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment taken along the VV cross-sectional line in FIG.

[0127] 5, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include a heater module 10 and a cartridge 20. The heater module 10 according to an embodiment is the same as or similar to the heater module 10 shown in FIG. 4, and the cartridge 20 according to an embodiment is the same as or similar to the cartridge 20 shown in FIG. 4, so redundant description will be omitted below.

[0128] The heater module 10 may include a heater module body 100 , a wick 110 , a heater 120 , heater terminals 130 , and identification terminals 140 .

[0129] The heater module body 100 may be formed with an aerosol generating material inlet 101, an air inlet 102, a discharge passage 103, an inlet 104, a chamber 105, a recognition terminal receiving portion 106, and a waterproof partition 107. The aerosol generating material inlet 101, the air inlet 102, and the discharge passage 103 have been described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, and therefore will not be described again below.

[0130] The exhaust passage 103 may extend in a direction in which air is introduced through the inlet hole 104. In one embodiment, the exhaust passage 103 may extend in a direction in which air is introduced into the chamber 105 through the inlet hole 104 (e.g., the +z direction). As a result, the air introduced into the chamber 105 may be discharged toward the exhaust passage 103 in the same direction as the air was introduced, thereby improving the fluidity of the air discharged to the outside of the heater module 10. The exhaust passage 103 may be located corresponding to the inlet hole 104. The exhaust passage 103 may be located above the inlet hole 104 (e.g., the +z direction).

[0131] The inlet hole 104 may function to allow the air introduced through the air inlet 102 to flow into the heater module 10. The inlet hole 104 may be connected or fluidly connected to the air inlet 102 and the chamber 105. The air introduced through the air inlet 102 may travel along an airflow path inside the heater module 10 and pass through the inlet hole 104 to reach the chamber 105.

[0132] In one embodiment, the inlet hole 104 may be positioned below the wick 110 (e.g., in the -z direction), allowing air passing through the inlet hole 104 to travel upward (e.g., in the +z direction) to reach the wick 110. The inlet hole 104 may be positioned corresponding to the exhaust passage 103.

[0133] A chamber 105 (or "aerosol generation chamber") may be formed in the interior space of the heater module body 100. The chamber 105 is also the space in which the aerosol is generated within the heater module 100.

[0134] The chamber 105 is connected or fluidly connected to the storage portion 200 of the cartridge 20 through the aerosol-generating material inlet 101, and the aerosol-generating material 200a stored in the storage portion 200 of the cartridge 20 can flow into the chamber 105 through the aerosol-generating material inlet 101.

[0135] The aerosol-generating material 200a flowing into the chamber 105 may be absorbed by the wick 110. The vapor generated as the aerosol-generating material 200a absorbed in the wick 110 is heated by the heater 120 may be mixed with external air flowing into the chamber 105 along the airflow passage. As a result, aerosol may be generated in an area adjacent to one side of the wick 110 disposed in the chamber 105. The generated aerosol and / or external air may be discharged to the outside of the heater module 10 through the discharge passage 103.

[0136] The recognition terminal receiving portion 106 may receive the recognition terminal 140. The recognition terminal receiving portion 106 may be formed in the heater module body 100 at a position spatially separated from the chamber 105. For example, the recognition terminal receiving portion 106 may be located on one side (e.g., in the −x direction) of the chamber 105.

[0137] The waterproof partition 107 serves to spatially separate the chamber 105 and the recognition terminal receiving part 106. The waterproof partition 107 is located between the chamber 105 and the recognition terminal receiving part 106 and can prevent aerosols and / or droplets generated inside the chamber 105 from penetrating into the recognition terminal receiving part 106. Thus, the waterproof partition 107 can prevent the recognition terminal 140 from being broken or damaged due to aerosols and / or droplets flowing into the recognition terminal receiving part 106.

[0138] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, "droplets" refers to liquefied aerosol. That is, at least a portion of the aerosol generated in the chamber 105 may be cooled and liquefied by contact with the external air introduced into the chamber 105 through the inlet 104, and the liquefied aerosol may be expressed as droplets. These terms will be used interchangeably hereinafter.

[0139] The waterproof partition 107 may extend upward (e.g., in the +z direction) inside the heater module body 100. The waterproof partition 107 may be formed integrally with the heater module body 100. The waterproof partition 107 may also function to support the wick 110 inside the heater module body 100.

[0140] The heater module 10 may further include a support member 108 disposed within the chamber 105 .

[0141] The support member 108 can fix the position of the wick 110 inside the chamber 105. Since the wick 110 is fixed inside the chamber 105 by the support member 108, the wick 110 can stably absorb the aerosol-generating material 200a even if the heater module 10 tilts or shakes during use of the aerosol generation device 1. The support member 108 can be formed integrally with the heater module body 100.

[0142] The heater module 10 may further include an insertion groove 100h into which at least a part of the aerosol generation device body is inserted.

[0143] The insertion groove 100h may be formed in a region (e.g., a region facing the -z direction) of the heater module body 100 that is to be coupled to the aerosol generation device body. At least a portion of the aerosol generation device body may be inserted into the insertion groove 100h, thereby coupling the heater module 10 to the aerosol generation device body. For example, the heater module 10 and the aerosol generation device body may be coupled by fitting or press-fitting at least a portion of the aerosol generation device body into the insertion groove 100h, but the coupling method is not limited thereto.

[0144] The wick 110 is positioned in an area inside the chamber 105 adjacent to the aerosol-generating material inlet 101 and can absorb the aerosol-generating material 200a that flows through the aerosol-generating material inlet 101 and into the interior of the chamber 105.

[0145] At least one region of wick 110 (e.g., a region facing the +z direction) may be connected or fluidly connected to storage portion 200 through aerosol-generating material inlet 101. This allows wick 110 to absorb aerosol-generating material 200a that flows into chamber 105 through aerosol-generating material inlet 101.

[0146] The wick 110 may include a first surface 111 arranged to face the inlet hole 104. The heater 120 may be arranged on the first surface 111. In Figure 5, the first surface 111 is illustrated as being the lower surface of the wick 110 (e.g., the surface facing the -z direction), but this is merely an example, and the first surface 111 may be arranged on the other surface of the wick 110 as long as it is arranged to face the inlet hole 104.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the first surface 111 may extend along a direction transverse to the direction (e.g., the +z direction) in which air flows through the inlet 104. For example, the first surface 111 may have a plane (e.g., the xy plane) that extends along a direction perpendicular to the direction (e.g., the +z direction) in which air flows through the inlet 104. As a result, according to one embodiment of the heater module 10, a sufficient amount of air is directly supplied to the region where the wick 110 is heated by the heater 120, increasing the amount of aerosol generated within the heater module 10 and reducing the likelihood of carbonization occurring in the region where the wick 110 is heated by the heater 120.

[0148] In the comparative example in which the first surface 111 extends in the direction in which air flows in through the inlet 104, air is not sufficiently supplied to the first surface 111. For example, in the comparative example, the inlet 104 may be formed on a side surface (e.g., the -x direction) of the heater module body 100, and the first surface 111 may have a plane (e.g., the +zx direction) that extends in the direction in which air flows in through the inlet 104. In this case, in the comparative example, the air passes through the first surface 111, and therefore does not come into direct contact with the first surface 111.

[0149] Therefore, in the comparative example, even if aerosol-generating material 200a is absorbed into wick 110, a sufficient amount of air cannot be supplied to first surface 111. Therefore, according to the comparative example, the amount of aerosol generated within heater module 10 decreases, and carbonization due to heating by heater 120 arranged on first surface 111 in an air shortage situation becomes more likely.

[0150] According to one embodiment of the heater module 10, the first surface 111 extends in a direction transverse to the direction in which air flows in through the inlet 104 (e.g., the +z direction), so that a sufficient amount of air can be supplied to the extended portion of the first surface 111. This allows a sufficient amount of aerosol to be generated within the heater module 10, reducing the possibility of carbonization occurring in the area where the wick 110 is heated by the heater 120.

[0151] According to one embodiment, wick 110 may further include a contact member 112 protruding toward cartridge 20 to absorb aerosol-forming substance 200 a stored in storage portion 200 .

[0152] The contact member 112 may protrude toward the cartridge 20 and contact the transfer portion 210 of the cartridge 20. The aerosol generating material 200a stored in the storage portion 200 may be transferred to the contact member 112 through the transfer portion 210 and then absorbed into the wick 110. The contact member 112 may pass through the aerosol generating material inlet 101 and be exposed to an upper portion (e.g., a portion facing the +z direction) of the heater module body 100 and contact the transfer portion 210.

[0153] According to one embodiment, aerosol-generating material 200a stored in storage unit 200 may be transferred to core 110 via two paths. To this end, contact member 112 may include first contact member 112a and second contact member 112b, and transmission unit 210 may include first transmission member 211 and second transmission member 212.

[0154] The first contact member 112a may be located on one side (e.g., in the +x direction) of the middle portion of the wick 110. When the cartridge 20 is coupled to the heater module 10, the first contact member 112a may come into contact with the first transfer portion 211 of the transfer portion 210. At least a portion of the aerosol-generating substance 200a stored in the storage portion 200 may be transferred to the first contact member 112 through the first transfer portion 211 and, as a result, absorbed into the wick 110.

[0155] The second contact member 112b may be located on the other side (e.g., in the −x direction) from the middle portion of the wick 110. When the cartridge 20 is coupled to the heater module 10, the second contact member 112b may contact the second transfer portion 212 of the transfer portion 210. At least a portion of the aerosol-generating substance 200a stored in the storage portion 200 may be transferred to the second contact member 112b through the second transfer portion 212 and, as a result, absorbed into the wick 110.

[0156] The second contact member 112b and the first contact member 112a may be disposed via the discharge passage 103. As a result, the aerosol-generating material 200a transferred through the transfer unit 210 may be absorbed into the wick 110 along two paths.

[0157] The wick 110 may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the discharge passage 103. This allows aerosol and / or air to smoothly flow into the discharge passage 103 at a region of the wick 110 surrounding the discharge passage 103. In this case, the wick 110 may be formed with a groove into which at least a portion of the discharge passage 103 is inserted. In addition, the wick 110 may be fixed in position between the discharge passage 103 and the support member 108, so that the aerosol-generating material 200a can be stably absorbed even when subjected to external vibrations.

[0158] The heater 120 can be positioned on the wick 110 facing the inlet 104. In one embodiment, the heater 120 is positioned on the first surface 111 of the wick 110 and can heat the aerosol generating substance 200a absorbed in the wick 110.

[0159] The heater 120 can heat the aerosol-generating substance 200a absorbed in the wick 110 using power supplied from a battery in the aerosol generating device body. The heater 120 may include a metallic material that generates heat through electrical resistance. For example, the heater 120 may include stainless steel to prevent corrosion by the aerosol-generating substance 200a absorbed in the wick 110, but the metallic material of the heater 120 is not limited thereto. As another example, the heater 120 may include a metallic material such as copper, nickel, or tungsten.

[0160] By disposing heater 120 on first surface 111 of wick 110, vapor can be generated by heating aerosol generating material 200a in a region of chamber 105 adjacent to first surface 111 of wick 110. The vapor generated from aerosol generating material 200a can be mixed with air flown into chamber 105 through air inlet 102.

[0161] In this case, external air may be introduced into the heater module 10 through the air inlet 102, and then flow along the airflow passage to move to the chamber 105. The airflow passage connects the air inlet 102 and the inlet hole 104, forming a flow path through which the external air and / or aerosol moves.

[0162] The heater terminals 130 may be disposed on the heater module body 100 so as to face the first surface 111 of the wick 110. The heater terminals 130 may be in contact with the heater 120 and electrically connected to the heater 120. The heater terminals 130 may transfer power generated from a battery included in the aerosol generating device body to the heater 120. For this purpose, the heater terminals 130 may be electrically connected to the heater 120 and the battery. The heater terminals 130 may include, but are not limited to, a conductive material (e.g., copper).

[0163] The recognition terminal 140 may be disposed in the heater module body 100 at a position spaced apart from the heater terminal 130. The recognition terminal 140 may be electrically connected to the recognition contact portion of the cartridge 20 and the memory or processor of the aerosol generating device body. The recognition terminal 140 may include, but is not limited to, a conductive material (e.g., copper).

[0164] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 5, seen from below.

[0165] 6, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include a heater module 10 and a cartridge 20. The heater module 10 according to an embodiment is the same as or similar to the heater module 10 shown in FIG. 5, and the cartridge 20 according to an embodiment is the same as or similar to the cartridge 20 shown in FIG. 5, so redundant description will be omitted below.

[0166] Air flowing into the heater module 10 through the air inlet 102 may flow along the airflow path and enter the chamber 105 through the inlet hole 104. The aerosol-generating substance 200a stored in the storage unit 200 may be transferred to the contact member 112 by the transfer unit 210 and absorbed into the wick 110. The aerosol-generating substance 200a absorbed in the wick 110 may be heated by the heater 120 to generate vapor, which may then be mixed with the air flowing into the chamber 105. As a result, aerosol may be generated in a region adjacent to the first surface 111 of the wick 110. The generated aerosol and / or external air may be discharged to the outside through the discharge passage 103 of the heater module 10 and the discharge passage 220 of the cartridge 20.

[0167] In this case, according to one embodiment of the heater module 10, a sufficient amount of air can be supplied to the extended portion of the first surface 111 where the heater 120 is arranged, so that a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated in an area adjacent to the first surface 111, thereby reducing the possibility of carbonization occurring in an area adjacent to the first surface 111.

[0168] The core 110 may further include a second surface 113 and a third surface 114 .

[0169] The second surface 113 is also one surface of the wick 110 facing the cartridge 20, which is positioned in the opposite direction from the first surface 111. The second surface 113 is also the top surface of the wick 110 (e.g., the surface facing the +z direction) that faces the aerosol-generating substance inlet 101 and is located between the two contact members 112.

[0170] The third surface 114 is also one surface of the wick 110 facing the side wall 100a of the heater module body 100. The third surface 114 is also a side surface of the wick 110 (e.g., a surface facing the +-x direction and the +-y direction) disposed between the first surface 111 and the second surface 113. The side wall 100a of the heater module body 100 is also a part of the heater module body 100 that surrounds the chamber 105.

[0171] According to an embodiment, the first surface 111 may have a size larger than at least one of the second surface 113 and the third surface 114. For example, the first surface 111 may have a size larger than the second surface 113 and the third surface 114. As a result, since the size of the first surface 111 is increased, the heater module 10 according to an embodiment may implement a structure in which a sufficient amount of air comes into contact with the first surface 111.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the heater 120 may include a conductive pattern printed on the first surface 111 of the core 110. For example, the heater 120 may be formed by printing a metal material (e.g., stainless steel) on the first surface 111 of the core 110 in a predetermined pattern shape, but is not limited to this.

[0173] According to another embodiment, the heater 120 may include a conductive pattern that is insert injection molded into the first surface 111 of the core 110. For example, the heater 120 may be formed by insert injection molding a metal material (e.g., stainless steel) into the first surface 111 of the core 110 in a predetermined pattern shape, but the method of forming the heater 120 or the shape of the heater 120 are not limited to those in the above-described embodiment.

[0174] According to yet another embodiment, the heater 120 may include a conductive plate disposed on the first surface 111 of the wick 110 .

[0175] The heater terminals 130 may be insert injection molded into the heater module body 100. Thus, according to the heater module 10 according to an embodiment, the heater module body 100 and the heater terminals 130 may be manufactured together through a simple manufacturing method called insert injection. Therefore, the productivity of the heater module 10 may be improved.

[0176] 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 already been inserted into the mold. For example, the heater terminal 130 may be inserted into the mold, and then the resin that will form the heater injection body 100 may be injected into the mold to manufacture the heater module body 100 to which the heater terminal 130 is coupled.

[0177] According to one embodiment, two heater terminals 130 may be disposed on the heater module body 100. The two heater terminals 130 may be in contact with the heater 120 at positions spaced apart from each other. The two heater terminals 130 may have the same function and structure, differing only in their positions on the heater module body 100, and therefore, the present invention will be described based on one heater terminal 130.

[0178] In addition, the identification terminals 140 may also be insert-injected into the heater module body 100. Thus, according to the heater module 10 according to an embodiment, the heater module body 100 and the identification terminals 140 may be manufactured together through a simple manufacturing method, i.e., insert-injection. Therefore, the productivity of the heater module 10 may be improved.

[0179] Hereinafter, the direction in which the air flowing in through the inlet hole 104 moves inside the heater module 10 and the structure of the heater module main body 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0180] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the heater module according to the embodiment taken along the line VII-VII in FIG.

[0181] 7, a heater module 10 according to one embodiment may include a heater module body 100, an exhaust passage 103, an inlet 104, a chamber 105, a wick 110, and a heater 120. At least one of the components of the heater module 10 according to one embodiment may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater module 10 shown in FIGS.

[0182] Air flowing into the chamber 105 through the inlet hole 104 can be discharged to the discharge passage 103 through the first surface 111 , the third surface 114 , and the second surface 113 of the wick 110 .

[0183] First, at least a portion of the air introduced into the chamber 105 through the inlet 104 can move toward the first surface 111 of the wick 110. At this time, since the air is directly supplied onto the first surface 111 where the heater 120 is disposed, a sufficient amount of aerosol can be generated in one area adjacent to the first surface 111.

[0184] Then, since the wick 110 is disposed in the chamber 105 at a distance from the sidewall 100a of the heater module body 100, a space may be formed between the wick 110 and the sidewall 100a. At least a portion of the air introduced into the chamber 105 through the inlet 104 may move to the third surface 114 connected to the first surface 111. At this time, since the aerosol generating material is also supplied to the third surface 114, aerosol may also be generated in an area adjacent to the third surface 114.

[0185] Then, at least a portion of the air introduced into the chamber 105 through the inlet 104 may move to the second surface 113. At this time, since the aerosol-generating material is also supplied to the second surface 113, aerosol may also be generated in an area adjacent to the second surface 113.

[0186] As described above, the heater module 10 according to one embodiment has a structure in which the aerosol-generating substance and air are supplied to the entire area of ​​the wick 110, so that a sufficient amount of aerosol can be generated in the entire area of ​​the wick 110.

[0187] The heater module body 100 may include a first module body 1001 , a second module body 1002 , a third module body 1003 , a fourth module body 1004 , and a fifth module body 1005 .

[0188] The first module body 1001 can function as the main body of the heater module body 100, housing the components of the heater module 10 (e.g., the wick 110 and the heater 120). The first module body 1001 can be formed with the inlet hole 104, the chamber 105, and the sidewall 100a described above.

[0189] The first module body 1001 may include at least one of a metal material such as copper or a resin such as polystyrene, polypropylene, or polyethylene, but is not limited to these.

[0190] The second module body 1002 may be disposed outside the first module body 1001 in one region of the first module body 1001 (for example, a region facing the +z direction). The second module body 1002 may be detachably coupled to the first module body 1001. The second module body 1002 includes a protrusion that protrudes outward, and the second module body 1002 may be coupled to the fourth module body 1004 by being sandwiched therebetween using the protrusion. The second module body 1002 may have the discharge passage 103 described above formed therein.

[0191] In one embodiment, the second module body 1002 may function to provide a seal between the first module body 1001 and the fourth module body 1004. For example, the second module body 1002 may include a rubber material.

[0192] As another example, the second module body 1002 may include the same or a different material as the first module body 1001. For example, the second module body 1002 may include at least one of a metal material such as copper, or a resin material such as polystyrene, polypropylene, or polyethylene. However, the material of the second module body 1002 is not limited thereto.

[0193] The third module body 1003 may be disposed outside the first module body 1001 in one region of the first module body 1001 (for example, a region facing the -z direction). The third module body 1003 may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the second module body 1002. The third module body 1003 may be detachably coupled to the first module body 1001. The third module body 1003 includes a protrusion protruding outward, and the third module body 1003 may be coupled to the fifth module body 1005 by being sandwiched therebetween using the protrusion.

[0194] In one embodiment, the third module body 1003 may function to provide a seal between the first module body 1001 and the fifth module body 1005. For example, the third module body 1003 may include a rubber material.

[0195] As another example, the third module body 1003 may include the same or a different material as the first module body 1001. For example, the third module body 1003 may include at least one of a metal material such as copper, or a resin material such as polystyrene, polypropylene, or polyethylene. However, the material of the third module body 1003 is not limited thereto.

[0196] The fourth module body 1004 may be disposed outside the second module body 1002 and disposed so as to entirely surround the second module body 1002. The fourth module body 1004 may include a passage partition 130a that surrounds the discharge passage 103.

[0197] In one embodiment, the fourth module body 1004 may include the same or a different material as the first module body 1001. For example, the fourth module body 1004 may include at least one of a metal material such as copper, or a resin material such as polystyrene, polypropylene, or polyethylene. As another example, the fourth module body 1004 may include a rubber material. However, the material of the fourth module body 1004 is not limited thereto.

[0198] The fifth module body 1005 may be disposed to surround the outside of at least one of the first module body 1001 to the fourth module body 1004. The fifth module body 1005 may function to protect the heater module body 100. The fifth module body 1005 may have the above-mentioned insertion groove 100h formed therein.

[0199] In one embodiment, the fifth module body 1005 may include the same or a different material as the first module body 1001. For example, the fifth module body 1005 may include at least one of a metal material such as copper, or a resin material such as polystyrene, polypropylene, or polyethylene. However, the material of the fifth module body 1005 is not limited thereto.

[0200] The structure of the heater terminal 130 will be specifically described below with reference to FIG.

[0201] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the heater module according to the embodiment taken along the line VIII-VIII in FIG.

[0202] 8, heater module 10 according to one embodiment may include heater module body 100, aerosol generating material inlet 101, chamber 105, wick 110, heater 120, heater terminals 130, PCB substrate 150, and electrical contacts 160. At least one of the components of heater module 10 according to one embodiment may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of heater module 10 shown in FIGS.

[0203] The heater module body 100 may include a first module body 1001 , a second module body 1002 , a third module body 1003 , a fourth module body 1004 , and a fifth module body 1005 .

[0204] The heater terminals 130 and the PCB substrate 150 may be disposed inside the first module body 1001. For example, the heater terminals 130 may be accommodated in one region of the first module body 1001 where the chamber 105 is formed (e.g., a region facing the +z direction), and the PCB substrate 150 may be accommodated in another region of the first module body 1001 (e.g., a region facing the -z direction).

[0205] An aerosol-generating material inlet 101 may be formed in the second module body 1002. At least a portion (contact member) of the wick 110 may be connected or fluidly connected to a storage tank of the cartridge through the aerosol-generating material inlet 101. When power is supplied to the heater 120 through the heater terminals 130, the heater 120 may heat a region of the wick 110 where the aerosol-generating material has been absorbed.

[0206] The third module body 1003, the fourth module body 1004, and the fifth module body 1005 are the same as or similar to the third module body 1003, the fourth module body 1004, and the fifth module body 1005 shown in FIG. 7, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0207] The heater 120 is disposed on the first surface 111 of the wick 110, and the heater 120 may be electrically connected to a heater terminal 130. In one embodiment, the heater 120 may be electrically connected to a battery disposed inside the aerosol generating device through the heater terminal 130, the PCB substrate 150, and the electrical contacts 160.

[0208] One side of the heater terminal 130 may be in contact with the heater 120, and the other side of the heater terminal 130 may be in contact with the PCB substrate 150. A conductive pattern may be printed on the PCB substrate 150, and the other side of the heater terminal 130 may be in contact with the conductive pattern. The conductive pattern may be formed by printing a metal material (e.g., stainless steel) on a region of the PCB substrate 150, but is not limited to this.

[0209] One side of the electrical contact 160 may be in contact with the conductive pattern of the PCB substrate 150, and the other side of the electrical contact 160 may be exposed toward the insertion groove 100h into which the aerosol generating device body is inserted. When the heater module 10 is coupled to the aerosol generating device body, the electrical contact 160 exposed toward the insertion groove 100h may be electrically connected to a battery.

[0210] The heater terminals 130 and / or the electrical contacts 160 may include, but are not limited to, a resilient conductive material. As another example, the heater terminals 130 and / or the electrical contacts 160 may include a cable or a flexible printed circuit board.

[0211] The heater terminal 130 may include a first heater terminal member 131, a second heater terminal member 132, and a third heater terminal member 133.

[0212] The first heater terminal member 131 may be in contact with the heater 120. To this end, at least a portion of the first heater terminal member 131 may protrude toward the heater 120.

[0213] According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the first heater terminal member 131 may include a curved surface, which allows the heater 120 to smoothly contact the first heater terminal member 131 without being damaged when the heater 120 contacts the heater terminal 130.

[0214] According to an embodiment, the first heater terminal member 131 may be connected to the second heater terminal member 132 so as to be elastically movable. That is, the first heater terminal member 131 may pressurize the heater 120 with a restoring force due to an elastic force. As a result, contact between the heater 120 and the heater terminal 130 may be maintained even if the heater module 10 is tilted or shaken during use of the aerosol generating device.

[0215] The second heater terminal member 132 may be connected to the first heater terminal member 131. At least a portion of the second heater terminal member 132 may include a curved surface. The second heater terminal member 132 may be disposed between the first heater terminal member 131 and the third heater terminal member 133.

[0216] The third heater terminal member 133 may be connected to the second heater terminal member 132 and may also be connected to the heater module body 100. Specifically, the third heater terminal member 133 may be connected to the first module body 1001 and fixed to the first module body 1001. The third heater terminal member 133 may extend along a direction (e.g., y-axis direction) transverse to the extension direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the heater module body 100. One region of the third heater terminal member 133 may be electrically connected to the battery through the PCB board 150 and the electrical contacts 160.

[0217] The third heater terminal member 133, the second heater terminal member 132, and the first heater terminal member 131 may be integrally formed.

[0218] The structure of the recognition terminal 140 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 9A to 10. FIG.

[0219] 9A is a view showing a state in which a recognition terminal is disposed inside a heater module for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 9B is a view showing an enlarged view of portion A in FIG. 9A. The heater module 10 according to an embodiment is the same as or similar to the heater module 10 shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0220] 9A, the recognition terminal 140 may be located in a recognition terminal receiving portion inside the heater module 10 according to an embodiment. When the cartridge 20 is connected to the heater module 10, the cartridge 20 and the heater module 10 may be electrically connected to each other through the recognition terminal 140.

[0221] The recognition terminal 140 includes a first recognition terminal 140a and a second recognition terminal 140b, and the first recognition terminal 140a and the second recognition terminal 140b may have the same or similar functions and shapes.

[0222] 9B, the recognition terminal 140 may include a recognition terminal body 141, a cartridge contact member 142, and a contact protrusion 143. Specific structures of the recognition terminal body 141, the cartridge contact member 142, and the contact protrusion 143 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0223] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a heater module according to an embodiment taken along the line XX in FIG. 9A.

[0224] 10, a heater module 10 according to an embodiment may include a heater module body 100, a recognition terminal 140, and a PCB substrate 150. At least one of the components of the heater module 10 according to an embodiment is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater module 10 shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0225] The recognition terminal body 141 functions as a body of the recognition terminal 140 and may be connected to each of the cartridge contact member 142 and the contact protrusion 143. One side of the recognition terminal body 141 may be electrically connected to the cartridge contact member 142, and the other side of the recognition terminal body 141 may be connected to the contact protrusion 143. That is, the recognition terminal body 141 may function to connect the cartridge contact member 142 connected to the cartridge to the contact protrusion 143 connected to the PCB board 150.

[0226] The recognition terminal body 141 may be coupled to the heater module body 100 while being accommodated in the recognition terminal accommodating portion 106. Thus, the recognition terminal 140 may be fixed in position inside the heater module body 100. The recognition terminal body 141 may extend along the extension direction of the heater module 100 (e.g., the z-axis direction).

[0227] The cartridge contact member 142 may be electrically connected to the cartridge. The cartridge contact member 142 may be in contact with the cartridge coupled to the upper side (e.g., in the +z direction) of the heater module body 100. For this purpose, one region of the cartridge contact member 142 (e.g., the region facing the +z direction) may be exposed to the outside of the heater module body 100, and an exposure hole 109 for exposing the cartridge contact member 142 may be formed in the heater module body 100.

[0228] The cartridge contact member 142 is directly connected to the recognition terminal body 141 included in the first recognition terminal 140a (shown in FIG. 9), but is not directly connected to the recognition terminal body 141 included in the second recognition terminal 140b (shown in FIG. 9). The recognition terminal 140 shown in FIG. 10 illustrates the first recognition terminal 140a.

[0229] The cartridge contact member 142 may include a round portion 142a. The round portion 142a allows the cartridge contact member 142 to be coupled to the recognition terminal body 141 in a resiliently movable manner.

[0230] Before the cartridge is coupled to the heater module 10 , the end 142 a 1 of the round portion 142 a can be spaced apart from a region of the recognition terminal body 141 .

[0231] When the cartridge is coupled to the heater module 10, the recognition contact portion of the cartridge can press the cartridge contact member 142 in one direction (e.g., the −z direction), thereby causing the end 142a1 of the round portion 142a to come into contact with one region of the recognition terminal body 141.

[0232] In this case, in the comparative example in which the cartridge contact member 142 is fixed and does not move elastically, the cartridge contact member 142 is fixed and does not move, so the recognition contact portion cannot smoothly contact the cartridge contact member 142. Furthermore, even after the cartridge is coupled to the heater module 10, the cartridge contact member 142 cannot press the recognition contact portion with a restoring force due to its elastic force, which reduces the contact reliability between the cartridge contact member 142 and the recognition contact portion.

[0233] According to the heater module according to one embodiment, when the cartridge is coupled to the heater module 10, the cartridge contact member 142 moves together with the cartridge in the direction in which the cartridge is coupled, so that the recognition contact portion can smoothly come into contact with the cartridge contact member 142. Furthermore, even after the cartridge is coupled to the heater module 10, the cartridge contact member 142 presses the recognition contact portion with a restoring force due to its elasticity, so that the contact reliability between the cartridge contact member 142 and the recognition contact portion can be improved.

[0234] The round portion 142a is disposed to surround a region of the recognition terminal body 141, and at least a portion of the round portion 142a may include a curved surface. A groove into which the region of the recognition terminal body 141 is inserted may be formed at an end 142a1 of the round portion 142a.

[0235] The contact protrusion 143 is coupled to the recognition terminal body 141. The contact protrusion 143 may be in contact with the PCB substrate 150. The contact protrusion 143 may include a portion that protrudes toward the PCB substrate 150. In one example, the contact protrusion 143 may be integrally formed with the recognition terminal body 141.

[0236] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0237] 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. 11. That is, a person having ordinary skill in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 11 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0238] The sensing unit 2000 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 1 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 1000. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1000 can control the aerosol generating device 1 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 5000, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol product (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0239] The sensing unit 2000 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 2100, an insertion detection sensor 2200, and a puff sensor 2300, but is not limited thereto.

[0240] The temperature sensor 2100 can sense 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 to monitor the temperature of the battery 4000.

[0241] The insertion detection sensor 2200 can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 2200 can 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 can detect a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product article.

[0242] The puff sensor 2300 can sense a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, such as a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, or a pressure change.

[0243] The sensing unit 2000 may further include 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 temperature sensor 2100, the insertion sensor 2200, and the puff sensor 2300. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0244] The output unit 3000 can output and provide 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 the touchpad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 3100 is used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0245] The display unit 3100 can visually provide 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 in which use of the aerosol generation device 1 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 3100 can output 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.

[0246] The haptic unit 3200 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the haptic unit 3200 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0247] The acoustic output unit 3300 can audibly provide the user with information about the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 3300 can convert an electric signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0248] The battery 4000 can supply power used for operating the aerosol generation device 1. The battery 4000 can supply power to heat the heater 5000. The battery 4000 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided in 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 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 4000 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0249] The heater 5000 is supplied with power from the battery 4000 and can heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Fig. 11, 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.

[0250] 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 can function by receiving power from the battery 4000. Although not shown in FIG. 11 , the device may further include a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 4000 and supplies it to each component.

[0251] 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. The heater 5000 may also be embodied by, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with a conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0252] In other embodiments, heater 5000 is an induction heater. For example, heater 5000 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0253] The user input unit 6000 can receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 6000 can 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. 11 , the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface. The aerosol generating device 1 can be connected to another external device via the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 4000.

[0254] The memory 7000 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generation device 1 and can store 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 a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 7000 can store data related to the operation time of the aerosol generation device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0255] 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.

[0256] The short-range wireless 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 Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0257] 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 also identify and authenticate the aerosol generation device 1 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

[0258] The control unit 1000 can control 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 embodied as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present embodiment may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0259] The control unit 1000 can control 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. As another example, a heating direct circuit can control the power supply to the heater 5000 in response to a control command from the control unit 1000.

[0260] The control unit 1000 may analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000 and control subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 1000 may control the power supplied to the heater 5000 so that the operation of the heater 5000 is started or stopped based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000. As another example, the control unit 1000 may control the amount of power and the power supply time supplied to the heater 5000 so that the heater 5000 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000.

[0261] The control unit 1000 can control the output unit 3000 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 2000. For example, if the number of puffs counted through 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 be shut down.

[0262] 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 both separate and non-separate media. Computer-readable media also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, separate and non-separate 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, other data in a modulated data signal, such as a program module, or other transmission mechanism, and include any information delivery media.

[0263] The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the contents of the claims should be construed as being included in the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims

1. a heater module body detachably coupled to a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material and having an inlet hole through which external air is introduced; a wick disposed in the heater module body and absorbing the aerosol-forming material, the wick having a first surface facing the inlet and extending in a direction transverse to the direction in which air flows through the inlet; a heater disposed on the first surface of the wick opposite the inlet hole, the heater heating the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick.

2. the wick further includes a second surface opposite the first surface and facing the cartridge, and a third surface facing a sidewall of the heater module body; The heater module for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the first surface has a size larger than at least one of the second surface and the third surface.

3. 2. The heater module for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the wick includes a contact member protruding toward the cartridge to absorb the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge.

4. The heater module for an aerosol generating device according to claim 3 , wherein the heater module body includes an aerosol generating material inlet through which the contact member passes and through which the aerosol generating material flows.

5. 4. The heater module for an aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the contact members include a first contact member and a second contact member disposed across an exhaust passage through which the generated aerosol is exhausted.

6. The heater module for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the wick surrounds at least a portion of an exhaust passage through which the generated aerosol is exhausted.

7. The heater module for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the heater module body includes an exhaust passage through which the generated aerosol is exhausted, and a partition wall surrounding the exhaust passage.

8. The heater module for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the heater module body includes an exhaust passage positioned corresponding to the inlet and extending in a direction in which air flows in through the inlet.

9. The heater module for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a heater terminal disposed on the heater module body so as to face the first surface and electrically connected to the heater.

10. The heater terminal is a first heater terminal member in contact with the heater, at least a portion of which includes a curved surface; a second heater terminal member connected to the first heater terminal member; 10. The heater module for an aerosol generating device according to claim 9, further comprising: a third heater terminal member connected to the second heater terminal member and electrically connected to a battery.

11. The heater module for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a recognition terminal disposed on the heater module body and electrically connected to the cartridge.

12. The recognition terminal is a recognition terminal body coupled to the heater module body; The heater module for an aerosol generating device according to claim 11, further comprising: a cartridge contact member that is in contact with the cartridge and is elastically and movably coupled to the recognition terminal body.

13. a storage section fluidly connected to the inner space of the heater module for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, the storage section storing the aerosol generating material; a transfer unit that transfers the aerosol generating material stored in the storage unit to a heater module for the aerosol generating device; A cartridge for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a recognition contact portion located spatially separated from the transmission portion and electrically connected to a heater module for the aerosol generating device.

14. The aerosol generating material may be heated, and the aerosol may be generated by heating the aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material may be heated and generated by heating the aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material may further include a discharge passage through which the aerosol generating material passes through the storage unit and is discharged. The cartridge for the aerosol generating device according to claim 13 , wherein the transmission part includes a first transmission part and a second transmission part disposed via the discharge passage.

15. an aerosol generating device main body that is detachably coupled to the heater module for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1; a battery disposed inside the aerosol generating device body and electrically connected to the heater module for the aerosol generating device; and a processor that controls the power supplied from the battery to the heater module for the aerosol generation device.

Images