Heater and aerosol generating device including the same

Abstract

The heater of the present invention includes a heating area and a flexible thin-film-shaped sheet, a heating element that is arranged in the heating area and generates heat when supplied with power, and electrodes that are electrically connected to the heating element and supply power to the heating element, and the heating element may include a first heating wire arranged along at least a portion of the edge of the heating area and a second heating wire arranged in an area surrounded by the first heating wire.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heater and an aerosol generating device including the heater, and more particularly to a heater including an electric resistance heating element that generates heat when supplied with power, and an aerosol generating device including the heater. [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] Recently, an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol-producing material has been proposed as a solution to replace the method of supplying an aerosol by extinguishing a cigarette. For example, an aerosol generating device refers to a device that generates an aerosol by heating a liquid or solid aerosol-producing material to a predetermined temperature using a heater.

[0004] An electric resistance heater can be used as a heater for electrically heating the aerosol-generating material. The electric resistance heater includes an electric resistance heating element and can generate aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating material through the flow of electric current. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An electric resistance heater includes a conductive heating wire and can be heated by passing an electric current through the heating wire. However, a resistance heater including a heating wire has problems such as reduced power consumption efficiency and heat generation efficiency due to overheating, and insufficient durability of the heater.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a heater having excellent power consumption efficiency and heat generation efficiency, and an aerosol generating device including the same.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a heater that prevents overheating and has improved durability, and an aerosol generating device including the heater.

[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, the heater includes a heating area and a flexible thin-film-shaped sheet; a heating element disposed in the heating area and receiving power to generate heat; and an electrode electrically connected to the heating element and supplying power to the heating element. The heating element may include a first heating wire disposed along at least a portion of the edge of the heating area and a second heating wire disposed in an area surrounded by the first heating wire.

[0010] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a heater, a power supply that supplies power to the heater, and a controller that controls the operation of the power supply and the heater. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The heater and the aerosol generating device including the heater according to various embodiments of the present invention provide a heating element shape that allows for uniform heat distribution, thereby improving the power consumption efficiency and heat generation efficiency of the heater.

[0012] The heater and the aerosol generating device including the heater according to various embodiments of the present invention provide a heating element shape that can prevent thermal bottlenecks and electronic bottlenecks, thereby preventing overheating and improving the durability of the heater.

[0013] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects 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. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a view showing a conductive heater according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a view showing a conductive heater according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 is a view showing a conductive heater according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 is a view showing a conductive heater according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is experimental data on the heat distribution and maximum temperature depending on the shape of the heating wire arranged in the heater. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a conductive heater according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a structural diagram showing an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view for explaining a stick heater of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 1 is a structural diagram showing an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a time-temperature graph of heating by a conductive heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if a detailed description of the related known technology is deemed to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, the detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and the technical ideas disclosed herein should not be limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

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

[0019] When a component is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component is directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that there may be other components in between. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

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

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily understand and practice the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0022] Regardless of the drawing number, the same or similar components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0023] An electric resistance heater includes a conductive heating wire and can be heated by passing an electric current through the heating wire. However, resistance heaters including a heating wire have problems such as a short heater life due to overheating and reduced power efficiency.

[0024] The present invention provides a heater that avoids the heat generation bottleneck phenomenon that occurs in the electric resistance heating wire used in the electric resistance heater, has excellent heat generation efficiency, and optimizes power consumption, and an aerosol generating device including the same.

[0025] 1 is a view showing a conductive heater according to a first embodiment, which will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0026] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the heater 10 may include a thin film-shaped sheet 11 made of a flexible material. The sheet 11 may include an electrically insulating material. The sheet 11 may include a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may include, but is not limited to, ceramics such as alumina or zirconia, anodized metals, coated metals, polyimide (PI), and the like.

[0027] The sheet 11 may be divided into regions. For example, a part of the sheet 11 may also be a heating region 111.

[0028] The heater 10 may include a heating element 12. The heating element 12 may include a conductive resistor, and the heater 10 may be heated by passing a current through the heating element 12. The heating element 12 may generate heat when power is supplied to it. The heating element 12 may be electrically connected to a power source that supplies power. The heating element 12 may be supplied with power from the power source. When a current flows through the heating element 12, the temperature of the heater 10 may increase, and the temperature of the heated region may also increase.

[0029] The heating temperature of the heating element 12 may be determined by the power consumption of the resistor of the heating element 12. The resistance value of the heating element 12 may be set based on the power consumption of the resistor of the heating element 12. The resistance value of the heating element 12 may be set by the material, length, width, thickness, and pattern of the heating element 12. The heating element 12 may have a temperature coefficient of resistance, which means that the internal resistance increases as the temperature increases. For example, the temperature and resistance of the heating element 12 may be proportional within a certain temperature range. For example, the heating element 12 may include tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium, or a combination thereof. The heating element 12 may also be doped with an appropriate doping material to include an alloy.

[0030] The heating element 12 may include one or more heating wires. The heating wires may be arranged separately on both sides of the sheet 11 or together on one side. The heating wires may be arranged in different heating areas of the sheet 11, respectively, to heat the sheet 11.

[0031] Heat line density can be defined as the area occupied by the heating element 12 within the heated region.

[0032] The heating elements 12 may be electrically connected to a power source to receive power. Each heating element 12 may be independently powered by the power source. Independent power control for multiple heating elements 12 allows for efficient control of power consumption of the heating elements 12.

[0033] Generally, the conductive heating element 12 has a limited lifespan, which may affect the lifespan of the heater 10 .

[0034] When a current flows through the heating element 12, the temperature of the sheet 11 can be increased.

[0035] The heating temperature of the heating element 12 may be determined by the power consumption of the resistor of the heating element 12. Furthermore, the resistance value of the heating element 12 may be set based on the power consumption of the resistor of the heating element 12. In this case, the resistance value of the heating element 12 may be set by the constituent material, length, width, thickness, and pattern of the heating element 12.

[0036] The heating element 12 may include an electrically resistive material. As an example, the heating element 12 may be made of a metallic material. As another example, the heating element 12 may be made of an electrically conductive ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.

[0037] The heating element 12 may be connected to a printed circuit board (not shown) through one or more electrodes 13. The heating element 12 may be connected to a power source (not shown) through the electrodes 13 to receive power.

[0038] Each of the multiple hot wires included in the heating element 12 can be selectively made of the same material, such as tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium, or a combination thereof. For example, the heating element 12 can include an alloy of copper and nickel, which is also called constantan.

[0039] At least a portion of the heating element 12 may include a patterned region in which the extension direction is regularly changed.

[0040] When power is supplied to the heating element 12, the heating element 12 generates heat and heats the sheet 11.

[0041] The sheet 11 may also be a green sheet made of a ceramic composite material, which may include, but is not limited to, compounds such as alumina and zirconia.

[0042] The extension direction of the heating element 12 of the heater 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be changed to be nearly perpendicular.

[0043] The heat generation distribution and maximum temperature of the heater 10 in the first embodiment will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 5 below after other embodiments are explained.

[0044] 2 is a view showing a conductive heater according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0045] To avoid repetitive description, the description of the sheet 11, heating element 12, and electrodes 13 of the heater 10 may be omitted to the extent that they overlap with the description of the first embodiment with reference to FIG.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, the heating element 12 of the heater 10 of the second embodiment may include a curved region in which the extension direction is changed with a predetermined curvature.

[0047] The sheet 11 of the heater 10 of the second embodiment is a rectangle whose horizontal length (±x direction) is longer than its vertical length (±y direction) based on the state shown in Figure 2, and the heating area 111 is also a rectangle whose horizontal length is longer than its vertical length.

[0048] The heating element 12 of the second embodiment may include a patterned region whose extension direction changes regularly. Specifically, the heating element 12 may include a patterned region that extends parallel to the longitudinal length of the heating region 111 but whose extension direction changes periodically by 180 degrees. That is, the heating element 12 may include a patterned region whose extension direction changes alternately between the +y direction and the −y direction. The patterned region and the curved region may overlap. For example, when the extension direction of the heating element 12 changes from the +y direction to the −y direction, the extension direction may change with a predetermined curvature.

[0049] The heat generation distribution and maximum temperature of the heater 10 in the second embodiment will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 5 after other embodiments are explained, in comparison with the other embodiments.

[0050] 3 is a view showing a conductive heater according to a third embodiment of the present invention, which will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0051] To avoid redundant explanation, the explanation of the sheet 11, heating element 12 and electrodes 13 of the heater 10 may be omitted to the extent that it overlaps with the explanation given with reference to FIGS.

[0052] The heating element 12 may include a first heating wire 12a and a second heating wire 12b.

[0053] The heating element 12 of the third embodiment may include a curved region in which the extension direction changes at a predetermined curvature, similar to the heating element 12 of the second embodiment. The heating element 12 of the third embodiment may include a first heating wire 12a arranged along at least a part of the edge of the heating region 111, and a second heating wire 12b arranged in a region surrounded by the first heating wire 12a. Furthermore, the heating element 12 may further include one or more heating wires arranged in a region surrounded by the second heating wire 12b.

[0054] The heating element 12 may have a relatively larger number of areas where the heating wire extends straight and a relatively smaller number of bends in the heating wire compared to the first or second embodiment. To this end, the first heating wire 12a of the heating element 12 may be disposed along the edge of the heating area 111. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, if the heating area 111 is rectangular, the first heating wire 12a may also extend to form part of the rectangle. In an embodiment where the heating area 111 is rectangular, the first heating wire 12a may extend to correspond to the boundary of the rectangle that forms the heating area 111.

[0055] The heating wires constituting the heating element 12 of the third embodiment are curved with a predetermined curvature when the extension direction is changed, as in the second embodiment. The second heating wire 12b arranged inside the first heating wire 12a can also be extended to form a part of an imaginary rectangle inside the first heating wire 12a.

[0056] The second heating wire 12b arranged inside the first heating wire 12a in the third embodiment is arranged similarly to the first heating wire 12a. At least a portion of the second heating wire 12b is spaced apart from at least a portion of the first heating wire 12a by a predetermined distance, and may extend in the same direction as the first heating wire 12a.

[0057] 3, in the left and right regions of the heating region 111 where the first heating wire 12a extends in the vertical direction ±y, the second heating wire 12b may be spaced apart from the first heating wire 12a by a predetermined distance and extend in the vertical direction ±y in parallel to the first heating wire 12a. Also, in the upper region of the heating region 111 where the first heating wire 12a extends in the horizontal direction ±x, the second heating wire 12b may be spaced apart from the first heating wire 12a by a predetermined distance and extend in the horizontal direction ±x in parallel to the first heating wire 12a.

[0058] The sheet 11 of the heater 10 of the third embodiment is a rectangle whose width ±x is longer than its length ±y, and the heating region 111 is also a rectangle whose width is longer than its length.

[0059] The heating element 12 of the third embodiment may include a patterned region in which the extension direction is periodically changed. Specifically, the second heating wires 12b of the third embodiment extend in a direction parallel to the horizontal length of the heating region 111 (±x), and may include a patterned region in which the extension direction is periodically changed by 180°. That is, the heating element 12 may include a patterned region in which the extension direction is alternately changed between the +x direction and the −x direction. The patterned region and the curved region may overlap. For example, when the extension direction of the heating element 12 is changed from the +x direction to the −x direction, the extension direction may be changed with a predetermined curvature.

[0060] The heat wires constituting the heat generating element 12 of the third embodiment are longer in the horizontal direction ±x than in the vertical direction ±y of the rectangular heating area 111.

[0061] The heat generation distribution and maximum temperature of the heater 10 in the third embodiment will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 5 below after other embodiments are explained.

[0062] 4 is a view showing a conductive heater according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, which will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0063] To avoid redundant explanation, the explanation of the sheet 11, the heating element 12 and the electrodes 13 of the heater 10 will be omitted to the extent that it overlaps with the explanation of the fourth embodiment with reference to FIG.

[0064] Similar to the third embodiment, the heating element 12 of the fourth embodiment may include a first heating wire 12a arranged along at least a part of the edge of the heating region 111 and a second heating wire 12b arranged in an area surrounded by the first heating wire 12a. Furthermore, the heating element 12 may further include one or more heating wires arranged in an area surrounded by the second heating wire 12b.

[0065] In order to mitigate heat concentration, the heating element 12 of the fourth embodiment may include a first heating wire 12a arranged along at least a part of the edge of the heating area 111. The first heating wire 12a of the heating element 12 of the fourth embodiment may be arranged along the edge of the heating area 111.

[0066] For example, if the heating area 111 is rectangular, the first heating wire 12a may extend to form a part of the rectangle. If the heating area 111 is rectangular, the first heating wire 12a may extend to correspond to the boundary of the rectangle that forms the heating area 111.

[0067] As another example, even if the heated area 111 is a polygon other than a rectangle, the first heating wire 12a may extend to form a part of the polygon. If the heated area 111 is a polygon, the first heating wire 12a may extend to correspond to the boundary of the polygon that forms the heated area 111.

[0068] As another example, if the heating area 111 is an ellipse, the first heating wire 12a may extend to form a part of the ellipse. If the heating area 111 is an ellipse, the first heating wire 12a may extend to correspond to the boundary of the ellipse that forms the heating area 111.

[0069] In the fourth embodiment, at least a portion of the second heating wire 12b disposed inside the first heating wire 12a is similar to the arrangement of the first heating wire 12a. At least a portion of the second heating wire 12b is spaced apart from at least a portion of the first heating wire 12a by a certain distance and may extend in the same direction as the first heating wire 12a.

[0070] 4, in the left and right regions of the heating region 111 where the first heating wire 12a extends in the vertical direction ±y, a portion of the second heating wire 12b may be spaced apart from the first heating wire 12a by a predetermined distance and extend in the vertical direction ±y in parallel to the first heating wire 12a. However, the arrangement of the first heating wire 12a and the second heating wire 12b is not limited thereto.

[0071] The heat generating element 12 of the fourth embodiment, like the second and third embodiments, forms a curved region with a predetermined curvature when the extension direction is changed.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 4, the second heating wire 12b arranged inside the first heating wire 12a in the fourth embodiment is similar to the arrangement of the heating wires of the heating element 12 in the second embodiment (see FIG. 2).

[0073] The sheet 11 of the heater 10 of the fourth embodiment is a rectangle whose width ±x is longer than its length ±y, and the heating region 111 is also a rectangle whose width is longer than its length.

[0074] The heating element 12 of the fourth embodiment may include a pattern region in which the extension direction is periodically changed. Specifically, the second heating wires 12b of the fourth embodiment may extend in a direction parallel to the length of the heating region 111 (vertical direction ±y) and include a pattern region in which the extension direction is periodically changed by 180°. That is, the heating element 12 may include a pattern region in which the extension direction is alternately changed between the +y direction and the −y direction.

[0075] The second heating wire 12b of the fourth embodiment may include a simple linear region in addition to the pattern region.

[0076] The pattern region and the curved region may overlap. For example, when the extension direction of the heating element 12 is changed from the +y direction to the -y direction, the extension direction may be changed with a predetermined curvature. In this respect, the second heating wire of the fourth embodiment differs from the second heating wire of the third embodiment. The fourth embodiment is also an intermediate embodiment between the second and third embodiments.

[0077] 5 shows experimental data on the heat distribution (thermal image) and maximum temperature (°C) depending on the shape of the heating wire arranged in the heater. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, it will be explained based on the experimental results that the conductive heater according to various embodiments of the present invention improves heating efficiency.

[0078] The thermal image in Figure 5 is a photograph that visualizes the infrared rays emitted by an object using a thermal imaging camera that detects infrared rays. The heat distribution (thermal image) in the table shows the relative temperature levels. Specifically, the heat distribution (thermal image) is expressed in the following order as the temperature increases: purple (lowest temperature), blue, sky blue, green, yellow, orange, red, and white (highest temperature). In other words, purple and blue in the heat distribution (thermal image) indicate areas with relatively low temperatures, while red and white indicate areas with relatively high temperatures. The highest temperature refers to the temperature at the highest point in the white area of ​​the heat distribution (thermal image).

[0079] Figure 5 shows the heat distribution and maximum temperature of the heating element according to the shapes of the respective embodiments described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4. The shape of the heating element of the first embodiment in Figure 5 is the shape of the heating element according to the embodiment described above with reference to Figure 1, the shape of the heating element of the second embodiment is the shape of the heating element according to the embodiment described above with reference to Figure 2, the shape of the heating element of the third embodiment is the shape of the heating element according to the embodiment described above with reference to Figure 3, and the shape of the heating element of the fourth embodiment is the shape of the heating element according to the embodiment described above with reference to Figure 4.

[0080] The heater may include a flexible thin-film sheet having a heating region. A heating element that generates heat when supplied with power may be disposed in the heating region of the sheet. The heating element may have a fixed shape. The heating element may include one or more heating wires, and the heating wires may have a fixed shape.

[0081] In the following, to avoid repetition, the description of the heater in each embodiment may be replaced with the description of the heater in the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS.

[0082] In the measurement of the heat generation distribution and maximum temperature in each embodiment, the conditions other than the shape of the heating element are all the same, i.e., the conditions such as the material of the heating element, the magnitude of the current applied to the heating element, the resistance value of the heating element, the time for which the current is applied to the heating element, the area of ​​the sheet, and the thickness of the sheet are the same in all embodiments.

[0083] The following description will be given with reference to the heat distribution (thermal image) and maximum temperature (°C) of each embodiment in Figure 5. The maximum temperature (°C) is the temperature of the white area in the heat distribution (thermal image). In the heat distribution in Figure 5, if the temperature exceeds approximately 300°C, it is displayed as a white area.

[0084] According to the heat distribution in the experiment results of the first embodiment, the heat generating element according to the shape of the first embodiment has the most heat concentration in the center of the heat generating element, and the maximum temperature reaches 352°C. It can be seen that the temperature is higher towards the center overall.

[0085] It was found that heat was generated in other areas according to the shape of the heating element, but that heat was particularly generated in areas where the extension direction of the heating element changed, i.e., where the heating element was bent. This is because when the heating element is bent, it does not form a curve but abruptly changes direction to form a shape close to a right angle, which is thought to be because electronic bottlenecks and thermal bottlenecks of the heating element occurred at the bent area, causing overheating.

[0086] In particular, the heating element of the first embodiment has four areas where the heating element is bent at right angles in the central +-shaped area, and it can be seen that heat generation is concentrated in the central +-shaped area of ​​the heat distribution.

[0087] Referring to the heat distribution and maximum temperature of the first embodiment, it can be seen that the central region where the extension direction of the heating element is changed is relatively more likely to generate heat, and the region where the extension direction of the heating element is not changed and is connected in a straight line is relatively less likely to generate heat. Therefore, it can be seen that the more the heating element is bent at a nearly right angle, the more excessive heat concentration occurs due to the electronic bottleneck and thermal bottleneck phenomena, increasing the possibility of overheating.

[0088] In addition, in the heating element of the first embodiment, the distance between the heating wires extending up and down on the left and right sides is relatively narrow, but small white areas indicating heat concentration can be seen in the center of the left and right sides of the heat distribution. This shows that even if the extension direction of the heating element is not changed and the area is made up of straight lines, the narrower the distance between the heating wires that make up the heating element, the higher the possibility of excessive heat concentration occurring.

[0089] According to the heat distribution in the experiment results for the second embodiment, it can be seen that the heat generating element according to the shape of the second embodiment has a relatively large amount of heat concentration in the center of the heat generating element compared to other areas, similar to the first embodiment. However, it can also be seen that the white area where heat concentration occurs is wider in the heat generating element according to the second embodiment than in the heat generating element according to the first embodiment, and the maximum temperature reaches 331°C, which is lower than that of the first embodiment.

[0090] The heating element of the second embodiment includes a curved region where the extension direction is changed with a predetermined curvature. Referring to the heat distribution and maximum temperature of the second embodiment, when the extension direction of the heating element has a curvature, i.e., when the heating element has a curved shape, it can be seen that the heat concentration region due to the electronic bottleneck and thermal bottleneck phenomena is widened, the heat concentration is alleviated, the maximum temperature is lowered, and overheating is prevented.

[0091] The heater sheet of the second embodiment is rectangular in shape with its horizontal length longer than its vertical length, and the heating region is also rectangular in shape with its horizontal length longer than its vertical length. The heating element of the second embodiment may include a pattern region whose extension direction changes regularly. Specifically, the heating element of the second embodiment may include a pattern region whose extension direction extends in a direction parallel to the vertical length of the heating region but whose extension direction changes periodically by 180 degrees.

[0092] The heating element of the first embodiment and the heating element of the second embodiment have the same resistance value, the same voltage applied to each heating element, the same amount of current flowing through each heating element, and the same total heat generation amount. Nevertheless, the heating element of the second embodiment has a maximum temperature that is approximately 20°C lower than the heating element of the first embodiment. That is, the heating element of the second embodiment provides the same heating performance as the heating element of the first embodiment, but appears to have a more uniform heat generation distribution than the heating element of the first embodiment.

[0093] According to the heat distribution in the experimental results of the third embodiment, it can be seen that the heating element according to the second embodiment has the most heat concentration in the center of the heating element, as in the first and second embodiments. However, the heating element according to the third embodiment has a wider white area where heat concentration occurs than the heating element according to the second embodiment, and the maximum temperature is 313°C, which is lower than both the first and second embodiments. According to the experimental results of the third embodiment, the maximum temperature decreases as the heat concentration occurs in a wider area.

[0094] The heating element of the third embodiment includes a curved region where the extension direction changes at a predetermined curvature, similar to the heating element of the second embodiment. As described above with reference to Figure 3, the heating element of the third embodiment may include a first heating wire disposed along at least a portion of the edge of the heating region and a second heating wire disposed in a region surrounded by the first heating wire. Furthermore, the heating element may further include one or more heating wires disposed in a region surrounded by the second heating wire.

[0095] The heating element of the third embodiment has relatively more areas where the heating wire extends straight and relatively fewer bends than the first or second embodiment. Therefore, the first heating wire of the heating element of the third embodiment is arranged along the edge of the heating area. When the heating area is rectangular, as in the third embodiment, the first heating wire also extends to form part of the rectangle. In an embodiment where the heating area is rectangular, the first heating wire may extend to correspond to the boundary of the rectangle that forms the heating area. As in the second embodiment, the heating wire of the heating element of the third embodiment curves with a predetermined curvature when the extension direction is changed. The second heating wire inside the first heating wire also extends to form part of the rectangle inside the first heating wire.

[0096] The second heating wires arranged inside the first heating wires in the third embodiment are arranged similarly to the first heating wires. The heater sheet in the third embodiment is rectangular with its horizontal length longer than its vertical length, and the heating area is also rectangular with its horizontal length longer than its vertical length. The heating element in the third embodiment may include a patterned area whose extension direction changes regularly. Specifically, the second heating wires in the third embodiment extend in a direction parallel to the horizontal length of the heating area, but may include a patterned area whose extension direction changes periodically by 180 degrees.

[0097] In the third embodiment, the heating wires that make up the heating element are longer in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction of the rectangular heating area. Therefore, in the third embodiment, there is a high possibility of heat concentration occurring between the horizontal heating wires. In the heating area of ​​the third embodiment, the horizontal length is longer than the vertical length, and the proportion of the long, straight heating wires that are parallel to the horizontal direction is high. Therefore, the extension direction of the heating wires is changed, and electronic bottlenecks and heat bottlenecks are relatively reduced, and overheating can be prevented.

[0098] It can be seen that the maximum temperature of the heat-concentrated region is significantly reduced to 313°C due to the shape of the heating element of the third embodiment.

[0099] Furthermore, when the heat distribution is taken into consideration, the white area, which is the heat concentration area due to the heat generating element in the third embodiment, is formed wider than in the first or second embodiment.

[0100] The heating element of the first embodiment, the heating element of the second embodiment, and the heating element of the third embodiment all have the same resistance value, the same voltage applied to each heating element, the same amount of current flowing through each heating element, and the same total heat generation amount. Nevertheless, the heating element of the third embodiment had a maximum temperature that was approximately 20°C lower than the heating element of the second embodiment. That is, the heating element of the third embodiment provides the same heating performance as the heating elements of the first and second embodiments, but has a lower maximum temperature and appears to have reduced heat generation concentration compared to the heating elements of the first and second embodiments.

[0101] To sum up, the heating element of the third embodiment has the same total heat generation amount as the heating element of the first or second embodiment, but the area of ​​heat generation concentration is wider, which reduces the heat generation concentration and therefore appears to have lowered the maximum temperature.

[0102] Meanwhile, it can be seen that the heat distribution of the heating element according to the third embodiment has a wider area indicated in orange compared to the first or second embodiment. This means that the heat distribution of the heating element according to the third embodiment has lower temperatures not only in the center but also in the edge areas where the heat lines are straight.

[0103] According to the experimental results of the fourth embodiment, the heating element according to the fourth embodiment reaches a maximum temperature of 298° C., which is lower than that of the third embodiment.

[0104] Similar to the third embodiment, the heating element of the fourth embodiment may include a first heating wire disposed along at least a portion of the edge of the heating region, and a second heating wire disposed in the region surrounded by the first heating wire. Furthermore, the heating element may further include one or more heating wires disposed in the region surrounded by the second heating wire.

[0105] In the heating element of the fourth embodiment, the first heating wire of the heating element is arranged along the edge of the heating area, as in the third embodiment. When the heating area is rectangular as in the third embodiment, the first heating wire also extends to form part of the rectangle.

[0106] According to the fourth embodiment, the heating element may include a first heating wire disposed along at least a portion of the edge of the heating region to mitigate heat concentration. In an embodiment in which the heating region is rectangular, the first heating wire may extend to correspond to the boundary of the rectangular heating region.

[0107] The heating wire of the fourth embodiment, like the second and third embodiments, forms a curved region with a predetermined curvature when the extension direction is changed.

[0108] The second heating wire arranged inside the first heating wire in the fourth embodiment is similar to the heating wire arrangement of the heating element in the second embodiment. The heater sheet in the fourth embodiment is rectangular with its horizontal length longer than its vertical length, and the heating area is also rectangular with its horizontal length longer than its vertical length. The heating element in the fourth embodiment may include a patterned area in which the extension direction changes regularly. Specifically, the second heating wire in the fourth embodiment extends in a direction parallel to the vertical length of the heating area, but may include a patterned area in which the extension direction changes periodically by 180 degrees. In this respect, the second heating wire in the fourth embodiment differs from the second heating wire in the third embodiment. The fourth embodiment can be considered an intermediate form between the second and third embodiments.

[0109] To sum up, the heating element of the fourth embodiment has the same total heat generation amount as the heating elements of the first, second, or third embodiments, but the area of ​​the heat concentration region is wider, which alleviates the heat generation concentration and therefore appears to have lowered the maximum temperature.

[0110] Meanwhile, in the heat distribution of the heating element according to the fourth embodiment, it can be seen that the area indicated in orange is narrower and the area indicated in red is relatively wider compared to the third embodiment. This heat distribution of the heating element according to the third and fourth embodiments means that the maximum temperature in the center where the vertically extending patterns are formed is lower, but the temperature of the entire heating portion is appropriately maintained at a temperature required for heating. In other words, according to the fourth embodiment, the maximum temperature in the center is lowered while maintaining sufficient heating performance in the edge area compared to the third embodiment, and the heat temperature of the entire area can be appropriately distributed.

[0111] Taking the first, second, third and fourth embodiments of FIG. 5 together, under the same conditions except for the shape of the heating element, the heating element according to the shape of the first embodiment has the narrowest heat concentration area and records the highest maximum temperature, while the heating element according to the shape of the fourth embodiment has a relatively wider heat concentration area and records the lowest maximum temperature compared to the other embodiments, but the heat temperature can be appropriately distributed.

[0112] Meanwhile, although the heating elements of the second, third and fourth embodiments are described as having a predetermined curvature in the entire region where the extension direction is changed, the heating elements of the embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily limited to such a shape. According to the present invention, a case where a part of the region where the extension direction of the heating element is changed as needed has a predetermined curvature and another part of the region where the extension direction is changed at a nearly right angle is also within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0113] For example, a portion of a heating element disposed in an area where excessive heat concentration occurs may have a curved shape that extends at a curvature, and conversely, a portion of a heating element disposed in an area where heating is insufficient may have its extension direction changed at a right angle to ensure necessary heat generation, and such designs are performed through experiments. The design method of the heating element as described above is also included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0114] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a conductive heater according to an embodiment of the present invention, which will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0115] The sheet 11 may have a structure in which two components are laminated together. For example, the sheet 11 may have a structure in which a first sheet 11a and a second sheet 11b in the form of thin films are laminated together.

[0116] The heater 10 may include a heating element 12. The heating element 12 may be disposed inside a sheet 11. The heater 10 may have a structure in which a first sheet 11a, a heating element 12, and a second sheet 11b are laminated. For example, the heating element 12 is disposed in the space between the first sheet 11a and the second sheet 11b of the sheet 11, but the arrangement of the heating element 12 and the sheet 11 is not limited to this.

[0117] The sheet 11 can protect the heating element 12 disposed inside the sheet 11 from external impact. The sheet 11 can be coated with a glaze to improve durability. For example, a coating layer 14 can be applied to at least a portion of the sheet 11.

[0118] The coating layer 14 may include a heat-resistant composition. For example, the coating layer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a single coating layer selected from the group consisting of a glass film coating layer, a Teflon coating layer, and a Thermolon coating layer. Alternatively, the coating layer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a composite coating layer formed by combining two or more of the glass film coating layer, the Teflon coating layer, and the Thermolon coating layer.

[0119] The coating layer 14 can increase the durability and rigidity of the sheet 11. By providing the coating layer 14, the stepped surface formed by the laminated structure including the first sheet 11a, the heating element 12, and the second sheet 11b can be flattened.

[0120] 7 is a block diagram showing an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, which will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0121] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a heater 10, a power supply 20, and a control unit 30. The heater 10 may be the heater 10 described above, including those shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, but is not limited thereto. The power supply 20 may supply power to components of the aerosol generating device 100, such as the heater 10. The control unit 30 may control the operation of components of the aerosol generating device 100, such as the heater 10 and the power supply 20.

[0122] An aerosol production product 200 may be detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol production product 200 includes an aerosol-generating substance, and when the aerosol-generating substance is heated by the heater 10, an aerosol can be generated.

[0123] The heater 10 may be electrically connected to a power source 20. The heater 10 may receive power from the power source 20. When a current flows through the heater 10, the temperature of the aerosol product 200 increases, and an aerosol may be generated. The heater for heating the aerosol product 200 is referred to as a stick heater 10a.

[0124] A cartridge 300 may be detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device 100. The cartridge 300 may contain an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material may be stored in a storage tank 310. The heater 10 is configured to heat the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge 300. The heater 10 for heating the cartridge 300 is referred to as a cartridge heater 10b.

[0125] The aerosol-generating material contained in cartridge 300 may be liquid. The aerosol-generating material contained in cartridge 300 may be absorbed by a liquid transfer means (not shown) and heated by cartridge heater 10b. The liquid transfer means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0126] The cartridge heater 10b may be formed in a coil-like structure that wraps around the liquid transfer means or in a structure that contacts one side of the liquid transfer means. When the liquid transfer means is heated by the cartridge heater 10b, an aerosol may be generated. Specifically, the sheet of the cartridge heater 10b may contact at least a portion of the outer surface of the liquid transfer means.

[0127] Fig. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a stick heater of the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 7. The stick heater according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 8.

[0128] The stick heater 10a is similar to the heater 10 described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Therefore, to avoid redundant description, descriptions of the sheet 11, heating element 12, and electrodes 13 of the stick heater 10a will be omitted to the extent that they overlap with the descriptions with reference to Figures 1 to 7.

[0129] The flexible thin-film-shaped sheet 11 can bend. The heating element 12 disposed on the sheet 11 can also bend. That is, the entire stick heater 10a can bend. The sheet 11 can have a curved surface. A space for heating can be formed inside the sheet 11.

[0130] At least a portion of the aerosol product 200 can be accommodated inside the curved surface of the sheet 11. The stick heater 10a can be configured to transfer heat to the aerosol product 200. For example, the sheet 11 can receive heat from the heating element 12 and transfer it to the aerosol product 200. The curved stick heater 10a can surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol product 200 and heat the outside of the aerosol product 200. The heated aerosol product 200 can generate aerosol. In FIG. 8, multiple arrows indicate the direction in which aerosol is generated by the stick heater 10a. However, this is merely an example, and the aerosol generation direction is not limited thereto.

[0131] The heating element 12 has a temperature coefficient of resistance, which means that the internal resistance of the heating element 12 increases as the temperature rises. For example, the temperature and resistance of the heating element 12 may be proportional within a certain temperature range. That is, the heating element 12 functions as a variable resistor whose resistance changes depending on the temperature. Therefore, the heating element 12 can function as a temperature sensor that provides information about the temperature.

[0132] For example, a predetermined voltage may be applied to the heating element 12, and the current flowing through the heating element 12 may be measured using a current sensor. The resistance of the heating element 12 may be calculated based on the ratio of the measured current to the applied voltage. Based on the calculated resistance, the temperature of the heating element 12 or the sheet 11 may be estimated using the resistance temperature coefficient characteristics of the heating element 12.

[0133] The heating element 12 may include a first heating wire and a second heating wire. According to the present invention, either the first heating wire or the second heating wire may be used as a temperature sensor. For example, when the sheet 11 is heated by the first heating wire, the second heating wire may be used as a temperature sensor. As another example, when the sheet 11 is heated by the second heating wire, the first heating wire may be used as a temperature sensor. The control unit may calculate information related to temperature based on the amount of current flowing through the first heating wire and / or the second heating wire. The control unit may control the operation of the entire configuration of the aerosol generating device based on the information related to temperature.

[0134] 9 is a block diagram showing an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0135] To avoid repetition of explanation, the explanation of the aerosol generating device 100 will be omitted to the extent that it overlaps with the explanation with reference to FIG.

[0136] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a heater 10, a power supply 20, and a control unit 30. The heater 10 may be the heater 10 described above, including those shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, but is not limited thereto. The power supply 20 can supply power to components of the aerosol generating device 100, such as the heater 10. The control unit 30 can control the operation of components of the aerosol generating device 100, such as the heater 10 and the power supply 20.

[0137] An aerosol production product 200 may be detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol production product 200 includes an aerosol-generating substance, and when the aerosol-generating substance is heated by the heater 10, an aerosol can be generated.

[0138] The heater 10 may be electrically coupled to a power source 20. The heater 10 may receive power from the power source 20. Passing an electric current through the heater 10 may increase the temperature of the aerosol-producing article 200, causing the aerosol to be generated.

[0139] The heater 10 may include a heating portion 15. The heating portion 15 may include a base portion and a tip portion. For example, the base portion of the heating portion 15 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the tip portion may be formed in a conical shape, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the tip portion of the heating portion 15 may be formed at one end of the base portion to facilitate insertion into the aerosol product 200. In this case, the base portion and the tip portion may be formed as a single unit. Alternatively, the base portion and the tip portion may be formed separately and then joined together.

[0140] The heating unit 15 may include a thermally conductive material, such as, but not limited to, ceramics including alumina or zirconia, anodized metals, coated metals, polyimide (PI), and the like.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the sheet 11 of the heater 10 can encase at least a portion of the heating section 15. For example, the sheet 11 can encase at least a portion of the outer periphery of the base of the heating section 15. The sheet 11 can surround the outer periphery of the heating section 15 and form a curved surface.

[0142] When the aerosol product 200 is inserted into the aerosol generation device 100, a portion of the aerosol product 200 may be disposed outside the curved surface of the sheet 11 surrounding the heating section 15. The sheet 11 is inserted into at least a portion of the inside of the aerosol product 200, and can heat the inside of the aerosol product 200 to generate aerosol.

[0143] 10 is a graph showing time-temperature curves for a conductive heater according to an embodiment of the present invention, which will be described with reference to FIG.

[0144] The time-temperature graph of Figure 10 is a time-temperature graph obtained by heating one of the heaters described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. It is a time-temperature graph obtained by heating a specific region of a heating element of one of the heaters described with reference to Figures 1 to 9.

[0145] The threshold temperature indicates the temperature at which the durability of the heater becomes problematic.

[0146] For example, T1 is a schematic diagram of a time-temperature graph obtained by heating with the heater described with reference to Fig. 1, but is not limited thereto, and T2 is a schematic diagram of a time-temperature graph obtained by heating with any one of the heaters described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4, but is not limited thereto.

[0147] When the heating element heats up, a time-temperature graph such as T1 is displayed, which can cause serious problems with the heater's durability. For example, the threshold temperature is the temperature at which the sheet begins to melt (melting point). As another example, the threshold temperature is the temperature at which the sheet begins to burn. As yet another example, the threshold temperature is the temperature at which the battery begins to overheat.

[0148] For example, if the sheet of the heating element is made of a material that melts at 300°C, the threshold temperature is also 300°C.

[0149] According to the experimental explanation with reference to Fig. 5, the first, second and third embodiments show a schematic diagram of T1, and the fourth embodiment shows a schematic diagram of T2. Therefore, when the heating element sheet is melted at 300°C, the durability of the heater can be improved by using the heater of the fourth embodiment shown in Fig. 4.

[0150] As another example, if the sheet of the heating element is made of a material that melts at 330°C, the threshold temperature is also 330°C.

[0151] According to the experimental explanation with reference to Fig. 5, the first and second embodiments show a schematic diagram of T1, and the third and fourth embodiments show a schematic diagram of T2. Therefore, when the heating element sheet is melted at 330°C, the durability of the heater can be improved by using the heater of the third embodiment shown in Fig. 3 or the heater of the fourth embodiment shown in Fig. 4.

[0152] When the same power is applied to a heating element for the same time, the total heat generation is the same when the heating element is heated to a temperature-time pattern of T1 and when it is heated to a temperature-time pattern of T2. However, the maximum temperature of the heating element when it is heated to a temperature-time pattern of T2 is lower than the maximum temperature of the heating element when it is heated to a temperature-time pattern of T1. In other words, compared to a heating element when it is heated to a temperature-time pattern of T1, a heating element when it is heated to a temperature below the edge melting point of the sheet while maintaining the same heat generation amount.

[0153] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0154] The aerosol generating device 100 includes a heater 10, a power supply 20, a control unit 30, a sensor 50, an output unit 60, an input unit 70, a communication unit 80, and a memory 90. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 11. That is, a person skilled in the art would 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 generating device 100.

[0155] The sensor 50 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 100 or the state around the aerosol generating device 100 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 30. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 30 can control the aerosol generating device 100 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 10, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol product and / or cartridge is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0156] The sensor 50 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 51 , a puff sensor 52 , an insertion detection sensor 53 , a reuse detection sensor 54 , a cartridge detection sensor 55 , a cap detection sensor 56 , and a movement detection sensor 57 .

[0157] The temperature sensor 51 can sense the temperature to which the heater 10 is heated. The aerosol generating device 100 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 10, or the heater 10 itself may function as a temperature sensor.

[0158] The temperature sensor 51 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the heater 10. For example, the temperature sensor 51 includes a resistive element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in the temperature of the heater 10. The resistive element is embodied by a thermistor or the like, which is an element that utilizes the property of changing resistance depending on temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 51 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the heater 10. For example, the temperature sensor 51 is configured by a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater 10. In this case, the temperature sensor 51 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater 10 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the heater 10.

[0159] Temperature sensor 51 may be disposed around power supply 20 to monitor the temperature of power supply 20. Temperature sensor 51 may be disposed adjacent to power supply 20. For example, temperature sensor 51 may be attached to one side of a battery that is power supply 20. For example, temperature sensor 51 may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0160] The temperature sensor 51 is disposed inside the main body and is capable of sensing the internal temperature of the main body.

[0161] The puff sensor 52 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 52 can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 52 can also be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 52 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generation device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generation device 100 corresponds to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 52 can be disposed in the aerosol generation device 100 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0162] The insertion detection sensor 53 can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product. The insertion detection sensor 53 can detect a signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product. The insertion detection sensor 53 can be installed around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 53 can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product based on a change in the dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 53 can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0163] The inductive sensor includes at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor is disposed adjacent to the insertion space. For example, when a magnetic field changes around a coil through which a current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil include the frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the alternating current.

[0164] An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to a characteristic of the current flowing through a coil, for example, the inductance value of the coil.

[0165] The capacitance sensor includes a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor is disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor can output a signal corresponding to a surrounding electromagnetic characteristic, for example, the capacitance of the conductor. For example, when an aerosol product including a metallic wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the wrapper of the aerosol product can change the electromagnetic characteristic of the conductor.

[0166] The reuse detection sensor 54 can detect whether the aerosol product is reused. The reuse detection sensor 54 can also be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the aerosol product. The color sensor can detect the color of a part of a wrapper surrounding the exterior of the aerosol product. The color sensor can detect a value related to an optical property corresponding to the color of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical property can be the wavelength of light. The color sensor can be implemented as a single component together with the proximity sensor, or as a separate component separate from the proximity sensor.

[0167] At least a portion of the wrapper constituting the aerosol product may change color depending on the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor 54 may be disposed at a position corresponding to where at least a portion of the wrapper, whose color changes depending on the aerosol, is disposed when the aerosol product is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the aerosol product is used by a user, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper is a first color. In this case, while the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device 100 passes through the aerosol product, at least a portion of the wrapper may become wet with the aerosol, thereby changing the color of at least a portion of the wrapper to a second color. Meanwhile, after the color of at least a portion of the wrapper is changed from the first color to the second color, it may be maintained at the second color.

[0168] The cartridge detection sensor 55 can detect the insertion and / or removal of a cartridge and can be implemented using an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-based sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

[0169] The cap detection sensor 56 can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the body, the cartridge and part of the body covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor 56 may be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, etc.

[0170] The motion detection sensor 57 can detect the motion of the aerosol generating device and is implemented by at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0171] In addition to the above-mentioned sensors, the sensor 50 may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a skilled artisan from its name, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0172] The output unit 60 can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device 100 to provide it to a user. The output unit 60 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display 61, a haptic unit 62, and an audio output unit 63. When the display 61 and the touchpad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display 61 is used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0173] The display 61 can visually provide a user with information about the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 100 refers to various information such as the charge / discharge status of the power supply 20 of the aerosol generating device 100, the preheating status of the heater 10, the insertion / removal status of the aerosol product and / or cartridge, the attachment / removal status of the cap, or a status that restricts the use of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display 61 can output the information to the outside. For example, the display 61 can be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display 61 can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0174] The haptic unit 62 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and can provide a user with tactile information about the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the haptic unit 62 generates a vibration corresponding to the completion of initial preheating when initial power is supplied to the heater 10 for a set time. The haptic unit 62 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0175] The acoustic output unit 63 can audibly provide the user with information about the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the acoustic output unit 63 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0176] The power supply 20 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 100. The power supply 20 can supply power to heat the heater 10. The power supply 20 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device 100, such as the sensor 50, the output unit 60, the input unit 70, the communication unit 80, and the memory 90. The power supply 20 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 20 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to this.

[0177] 11, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit is electrically connected to the power supply 20 and may include a switching element.

[0178] The power supply protection circuit can cut off the electrical path to the power supply 20 under predetermined conditions. For example, the power supply protection circuit can cut off the electrical path to the power supply 20 when the voltage level of the power supply 20 is equal to or higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power supply protection circuit can cut off the electrical path to the power supply 20 when the voltage level of the power supply 20 is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarging.

[0179] The heater 10 can heat the medium or aerosol-generating substance in the aerosol product by receiving power from the power source 20. Although not shown in Fig. 11, the aerosol-generating device 100 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the power source 20 and supplies it to the heater 10. Furthermore, when the aerosol-generating device 100 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 100 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the power source 20 into AC power.

[0180] The control unit 30, the sensor 50, the output unit 60, the input unit 70, the communication unit 80, and the memory 90 can function by receiving power from the power supply 20. Although not shown in FIG. 11 , the power supply 20 may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts power from the power supply 20 and supplies it to each component. Also, although not shown in FIG. 11 , a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 20 and the heater 10. The noise filter may also be a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter corresponds to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 20 to the heater 10. The low-pass filter can prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensors 50, such as the insertion detection sensor 53.

[0181] In one embodiment, the heater 10 may be made 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 10 may also be embodied as, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with a track, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0182] The input unit 70 can receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the input unit 70 can also be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor that detects a touch. For example, the touch sensor can include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc.

[0183] The display 61 and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display 61 (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be an add-on type on the display 61.

[0184] Meanwhile, the input unit 70 includes, but is not limited to, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

[0185] The memory 90 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 100 and can store data that has been processed by the control unit 30 and data to be processed by the control unit 30. The memory 90 includes at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory, hard disk, micro multimedia card, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 90 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0186] The communication unit 80 includes at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices, for example, the communication unit 80 includes at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0187] The short-range wireless communication unit includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee 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.

[0188] The wireless communication unit includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (eg, LAN or WAN) communication unit, and the like.

[0189] Although not shown in Figure 11, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, through which it can connect to other external devices to send and receive information or charge the power source 20.

[0190] The control unit 30 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. In one embodiment, the control unit 30 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 processor may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0191] The control unit 30 can control the temperature of the heater 10 by controlling the supply of power from the power supply 20 to the heater 10. The control unit 30 can control the temperature of the heater 10 based on the temperature of the heater 10 sensed by the temperature sensor 51. The control unit 30 can adjust the power supplied to the heater 10 based on the temperature of the heater 10. For example, the control unit 30 can determine a target temperature for the heater 10 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 90.

[0192] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 20 between the power supply 20 and the heater 10. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the heater 10. The power supply circuit includes at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 30 may control the power supply circuit.

[0193] The control unit 30 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit also serves as an inverter that converts DC power output from the power supply 20 into AC power. For example, the inverter is configured with a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including multiple switching elements.

[0194] The control unit 30 can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power source 20 to the heater 10. The control unit 30 can turn off the switching element so that power supply to the heater 10 is cut off. The control unit 30 can adjust the current supplied from the power source 20 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0195] The control unit 30 controls the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit to control the voltage output from the power supply 20. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power supply 20. For example, the power conversion circuit includes a buck converter that reduces the voltage output from the power supply 20. For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.

[0196] The control unit 30 controls the on / off operation of a switching element included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. When the on state of the switching element is maintained, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit corresponds to the level of the voltage output from the power source 20. The duty ratio of the on / off operation of the switching element corresponds to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power source 20. As the duty ratio of the on / off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The heater 10 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0197] The control unit 30 can control the supply of power to the heater 10 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0198] For example, the control unit 30 may use a PWM method to control current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater 10. The control unit 30 may adjust the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulses to control the power supplied to the heater 10.

[0199] For example, the control unit 30 can determine a target temperature based on the temperature profile, and can control the power supplied to the heater 10 using a PID method, which is a feedback control method that uses the difference between the temperature of the heater 10 and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

[0200] The control unit 30 can prevent the heater 10 from overheating. For example, the control unit 30 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to interrupt the supply of power to the heater 10 when the temperature of the heater 10 exceeds a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the control unit 30 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the heater 10 by a certain percentage when the temperature of the heater 10 exceeds a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the control unit 30 can determine that the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge has been consumed when the temperature of the heater 10 exceeds the limit temperature, and can interrupt the supply of power to the heater 10.

[0201] The control unit 30 can control the charging and discharging of the power supply 20. The control unit 30 can check the temperature of the power supply 20 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 51.

[0202] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device 100, the control unit 30 can check whether the temperature of the power source 20 is equal to or higher than a first limit temperature, which is a criterion for cutting off charging of the power source 20. When the temperature of the power source 20 is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit 30 can control the power source 20 to be charged based on a predetermined charging current. When the temperature of the power source 20 is equal to or higher than the first limit temperature, the control unit 30 can cut off charging of the power source 20.

[0203] When the aerosol generating device 100 is powered on, the control unit 30 may check whether the temperature of the power source 20 is equal to or higher than a second limit temperature, which is a criterion for cutting off discharge of the power source 20. If the temperature of the power source 20 is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit 30 may control the power source 20 to use the power stored in the power source 20. If the temperature of the power source 20 is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature, the control unit 30 may stop using the power stored in the power source 20.

[0204] The control unit 30 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source 20. For example, the control unit 30 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power source 20 based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source 20.

[0205] The control unit 30 can determine whether an aerosol product is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor 53. The control unit 30 can determine that an aerosol product has been inserted based on an output signal from the insertion detection sensor 53. When it is determined that an aerosol product has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 30 can control the heater 10 to supply power. For example, the control unit 30 can supply power to the heater 10 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 90.

[0206] The control unit 30 may determine whether the aerosol product has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 30 may determine whether the aerosol product has been removed from the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor 53. For example, the control unit 30 may determine that the aerosol product has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater 10 is equal to or higher than a limit temperature or when the temperature change gradient of the heater 10 is equal to or higher than a set gradient. When it is determined that the aerosol product has been removed from the insertion space, the control unit 30 may cut off the supply of power to the heater 10.

[0207] The control unit 30 may control the time and / or amount of power supply to the heater 10 depending on the state of the aerosol product sensed by the sensor 50. The control unit 30 may check the level range within which the signal level of the capacitance sensor falls based on a lookup table. The control unit 30 may determine the moisture content of the aerosol product based on the checked level range.

[0208] When the aerosol product is in an over-humid state, the control unit 30 controls the time for which power is supplied to the heater 10, and can increase the pre-heating time of the aerosol product compared to when the aerosol product is in a normal state.

[0209] The control unit 30 can determine whether the aerosol product inserted into the insertion space is reused through the reuse detection sensor 54. For example, the control unit 30 can compare the sensing value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range including a first color, and determine that the aerosol product is not being used if the sensing value is within the first reference range. For example, the control unit 30 can compare the sensing value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range including a second color, and determine that the aerosol product has been used if the sensing value is within the second reference range. If it is determined that the aerosol product has been used, the control unit 30 can cut off the supply of power to the heater 10.

[0210] The control unit 30 can determine whether to connect and / or remove a cartridge through the cartridge detection sensor 55. For example, the control unit 30 can determine whether to connect and / or remove a cartridge based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

[0211] The control unit 30 can determine whether the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been consumed. For example, the control unit 30 can apply power to preheat the heater 10, determine whether the temperature of the heater 10 exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period, and determine that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been consumed if the temperature of the heater 10 exceeds the limit temperature. If the control unit 30 determines that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been consumed, it can cut off the supply of power to the heater 10.

[0212] The control unit 30 can determine whether the cartridge can be used. For example, the control unit 30 can determine that the cartridge cannot be used if the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge based on the data stored in the memory 90. For example, the control unit 30 can determine that the cartridge cannot be used if the total time that the heater 10 has been heated is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum time or if the total amount of power supplied to the heater 10 is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum amount of power.

[0213] The control unit 30 can determine whether the user is inhaling through the puff sensor 52. For example, the control unit 30 can determine whether a puff is occurring based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor. For example, the control unit 30 can determine the strength of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor 52. If the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs or if no puffs are detected for a predetermined time or longer, the control unit 30 can cut off the supply of power to the heater 10.

[0214] The control unit 30 may determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed through the cap detection sensor 56. For example, the control unit 30 may determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

[0215] The control unit 30 can control the output unit 60 based on the results sensed by the sensor 50. For example, if the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 52 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 30 can notify the user through at least one of the display 61, the haptic unit 62, and the audio output unit 63 that the aerosol generating device 100 will soon be shut down. For example, the control unit 30 can notify the user through the output unit 60 based on the determination that no aerosol product is present in the insertion space. For example, the control unit 30 can notify the user through the output unit 60 based on the determination that a cartridge and / or a cap is not installed. For example, the control unit 30 can transmit information about the temperature of the heater 10 to the user through the output unit 60.

[0216] The control unit 30 can store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory 90 based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The events include, for example, an operation performed by the aerosol generating device 100, such as detecting the insertion of an aerosol product, starting heating of the aerosol product, detecting puffing, ending puffing, detecting overheating of the heater 10, detecting overvoltage application to the heater 10, ending heating of the aerosol product, turning the aerosol generating device 100 on / off, starting charging of the power supply 20, detecting overcharge of the power supply 20, and ending charging of the power supply 20. The history of events includes the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is detecting the insertion of an aerosol product, the log data corresponding to the event includes data on the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor 53, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is detecting overheating of the heater 10, the log data corresponding to the event includes data on the temperature of the heater 10, the voltage applied to the heater 10, the current flowing through the heater 10, etc.

[0217] The control unit 30 may control the establishment of a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. When the control unit 30 receives authentication-related data from the external device through the communication link, the control unit 30 may remove the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device 100. Here, the authentication-related data includes data indicating the completion of user authentication for a user corresponding to the external device. The user may perform user authentication through the external device. The external device may determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number identifying the user, etc., and receive data regarding the usage authority of the aerosol generating device 100 from an external server. The external device may transmit data indicating the completion of user authentication to the aerosol generating device 100 based on the data regarding the usage authority. When user authentication is completed, the control unit 30 may remove the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, when user authentication is completed, the control unit 30 may remove the restriction on the use of a heating function that supplies power to the heater 10.

[0218] The control unit 30 can transmit data related to the status of the aerosol generating device 100 to the external device through a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the power source 20 of the aerosol generating device 100, the operation mode, etc. through a display of the external device.

[0219] The external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generating device 100 based on an input to start a location search of the aerosol generating device 100. When receiving a location search request from the external device, the control unit 30 may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit 62 may generate a vibration in response to the location search request. For example, the display 61 may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search in response to the location search request.

[0220] The control unit 30 can control to perform a firmware update when it receives firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generation device 100 and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. When the external device receives an input requesting a firmware download, it can receive firmware data of the new version and transmit the firmware data of the new version to the aerosol generation device 100. The control unit 30 can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generation device 100 by receiving the firmware data of the new version.

[0221] The control unit 30 may transmit data related to sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 50 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 80 and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing values ​​through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The control unit 30 may perform operations such as determining a user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile using the learning model received from the server. The control unit 30 may store sensing value data of at least one sensor 50 and data for training an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 90. For example, the memory 90 may store a database related to each component included in the aerosol generating device 100, as well as weights and biases constituting the artificial neural network (ANN) structure, for training the artificial neural network (ANN). The control unit 30 can learn data related to the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 50, the user's inhalation pattern, temperature profile, etc. stored in the memory 90, and generate at least one learning model to be used for determining the user's inhalation pattern, generating a temperature profile, etc.

[0222] The above-described embodiments of the present invention or other embodiments are not mutually exclusive or distinct, and the respective configurations or functions of the above-described embodiments of the present invention or other embodiments may be used together or combined.

[0223] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, even if a combination between components is not directly described, it means that the combination is possible unless it is described that the combination is impossible.

[0224] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect, but should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent range of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. a flexible thin-film sheet including a heating region; a heating element disposed in the heating region and generating heat when supplied with power; an electrode electrically connected to the heating element to supply power to the heating element; The heater includes a first heating wire arranged along at least a portion of the edge of the heating region and a second heating wire arranged in a region surrounded by the first heating wire.

2. The heater according to claim 1 , wherein the heating element further includes a curved region whose extension direction changes at a predetermined curvature.

3. The heating area is rectangular, The heater according to claim 1 , wherein the first heating wire extends in accordance with a boundary of the rectangular heating region.

4. The heater of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the second heating wire is spaced apart from at least a portion of the first heating wire by a predetermined distance, and the first heating wire extends in the same direction as the first heating wire.

5. The heater according to claim 1 , wherein the heating element further includes one or more heating wires arranged in an area surrounded by the second heating wire.

6. The heater according to claim 1 , wherein the heating element further includes a pattern region in which the extension direction is regularly changed.

7. The sheet includes a first sheet and a second sheet in the form of a thin film, The heater according to claim 1 , wherein the heating element is disposed in a space between the first sheet and the second sheet.

8. The heater of claim 1 further comprising a coating layer applied to at least a portion of the sheet.

9. 2. The heater according to claim 1, wherein the sheet has a curved surface and a space for heating is formed inside the sheet.

10. further comprising a liquid transfer means for absorbing liquid; The heater of claim 1 , wherein the sheet contacts at least a portion of an outer surface of the liquid transfer means.

11. The heating unit further includes a cylindrical base portion and a conical needle tip portion disposed at one end of the base portion, The heater according to claim 1 , wherein the sheet covers at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the heating portion.

12. The heater of claim 1 , wherein the heating element further comprises an alloy of copper and nickel.

13. The heater of claim 1 , wherein the sheet comprises an electrically insulating material.

14. A heater according to any one of claims 1 to 13; a power supply for supplying power to the heater; and a control unit that controls operation of the power supply and the heater.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 14 , wherein the control unit calculates information about the temperature based on an amount of current flowing through the first heating wire or the second heating wire.

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