Aerosol generating device including heater

Abstract

The aerosol generating apparatus includes a cavity configured to contain an aerosol product, and a heater configured to heat the aerosol product, wherein the heater includes a plasma discharge space, a partition configured to separate the cavity and the plasma discharge space, and a plurality of plasma electrodes arranged in the partition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure generally relates to an aerosol generating device, for example, an aerosol generating device including a heater.

Background Art

[0002] In order to achieve atomization performance, techniques for introducing an air flow into an aerosol generating article have been developed. For example, an aerosol generating device of a type that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating article in a non-combustion manner has been developed. The above-described background art is not necessarily known art that was publicly disclosed to the general public before the filing of the present disclosure as something retained or acquired in the derivation process of the present disclosure.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] One aspect of the disclosure is to provide a heater that reaches the target temperature quickly. One aspect of the disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device including a heater.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The aerosol generating device may include a cavity configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article, a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating article, the heater including a plasma discharge space, a partition configured to separate the cavity and the plasma discharge space, and a plurality of plasma electrodes disposed on the partition.

[0005] The partition may include an extension extending along the length of the cavity.

[0006] The partition may include a tapered portion tapered along the length of the cavity.

[0007] The plasma discharge space can be positioned in contact with the cavity.

[0008] The plasma discharge space can be located inside the cavity and at least partially surrounded by the cavity.

[0009] The plasma discharge space can at least partially surround the cavity.

[0010] The aerosol generating apparatus may include connecting electrodes electrically connected to the plurality of plasma electrodes.

[0011] The connecting electrode can be positioned so as to be separated from the plasma discharge space.

[0012] The connecting electrode can be at least partially surrounded by the plasma discharge space.

[0013] The connecting electrode can at least partially surround the plasma discharge space.

[0014] The plurality of plasma electrodes can be arranged on the inner surface of the partition that interfaces with the cavity.

[0015] The plurality of plasma electrodes can be arranged on the inner surface of the partition that does not interface with the cavity.

[0016] Each of the aforementioned plurality of plasma electrodes may include a piezoelectric transducer.

[0017] The heater may be configured to operate with virtually no preheating required.

[0018] The heater can be configured to generate a temperature change of approximately 200°C to approximately 600°C. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to one embodiment, the preheating time of the heater can be reduced. The effects of the aerosol generating device including the heater according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and different effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] The above-mentioned, as well as other aspects, features, and advantages of the specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] [Figure 5] It is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view of the upper case and the body of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, with them disassembled.

[0027] [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of the upper case and the body of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, with them combined.

[0028] [Figure 8] This is an exploded cross-sectional view of the upper case and body of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing the upper case and body joined together of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] [Figure 10] This is an exploded cross-sectional view of the upper case, body, and heater holder of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view showing the upper case, body, and heater holder of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view of a heater holder of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] [Figure 13] This is an exploded perspective view of the upper case, body, and heater holder of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view showing the upper case, body, and heater holder of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] [Figure 15] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0036] [Figure 16] Block diagram showing a plasma generation circuit according to one embodiment.

[0037] [Figure 17] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0038] [Figure 18] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0039] [Figure 19] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] [Figure 20] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] [Figure 21] This is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] [Figure 22] This is a perspective view of the combined body, cartridge, and cap of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] [Figure 23] This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] [Figure 24] This is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] [Figure 25] This is a perspective view of the combined body, cartridge, and cap of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] [Figure 26] This is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge for an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] [Figure 27] This is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] [Figure 28] This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] [Figure 29] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] [Figure 30] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] [Figure 31] This is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] [Figure 32] This is a rear perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] [Figure 33] This is a rear perspective view of the internal structure of an aerosol generating apparatus including a thermal insulator and a printed circuit board according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] [Figure 34] This is a rear perspective view of the internal structure of an aerosol generating device including a battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] [Figure 35] This is a rear exploded perspective view of the internal structure of one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] [Figure 36] This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] [Figure 37] This is a perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus including a susceptor and a temperature sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] [Figure 38] This is an exploded perspective view of a thermal insulation body relating to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] [Figure 39] This is a cross-sectional view of a thermal insulation body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] [Figure 40] This is a partially enlarged view of the heat insulating material shown in Figure 39 according to one embodiment.

[0061] [Figure 41] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0062] [Figure 42] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0063] [Figure 43] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0064] The embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals used in the drawings, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0065] The suffixes "module" and "part" used with respect to the constituent elements in the following description are added or used interchangeably solely for the purpose of facilitating the creation of the specification, and do not inherently possess a distinct meaning or role from one another.

[0066] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments disclosed herein, if it is determined that a specific description of the relevant prior art would obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, such detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are merely for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and should be understood that the accompanying drawings do not limit the technical ideas disclosed herein, and include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes that fall within the idea and scope of this disclosure.

[0067] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe multiple components, but the components are not limited by such terms. The terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0068] If it is stated that one component is “linked” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that it may also be directly linked or connected to that different component, and that other components may exist in between. On the other hand, if it is stated that one component is “directly linked” or “directly connected” to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0069] A singular expression includes plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0070] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] The aerosol generator 1 includes a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and at least one heater 18, 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to that shown in Figure 1. That is, a person with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1, some of the components shown in Figure 1 may be omitted, or new components may be added.

[0072] The sensor 13 can detect the state of the aerosol generator 1 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 1 and transmit the detected information to the control unit 12. Based on the detected information, the control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 so that various functions are performed, such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, restricting smoking, determining whether or not the stick S and / or cartridge 19 is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0073] Sensor 13 may include at least one of the following: temperature sensor 131, puff sensor 132, insertion detection sensor 133, reuse detection sensor 134, cartridge detection sensor 135, cap detection sensor 136, and motion detection sensor 137.

[0074] The temperature sensor 131 detects the temperature at which the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 heat. The aerosol generator 1 may include a separate temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 themselves may perform the role of a temperature sensor.

[0075] The temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistive element whose resistance changes in response to temperature changes in the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. This may be implemented using a thermistor or other element that utilizes the property that resistance changes with temperature. Here, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. Here, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0076] The temperature sensor 131 is positioned around the power supply 11 to monitor its temperature. The temperature sensor 131 may also be positioned adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one side of the battery of the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0077] The temperature sensor 131 is located inside the body 10 and can detect the internal temperature of the body 10.

[0078] The puff sensor 132 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 132 outputs a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 may be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generator. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1 corresponds to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 is positioned in the aerosol generator 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0079] The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect a signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 may be provided around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S in accordance with the change in dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 133 may be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitor sensor.

[0080] An induction sensor includes at least one coil. The coil of the induction sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if the magnetic field around a coil through which current flows changes, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0081] An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through a coil. For example, an inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0082] The capacitor sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitor sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitor sensor may output a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic properties, such as the capacitance around the conductor. For example, if a stick S including a metal wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the wrapper of the stick S may alter the electromagnetic properties around the conductor.

[0083] The reuse detection sensor 134 can detect whether or not the stick S is being reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 may also be a color sensor. The color sensor detects the color of the stick S. The color sensor can detect the color of a portion of the wrapper surrounding the outside of the stick S. The color sensor detects a value for an optical property corresponding to the color of the object based on the light reflected from the object. For example, the optical property may be the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented in a single configuration with the proximity sensor, or in a separate configuration separate from the proximity sensor.

[0084] At least a portion of the wrappers constituting the stick S may change color due to aerosols. The reuse detection sensor 134 is positioned corresponding to the location where at least a portion of the wrappers that change color due to aerosols are located when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick S is used by the user, at least a portion of the wrappers may be the first color. Here, as the aerosols generated by the aerosol generator 1 pass through the stick S, at least a portion of the wrappers may be wetted by the aerosols, thereby changing the color of at least a portion of the wrappers to the second color. On the other hand, at least a portion of the wrappers may remain the second color after changing from the first color to the second color.

[0085] The cartridge detection sensor 135 can detect the installation and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge detection sensor 135 may be implemented by an inductance substrate sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, or a Hall sensor (Hall IC) utilizing the Hall effect.

[0086] The cap detection sensor 136 can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the body 10, the cartridge 19 and a portion of the body 10 that were covered by the cap are exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor 136 can be implemented by a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0087] The motion detection sensor 137 can detect the movement of the aerosol generator. The motion detection sensor 137 can be implemented using at least one of an accelerometer and a gyro sensor.

[0088] Sensor 13 may further include at least one of the following in addition to the aforementioned sensors 131 to 137: a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. The function of the angle sensor can be intuitively inferred by those skilled in the art from its name, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0089] The output unit 14 can output and provide to the user information regarding the status of the aerosol generator 1. The output unit 14 includes, but is not limited to, a display 141, a haptic unit 142, and an acoustic output unit 143. If the display 141 and touchpad are configured as a touchscreen without a layer structure, the display unit 141 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0090] The display 141 can visually provide the user with information regarding the aerosol generator 1. For example, information regarding the aerosol generator 1 could include various pieces of information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generator 1, the preheating status of the heater 18, the insertion / removal status of the stick S and / or cartridge 19, the attachment / removal status of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 1 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal object), and the display 141 can output this information to the outside. For example, the display 141 may be in an LED light-emitting state. For example, the display 141 may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0091] The haptic unit 142 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the haptic unit 142 can generate vibrations corresponding to the completion of initial preheating when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 for a set time. The haptic unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0092] The acoustic output unit 143 can provide the user with information about the aerosol generator 1 audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit 143 may convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0093] The power supply 11 can supply the power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. The power supply 11 may also supply power to heat the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The power supply 11 can also supply the power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generator 1, namely the sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17. The power supply 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 11 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0094] Although not shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power supply 11 and may include a switching element.

[0095] The power protection circuit interrupts the circuit to the power supply 11 according to predetermined conditions. For example, the power protection circuit may interrupt the circuit to the power supply 11 if the voltage level of the power supply 11 is equal to or greater than a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power protection circuit may interrupt the circuit to the power supply 11 if the voltage level of the power supply 11 is less than a second voltage corresponding to over-discharge.

[0096] The heater 18 is powered by the power supply 11 and can heat the medium or aerosol-generating material inside the stick S. Although not shown in Figure 10, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the power supply 11 and supplies it to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 1 generates aerosols using an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the power supply 11 into AC power.

[0097] The control unit 12, sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17 can function by being powered by the power supply 11. Although not shown in Figure 1, a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, may be further included to convert the power from the power supply 11 and supply it to each component. Also, although not shown in Figure 10, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter may be a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter includes at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter corresponds to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter prevents the application of high-frequency noise to the sensor 13, such as the insertion detection sensor 133.

[0098] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 can be formed from any suitable electrical resistant material. For example, suitable electrical resistant materials may include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys, such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. The heater 18 may also be implemented as, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which an electrically conductive track is arranged, or a ceramic heating element.

[0099] In other embodiments, the heater 18 may be an induction heating type heater, and for example, the heater 18 may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol-generating substance.

[0100] The input unit 15 can receive information input from the user and output information to the user. For example, the input unit 15 may be a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor for detecting touches. For example, the touch sensor may include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, an ultrasonic touch sensor (surface acoustic wave touch sensor), or an infrared touch sensor.

[0101] The display 141 and the touch panel may be implemented in a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be embedded within the display 141 (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added on to the display panel 141 (add-on type).

[0102] On the other hand, the input section 15 includes, but is not limited to, buttons, keypads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0103] Memory 17, as hardware for storing various data processed within the aerosol generator 1, can store data processed by the control unit 12 and data to be processed. Memory 17 may include at least one type of storage medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 17 may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on the user's smoking pattern.

[0104] The communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 16 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0105] The short-range wireless communication unit includes, but is not limited to, Bluetooth communication units, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication units, Near Field Communication units, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication units, Zigbee communication units, infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication units, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication units, UWB (ultra wideband) communication units, Ant+ communication units, and others.

[0106] The wireless communication section includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication section, an Internet communication section, and a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication section.

[0107] Although not shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may be connected to other external devices via such a connection interface to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0108] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory containing a program executed by that microprocessor. It will also be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0109] The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the supply of power from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 detected by the temperature sensor 131. The control unit 12 can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0110] The aerosol generator 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 11 between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, heater 18, or induction coil (not shown). The power supply circuit includes at least one switching element. The switching element can be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 12 can control the power supply circuit.

[0111] The control unit 12 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts the DC power output from the power supply 11 into AC power. For example, the inverter may consist of a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit that includes multiple switching elements.

[0112] The control unit 12 can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power supply 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The control unit 12 can turn off the switching element so that the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 is cut off. The control unit 12 can adjust the current supplied from the power supply 11 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty cycle of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0113] The control unit 12 can control the voltage output from the power supply 11 by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck converter that boosts the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may be implemented via a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.

[0114] The control unit 12 can adjust the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit by controlling the on / off operation of the switching elements included in the power conversion circuit. When the switching elements remain in the on state, the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit corresponds to the voltage level output from the power supply 11. The duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching elements corresponds to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 11. The lower the duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching elements, the lower the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit may be. The heater 18 is heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0115] The control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the heater 18 using at least one of the following methods: pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID).

[0116] For example, the control unit 12 may use a PWM method to control the supply of current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the heater 18. The control unit 12 can adjust the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses to control the power supplied to the heater 18.

[0117] For example, the control unit 12 may determine a target temperature for control based on the temperature profile. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 using a PID method, which is a feedback control method that uses the difference between the heater temperature 18 and the target temperature, the integral of the difference over time, and the derivative of the difference over time.

[0118] The control unit 12 can prevent the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 is interrupted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 by a certain percentage based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge 19 has been consumed based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeding a limit temperature and cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24.

[0119] The control unit 12 can control the charging and discharging of the power supply 11. The control unit 12 can check the temperature of the power supply 11 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0120] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generator 1, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or above a first limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the charging of the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is below the first limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can control the charging of the power supply 11 based on a preset charging current. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or above the first limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can shut off the charging of the power supply 11.

[0121] With the aerosol generator 1 powered on, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is above the second limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the discharge of the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is below the second limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can control the use of the power stored in the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is above the second limiting temperature, the control unit 12 interrupts the use of the power stored in the power supply 11.

[0122] The control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 relative to the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the control unit 12 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on the detected voltage and / or current values ​​of the power supply 11.

[0123] The control unit 12 can determine whether or not the stick S is inserted into the insertion space via the insertion detection sensor 133. Based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor 133, the control unit 12 determines that the stick S has been inserted. If it determines that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 may supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0124] The control unit 12 can determine whether or not the stick S is removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 may determine whether or not the stick S is removed from the insertion space via the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, the control unit 12 may determine that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater 18 is above a limit temperature, or if the slope of the temperature change of the heater 18 is above a set slope. If the control unit 12 determines that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space, it may cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0125] The control unit 12 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater 18 according to the state of the stick S detected by the sensor 13. Based on the lookup table, the control unit 12 can determine the level range that includes the signal level of the capacitor sensor. Based on the determined level range, the control unit 12 can determine the amount of moisture in the stick S.

[0126] If the stick S is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 12 can control the power supply time to the heater 18, increasing the preheating time of the stick S compared to the normal state.

[0127] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space can be reused via the reuse detection sensor 134. For example, the control unit 12 may compare the detected value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor 134 with a first reference range that includes a first color, and if the detected value falls within the first reference range, it may determine that the stick S has not been used. For example, the control unit 12 may compare the detected value of the signal from the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range that includes a second color, and if the detected value falls within the second reference range, it may determine that the stick S has been used. If it is determined that the stick S has been used, the control unit 12 may cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0128] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 can be attached and / or removed via the cartridge detection sensor 135. For example, the control unit 12 may determine whether the cartridge 19 can be attached and / or removed based on the detected value of the signal from the cartridge detection sensor.

[0129] The control unit 12 can determine whether the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 is decreasing. For example, the control unit 12 preheats the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 by applying power, determines whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period, and determines that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been consumed if the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature. If it determines that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been consumed, the control unit 12 cuts off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0130] The control unit 12 can determine whether or not the cartridge 19 is usable. For example, based on the data stored in the memory 17, the control unit 12 may determine that the cartridge 19 is usable if the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19. For example, the control unit 12 may determine that the cartridge 19 is unusable if the total time the heater 24 has been heated is equal to or greater than a preset maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the heater 24 is equal to or greater than a preset maximum amount of power.

[0131] The control unit 12 can make decisions regarding the user's inhalation via the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 may determine whether or not a puff has occurred based on the detected signal value of the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 may determine the intensity of the puff based on the detected signal value of the puff sensor 132. If the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs, or if no puff has been detected for a preset time or longer, the control unit 12 may cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0132] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cap can be attached and / or removed via the cap detection sensor 136. For example, the control unit 12 may determine whether the cap can be attached and / or removed based on the detected value of the signal from the cap detection sensor 136.

[0133] The control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the results detected by the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 132 reaches a preset number, the control unit 12 may notify the user that the aerosol generator 1 will immediately shut down via at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, and the acoustic output unit 143. For example, the control unit 12 may notify the user via the output unit 14 based on the determination that there is no stick S in the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 may notify the user via the output unit 14 based on the determination that the cartridge 19 and / or cap is not installed. For example, the control unit 12 may transmit information regarding the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 to the user via the output unit 14.

[0134] The control unit 12 can store and update a history of events in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. Events may include operations performed by the aerosol generator 1, such as detection of stick S insertion, heating of stick S, puff detection, puff completion, detection of overheating of cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, detection of overvoltage application to cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, completion of stick S heating, turning the aerosol generator 1 on / off, charging of power supply 11, detection of overcharge of power supply 11, and completion of charging of power supply 11. The history of events may include the date and time the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of stick S insertion, the log data corresponding to the event may include data such as the detection value of the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, and the current flowing through the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0135] The control unit 12 can be controlled to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving authentication data from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 12 removes the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. Here, the authentication data may include data indicating the completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user may perform user authentication via the external device. The external device may determine whether the user data is valid based on the user's date of birth, a unique number identifying the user, etc., and may receive data from an external server regarding the right to use the aerosol generator 1. Based on the data regarding the right to use, the external device may send data to the aerosol generator 1 indicating the completion of user authentication. If user authentication is complete, the control unit 12 may remove the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. For example, if user authentication is complete, the control unit 12 may remove the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater 18.

[0136] The control unit 12 can transmit data regarding the status of the aerosol generator 1 to the external device via 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 supply 11 of the aerosol generator 1, the operating mode, etc., via the external device's display.

[0137] An external device can send a location search request to the aerosol generator 1 based on an input disclosing the location search of the aerosol generator 1. When the control unit 12 receives a location search request from the external device, it controls 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 142 may generate vibrations in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 may output an object corresponding to the location search and the completion of the search in response to the location search request.

[0138] The control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update upon receiving firmware data from an external device. The external device checks the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generator 1 and determines whether a new version of the firmware exists. If the external device receives an input requesting a firmware download, it can receive the new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generator 1. Upon receiving the new version of the firmware data, the control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update.

[0139] The control unit 12 transmits data for the detection values ​​of at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 16, and can receive and store a learning model generated by learning the detection values ​​from the server via machine learning, such as deep learning. The control unit 12 uses the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile. The control unit 12 stores the detection value data of at least one sensor 13 and data for learning the artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 may store a database for each component provided in the aerosol generator 1, weights forming the ANN structure, and biases for learning the artificial neural network (ANN). The control unit 12 learns the data for the detection values ​​of at least one sensor 13, the user's inhalation pattern, the temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory 17, and can generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile.

[0140] Figures 2 to 4 show aerosol generating apparatus according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0141] Referring to Figure 2, an aerosol generator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, and a heater 18. At least one of the power supply 11, control unit 12, sensor 13, and heater 18 may be located inside the body 10 of the aerosol generator. The body 10 can provide an upwardly open space into which a stick S, which is an aerosol product, is inserted. The upwardly open space is referred to as the insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by recessing inward to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the stick S can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space corresponds to the length of the region in the stick S that contains the aerosol generating material and / or medium. The lower part of the stick S may be inserted inside the body 10, and the upper part of the stick S may protrude outside the body 10. A user can bite the exposed upper part of the stick S with their mouth and inhale air.

[0142] The heater 18 heats the stick S. The heater 18 can extend upward in the space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod heating element. The heater 18 may be inserted at the bottom of the stick S. The heater 18 may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0143] For example, referring to Figure 2, the heater 18 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 18 includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater 18 is heated by the flow of current through the electrically conductive track. The heater 18 may be electrically connected to a power supply 11. The heater 18 is supplied with current from the power supply 11 and is directly heated.

[0144] For example, the heater 18 may be a multi-heater. The heater 18 includes a first heater 18A and a second heater 18B. The first and second heaters 18A and 18B may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first and second heaters 18A and 18B may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0145] For example, referring to Figure 3, the aerosol generator includes an induction coil 181 surrounding a heater 18. The induction coil 181 can cause the heater 18 to heat up. The heater 18 is a susceptor, and the heater 18 is heated by a magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil 181. The magnetic field penetrates the heater 18 and can generate eddy currents within the heater 18. The current can generate heat in the heater 18.

[0146] For example, referring to Figure 4, a susceptor SS may be included inside the stick S, and the susceptor SS inside the stick S can be heated by the magnetic field generated by the alternating current flowing through the induction coil 181. The susceptor SS is located inside the stick S and is not electrically connected to the aerosol generator. The susceptor SS is inserted into the insertion space together with the stick S and removed from the insertion space together with the stick S. The stick S is heated by the susceptor SS inside the stick S. In this case, the aerosol generator does not necessarily have to be equipped with a heater 18.

[0147] The power supply 11 can supply power to the components of the aerosol generator 1 so that they can operate. The power supply 11 is referred to as a battery. The power supply 11 may supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18. The power supply 11 may also supply power to the induction coil 181.

[0148] The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator. The control unit 12 may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit 12 may control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11, sensor 13, and heater 18. The control unit 12 may control the operation of the induction coil 181. The control unit 12 may control the operation of a display, motor, etc., installed in the aerosol generator. The control unit 12 checks the status of each component of the aerosol generator and determines whether the aerosol generator is in an operational state.

[0149] The control unit 12 can analyze the results detected by the sensor 13 and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 18 so that the operation of the heater 18 is disclosed or terminated based on the results detected by the sensor 13. For example, the control unit 12 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and the duration of power supply so that the heater 18 heats up to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature, based on the results detected by the sensor 13.

[0150] Sensor 13 may include at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, or an acceleration sensor. For example, sensor 13 may detect at least one of the following: the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power supply 11, or the temperature inside or outside the body 10. For example, sensor 13 may detect a user's puff. For example, sensor 13 may detect whether or not the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space. For example, sensor 13 may detect the movement of the aerosol generator.

[0151] Figure 5 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0152] Referring to Figure 5, the upper case 40 is detachably coupled to the body 10. The upper case 40 may also be coupled to the upper side of the body 10. The upper case 40 covers the upper periphery of the body 10. The upper case 40 has an insertion opening 44. The stick S may be inserted into the insertion opening 44. The upper case 40 includes a cap 45 for opening and closing the insertion opening 44. The cap 45 can be slid laterally to open and close the insertion opening 44.

[0153] The upper case 40 includes upper case wings 42. The upper case wings 42 extend downward from both sides of the upper case body 41. The upper case wings 42 are named upper case grips 42.

[0154] The body 10 includes body wings 16. The body wings 16 extend upward from the upper end of the body 10. The body wings 16 may be formed in a pair that are opposite each other, centered on the upper part of the body 10. The body wings 16 may be formed in a position offset from the upper case wings 42.

[0155] Once the upper case 40 is coupled to the body 10, the upper case 40 can form the upper exterior of the aerosol generator. Once the upper case 40 is coupled to the body 10, the body wings 16 can cover the side portions of the upper case 40 that are exposed between the upper case wings 42. Once the upper case 40 is coupled to the body 10, the upper case wings 42 can cover the outer walls of the body 10.

[0156] Figure 6 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the upper case and body of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the upper case and body of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure joined together.

[0157] Referring to Figure 6, an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least one of a battery A101, a control unit A102, and a sensor A103. At least one of the battery A101, control unit A102, and sensor A103 is located inside the body A10 of the aerosol generator. The features of the battery A101, control unit A102, and sensor A103 may be the same as those described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0158] Body A10 includes pipes A11 and A12 that form a first insertion space A14. The first insertion space A14 may be formed in the upper part of body A10. The first insertion space A14 may open upwards. The first insertion space A14 may have a cylindrical shape that extends vertically. The first side walls A11 of pipes A11 and A12 surround the sides of the first insertion space A14. The first flanges A12 of pipes A11 and A12 can cover the lower part of the first insertion space A14.

[0159] The extractor A20 has a second insertion space A24 inside. The second insertion space A24 may open on the upper side of the extractor A20. The second insertion space A24 may have a cylindrical shape that extends vertically. The second side wall A21 of the extractor A20 surrounds the side of the second insertion space A24. The second flange A22 of the extractor A20 covers the lower part of the second insertion space A24. The through hole A23 can be formed by opening at the center of the second flange A22.

[0160] Referring to Figure 7, the extractor A20 is inserted into the first insertion space A14. Once the extractor A20 is inserted into the first insertion space A14, the second insertion space A24 is positioned inside the first insertion space A14. The second insertion space A24 may open on the upper side of the body A10. The diameter of the second insertion space A24 is smaller than the diameter of the first insertion space A14. The first insertion space A14 and the second insertion space A24 can be connected via a through hole A23.

[0161] The heater assembly A30 is fixed to the body A10. The heater assembly A30 may protrude long upward from the first flange A12 in the first insertion space A14. The heater assembly A30 passes through the through hole A23. The upper part of the heater assembly A30 is positioned in the second insertion space A24 through the through hole A23. The heater assembly A30 heats the second insertion space A24.

[0162] The heater assembly A30 includes a heater rod A31 and a heater A33. The heater rod A31 may project upward from the first flange A12 toward the first insertion space A14. The heater rod A31 may be elongated vertically. The body portion of the heater rod A31 may be cylindrical. The upper section of the heater rod A31 may be formed to be pointed upwards.

[0163] Heater A33 is inserted into the hollow A34 of heater rod A31. Heater A33 is fixed inside heater rod A31. The hollow A34 is open on the lower side but is filled by heater cap A35. Heater mount A15 may be formed by recessing the first flange A12 on the lower side. The lower section of heater rod A31 and heater cap A35 are fixed to heater mount A15.

[0164] Heater A33 may be a resistive heater. When heater A33 is heated, the heat passes through heater rod A31 and heats the second insertion space A24. Induction coil A13 heats heater A33. Induction coil A13 is wound around the periphery of the first side wall A11, above and below, surrounding the first insertion space A14 and heater A33. Heater A33 is a susceptor, and heater A33 is heated by the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through induction coil A13. The magnetic field penetrates heater A33 and can generate eddy currents within heater A33. The current may generate heat in heater A33. Alternatively, contrary to the illustration, heater A33 may be heated by direct power supply.

[0165] The upper case A40 may be detachably coupled to the body A10. The upper case A40 can cover the upper part of the body A10 around the first insertion space A14. The extractor A40 can be coupled to the upper case A40 and move together with the upper case A40. Once the upper case A40 is coupled to the body A10, the extractor A20 is inserted into the first insertion space A14, and the heater assembly A30 is positioned in the second insertion space A24 by passing through the through hole A23 of the second flange A22.

[0166] The upper case A40 is provided with an insertion opening A44. The insertion opening A44 is located above the second insertion space A24 of the extractor A40 and is aligned with the second insertion space A24. The insertion opening A44 may have a circular cross-section. A cover A45 is movably provided on the upper case A40. The cover A45 can open and close the insertion opening A44 and the second insertion space A24.

[0167] Sensor A103 detects the temperature of heater A33. Control unit A102 can control the temperature of heater A33 based on the temperature detected by sensor A103.

[0168] The stick S is inserted into the second insertion space A24. The stick S is inserted into the second insertion space A24 by passing through the insertion port A44. The upper side of the stick S is exposed above the extractor A20 and the upper case A20. The stick S is supported in the second insertion space A24 by the second side wall A21 and the second flange A22. The heater rod A31, which passes through the through hole A34, is inserted below the stick S that is inserted into the second insertion space A24. The stick S is heated by the heater A33 inside the heater rod A31, and an aerosol is generated.

[0169] The user can bite one end of the stick S, which is exposed to the outside, with their mouth and inhale air. The air flows into the stick S through the through hole A23 and can be provided to the user along with an aerosol.

[0170] Figure 8 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the upper case and body of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 9 is a combined cross-sectional view of the upper case and body of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0171] Referring to Figure 8, in an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater assembly B10 can extend vertically. The heater assembly B10 may include a cylindrical shape. The upper end of the heater assembly B10 may be formed to be pointed. The heater assembly B10 provides a space into which a heater B16 is inserted. The heater assembly B10 is highly heat resistant. For example, the heater assembly B10 may be made of a ceramic material.

[0172] The heater assembly B10 includes pins B11 and B12. The pins B11 and B12 each include a pin body B11. The pin body B11 extends vertically. The pin body B11 may be cylindrical. The pin body B11 may have a hollow interior B14. The lower part of the heater assembly B10 is open and can communicate with the hollow B14. The hollow B14 extends vertically.

[0173] The single pins B11 and B12 are equipped with pin tips B12. Pin tips B12 form the upper section of the heater assembly B10. Pin tips B12 may be formed integrally with the pin body B11 on the upper side of the pin body B11. Pin tips B12 may have a shape that gradually narrows towards the top. The upper section of pin tip B12 is pointed. Therefore, the heater assembly B10 can penetrate the stick S and fix the stick S in place.

[0174] The heater B16 may be formed to be elongated in the vertical direction. The heater B16 is inserted into the hollow B14 of the heater assembly B10. The heater B16 is a magnetic material and generates heat by an induced current. The heater B16 may have a shape in which a thin plate is rolled up. The heater B16 may have a cylindrical shape with one side cut vertically.

[0175] Reinforcement member B17 can close or fill the opening in the hollow B14. Reinforcement member B17 is positioned on the underside of heater B16. Reinforcement member B17 supports the lower part of heater B16 within the hollow B14.

[0176] The pipe B20 comprises a pipe body B21. The pipe body B21 extends vertically. The pipe body B21 may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. The pipe body B21 can provide an insertion space B24 that opens to the upper side.

[0177] The pipe B20 is provided with a locking projection B26. The locking projection B26 may protrude laterally or radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the rim portion formed on the upper part of the pipe B20. Multiple locking projections B26 may be provided. Multiple locking projections B26 may be arranged circumferentially and spaced apart from each other along the periphery of the rim portion.

[0178] The pipe B20 has a bottom B23. The bottom B23 may be formed at the bottom of the pipe B20. The bottom B23 may be located on the underside of the pipe body B21. The bottom B23 may be formed integrally with the pipe body B21. The bottom B23 covers the lower part or bottom of the insertion space B24. The bottom B23 is named the bottom B23 of the pipe B20.

[0179] The inlet hole B234 is formed by opening the bottom B23. The inlet hole B234 may be located below the insertion space B24. The inlet hole B234 may open toward the insertion space B24. The inlet hole B234 communicates with the insertion space B24. The inlet hole B234 can communicate with the insertion space B24 and the outside.

[0180] The pipe B20 is equipped with a mount B25. The mount B25 may protrude downward from the bottom B23. The mount B25 may be formed in the center of the bottom B23. The lower part of the mount B25 is open to form a mount hole B254.

[0181] Multiple inflow holes B234 may be provided. Multiple inflow holes B234 may be formed around the mount B25. Multiple inflow holes B234 may be arranged circumferentially around the mount B25 and spaced apart from each other. Multiple inflow holes B234 may be arranged radially around the mount B25. Inflow holes B234 may be located above the lower section of the mount B25.

[0182] The heater assembly B10 is fixed to the pipe B20. The lower part of the heater assembly B10 is fixed to the bottom B23 or the area around the bottom B23, and the upper part of the heater assembly B10 protrudes into the insertion space B24.

[0183] The flange B15 and reinforcing member B17 are inserted into and joined to the mounting groove of the mount B25. The mount B25 and bottom B23 may be made of elastic material with some degree of elasticity. For example, the pipe B20 may be made of plastic. Once the flange B15 and reinforcing member B17 are inserted into the mounting groove, the mount shape around the mounting groove is deformed and then returns to its original position, press-fitting the flange B15 and reinforcing member B17. The flange B15 and reinforcing member B17 can be joined to the mount B25 by bonding.

[0184] The pin body B11 may be positioned in the insertion space B24. The pin body B11 may be positioned elongated along the longitudinal direction of the insertion space B24. The pin tip B12 faces the opening of the insertion space B24.

[0185] This secures the heater assembly B10 to the pipe B20. It also prevents the heater assembly B10 from rotating circumferentially. Furthermore, it prevents the heater assembly B10 from detaching from the pipe B10 in the vertical direction.

[0186] The heater B16 is separated from the upper surface of the bottom B23 by a predetermined height. This reduces the influence of the heat generated by the heater B16 on the bottom B23 of the pipe B20. Furthermore, it prevents the bottom B23 of the pipe B20 from being thermally deformed, preventing a gap from forming or widening between it and the heater assembly B10, and preventing foreign matter such as liquid from leaking into the gap.

[0187] The pipe B20 may be coupled to the upper case B30. The upper case B30 has an insertion port B34 that communicates with the insertion space B24. The upper case B30 may be formed by coupling a first upper case B31 and a second upper case B32. The first upper case B31 forms the exterior of the upper case B30, and the second upper case B32 forms the interior of the upper case B30. The first upper case B31 may be coupled to the upper or outside of the second upper case B32. The rim portion and locking projection B26 of the pipe B20 may be positioned and coupled between the first upper case B31 and the second upper case B32.

[0188] The first upper case B31 includes an upper frame B311. The upper frame B311 may be formed to be aligned laterally with respect to the pipe B20. The upper frame B311 may form the upper outer shape of the upper case B30. The insertion opening B34 may be formed by opening one side of the upper frame B311.

[0189] The upper case B30 is equipped with a cap B35 that opens and closes the insertion opening B34. The cap B35 is movably mounted on the upper frame B311 of the upper case B30. The upper part of the cap B35 is exposed to the outside of the first upper case B31. The lower part of the cap B35 is located between the first upper case B31 and the second upper case B32. When the cap B35 opens the insertion opening B34, the insertion space B24 is also opened to the outside through the insertion opening B34. When the cap B35 closes the insertion opening B34, the insertion space B24 is also closed by the cap B35. The cap B35 can be slidable or pivotable. Therefore, the pipe B20 can move together with the upper case B30. It also prevents the pipe B20 from rotating circumferentially relative to the upper case B30.

[0190] The body B100 is provided with a pipe groove B104. The pipe groove B104 may be formed by the upper surface B103 of the body B100 being recessed downwards. The pipe groove B104 may open upwards. The pipe groove B104 may extend long vertically. The pipe groove B104 is named groove B104.

[0191] Referring to Figure 9, the upper case B30 covers the top of the body B100. The upper case B30 can surround and cover the body B100 around the groove B104. The upper case B30 is detachably coupled to the body B100. Once the upper case B30 is coupled to the body B100, the pipe B20 is inserted into the pipe groove B104.

[0192] The body cover B107 can surround the side of the body B100. The body cover B107 protrudes above the upper surface B103 of the body B100 at its edge. The body cover B107 forms cover grooves on one side and the other side of the body B100 into which the upper case cover B37 can be inserted. The cover grooves are in contact with the side B102 of the body B100. The cover grooves have an arrangement and shape corresponding to the upper case cover B37. The upper case cover B37 is guided into the cover grooves by contact with the body cover B107.

[0193] When the upper case B30 is attached to the body B100, the lower frame B321 of the upper case B30 can cover the top surface B103 of the body B100. When the upper case B30 is attached to the body B100, the upper case cover B37 can be inserted into the cover groove and cover the side surface B102 of the body B100.

[0194] The user moves the cap B35 to open the insertion opening B34 and insertion space B24. The stick S is inserted into the insertion opening B34 and insertion space B24 and protrudes from the upper side of the upper case B30. The user can bite on the stick S and inhale air.

[0195] Therefore, the user can separate both the upper case B30 and the pipe B20 from the body B100. Separating the pipe B20 from the body B100 also facilitates cleaning the inside of the pipe B20. Furthermore, the upper case B30 prevents foreign matter from entering both the pipe B20 and the groove B104 of the body B100.

[0196] The body B100 includes a container B101. The container B101 can provide a pipe groove B104. The pipe groove B104 may be surrounded by the container B101. The pipe groove B104 may extend vertically. The pipe groove B104 may open upwards. The container bottom B1011 can cover the lower part of the pipe groove B104. The container bottom B1011 may also be the bottom B1011 of the pipe groove B104. When the upper case B30 is coupled to the body B100, the pipe B20 is inserted into the pipe groove B104.

[0197] The induction coil B109 can wrap around the container B101 multiple times. The induction coil B109 may be positioned from around the container bottom B1011 to around the opening of the pipe groove B104. When the upper case B30 is coupled to the body B100, the heater B16 is positioned in the pipe groove B104, and the induction coil B109 surrounds the heater B16. The heater B16 can be heated by the induction coil B109.

[0198] A sensor B105 may be placed inside the body B100. The sensor B105 can detect information such as the temperature of the heater B16, whether or not the stick BS is inserted into the insertion space B24, and whether or not the pipe B20 is inserted into the pipe groove B104. The sensor B105 can detect the above information in response to changes in the dielectric constant inside the pipe groove B104. For example, the sensor B105 may be a capacitance sensor. The sensor B105 may be provided around the pipe groove B104.

[0199] For example, sensor B105 can detect changes in dielectric constant around heater B16 and indirectly estimate the temperature of heater B16. For example, a memory installed inside the device may store information about a look-up table relating to the correlation between the change in dielectric constant around heater B16 detected by sensor B105 and the heating temperature of heater B16. For example, a control unit installed inside the device can receive a signal regarding the change in dielectric constant from sensor B105 and estimate the temperature of heater B16 using the look-up table.

[0200] Therefore, the sensor B105 can detect the temperature of the heater B16 even without the lead wires connecting the heater B16 to the inside of the body B100.

[0201] The inner surface of the pipe body B21 may have a tapered shape, gradually narrowing from the vicinity of the insertion opening B34 toward the bottom B23 of the pipe B20. The stick S passes through the insertion opening B34 and is guided by the inner surface of the pipe body B21 to rest inside the insertion space B24.

[0202] With the upper case B30 connected to the body B100, the upper case B30 can separate the pipe B20 from the container B101.

[0203] Once pipe B20 is inserted into pipe groove B104, mount B25 may be positioned below pipe groove B104. Mount B25 is separated from the container bottom B1011 by a first distance above it. Inlet B234 is separated from the container bottom B1011 by a second distance above it. The second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0204] The pipe body B21 and the side of the container B101 may be separated. The first flow channel B1041 may be formed between the pipe body B21 and the side of the container B101. The first flow channel B1041 may surround the pipe body B21 in the circumferential direction. The first flow channel may be formed on one side of the pipe groove B104.

[0205] The second channel B1041 may be formed between the inlet B234 and the bottom of the container B101. The second channel B1041 may be surrounded by the bottom of the container B101, the mount B25, and the bottom B23 of the pipe B20. The second channel B1041 may surround the periphery of the mount B25 in a circular direction. The second channel B1041 communicates with the first channel B1041. The second channel B1041 is located below the first channel B1041. The second channel B1041 is located below the inlet B234. The second channel B1041 communicates with the inlet B234. The second channel B1041 is formed on the other side of the pipe groove B104. The second channel B1041 is named the inlet chamber B1041.

[0206] When a user inhales air, the air may flow from the first channel B1041 into the second channel B1041. The air flowing into the second channel B1041 can pass through the inlet B234 and be supplied to the stick S inserted into the insertion space B24.

[0207] Therefore, foreign matter such as liquid present at the bottom of container B101 can be prevented from adhering to the lower part of pipe B20, such as mount B25 or bottom B23. In addition, the airflow is stabilized and flow efficiency is improved as air collects from the second flow path B1041 before flowing into inlet B234.

[0208] Figure 10 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the upper case, body, and heater holder of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 11 is a combined cross-sectional view of the upper case, body, and heater holder of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the heater holder of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0209] Referring to Figure 10, an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may have a body C10 that is elongated vertically. The body C10 provides a first insertion space C14 inside. The first insertion space C14 may open upward. The first insertion space C14 may have a vertically elongated cylindrical shape. The first insertion space C14 is defined by a body pipe C11 formed inside the body C10. The body pipe C11 includes a lateral wall C111 surrounding the periphery of the first insertion space C14, and a bottom wall C112 covering the bottom of the first insertion space C14. The bottom wall C112 is formed at the bottom of the body pipe C11. The lateral wall C111 of the body pipe C11 is named such as the inner lateral wall C111 of the body C10.

[0210] The heater holder C20 is detachably inserted into the first insertion space C14. The heater holder C20 provides a second insertion space C24 inside. The second insertion space C24 may open upwards. The second insertion space C24 may be cylindrical. The second insertion space C24 is defined by the pipe C20' of the heater holder C20. The pipe C20' includes side walls C21 surrounding the periphery of the second insertion space C24 and a bottom wall C22 covering the bottom of the second insertion space C24. The bottom wall C22 of the pipe C20' is named bottom C22 or mount C22. The bottom wall C22 of the pipe C20' forms the bottom C22 of the heater holder C20. The heater C50 may be coupled to or fixed to the heater holder C20. The pipe C20' is named heater holder pipe C20'.

[0211] The extractor C30 is detachably inserted into the second insertion space C24. The extractor C30 provides a third insertion space C34 inside. The third insertion space C34 may be open on one side. The third insertion space C34 may have a cylindrical shape. The third insertion space C34 is defined by the side wall C31 and the bottom wall C32 of the extractor C30. The outer surface of the extractor C30 may have a cylindrical shape.

[0212] The lower part of the stick S is inserted into the third insertion space C34, and the upper part of the stick S may protrude outside the aerosol generator. The heater C50 heats the first insertion space C14, the second insertion space C24, and the third insertion space C34. The heater C50 also heats the stick S inserted into the third insertion space C34.

[0213] Therefore, heater C50 can be easily replaced. The size of the insertion spaces C14, C24, and C34 and the heater C50 placed in insertion spaces C14, C24, and C34 are extremely small and difficult to replace, but the user can easily replace heater C50 by separating heater holder C20 from the aerosol generator and placing a new heater holder C20 in the aerosol generator.

[0214] Furthermore, foreign matter generated from the stick S may not remain around the heater C50 or the heater holder C20, but may be extracted via the extractor C30. This makes cleaning the aerosol generator around the heater C50 easier and improves ease of management. It also reduces factors that degrade the performance of the heater C50, improves the durability of the heater C50, and can increase the replacement cycle of the heater C50. In addition, it can reduce factors that alter the taste of the stick S.

[0215] The lower section of the heater C50 may be fixed to the mount C22. The heater C50 extends elongated toward the opening of the second insertion space C24. The heater C50 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, with the upper section pointed upwards. In a different example, the heater C50 may have a circumferential shape and be coupled to the side wall C21 of the heater holder C20. However, this is illustrative, and the shape of the heater C50 is not limited to those described and illustrated above, as long as it is coupled to the heater holder C20 and heats the stick S inserted into the third insertion space C34.

[0216] The heater holder C20 may be formed by insert injection molding into the heater C50. The heater holder C20 can have high heat resistance and excellent rigidity. For example, the heater holder C20 may be formed from polyetheretherketone (PEEK). However, the material of the heater holder C20 is not limited to these.

[0217] The through-hole C35 may be formed by an opening in the lower wall C32 of the extractor C30. The through-hole C35 may open vertically. When the extractor C30 is inserted into the second insertion space C24, the heater C50 may protrude through the through-hole C35 into the third insertion space C34. When the stick S is inserted into the third insertion space C34, the heater C50 is inserted below the stick S.

[0218] The induction coil C15 can surround the first insertion space C14. The induction coil C15 is wound around the periphery of the side wall C111 of the body pipe C11. The induction coil C15 surrounds the heater C50. The induction coil C15 may cause the heater C50 to heat up. In a different example, the heater C50 may be powered and heated by being directly electrically connected to a power source via terminals formed on the heater holder C20.

[0219] This allows for easy separation of the stick S from the heater C50. The user can easily separate the stick S from the heater C50 by separating the extractor C30 and the heater holder C20 from each other. The stick S, inserted inside the extractor C30, can be more easily separated from the extractor C30 by separating it from the heater C50. The stick S can also be separated even when the extractor C30 and the heater holder C20 are not separated from each other.

[0220] Furthermore, foreign matter generated from the stick S can be extracted via the extractor C30 without remaining around the heater C50 or in the heater holder C20. This makes cleaning the aerosol generator around the heater C50 easier and improves ease of management. It also reduces factors that degrade the performance of the heater C50, improves its durability, and can increase the replacement cycle of the heater C50. In addition, it reduces factors that alter the taste of the stick S.

[0221] The heater holder C20 may be positioned between the body C10 and the extractor C30. The side wall C111 of the body pipe C11 surrounds the side wall C21 of the heater holder C20. The bottom wall C112 of the body pipe C11 may face the bottom wall C22 of the heater holder C20. The side wall C21 of the heater holder C20 surrounds the side wall C31 of the extractor C30. The bottom wall C22 of the heater holder C20 may face the bottom wall C32 of the extractor C30.

[0222] The side wall C31 of the extractor C30 is separated inward from the side wall C21 of the heater holder C20. The bottom wall C32 of the extractor C30 is separated upward from the bottom wall C22 of the heater holder C20. Air can flow between the extractor C30 and the heater holder C20, pass through the through hole C35, and then be supplied to the stick S inserted into the third insertion space C34.

[0223] The upper wall C12 of body C10 may extend horizontally outward from the upper section of body pipe C11. The upper wall C12 of body C10 covers the upper section of induction coil C15. The outer lateral wall C13 of body C10 extends downward from the outer end of the upper wall C12 of body C10. The outer wall C13 of body C10 may face the side wall C111 of body pipe C11. The outer wall C13 of body C10 may be spaced outward from body pipe C11. The induction coil C15 is positioned between body pipe C11 and the outer wall C13 of body C10.

[0224] The upper case C40 may be detachably coupled to the body C10. The upper case C40 may be coupled to the upper side of the body C10. The upper case C40 can cover the periphery of the first insertion space C14 and the upper periphery of the body C10. The upper case C40 has an insertion opening C44. The stick S may be inserted into the insertion opening C44. The upper case C40 includes a cap C45 that opens and closes the insertion opening C44. The cap C45 slides laterally to open and close the insertion opening C44. The heater holder C20 may be positioned between the body C10 and the upper case C40.

[0225] The upper case C40 includes the upper case body C41. The insertion opening C44 may be formed by opening the upper case body C41 vertically. The insertion opening C44 may be formed off-center from the center of the upper case body C41. The lower surface of the upper case body C41 has a shape corresponding to the upper wall C12 of the body C10. The lower surface of the upper case body C41 may extend horizontally so as to be aligned with the upper wall C12 of the body C10. The cap C45 can be slidably mounted on the upper side of the upper case body C41.

[0226] The upper case C40 includes upper case wings C42. The upper case wings C42 may extend downward from both sides of the upper case body C41. Part of the side portion of the upper case body C41 may be exposed between the pair of upper case wings C42. The upper case wings C42 are named upper case grips C42.

[0227] The extractor C30 is coupled to the upper case C40. The upper part of the extractor C30 is coupled to the upper case C40, and the lower part of the extractor C30 may protrude from the underside of the upper case C40. The extractor C30 may be coupled to a position corresponding to the insertion port C44. The insertion port C44 may be located above the third insertion space C34. The insertion port C44 can connect the third insertion space C34 to the outside of the aerosol generator.

[0228] The upper section of the extractor C30 may be coupled to the upper case body C41. The extractor C30 may extend downward from the upper case body C41. The extractor C30 may be positioned between a pair of upper case wings C42.

[0229] The body C10 includes body wings C16. The body wings C16 may extend upward from the end of the upper wall C12 of the body C10. The body wings C16 may be formed as a pair facing each other, centered on the upper part of the body C10. The body wings C16 may be formed in a position offset from the upper case wing C42.

[0230] When the upper case C40 is coupled to the body C10, the upper case C40 can form the upper exterior of the aerosol generator. When the upper case C40 is coupled to the body C10, the body wing C16 can cover the portion of the upper case body C41 that is exposed between the upper case wings C42. When the upper case C40 is coupled to the body C10, the upper case wing C42 covers the outer wall C13 of the body C10.

[0231] Therefore, the user can more easily separate the extractor C30 from the body C10. The user can separate the extractor C30 from the body C10 by grasping the exterior of the upper case C40, without having to grasp the extractor C30 inserted into the second insertion space C24. For example, the user can easily separate the upper case C40 and the extractor C30 from the body C10 by grasping the pair of upper case wings C42 and pulling them away from the body C10.

[0232] The extractor C30 is equipped with a locking projection C37. The locking projection C37 may protrude outward horizontally from the upper outer peripheral surface of the extractor C30. Multiple locking projections C37 may be provided. Multiple locking projections C37 may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The locking projection C37 can be inserted into and hooked into grooves formed in the upper case body C41 around the insertion opening C44, thereby fixing the extractor C30 to the upper case C40. The locking projection C37 can engage with the upper case body C41 in the circumferential direction.

[0233] This prevents the extractor C30 from rotating circumferentially relative to the upper case C40 during the insertion and separation process of the stick S.

[0234] The heater holder C20 includes an extension C23. The extension C23 may be formed on the upper part of the heater holder C20. The extension C23 may extend outward horizontally from the upper part of the pipe C20'. The extension C23 may have a plate shape. The extension C23 may be formed to be longer on one side around the pipe C20'. The extension C23 is named the heater holder extension C23.

[0235] The extension C23 may have a shape corresponding to the upper wall C12 of the body C10. The extension C23 may be formed horizontally on the upper wall C12 of the body C10. When the pipe C20' is inserted into the first insertion space C14, the extension C23 is supported or resting on the upper wall C12 of the body C10. The upper wall C12 of the body C10 supports the extension, and the extension C23 supports the pipe C20'. The pipe C20' is suspended from the extension C23 and forms an air gap by moving upward away from the bottom C112 of the body pipe C11. The outer circumferential surface of the pipe C20' can form an air gap by moving inward away from the side wall C111 of the body pipe C11.

[0236] The extension C23 has a shape that corresponds to the lower surface of the upper case body C41. The extension C23 may be formed horizontally on the lower surface of the upper case body C41. When the upper case C40 is coupled to the body C10 and the extractor C30 is inserted into the inside of the pipe C20', the extension C23 can contact the lower surface of the upper case body C41.

[0237] The first connecting member C27 can be fixed to the heater holder C20. For example, the first connecting member C27 may be fixed to the extension C23. The first connecting member C27 may be fixed to the inside or outside surface of the extension C23. The heater holder C20 may be insert-injected into the first connecting member C27 and the heater C50.

[0238] The extension C23 includes a first extension C231 and a second extension C232. The first extension C231 may extend from pipe C20' to one side, and the second extension C232 may extend from pipe C20' to the other side. The first extension C231 may extend longer than the second extension C232. The periphery of the first extension C231 is larger than the periphery of the second extension C232. The first extension C231 may be formed to be even wider horizontally than the second extension C232. With respect to pipe C20' extending downward from the plate-shaped extension C23, one side is defined as the first extension C231 and the other side as the second extension C232. Pipe C20' may extend downward from a portion offset to one side from the center of extension C23.

[0239] The first connecting member C27 is fixed to a first extension C231 that extends further to one side of the extension C23, centered on the pipe C20'. The first connecting member C27 may have a plate shape. The first connecting member C27 may be widely arranged horizontally on the first extension C23. The position in which the first connecting member C27 is positioned is not limited to these. For example, the first connecting member C27 may be fixed to the pipe C20'.

[0240] The first coupling member C27 may be made of a magnetic material. The first coupling member C27 may be made of a ferromagnetic material. For example, the first coupling member C27 may be made of stainless steel. However, the material of the first coupling member C27 is not limited to these.

[0241] The second coupling member C47 may be fixed to the upper case C40. The second coupling member C47 may be fixed inside the upper case body C41. The second coupling member C47 may be adjacent to the lower surface of the upper case body C41. However, the position in which the second coupling member C47 is located is not limited to these; for example, the second coupling member C47 may be fixed to the upper case wing C42. As a different example, the second coupling member C47 may be fixed to the extractor C30. The second coupling member C47 may be located in a position corresponding to the first coupling member C27.

[0242] The second coupling member C47 is attracted to the first coupling member C27. For example, the first coupling member C27 may be a ferromagnetic material and the second coupling member C47 may be a magnet. However, the materials of the first coupling member C27 and the second coupling member C47 are not limited to these.

[0243] The third coupling member C17 may be fixed inside the body C10. The third coupling member C17 may be adjacent to the upper wall C12 of the body C10. The third coupling member C17 may be positioned in a location corresponding to the first coupling member C27. However, the position in which the third coupling member C17 is positioned is not limited to these; for example, the third coupling member C17 may be adjacent to the side wall C111 of the body pipe C11. The third coupling member C17 acts attractively with the first coupling member C27. For example, the first coupling member C27 may be a ferromagnetic material and the third coupling member C17 may be a magnet. However, the materials of the first coupling member C27 and the third coupling member C17 are not limited to these.

[0244] The outer circumferential surface of the side wall C21 of pipe C20' may form multiple corners in the periphery direction. The cross-section of the outer circumferential surface of the side wall C21 of pipe C20' may be polygonal. The outer circumferential surfaces of the side wall C21 of pipe C20' may each extend long vertically and be formed by multiple surfaces arranged at corners along the periphery direction. The outer circumferential surface of pipe C20' separates inward from the side wall C111 of body pipe C11, forming an air gap. The heater C50 is surrounded by the extractor C30 and pipe C20'. The extractor C30 and pipe C20' can be separated, forming an air gap.

[0245] This reduces the amount of heat generated from heater C50 that is transferred to body pipe C11 via pipe C20', thereby reducing overheating during development of the aerosol generator.

[0246] The upper case C40 may be separated from the body C10. The heater holder C20 may be detachably coupled to the upper case C40. When the upper case C40 is separated from the body C10, the heater holder C20 is separated from the body C10 together with the upper case C40 while still coupled to the upper case C40. When the upper case C40 to which the heater holder C20 is coupled is separated from the body C10, the heater holder C20 is separated from the upper case C40.

[0247] As a different example, the heater holder C20 may be detachably coupled to the extractor C30. When the extractor C30 is separated from the body C10, the heater holder C20 is separated from the body C10 together with the extractor C30, while still coupled to the extractor C30. When the extractor C30 to which the heater holder C20 is coupled is separated from the body C10, the heater holder C20 can be separated from the extractor C30.

[0248] The first coupling member C27 and the second coupling member C47 can exert an attractive force on each other. The first coupling member C27 and the second coupling member C47 can detachably couple the heater holder C20 to the upper case C40 and / or the extractor C30. As an example, the first coupling member C27 and the second coupling member C47 may be magnets that exert an attractive force on each other. As a different example, either the first coupling member C27 or the second coupling member C47 may be a ferromagnetic material and the other may be a magnet. However, as stated above, there are no limitations, and the first coupling member C27 and the second coupling member C47 may be configured to exert an attractive force on each other by electric or magnetic force.

[0249] The extension C23 may form a horizontal surface corresponding to the lower surface of the upper case body C41. The first extension C231 forms a horizontal surface corresponding to the lower surface of the upper case body C41. The upper surface of the extension C23 is horizontally supported by the upper case body C41. The area supported by the upper case body C41 of the first extension C231 is larger than that of the second extension C232.

[0250] The first connecting member C27 has a plate shape. The first connecting member C47 may be fixed horizontally to the first extension C231. The second connecting member C47 may be positioned adjacent to the lower surface of the upper case body C41. The second connecting member C47 may be formed in a position corresponding to the first connecting member C27. Due to the attractive force between the first connecting member C27 and the second connecting member C47, the first extension C231 comes into contact with the lower surface of the upper case body C41.

[0251] As a different example, the heater holder C20 may be detachably coupled to the upper case C40 by a screw coupling. Here, the heater holder C20 may be detached or coupled to the upper case C40 by rotating circumferentially in a screw coupling manner. Alternatively, the heater holder C20 and the upper case C40 may be detachably coupled using fastening screws. As a different example, the heater holder C20 may be detachably coupled to the upper case C40 by a snap-fit ​​coupling. Here, either the heater holder C20 or the upper case C40 may have a coupling hook, and the other may have a groove into which the coupling hook is coupled. These are merely examples, and the manner in which the heater holder C20 is detachably coupled to the upper case C40 is not limited to those described above, and the heater holder C20 may be detachably coupled to the upper case C40 in a variety of well known ways.

[0252] The heater holder C20, coupled to the upper case C40, may protrude downward from the upper case C40. The heater holder C20 may be positioned between a pair of upper case wings C42. The pipe C20' may protrude further downward from the upper case body C41 than the upper case wings C42. This makes the heater holder C20 easier to access.

[0253] Therefore, the heater holder C20 can be easily separated from the upper case C40 while still being stably attached to the upper case C40. Furthermore, the heater C50 can be conveniently replaced.

[0254] Furthermore, the stick S can be easily separated from the heater C50. The user can easily separate the stick S from the heater C50 by separating the extractor C30 and the heater holder C20 from each other. The stick S, which is inserted inside the extractor C30, can be more easily separated from the extractor C30 by separating it from the heater C50.

[0255] The heater holder C20 may be detachably coupled to the body C10. With the heater holder C20 coupled to the body C10, the upper case C40 and / or extractor C30 are separated from the body C10 and heater holder C20. With the upper case C40 and / or extractor C30 separated from the body C10 and heater holder C20, the heater holder C20 can be separated from the body C10.

[0256] The first coupling member C27 and the third coupling member C17 can exert an attractive force on each other. The first coupling member C27 and the third coupling member C17 can detachably connect the heater holder C20 to the body C10. As an example, the first coupling member C27 and the third coupling member C17 may be magnets that exert an attractive force on each other. As a different example, either the first coupling member C27 or the third coupling member C17 may be a ferromagnetic material and the other may be a magnet. However, the above is not limited, and the first coupling member C27 and the third coupling member C17 may be configured to exert an attractive force on each other by electric force or magnetic force.

[0257] The extension C23 covers the upper wall C12 of the body C10, and the pipe C20' may be inserted into the first insertion space C14. The extension C23 may form a horizontal surface corresponding to the upper wall C12 of the body C10. The first extension C231 corresponds to one side of the upper wall C12 of the body C10, and the second extension C232 corresponds to the other side of the upper wall C12 of the body C10. The lower surface of the extension C23 may be horizontally supported by the upper wall C12 of the body C10. The area supported by the body C10 of the first extension C231 is larger than that of the second extension C232.

[0258] The first connecting member C27 may have a plate shape. The first connecting member C47 may be fixed horizontally to the first extension C231. The third connecting member C17 may be positioned adjacent to the upper wall C12 of the body C10. The third connecting member C17 may be formed in a position corresponding to the first connecting member C27. The first connecting member C27 may be positioned on the first extension C231, and the third connecting member C17 may be positioned adjacent to one side upper wall C12 of the body C10 covered by the first extension C231. Due to the attractive force between the first connecting member C27 and the third connecting member C47, the first extension C231 comes into contact with the upper wall C12 of the body C10.

[0259] As a different example, the heater holder C20 may be detachably coupled to the body C10 by a screw coupling. Here, the heater holder C20 may be detached or coupled to the body C10 by screw coupling by rotating circumferentially. Alternatively, the heater holder C20 and the body C10 may be detachably coupled using fastening screws. As a different example, the heater holder C20 may be detachably coupled to the body C10 by a snap-fit ​​coupling. Here, either the heater holder C20 or the body C10 may have a coupling hook, and the other may have a groove into which the coupling hook is coupled. This is merely illustrative, and the manner in which the heater holder C20 is detachably coupled to the body C10 is not limited to those described above, and the heater holder C20 may be detachably coupled to the body C10 by various well known methods.

[0260] The extension C23, which is coupled to the body C10, may be exposed above the body C10. The extension C23 may be positioned between a pair of body wings C16. The extension C23 may be positioned between the pair of body wings C16, adjacent to the outer wall C13 of the body C10, and aligned vertically with the outer wall C13. This makes it easier to access the heater holder C20.

[0261] Therefore, the heater holder C20 can be easily separated from the body C10 while still being stably attached to the body C10. Furthermore, the heater C50 can be conveniently replaced.

[0262] Furthermore, the stick S can be easily separated from the heater C50. The user can easily separate the stick S from the heater C50 by separating the extractor C30 and the heater holder C20 from each other. The stick S, which is inserted inside the extractor C30, can be more easily separated from the extractor C30 by separating it from the heater C50.

[0263] Referring to Figure 11, the first coupling member C27 may be positioned between the second coupling member C47 and the third coupling member C17. The first coupling member C27 and the second coupling member C47 exert an attractive force on each other, and the first coupling member C27 and the third coupling member C17 exert an attractive force on each other. For example, the second coupling member C47 and the third coupling member C17 may each be magnets, and the first coupling member C27 may be a magnet that exerts an attractive force on the second coupling member C47 and the third coupling member C17, respectively, between the first coupling member C47 and the third coupling member C17. As a different example, the first coupling member C27 may be a ferromagnetic material, and the second coupling member C47 and the third coupling member C17 may each be magnets. However, not limited to the foregoing, the first coupling member C27 may be configured to exert an attractive force on the second coupling member C47 and the third coupling member C17, respectively, by electric or magnetic force.

[0264] This allows the user to arbitrarily connect the heater holder C20 to either the body C10 or the extractor C30, with the heater holder C20 separated from the upper case C40 and / or the extractor C30 from the body C10. Furthermore, the upper case C40 and / or the extractor C30 can be easily and stably connected to the body C10.

[0265] The attractive force between the first connecting member C27 and the second connecting member C47 may be different from the attractive force between the first connecting member C27 and the third connecting member C17. For example, the attractive force between the first connecting member C27 and the second connecting member C47 may be greater than the attractive force between the first connecting member C27 and the third connecting member C17.

[0266] Therefore, when separating the upper case C40 and / or the extractor C30 from the body C10, the heater holders C20 are both separated from the body C10. Also, when coupling the upper case C40 and / or the extractor C30 to the body C10 with the heater holders C20 coupled to the upper case C40 and / or the extractor C30, the upper case C40 can be more easily coupled to the body C10 by the gravitational force between the first coupling member C27 and the third coupling member C17, and a more stable coupling state can be maintained.

[0267] As a different example, the gravitational force between the first coupling member C27 and the second coupling member C47 may be greater than the gravitational force between the first coupling member C27 and the third coupling member C17. Therefore, when separating the upper case C40 and / or the extractor C30 from the body C10, the heater holder C20 is held in a state of being coupled to the body C10, and the stick S can be more easily separated from the extractor C30 by detaching from the heater C50.

[0268] Referring to FIG. 12, the guide portion C25 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the upper part of the pipe C20'. The guide portion C25 may be disposed between the pipe C20' and the extension portion C23. The guide portion C25 is in contact with the opening of the second insertion space C24. The guide portion C25 may extend so as to incline downward. The guide portion C25 may extend in the circumferential direction so as to surround the opening of the second insertion space C24.

[0269] Therefore, the guide portion C25 can contact the lower part of the extractor C30 and guide the extractor C30 to be easily inserted into the second insertion space C24.

[0270] The lower section of the heater C50 is inserted into and fixed to the mount C22. The heater C50 includes a heater rod C51. The heater rod C51 can form the exterior of the heater C50. The heater rod C51 may be elongated vertically. The heater rod C51 may have a cylindrical shape. The heater rod C51 may have a hollow opening on the lower side. The hollow may be elongated vertically. The hollow inside the heater rod C51 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The upper section of the heater rod C51 may be formed to be pointed upwards. The heater rod C51 has high thermal expandability, excellent thermal insulation, and low thermal conductivity. The heater rod C51 is highly rigid. For example, the heater rod C51 may be made of zirconia. However, the material of the heater rod C51 is not limited to these.

[0271] The heater C50 includes a heat-generating section C52. The heat-generating section C52 is inserted into the hollow interior of the heater rod C51. The heat-generating section C52 may extend vertically. The heat-generating section C52 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The heat-generating section C52 may be made of a resistant metal. The heat generated from the heat-generating section C52 is transferred to the outside of the heater C50 via the heater rod C51. The heat-generating section C52 is positioned at a height corresponding to the third insertion space C34 (see Figure 6). The lower part of the heat-generating section C52 may be adjacent to the lower part of the through hole C35.

[0272] The heater C50 includes a support C53. The support C53 is inserted into the hollow of the heater rod C51. The support C53 may be positioned below the heating element C52. The support C53 may be hollow and fixed to the heater rod C51. The support C53 may support the lower part of the heating element C52. The lower part of the support C53 may be supported by the bottom C22a of the mount C22. The hole C22c formed in the center of the mount C22 may be formed by the process of insert injection molding the heater holder C20. The width of the hole C22c is formed to be smaller than the width of the support C53 to prevent the support C53 from detaching. The hole C22c may not be present. The support C53 has high heat resistance. The support C53 is not thermally deformed by the heat generated by the heating element C52. The support C53 may be formed of polyamide. However, the material of the support C53 is not limited to these.

[0273] The heater C50 includes a flange C55. The flange C55 may be formed on the lower section of the heater rod C51. The flange C55 may extend outward horizontally from the outer circumferential surface of the lower section of the heater rod C51. The flange C55 may extend in the circumferential direction of the heater rod C51. The lower section of the heater rod C51 and the flange C55 are inserted into a mount C22. The mount C22 is formed by inserting a heater holder C20 into the heater C50 and is integrally coupled to the flange C55.

[0274] The cross-section of the outer surface of flange C55 may have a non-circular shape. The inner surface of mount C22 may have a shape corresponding to the outer surface of flange C55. The inner surface of mount C22 and the outer surface of flange C55 can engage with each other in the circumferential direction. Therefore, during the process of separating or inserting the stick S into the heater C50, rotation of the heater C50 in the circumferential direction relative to the heater holder C20 can be prevented.

[0275] The flange C55 includes a first locking portion C55a. The first locking portion C55a protrudes outward from the periphery of the flange C55. The first locking portion C55a may be formed on the lower part of the flange C55. The first locking portion C55a extends along the periphery of the flange C55.

[0276] Mount C22 includes a second locking portion C22b. The second locking portion C22b may protrude inward toward the groove of mount C22. The second locking portion C22b has a shape corresponding to the first locking portion C55a. The first locking portion C55a may be located below the second locking portion C22b. The first locking portion C55a and the second locking portion C22b may overlap vertically. The second locking portion C22a supports the first locking portion C55a and can prevent the flange C55 from detaching upward from mount C22.

[0277] The extension C23 may extend further to one side with respect to the pipe C20' or the second insertion space C24. With respect to the horizontal direction on one side, the length L1 of the first extension C231 is greater than the length L2 of the second extension C232. The length L1 of the first extension C231 is greater than the diameter L0 of the second insertion space C24. Alternatively, the length L1 of the first extension C231 may be more adjacent to the diameter L0 of the second insertion space C24 than the length L2 of the second extension C232. The first connecting member C47 may have a plate shape. The first connecting member C47 may be fixed horizontally to the first extension C231.

[0278] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the upper case, body, and heater holder of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the upper case, body, and heater holder of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure with the components joined together.

[0279] Referring to Figure 13, the side wall C210 of the heater holder C200 and the side wall C310 of the extractor C300 both define a fourth insertion space C340 (see Figure 13) that opens upward. Each of the side wall C210 of the heater holder C200 and the side wall C310 of the extractor C300 covers at least one side of the fourth insertion space C340. The side wall C210 of the heater holder C200 and the side wall C310 of the extractor C300 may together form the lateral periphery of the fourth insertion space C340.

[0280] The side wall C210 of the heater holder C200 may extend long vertically. The side wall C310 of the extractor C300 may extend long vertically. The side wall C210 of the heater holder C200 and the side wall C310 of the extractor C300 may each be spaced the same distance from the center of the fourth insertion space C340 with respect to the radial direction. The side wall C210 of the heater holder C200 and the side wall C310 of the extractor C300 may each be positioned on the same peripheral extension line of the fourth insertion space C340. The side wall C210 of the heater holder C200 and the side wall C310 of the extractor C300 may each extend with circumferential curvature along the periphery of the fourth insertion space C340.

[0281] As an example, the side walls C210 of the heater holder C200 may be arranged in multiple rows along the periphery of the lower wall C22 of the heater holder C200. Between each of the multiple side walls C210 of the heater holder C200, a first slit C214 may be formed, opening upward and extending vertically. The multiple side walls C210 and the multiple first slits C214 of the heater holder C200 may be arranged alternately to each other in the circumferential direction along the periphery of the fourth insertion space C340.

[0282] For example, the heater holder C200 may have two side walls C210, which may be formed facing each other with respect to the fourth insertion space C340. Between the two side walls C210 of the heater holder C200, two first slits C214 may be formed, which may be positioned facing each other with respect to the fourth insertion space C340. However, the number of side walls C210 and first slits C214 of the heater holder C200 is not limited to this, and may be one or three or more.

[0283] As an example, the side walls C310 of the extractor C300 may be arranged in multiple rows along the periphery of the lower wall C32 of the extractor C300. Between each of the multiple side walls C310 of the extractor C300, a second slit C314 extending vertically is formed. The multiple side walls C310 and the multiple second slits C314 of the extractor C300 may be arranged alternately to each other in the circumferential direction along the periphery of the fourth insertion space C340.

[0284] For example, the extractor C300 may have two side walls C310, which may be formed facing each other with respect to the fourth insertion space C340. Between the two side walls C310 of the extractor C300, two second slits C314 may be formed, which may be positioned facing each other with respect to the fourth insertion space C340. However, the number of side walls C310 and second slits C314 of the extractor C300 is not limited to this, and may be one or three or more.

[0285] The extractor C300 may be inserted inside the heater holder C200. If the extractor C300 is inserted inside the heater holder C200, the side wall C210 of the heater holder C200 will be positioned in the second slit C314, and the side wall C310 of the extractor C300 will be positioned in the first slit C214.

[0286] Therefore, the side wall C210 of the heater holder C200 and the side wall C310 of the extractor C300 form a fourth insertion space C340. By reducing the wall thickness between the induction coil C15 and the heater C50, the heating efficiency of the heater C50 can be improved.

[0287] The lower wall C32 of the extractor C300 can cover the lower part of the fourth insertion space C340. The lower wall C22 of the heater holder C200 is positioned below the lower wall C32 of the extractor C300 and can cover the lower part of the lower wall C32 of the extractor C300. The heater C50, which is fixed to and protrudes from the lower wall C22 of the heater holder C200, is exposed to the fourth insertion space C340 by passing through a through hole C35 formed in the lower wall C32 of the extractor C300.

[0288] The lower wall C22 of the heater holder C200 is spaced upward from the lower wall C112 of the body pipe C11. An air gap may be formed between the lower wall C22 of the heater holder C200 and the lower wall C112 of the body pipe C11. The lower wall C32 of the extractor C300 may be spaced upward from the lower wall C22 of the heater holder C200. An air gap may be formed between the lower wall C32 of the extractor C300 and the lower wall C22 of the heater holder C200. A part of the heat generated from the heater C50 is transmitted from the lower wall C22 of the heater holder C200 to the side wall C210, and then transmitted to the lower wall C112 and the side wall C111 of the body pipe C11, and the heat is dispersed. Also, a part of the heat generated from the heater C50 may be dispersed through the air gap formed between the heater holder C200 and the extractor C300 around the heater C50.

[0289] Therefore, the amount of heat generated by the heater C50 conducted to the components inside the aerosol generating device can be reduced, and the failure of the aerosol generating device can be prevented. Also, the amount of heat generated by the heater C50 conducted to the outside of the aerosol generating device can be reduced, and the phenomenon of heat being transmitted to the user can be reduced.

[0290] The side wall C210 of the heater holder C200 and the side wall C310 of the extractor C300 can be engaged in the radial direction. The side wall C210 of the heater holder C200 and the side wall C310 of the extractor C300 can support each other in the radial inside and outside directions.

[0291] Therefore, the heater holder C200 and the extractor C300 are stably arranged without shifting or swaying in the radial direction relative to each other.

[0292] For example, each side wall C210 of the heater holder C200 has a first recess that is recessed circumferentially from both ends. Both ends of each side wall C210 of the heater holder C200 may protrude circumferentially beyond the first recess. The first recess is formed on the inner circumferential surface side of the side wall C210 of the heater holder C200, but may also be formed on the outer circumferential surface side. The ends of the side wall C210 of the heater holder C200 are named as first projections, etc.

[0293] Each side wall C310 of the extractor C300 is provided with a second recess that is circumferentially recessed from both ends. Both ends of each side wall C310 of the extractor C300 may protrude circumferentially beyond the second recess. The second recess is formed on the outer surface side, but may also be formed on the inner surface side. The ends of the side wall C310 of the extractor C300 are named as second projections.

[0294] The first recess and the second projection may be positioned in corresponding locations relative to each other with respect to the radial direction. The second projection may be positioned in the first recess. The first projection and the second recess may be positioned in corresponding locations relative to each other with respect to the radial direction. The first projection may be positioned in the second recess. The second projection overlaps the first projection radially.

[0295] Therefore, the first projection and the second projection support each other in the radial direction, and the side wall C210 of the heater holder C200 and the side wall C310 of the extractor C300 are stably positioned relative to each other.

[0296] These configurations are merely illustrative, and the radial engagement between the side wall C210 of the heater holder C200 and the side wall C310 of the extractor C300 is not limited to these configurations.

[0297] In this document, terms such as “substantially,” “approximately,” “generally,” and “about” used to refer to a given parameter, attribute, or condition include the degree to which a person skilled in the art can understand that the given parameter, attribute, or condition will be satisfied with a small degree of variation, such as within a sufficient manufacturing tolerance. For example, any particular parameter that is substantially satisfied may be satisfied with at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least 99%.

[0298] Figure 15 shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0299] Referring to Figure 15, the aerosol generator 300 may include a cavity 310 configured to contain the aerosol product. The cavity 310 is defined as a space into which the aerosol product is at least partially inserted ("insertion space").

[0300] The aerosol generator 300 includes a heater 320 configured to heat the aerosol product. The heater 320 can use plasma discharge to quickly raise the temperature of the cavity 310 to a target temperature. For example, the heater 320 may be configured to generate a temperature change of about 200°C to about 600°C. The plasma discharge heating method can achieve the target temperature substantially without preheating time or temperature rise time.

[0301] The heater 320 includes a plasma discharge space 321. The plasma discharge space 321 is defined as a chamber in which a plasma discharge occurs. The plasma discharge space 321 can hold plasma generating material. For example, the plasma generating material may include at least one or a combination thereof from deuterium, tritium, argon, or other materials suitable for plasma generation.

[0302] The heater 320 includes a partition 322 that separates the cavity 310 and the plasma discharge space 321. The internal surfaces F1 and F2 of the partition 322 define the plasma discharge space 321. The plasma discharge space 321 may be located inside the cavity 310. The plasma discharge space 321 may be at least partially surrounded by the cavity 310. The plasma discharge space 321 may be adjacent to the cavity 310 but substantially completely separated from the cavity 310 by the partition 322. Plasma discharge may not occur in the cavity 310. The plasma discharge space 321 may abut against the cavity 310 with the partition 322 in place. Heat generated from the plasma discharge space 321 is conducted to the cavity 310 through the partition 322.

[0303] The partition 322 includes an extension 322A that extends along the length of the cavity 310 (e.g., the portion in the Z-axis direction). The extension 322A may extend substantially linearly. The extension 322A may have a substantially hollow cylindrical shape. The extension 322A may have a substantially constant width or diameter.

[0304] The partition 322 includes a tapered portion 322B that tapers along the length of the cavity 310 (e.g., the portion in the Z-axis direction). The tapered portion 322B may have a width that decreases in the direction from the device end (not shown) to the mouse end (not shown) (e.g., the +Z direction). The tapered portion 322B may have a substantially hollow conical shape. The tapered portion 322B may be connected to the end of the extension 322A (e.g., the +Z direction end). The width or diameter of the tapered portion 322B connected to the end of the extension 322A may be substantially the same as the width or diameter of the end of the extension 322A.

[0305] Partition 322 contains a non-flammable material. For example, partition 322 may contain zirconia.

[0306] The heater 320 includes a plurality of plasma electrodes 323 configured to generate plasma. An arc discharge may occur between adjacent pairs of electrodes 323. The plurality of plasma electrodes 323 can generate heat by retaining the generated arc discharge.

[0307] Multiple plasma electrodes 323 may be arranged in the plasma discharge space 321. Multiple plasma electrodes 323 may be arranged on the inner surface F1 of the extension 322A that interfaces with the cavity 310. Multiple plasma electrodes 323 are not arranged on the inner surface F2 of the tapered portion 322B that interfaces with the cavity 310. In embodiments not shown, multiple plasma electrodes 323 may be arranged on the inner surface F2 of the tapered portion 322B.

[0308] Multiple plasma electrodes 323 can be arranged along the inner surface F1 of the extension 322A. For example, at least two of the multiple plasma electrodes 323 may be arranged along the inner surface F1 along the periphery of the extension 322A (e.g., the portion in the X-axis direction, the portion in the Y-axis direction, and / or the circumferential portion relative to the Z-axis). At least two of the multiple plasma electrodes 323 may be arranged along the length of the extension of the extension 322A (e.g., the portion in the Z-axis direction).

[0309] Figure 16 is a block diagram showing a plasma generation circuit according to one embodiment.

[0310] Referring to Figure 16, the aerosol generator 300 includes a plasma generation circuit for the plasma electrode 323. The aerosol generator 300 includes a drive unit 331 configured to supply electrical energy (e.g., electric current) to the plasma electrode 323. For example, the drive unit 331 may include a power conversion circuit configured to convert DC power supplied from a power source (not shown) into AC power. The plasma electrode 323 may include a piezoelectric transducer configured to convert the AC power into mechanical vibrations. The aerosol generator 300 may also include a control unit 332 configured to control the frequency of the AC power output from the drive unit 331. The control unit 332 may calculate the power supplied from the power source to the drive unit 331 and control the frequency of the AC power so that the power supplied from the power source to the drive unit 331 is within a target power range. The amount of plasma generated from the plasma electrode 323 depends on the frequency of the AC power.

[0311] Figure 17 shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. Figure 18 shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0312] Referring to Figures 17 and 18, the aerosol generator 400 (e.g., the aerosol generator 300 in Figures 15 and 16) includes a cavity 410 (e.g., cavity 310 in Figure 15) and a heater 420 (e.g., heater 320 in Figure 15). The heater 420 includes a plasma discharge space 421 (e.g., plasma discharge space 321 in Figure 15), a partition 422 (e.g., partition 322 in Figure 15), and a plurality of plasma electrodes 423 (e.g., plasma electrodes 323 in Figure 15). The partition 422 includes a first extension 422A (e.g., extension 322A in Figure 15) and a tapered portion 422B (e.g., tapered portion 322B in Figure 15).

[0313] Partition 422 includes a second extension 422C that extends along the length of the extension of the first extension 422A (e.g., the portion in the Z-axis direction). The second extension 422C may be located inside the first extension 422A. The extension direction of the second extension 422C (e.g., the + / -Z direction) may be substantially parallel to the extension direction of the first extension 422A (e.g., the + / -Z direction). The extension length of the second extension 422C may be substantially the same as or less than the extension length of the first extension 422A.

[0314] The second extension 422C includes an external surface F3. The plasma discharge space 421 is defined by the internal surface F1 of the first extension 422A, the internal surface F2 of the tapered portion 422B, and the external surface F3 of the second extension 422C. The external surface F3 of the second extension 422C may face the internal surface F1 of the first extension 422A. The external surface F3 of the second extension 422C may not interface with the cavity 410.

[0315] The multiple plasma electrodes 423 do not have to be arranged on the inner surface F1 of the first extension 422A that interfaces with the cavity 410. The multiple plasma electrodes 423 do not have to be arranged on the inner surface F2 of the tapered portion 422B that interfaces with the cavity 410.

[0316] Multiple plasma electrodes 423 are arranged on the outer surface F3 of the second extension 422C. Multiple plasma electrodes 423 may be arranged along the periphery of the second extension 422C (e.g., a portion in the X-axis direction, a portion in the Y-axis direction, and / or a portion in the circumferential direction relative to the Z-axis). Multiple plasma electrodes 423 may be arranged along the length of the second extension 422C (e.g., a portion in the Z-axis direction).

[0317] The heater 420 includes a hollow internal space 424 defined within the second extension 422C. The internal space 424 is adjacent to the plasma discharge space 421 but is separated from the plasma discharge space 421 by a partition 422. The internal space 424 is in contact with the plasma discharge space 421, with the second extension 422C in place.

[0318] The heater 420 includes a connecting electrode 430 electrically connected to a drive unit (not shown) (e.g., drive unit 331 in Figure 16) and / or a control unit (not shown) (e.g., control unit 332 in Figure 16). The connecting electrode 430 is configured to transfer electrical energy from the drive unit and / or control unit to a plurality of plasma electrodes 423. The connecting electrode 430 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The heater 420 may also include a plurality of electrical lines configured to connect the connecting electrode 430 to each of the plurality of plasma electrodes 423. The connecting electrode 430 and the plurality of electrical lines may be located in an internal space 424. The connecting electrode 430 is spaced apart from the second extension 422C in the internal space 424.

[0319] Figures 19 and 20 show an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0320] Referring to Figure 19, the aerosol generator 1 includes at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, a heater 18, and a cartridge 19. At least one of the power supply 11, the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18 may be located inside the body 10 of the aerosol generator 1. The body 10 can provide an upwardly open space into which a stick S, which is an aerosol product, can be inserted. The upwardly open space is referred to as the insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by recessing inward to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the stick S can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space corresponds to the length of the region in the stick S that contains the aerosol generating substance and / or medium. The lower part of the stick S may be inserted inside the body 10, and the upper part of the stick S may protrude outside the body 10. The user can bite the exposed upper part of the stick S with their mouth and inhale air.

[0321] The heater 18 heats the stick S. The heater 18 can extend upward around the space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 may be a tube containing a hollow interior. The heater 18 may be positioned around the insertion space. The heater 18 may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater 18 heats the insertion space or the stick S inserted into the insertion space. The heater 18 may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0322] For example, the heater 18 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 18 includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater 18 is heated by the flow of current through the electrically conductive track. The heater 18 may be electrically connected to a power supply 11. The heater 18 is directly heated by current supplied from the power supply 11.

[0323] For example, the aerosol generator 1 may include an induction coil surrounding a heater 18. The induction coil generates heat in the heater 18. The heater 18 is a susceptor, and is heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field penetrates the heater 18 and can generate eddy currents within the heater 18. The current can generate heat in the heater 18.

[0324] On the other hand, a susceptor may be included inside the stick S, and the susceptor inside the stick S may be heated by the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil.

[0325] The cartridge 19 may contain an aerosol-generating substance that is in one of the following states: liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid-phase composition. For example, the liquid-phase composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0326] The cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the body 10 or detachably attached to the body 10.

[0327] For example, referring to Figure 19, the cartridge 19 is integrally formed with the body 10 and can communicate with the insertion space via the airflow channel CN.

[0328] For example, referring to Figure 20, a space may be formed on one side of the body 10, and at least a portion of the cartridge 19 may be inserted into the space formed on one side of the body 10, thereby mounting the cartridge 19 to the body 10. The airflow channel CN ​​is defined by a portion of the cartridge 19 and / or a portion of the body 10, and the cartridge 19 can communicate with the insertion space through the airflow channel CN.

[0329] The body 10 may be formed in such a way that outside air can flow into the body 10 when the cartridge 19 is inserted. Here, the outside air that flows into the body 10 passes through the cartridge 19 and flows into the user's mouth.

[0330] The cartridge 19 includes a storage section C0 containing an aerosol-generating material and / or a heater 24 for heating the aerosol-generating material in the storage section C0. A liquid transfer means impregnated (containing) the aerosol-generating material may be disposed inside the storage section C0. Here, the liquid transfer means may include a core (wick) such as a surface fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic material. The electrically conductive track of the heater 24 may be formed in the form of a coil structure around which the liquid transfer means is wound, or in a structure that contacts one side of the liquid transfer means. The heater 24 is referred to as the cartridge heater 24.

[0331] Cartridge 19 generates an aerosol. The liquid transfer means is heated by the cartridge heater 24, generating an aerosol. The stick S is heated by the heater 18, generating an aerosol. As the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 and heater 18 passes through the stick S, tobacco substances are added to the aerosol, and the aerosol with added tobacco substances is inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick S.

[0332] The aerosol generator 1 is equipped only with a cartridge heater 24, and the body 10 is not equipped with a heater 18. Here, the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 passes through the stick S, is mixed with tobacco substances, and is inhaled into the user's mouth.

[0333] The aerosol generator 1 may include a cap (not shown). The cap may be detachably attached to the body 10 so as to cover at least a portion of the cartridge 19 which is coupled to the body 10. The stick S may be inserted into the body 10 through the cap.

[0334] The power supply 11 can supply power to the components of the aerosol generator 1 so that they can operate. The power supply 11 is referred to as a battery. The power supply 11 may supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, the sensor 13, the cartridge heater 24, and the heater 18. If the aerosol generator 1 includes an induction coil, the power supply 11 can supply power to the induction coil.

[0335] The control unit 12 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generator. The control unit 12 may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit 12 may control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11, sensor 13, heater 18, and cartridge 19. The control unit 12 may also control the operation of a display, motor, etc., installed in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is in an operational state.

[0336] The control unit 12 can analyze the results detected by the sensor 13 and control the processing to be performed thereafter. For example, based on the results detected by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 so that the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 is disclosed or terminated. For example, based on the results detected by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 may control the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 and the duration for which the power is supplied so that the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 heats up to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0337] Sensor 13 may include at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a color sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and a cap detection sensor. For example, sensor 13 may detect at least one of the following: the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power supply 11, and the temperature inside or outside the body 10. For example, sensor 13 may detect a user's puff. For example, sensor 13 may detect whether or not the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space. For example, sensor 13 may detect whether or not a cartridge has been installed. For example, sensor 13 may detect whether or not a cap has been installed.

[0338] Figure 21 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 22 is a combined perspective view of the body, cartridge, and cap of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0339] Referring to Figure 21, an aerosol generator A100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a body A3. The aerosol generator A100 includes a cap A30. The aerosol generator A100 includes a cartridge A40. The cartridge A40 may be detachably coupled to one side of the body A3. The cap A30 may be detachably coupled to the body A3 so as to cover the cartridge A40. The stick S is inserted into the body A3 through the cap A30.

[0340] Referring to Figure 22, body A3 includes rover dy A1 and upper body A2. Inside rover dy A1 are components of the aerosol generator A100, such as a battery and control unit. Upper body A2 may be coupled to the upper side of rover dy A1.

[0341] The upper body A2 includes a column A10 and a mounting section A20. The column A10 can extend long in the vertical direction. The column A10 has an outer wall A11, an inner wall A12, and an upper wall A13.

[0342] The mounting portion A20 may protrude from the lower part of the inner wall A12 of column A10. It may also face the mounting portion A20. The cartridge region A24 is formed between the inner wall A12 of column A10 and the mounting portion A20. The cartridge region A24 may be located on one side of the inner wall A12 of column A10 and positioned above the mounting portion A20.

[0343] Column A10 includes an insertion space A142. The insertion space A142 extends vertically within the column A10 and may open upwards so that the upper wall A13 is open.

[0344] The body inlet A141 may be formed on one side of the column A10. The body inlet A141 may be formed with an open inner wall A12. The body inlet A141 may open to the outside of the column A10. The body inlet A141 communicates with the insertion space A142. The body inlet A141 may be positioned to face the cartridge area A24. The body inlet A141 can communicate with the cartridge area A24.

[0345] Cartridge A40 may be detachably bonded to the upper body A2 in the cartridge region A24. Cartridge A40 is bonded to the inner wall A12 of column A10 and placed on the mounting section A20 with its bottom supported. Cartridge A40 comprises a first container A41 and a second container A42. The first container A41 may be positioned above the second container A42. The first container A41 may contain a liquid.

[0346] Cap A30 may cover the upper body A2 and be detachably coupled to body A3. Cap A30 covers the upper body A2 and the cartridge A40 coupled to the upper body A2. Cap A30 may have a space formed inside into which the upper body A2 and cartridge A40 are inserted. The space inside cap A30 may open to the bottom. The side wall A31 of cap A30 can cover the side of the space inside cap A30. The top wall A33 of cap A30 can cover the top of the space inside cap A30. An insertion opening A34 may be formed by opening the top wall A33. When cap A30 is coupled to body A3, the insertion opening A34 communicates with the insertion space A142 above it. Cover A35 may be movably provided on the top wall A33. Cover A35 slides on the top wall A33. Cover A35 can open and close the insertion slot A34.

[0347] Referring to Figure 23, the first chamber C1 may be formed inside the first container A41. The liquid may be stored in the first chamber AC1. The second chamber AC2 may be formed inside the second container A42.

[0348] The cartridge inlet A441 may be formed by opening up cartridge A40. The cartridge outlet A442 may be formed by opening up cartridge A40. The cartridge flow path A443 may connect the cartridge inlet A441 to the second chamber AC2. The cartridge outlet A442 is in communication with the second chamber AC2.

[0349] The cartridge outlet A442 may be formed by opening one side of the second container A42. The discharge port A422 may surround the cartridge outlet A442. The discharge port A422 may protrude from one side of the second container A42. When the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the discharge port A422 is inserted into the body inlet A141, and the cartridge outlet A442 and the body inlet A141 are connected.

[0350] Core A45 is provided in the second chamber AC2. Core A45 may be connected to the first chamber AC1. Core A45 may be supplied with liquid from the first chamber AC1. Heater A46 is heated to heat core A45. Heater A46 may be located in the second chamber AC2. Heater A46 may wind core A45. When heater A46 heats core A45, an aerosol can be generated around core A45 in the second chamber AC2.

[0351] The heater terminal A47 may be exposed at the bottom of the cartridge A40. The heater terminal A47 may be formed at the bottom of the second container A42. The heater terminal A47 may be electrically connected to the heater A46. When the cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the heater terminal A47 may contact and be electrically connected to the first pin A50.

[0352] The first pin A50 may protrude outside the mounting portion A20. The first pin A50 is powered by a battery located entirely inside the Roverdy A1, which supplies power to the heater terminal A47 and heater A46. Heater A46 is powered and heated.

[0353] Air from outside cartridge A40 flows into cartridge A40 through cartridge inlet A441. The air flows sequentially through cartridge inlet A441, cartridge flow path A443, second chamber AC2, and cartridge outlet A442. Air from inside cartridge A40 is discharged to the outside of cartridge A40 through cartridge outlet A442. The air that flows into cartridge A40, along with the aerosol generated in second chamber AC2, is discharged to the outside of cartridge A40 through cartridge outlet A442.

[0354] The first pin A50 is located inside the body A3, but may protrude outside the body A3. The body A3 includes the mounting portion A20.

[0355] The mounting portion A20 is provided with an outer recessed groove A25. The outer recessed groove A25 is formed by the upper surface A21 of the mounting portion A20 being recessed downwards. The outer recessed groove A25 may be located below the cartridge region A24. The upper surface A21 of the mounting portion A20 is named the outer surface of the body A3. The outer recessed groove A25 may be formed on the outer surface of the body A3.

[0356] The lower part of the outer recessed groove A25 is covered by the bottom A251, and the sides are covered by the peripheral edge A252. The upper part of the outer recessed groove A25 may be open. One side of the outer recessed groove A25 may be open without being covered by the peripheral edge A252. If the x-direction as shown in the coordinate system is defined as forward, the front of the outer recessed groove A25 may be open. The upper part of the first pin A50 may protrude or be exposed convexly upward from the bottom A251 of the outer recessed groove A25 toward the outer recessed groove A25.

[0357] The bottom of cartridge A40 has a shape that corresponds to the mounting portion A20 and the outer recessed groove A25. When cartridge A40 is coupled to the upper body A2, the bottom of cartridge A40 is placed on the mounting portion A20, and the first pin A50 and the second pin A47 are electrically connected to each other.

[0358] Multiple guide sections A253 may be provided. Guide sections A253 may extend from front to rear. Guide sections A253 may be formed to slope so that they gradually rise from front to rear. Each of the multiple guide sections A253 may be positioned in front of each of the multiple first pins A50. The height of the rear end of a guide section A253 adjacent to a first pin A50 is the same as or similar to the height of the first pin A50.

[0359] Therefore, when cartridge A40 is coupled to upper body A2, guide portion A253 guides the position of cartridge A40 so that the first pin A50 and the second pin A47 are in contact.

[0360] Figure 24 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 25 is a combined perspective view of the body, cartridge, and cap of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 26 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0361] Referring to Figures 24 and 25, an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a body B100 comprising an upper body B120 and a rover B110. The upper body B120 may be located above the rover B110. The rover B110 may be elongated vertically. The body B100 can house internally the components for driving the aerosol generator. The upper body B120 can provide an insertion space B134 that opens upward. The insertion space B134 may be located inside the upper body B120. The insertion space B134 is elongated vertically. The insertion space B134 may be formed in a pipe B130 located inside the upper body B120.

[0362] The upper case B200 may have a hollow shape with an open bottom. The upper body B120 may be inserted into the hollow of the upper case B200. The upper case B200 may be detachably coupled to the body B100. The upper case B200 can cover the upper body B120 so as to surround it. The lateral portion B211 of the upper case B200 can cover the side wall B121 of the upper body B120. The upper part B212 of the upper case B200 can cover the upper part B180 or outer cover B180 of the upper body B120. When the upper case B200 is coupled to the body B100, the upper case B200 can cover both the body B100 and the cartridge B300. The cartridge B300 may be located inside the upper case B200.

[0363] The insertion opening B214 may be formed by opening the upper part B212 of the upper case B200. The insertion opening B214 corresponds to the opening of the insertion space B134. The cap B215 is movably provided on the upper part B212 of the upper case B200. The slide hole B213 may be formed on the upper part B212 of the upper case B200, extending to one side from the insertion opening B214. The cap B215 may move along the slide hole B213. The cap B215 may open and close the insertion opening B214 and the insertion space B134. The stick S may be inserted into the insertion space B134 through the insertion opening B214. For example, the stick S may be a cigarette.

[0364] The outer wall B121 and the partition wall B125 may form the side of the upper body B120. The outer wall B121 and the partition wall B125 may be connected. The outer wall B121 may be covered by the inner surface of the upper case B200. The partition wall B125 may separate the cartridge coupling space B124a and the insertion space B134.

[0365] The upper body B120 includes a mounting section B122. The mounting section B122 extends to one side from the lower part of the partition wall B125. The mounting section B122 may be formed on the upper side of the lower part of the lower part of the lower part of the lower part of the cartridge coupling space B124a. The bottom surface of the cartridge B300 is rested and supported on the mounting section B122.

[0366] The upper body B120 includes an extension B140. The extension B140 may extend from the top of the partition wall B125 to one side. The extension B140 may extend in the direction in which the mounting portion B122 is formed. The extension B140 may cover the top of the cartridge coupling space B124a. The extension B140 may cover the upper surface of the cartridge B300. The extension B140 may cover the portion of the cartridge inlet B301 formed in the cartridge B300. A gap is formed between the extension B140 and the cartridge inlet B301 through which air can flow.

[0367] The cartridge coupling space B124a may be formed on one side of the upper body B120. The cartridge coupling space B124a is defined by the mounting portion B122, the partition wall B125, and the extension portion B140 of the upper body B120. The bottom of the cartridge coupling space B124a may be covered by the mounting portion B122. One side of the cartridge coupling space B124a may be covered by the partition wall B125 of the upper body B120. The upper side of the cartridge coupling space B124a may be covered by the extension portion B140. The cartridge coupling space B124a may be open to the outside between the mounting portion B122 and the extension portion B140.

[0368] Cartridge B300 may be inserted into the cartridge coupling space B124a and coupled to the body B100. Cartridge B300 may be detachably coupled to the body B100. One side surface B311 of cartridge B300 may face the partition wall B125. The upper surface B312 of cartridge B300 may be covered by the extension B140. The bottom surface B322 of cartridge B300 may be placed on the mounting section B122. Cartridge terminals B128 can be connected to cartridge B300 to supply power to the heater B342 inside cartridge B300.

[0369] The coupling hook B125a may be formed on the upper body B120. The pusher B125b may also be formed on the upper body B120. The coupling hook B125a and the pusher B125b may be formed in pairs on both sides and positioned opposite each other. The cartridge B300 includes a hook coupling groove B315. The hook coupling groove B315 may be formed in a position corresponding to the coupling hook B125a. When the cartridge B300 is inserted into the cartridge coupling space B124a, the coupling hook B125a coupling to the hook coupling groove B315 connects the cartridge B300 to the body B100. The pusher B125b and the coupling hook B125a can move in conjunction with each other. When the pusher B125b is pressed, the coupling hook B125a moves in a direction that separates it from the hook coupling groove B315, and the cartridge B300 may separate from the body B100.

[0370] The connecting channel B133 may be formed at the bottom of the partition wall B125. The connecting channel B133 communicates with the insertion space B134. The connecting channel B133 may open on one side of the upper body B120. When the cartridge B300 is coupled to the body B100, the discharge port B323 is inserted into the connecting channel B133, and the connecting channel B133 and the cartridge discharge port B304 communicate with each other.

[0371] Referring to Figure 26, the cartridge B300 includes a first container B31 and a second container B32. The first container B31 may be coupled to the upper side of the second container B32. The plate B35 may be coupled between the first container B31 and the second container B32, or between the first container B31 and the frame B33.

[0372] The first container B31 includes a first chamber C1 that can store liquid inside. The first container B31 surrounds the first chamber C1, and the bottom of the first chamber C1 may be open. The opening of the first chamber C1 may be covered by a plate B35.

[0373] Referring to Figure 27, the first container B31 is provided with an inflow channel B302 through which air passes. The first chamber C1 and the inflow channel B302 may be isolated from each other. The inflow channel B302 may extend vertically along one side of the first container B31.

[0374] The first container B31 is equipped with a cartridge inlet B301. The cartridge inlet B301 is formed by an opening at the top of the first container B31 and communicates with the inflow channel B302. The cartridge inlet B301 communicates with the upper section of the inflow channel B302. The lower section of the inflow channel B302 may communicate with the connecting hole B351 and the chamber inlet B303.

[0375] The second container B32 may be coupled to the bottom of the first container B31. The second container B32 has a space B324 that is open at the top and covered at the bottom. The frame B33 may be housed inside the space B324 of the second container B32.

[0376] The second container B32 is provided with a cartridge outlet B304. The cartridge outlet B304 may be formed on one side portion B321 of the second container B32. The cartridge outlet B304 may be formed inside a port that protrudes in the thickness direction from the side portion B321 of the second container B32. The cartridge outlet B304 communicates with space B324. The second container B32 includes an outlet port B323. The outlet port B323 may have the cartridge outlet B304 formed inside it. The outlet port B323 may protrude to one side from one side portion B321 of the second container B32. The outlet port B323 may surround the cartridge outlet B304. The cartridge outlet B304 is named outlet B304.

[0377] Frame B33 may be inserted into space B324 inside the second container B32 and coupled with the second container B32. Fastening members B326 protruding from the side wall of the second container B32 into space B324 are fastened to frame B33 to secure frame B33.

[0378] Frame B33 contains a second chamber C2 inside. Frame B33 surrounds the second chamber C2, and the top of the second chamber C2 may be open. The top of the second chamber C2 is covered by plate B35.

[0379] Frame B33 includes a chamber inlet B303. The chamber inlet B303 may be formed by opening one side of the side wall surrounding the second chamber C2. The chamber inlet C303 may be curved upward from the second chamber C2 toward the inflow channel B302. One end of the chamber inlet B303 may communicate with the second chamber C2, and the other end of the chamber inlet B303 may be connected to the inflow channel B302 and the connecting hole B351.

[0380] Frame B33 is provided with a chamber outlet B332. The chamber outlet B332 may be formed on one side portion of frame B33. The chamber outlet B332 communicates with the second chamber C2. The chamber outlet B332 may be formed inside a port that protrudes in the thickness direction from the side of frame B33. The chamber outlet B332 communicates with the second chamber C2. The chamber outlet B332 may be formed in a position corresponding to the cartridge outlet B304. The chamber outlet B332 may be formed in a position opposite to the chamber inlet B303 with respect to the second chamber C2. When frame B33 is coupled with the second container B32, the chamber outlet B332 and the cartridge outlet B304 communicate with each other.

[0381] Frame B33 is provided with a core coupling groove B334 inside. The core coupling groove B334 communicates with the second chamber C2. The core coupling groove B334 may be formed by recessing the second chamber C2 to one side. The core coupling groove B334 may be formed in pairs, and the pair of core coupling grooves B334 may be formed so that they are located on opposite sides of the second chamber C2. The top of the core coupling groove B334 may be open.

[0382] The core B341 may have a cylindrical shape that extends laterally into the second chamber C2. Both ends of the core B341 may be inserted into a pair of core coupling grooves B334. The center of the core B341 may be located in the second chamber C2. The core B341 may be connected to the first chamber BC1 and supplied with liquid from the first chamber C1. The core B341 may be fixed in the core coupling groove B334 by a frame B33 and a plate B35.

[0383] Heater B342 may be wound around the center of core B341. Heater B342 can be heated to heat core B341. For example, heater B342 may be a resistive heater. Heater B342 may be located in the second chamber C2. The end of heater B342 may be electrically connected to an electrode located at the bottom of the second container B32, passing through the bottom of frame B33.

[0384] Plate B35 may be coupled between the first container B31 and the second container B32, or between the first container B31 and the frame B33. Plate B35 on the frame B33 may cover and seal the open portion of the first chamber C1. Plate B35 may cover the top of the frame B33. Plate B35 may cover and seal the open portion of the second chamber C2.

[0385] Plate B35 is provided with a connecting hole B351 on one side. The connecting hole B351 may be located between the inflow channel B302 and the chamber inlet B303. The connecting hole B351 connects the inflow channel B302 and the chamber inlet B303.

[0386] Plate B35 is provided with liquid phase inlet holes B354. The liquid phase inlet holes B354 may be formed in pairs at positions corresponding to the core coupling groove B334. The pair of liquid phase inlet holes B354 may be located on the upper sides of both ends of the core B341. The liquid phase inlet holes B354 may connect the first chamber C1 and the core coupling groove B334. The core B341 may be connected to the first chamber C1 via the liquid phase inlet holes B354.

[0387] The hook groove B335 may be formed above the chamber outlet B332, adjacent to the chamber outlet B332. The hook B353 may protrude downward from one side of the plate B35. The hook B353 may be inserted into and fastened in the hook groove B335 formed on the upper part of the frame B33. The first container B31, with the plate B35 fastened to the frame B33 and coupled to the second container B32, can push the end portion of the plate B35 toward the frame B33.

[0388] The user can inhale air by biting the stick S inserted into the insertion space B134. With the upper case B200 coupled to the body B100, air may flow into the cartridge inlet B301 through the opening B201 formed in the upper case B200. The air flows into the inside of the cartridge B300 through the cartridge inlet B301 and is discharged to the outside of the cartridge B300 through the cartridge outlet B304. The air that has flowed into the inside of the cartridge B300 is discharged to the outside by passing through the inlet channel B302, the connecting hole B351, the chamber inlet B303, the second chamber C2, the chamber outlet B332, and the cartridge outlet B304 in that order.

[0389] When heater B342 heats wick B341, an aerosol is formed from wick B341 in the second chamber C2. Air passing through cartridge B300 is discharged from the second chamber B2, along with the aerosol, to cartridge outlet B304. The air discharged through cartridge outlet B304 is supplied to insertion space B134 and the stick S inserted into insertion space B134 via connecting channel B133.

[0390] Referring to Figure 28, the upper body B120 comprises an outer wall B121 and a partition wall B125. The outer wall B121 and the partition wall B125 may be connected. The partition wall B125 may be formed extending vertically between the pipe B130 and the cartridge coupling space B124a.

[0391] The extension B140 may be formed extending from the top of the upper body B120 to one side. The upper surface B312 of the cartridge B300 may be covered by the extension B140. The extension B140 may also cover the cartridge inlet B301 and its surroundings. Gaps are formed between the extension B140 and the cartridge inlet B301, and between the lower part of the extension B140 and the upper surface B312 of the cartridge B300. The gaps allow the cartridge inlet B301 to communicate with the outside.

[0392] The pipe B130 may be formed to be long in the vertical direction. The pipe B130 may be formed to be hollow. The insertion space B134 may be formed inside the pipe B130. The insertion space B134 may open upwards. The insertion space B134 may extend vertically. The connecting channel B133 may be formed inside the pipe B130. The connecting channel B133 may be formed below the insertion space B134. One end of the connecting channel B133 communicates with the outside of the pipe B130, and the other end communicates with the insertion space B134. The connecting channel B133 may be bent to one side from the bottom of the insertion space B134.

[0393] The first sensor B161 is located inside the extension B140. The first sensor B161 may face the upper surface of the cartridge B300 or the cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 is located adjacent to the cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 may be located above the cartridge inlet B301. With respect to the vertical direction, the first sensor B161 overlaps with the cartridge inlet B301.

[0394] The first sensor B161 can detect ambient airflow. The first sensor B161 may be an airflow sensor or a pressure sensor. The first sensor B161 may detect airflow through changes in ambient atmospheric pressure. The extension B140 may be provided with a hole for detecting airflow at a location adjacent to the cartridge inlet B301. The first sensor B161 is mounted on a circuit board located inside the extension B140 and is electrically connected to the control unit B20. The control unit B20 can control the operation of various connected components based on the detection of airflow by the first sensor B161.

[0395] The first sealing portion B151 is positioned between the first bulkhead portion B1251 and the inner plate B171. The first sealing portion B151 surrounds and tightly seals the upper end of the first bulkhead portion B1251. The first sealing portion B151 may also be tightly sealed to the lower part of the inner plate B171.

[0396] The sensor housing B156 of the second sealing portion B152 may seal the area around the first detection hole B144. The sensor housing B156 may be in close contact with the extension plate B141 around the first detection hole B144. The second detection hole B1564 formed in the sensor housing B156 is in communication with the first detection hole B144. The sensor housing B156 may surround and be in close contact with the first sensor B161.

[0397] Therefore, failure of the substrate or sensor can be prevented by foreign matter, aerosols discharged around the opening of pipe B130, or foreign matter passing through the first detection hole B144.

[0398] Figures 29 and 30 show an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0399] Referring to Figure 29, the aerosol generator 1 may include at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, and a heater 18. At least one of the power supply 11, control unit 12, sensor 13, and heater 18 may be located inside the body 10 of the aerosol generator 1. The body 10 provides a space that is open on the upper side into which a stick S, which is an aerosol product, is inserted. The space that is open on the upper side will be referred to as the insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by recessing inward to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the stick S is inserted. The depth of the insertion space corresponds to the length of the region in the stick S that contains the aerosol generating substance and / or medium. The lower part of the stick S may be inserted inside the body 10, and the upper part of the stick S may protrude outside the body 10. The user can inhale air by biting the upper part of the stick S that is exposed to the outside.

[0400] The heater 18 heats the stick S. The heater 18 may extend upward around the space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 may be a tube containing a hollow interior. The heater 18 may be positioned around the insertion space. The heater 18 may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater 18 may heat the insertion space or the stick S inserted into the insertion space. The heater 18 may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0401] For example, referring to Figure 29, the heater 18 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 18 includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater 18 is heated by the flow of current through the electrically conductive track. The heater 18 may be electrically connected to a power supply 11. The heater 18 is directly heated by current supplied from the power supply 11. The heater 18 may be a hollow heater positioned to cover at least a portion of the stick S inserted into the insertion space, heating the outside of the inserted stick S, or it may be a needle-shaped, rod-shaped, or tubular heater inserted into the inside of the stick S inserted into the insertion space, heating the inside.

[0402] For example, referring to Figure 30, the aerosol generator includes an induction coil 181 surrounding a heater 18. The induction coil 181 can heat the heater 18. The heater 18 is a susceptor and may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil 181. The magnetic field penetrates the heater 18 and can generate eddy currents within the heater 18. The current can generate heat in the heater 18.

[0403] On the other hand, a susceptor may be included inside the stick S, and the susceptor inside the stick S may be heated by the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil 181.

[0404] The power supply 11 provides power to the components of the aerosol generator 1 so that they can operate. The power supply 11 is referred to as a battery. The power supply 11 may supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18. If the aerosol generator 1 includes an induction coil 181, the power supply 11 can supply power to the induction coil 181.

[0405] The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator. The control unit 12 may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit 12 may control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11 and the sensor 13. The control unit 12 may control the operation of the induction coil 181. The control unit 12 may control the operation of a display, motor, etc., installed in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 may check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is in an operational state.

[0406] The control unit 12 can analyze the results detected by the sensor 13 and control the processing to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 18 so that the operation of the heater 18 is disclosed or terminated based on the results detected by the sensor 13. For example, the control unit 12 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and the duration of power supply so that the heater 18 heats up to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature, based on the results detected by the sensor 13.

[0407] Sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, or an insertion detection sensor. For example, sensor 13 may detect at least one of the following: the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power supply 11, or the temperature inside or outside the body 10. For example, sensor 13 may detect a user's puff. For example, sensor 13 may detect whether or not the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space.

[0408] Figure 31 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 32 is a rear perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0409] Referring to Figure 31, an aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, and a sensor 13. At least one of the power supply 11, the control unit 12, and the sensor 13 may be located inside the body 10 of the aerosol generator 1. The features of the power supply 11, the control unit 12, and the sensor 13 may be the same as those described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0410] The body 10 forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generator 1 and includes an internal space where the components of the aerosol generator 1 are arranged. Although the drawings only illustrate an embodiment in which the body 10 has a semicircular cross-section, the shape of the body 10 is not limited to this, and the body 10 may be formed in a cylindrical shape or a polygonal columnar shape.

[0411] The body 10 includes a first body surface 10A (e.g., the front of the body 10), a second body surface 10B opposite to the first body surface 10A (e.g., the rear of the body 10), and at least one third body surface 10C between the first body surface 10A and the second body surface 10B (e.g., a side of the body 10).

[0412] Referring to Figure 32, the body 10 has an insertion space 102 formed inside. The insertion space 102 may be formed in the upper part of the body 10. The insertion space 102 may open upwards. The insertion space 102 may have a long cylindrical shape extending vertically. At least a portion of the stick S may be inserted into the body 10 through the upper opening 101 of the insertion space 102. The depth of the insertion space 102 corresponds to the length of the region in the stick S that contains the aerosol-generating substance or medium.

[0413] The heater 240 (for example, heater 18 in Figures 29 and 30) can surround at least a portion of the outside of the insertion space 102. The heater 240 can extend vertically along the insertion space 102. For example, the heater 240 may be a cylindrical electrical resistive heater surrounding at least a portion of the insertion space 102. For example, the heater 240 may include a cylindrical susceptor surrounding at least a portion of the insertion space 102 and an induction coil surrounding the susceptor. The heater 240 heats the outside of the stick S housed in the insertion space 102. At least one region of the stick S housed in the insertion space 102 is heated by the heater 240, and vaporized particles generated by the heating of the stick S mix with air flowing into the internal space of the body 10 through the opening 101 to produce an aerosol.

[0414] A display 141 may be positioned on one side of the body 10. At least a portion of the display 141 may be exposed to the outside of the body 10.

[0415] The display 141 may provide the user with various visual information. The display 141 includes a display panel and / or a touch panel. The display 141 may also include a glass cover.

[0416] The cover glass may, together with the body 10, form the appearance of the aerosol generator 1. The cover glass may come into contact with a part of the user's body. The cover glass can protect the display panel and / or touch panel from external impacts.

[0417] The display panel may be positioned toward the inside of the body 10 with respect to the glass cover. The display panel may also be positioned parallel to the glass cover.

[0418] A touch panel detects touches that correspond to contact with an object. For example, a touch panel may detect touches that correspond to contact with a part of the user's body. A touch panel may also receive user input.

[0419] A cover 104 is provided on the upper side of the body 10. The cover 104 may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the opening 101 of the body 10. For example, the opening 101 of the body 10 may be circular, and the cover 104 may be circular with a diameter even larger than the diameter of the opening 101.

[0420] The cover 104 may be movably connected to a guide 103 formed in the body 10. The cover 104 may move along the guide 103. For example, the guide 103 may be a groove formed on one surface of the body 10, and the cover 104 may include a projection that slides when inserted into the groove of the body 10. For example, the guide 103 may be a projection protruding from one surface of the body 10, and the cover 104 has a groove into which the projection is inserted and slides along the projection.

[0421] The cover 104 can open and close the opening 101 of the body 10 by moving along the guide 103. For example, the cover 104 may close the opening 101 in a first position and open the opening 101 in a second position. The cover 104 may be moved manually by the user. Alternatively, the aerosol generator 1 may be equipped with a drive device, and the position of the cover 104 may be moved by the drive device.

[0422] The body 10 may include a connecting terminal (not shown). The connecting terminal includes a connector to which the aerosol generator 1 is physically connected to an external electronic device. For example, the connecting terminal may include at least one or a combination of an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0423] Figure 33 is a rear perspective view of the internal structure of an aerosol generating apparatus including a thermal insulator and a printed circuit board according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0424] Referring to Figure 33, the aerosol generator 1 includes an insulator 220. The insulator 220 is configured to thermally insulate the heater 240. The insulator 220 contains the heater 240 inside the insulator 220. The insulator 220 may also contain an antenna (not shown) (e.g., an LCD antenna) inside the insulator 220.

[0425] The insulating body 220 is positioned to surround the heater 240, sealing the heater 240 and preventing droplets generated during the aerosol generation process through the heater 240 from leaking out. This prevents the components of the aerosol generator 1 from malfunctioning or being damaged by the droplets.

[0426] The insulating body 220 seals the heater 240 and prevents the heat generated by the heater 240 from being transferred to the outer surface of the body 10. This prevents high-temperature heat from being transferred to the user's body (e.g., the palm of the hand) when the heater 240 is kept at a high temperature.

[0427] The aerosol generator 1 includes a printed circuit board 230. For example, the printed circuit board 230 may include at least one or a combination thereof of a control unit 12, a sensor 13, a memory 17, or a communication unit 16.

[0428] The aerosol generator 1 includes a plurality of electrical lines E1, E2, E3, and E4. For example, the first electrical line E1 may be configured to connect a heater 240 and a temperature sensor 260. The second electrical line E2 may be configured to connect the coil 242 (see Figure 36) of the heater 240 and a printed circuit board 230. At least one third electrical line E3 may be configured to connect at least one sensor (e.g., the insertion detection sensor 133 in Figure 40) and a printed circuit board 230. The fourth electrical line E4 may be configured to connect the heater housing 243 (see Figure 36) of the heater 240 and a printed circuit board 230. The fourth electrical line E4 may include a flexible printed circuit board.

[0429] Figure 34 is a rear perspective view of the internal structure of an aerosol generator including a battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 35 is a rear exploded perspective view of the internal structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0430] Referring to Figures 34 and 35, the body 10 of the aerosol generator 1 includes a first part A1. The first part A1 includes the portion adjacent to the first body surface 10A of the body 10. The body 10 includes a second part A2. The second part A2 may differ from the first part A1 in at least part. The second part A2 includes the portion adjacent to the second body surface 10B of the body.

[0431] Body 10 includes a wall A3. Wall A3 may separate the first part A1 and the second part A2. Wall A3 may extend from the interior surface 10D of body 10 perpendicular to the interior surface 10D. Wall A3 may extend across the interior surface 10D in a direction that intersects the interior surface 10D perpendicular to the interior surface 10D (e.g., the thickness direction of body 10) (e.g., the width direction of body 10). This direction may intersect the direction from the first body surface 10A to the second body surface 10B of body 10 (e.g., the longitudinal direction of body 10).

[0432] The power supply 250 is located in the second part A2 of the body 10. The power supply 250 may include a bag-type battery. The power supply 250 is located adjacent to the printed circuit board 230. For example, the power supply 250 may be located on one side of the internal surface 10D of the body 10, and the printed circuit board 230 may be located on the opposite side of the internal surface 10D from the power supply 250. However, the arrangement of the printed circuit board 230 and the power supply 250 is not limited to these.

[0433] The heater 240 is located in the first part A1 of the body 10.

[0434] The insulator 220 can insulate the heater 240. The insulator 220 may be placed in the first part A1 of the body 10. The insulator 220 may surround the heater 240.

[0435] The aerosol generator 1 may include a buffer structure (not shown). The buffer structure is configured to buffer the power supply 250. The buffer structure may be located on at least a portion of the inner surface 10D of the second part A2 of the body 10. The buffer structure can reduce or prevent the impact applied to the power supply 250 when an external impact is applied to the aerosol generator 1.

[0436] Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 37 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus including a susceptor and a temperature sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0437] Referring to Figure 36, the aerosol generator 1 includes an article insertion section 205. The article insertion section 513 guides the insertion of a stick (S, see Figure 3) into the heater 240. The article insertion section 513 may be located on the first body surface 10A of the body 10.

[0438] The cover 104 may open and close the article insertion section 205. The cover 104 is configured to operate in a sliding or hinged manner.

[0439] The heater 240 heats the stick S. The heater 240 includes a heater housing 243. The heater housing 243 may be located inside the body 10.

[0440] The heater 240 includes a coil 242. The coil 242 may be located outside the heater housing 243. The coil 242 is wrapped around the perimeter of the heater housing 243. The coil 242 is spirally wrapped along the longitudinal direction of the heater housing 243, enclosing at least a portion of the outer surface of the heater housing 243. The coil 242 may have a first connecting portion (not shown) forming one end of the wrapped portion connected to at least one electrical line, and a second connecting portion (not shown) forming the other end of the wrapped portion connected to at least one other electrical line. The coil 242 is connected to the printed circuit board 230 via at least one electrical line.

[0441] The heater 240 includes a susceptor 241. The susceptor 241 can at least partially accommodate the stick S. The susceptor 241 is configured to transfer heat to the stick S. For example, the susceptor 241 may be electromagnetically coupled to a coil 242 to generate heat.

[0442] The aerosol generator 1 includes a temperature sensor 260. The temperature sensor 260 detects the temperature of the heater 240. The temperature sensor 260 may be located between the heater housing 243 and the susceptor 241. The temperature sensor 260 may be connected to the printed circuit board 230 via an electrical line E5. The temperature sensor 260 may be connected to the control unit 12 via the electrical line E5.

[0443] Referring to Figure 37, the susceptor 241 includes a first surface 241A (e.g., front surface), a second surface 241B (e.g., rear surface) opposite to the first surface 241A, and a third surface 241C (e.g., side surface) between the first surface 241A and the second surface 241B.

[0444] The first surface 241A includes a first opening H. The stick S is inserted into the interior of the susceptor 241 through the first opening H. The first opening H may include a substantially circular or elliptical cross-section.

[0445] The second surface 241B may include a second opening (not shown). The second opening allows the end of the stick S, which is inserted into the interior of the susceptor 241, to pass through. The second opening may include a substantially circular or elliptical cross-section.

[0446] The first surface 241A includes a first flange F1. The first flange F1 may extend from the third surface 241C in the width direction or radially. The first flange F1 may extend at least partially in the periphery direction of the first surface 241A.

[0447] The first surface 241A includes a notch N. The notch N may be formed in a region of the first flange F1. At least one electrical line E5 may extend through at least a portion of the notch N.

[0448] The second surface 241B includes a second flange F2. The second flange F2 may extend from the third surface 241C in the width direction or radially. The second flange F2 may extend in the periphery direction of the second surface 241B.

[0449] The susceptor 241 includes body portions 241A, 241B, 241C and a hollow portion 241D. The hollow portion 241D is defined inside the body portions 241A, 241B, 241C. The hollow portion 241D may extend between the first surface 241A and the second surface 241B. The hollow portion 241D can at least partially accommodate the stick S.

[0450] The heater 240 includes a pocket 262. The pocket 262 includes a pocket body 263. The pocket body 263 may be positioned on the third surface 241C of the susceptor 241. The pocket body 263 may be seamlessly connected to the third surface 241C as a whole.

[0451] Pocket 262 may include a recess (not shown). The recess may be located in the pocket body 263. The recess may house a temperature sensor 260.

[0452] Pocket 262 includes a sealant 261. The sealant 261 can seal the temperature sensor 260. The sealant 261 may be filled on the temperature sensor 260 and inside the recess. The sealant 558 can seal the temperature sensor 260 by filling the space between the inside of the recess and the temperature sensor 260. The sealant 261 includes an adhesive material. For example, the adhesive material may include a ceramic material. The sealant 261 can increase the fixing force between the temperature sensor 260 and the recess.

[0453] Figure 38 is an exploded perspective view of an insulating body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 39 is a cross-sectional view of an insulating body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 40 is a partially enlarged view of the insulating body in Figure 39.

[0454] Referring to Figures 38 and 39, the insulator 220 includes an insulated housing 221. The insulated housing 221 includes a first surface 221A (e.g., front), a second surface 221B (e.g., rear) opposite to the first surface 221A, and a third surface 221C (e.g., side) between the first surface 221A and the second surface 221B. The first surface 221A, the second surface 221B, and the third surface 221C can surround the heater 240.

[0455] The insulated housing 221 includes a first passage 221D1. The first passage 221D1 allows for the insertion of a stick S into the interior of the insulated housing 221. The first passage 221D1 may include a substantially circular or elliptical cross-section.

[0456] The first passage 221D1 provides an article insertion section 205 of the aerosol generator 1. The article insertion section 205 has a suitable size and shape for guiding the stick S into the susceptor 241 of the heater 240.

[0457] The first passage 221D1 is provided with a cover 204 for the aerosol generator 1. The cover 204 may open and close the first passage 221D1. The cover 204 may also open and close the article insertion section 205. The cover 204 may operate in a sliding or hinged manner.

[0458] The insulated housing 221 includes a second passage 221D2. The second passage 221D2 allows the passage of multiple electrical lines E1, E2, E3, and E4. The second passage 221D2 may be elongated in shape. The second passage 221D2 may be located on the second surface 221B of the insulated housing 221.

[0459] The insulator 220 includes a first flange 222. The first flange 222 may protrude from the second surface 221B. For example, the first flange 222 may protrude from the first surface 221A toward the second surface 221B. The first flange 222 is seamlessly connected integrally with the insulated housing 221. The first flange 222 includes a second passage 221D2 that is at least partially defined within the first flange 222.

[0460] The insulator 220 includes a second flange 223. The second flange 223 can surround a plurality of electrical lines E1, E2, E3, and E4. The second flange 223 may be located inside the first flange 222. At least a portion of the second flange 223 may extend along the inner side of the insulated housing 221 between the first surface 221A and the second surface 221B. At least a portion of the second flange 223 may extend along the inner surface of the insulated housing 221 opposite to the second surface 221B. At least a portion of the second flange 223 may be located in the second passage 221D2.

[0461] The second flange 223 may extend beyond the first flange 222. The distance between the end of the second flange 223 and the second surface 221B is greater than the distance between the end of the first flange 222 and the second surface 221B.

[0462] The insulation body 220 includes a first silling 224 (e.g., an external silling). The first silling 224 may be positioned to surround the first flange 222. The first silling 224 may also be positioned to surround at least a portion of the second flange 223.

[0463] Referring to Figure 40, the first silling 224 includes an external enclosure 224A. The external enclosure 224A surrounds the outside of the first flange 222 and / or the outside of the second flange 223. The external enclosure 224A may be positioned on or above the second surface 221B.

[0464] The external enclosure 224A may extend in the direction from the first surface 221A toward the second surface 221B. The external enclosure 224A may extend beyond the end of the first flange 222 and / or the end of the second flange 223.

[0465] The external enclosure 224A includes a first base 224A1. The first base 224A1 may be positioned on or above the second surface 221B. The first base 224A1 may extend or expand away from the outside of the first flange 222 and / or the outside of the second flange 223.

[0466] The external enclosure 224A may include a second base 224A2. The second base 224A2 may be positioned on the first base 224A1. The second base 224A2 may extend or expand away from the outside of the first flange 222 and / or the outside of the second flange 223.

[0467] The width of the second base 224A2 is greater than the width of the first base 224A1. The first base 224A1 and the second base 224A2 may form a stepped shape.

[0468] The first base 224A1 and the second base 224A2 may be seamlessly connected as a single unit.

[0469] The first silling 224 includes an internal enclosure 224B. The internal enclosure 224B may surround the inside of the first flange 222 and / or the inside of the second flange 223. The internal enclosure 224B may be in at least partial contact with the second flange 223. The internal enclosure 224B may be configured to be at least partially deformed by the second flange 223. The internal enclosure 224B can maintain its deformed state. The internal enclosure 224B may be at least partially positioned in the second passage 221D2.

[0470] The internal enclosure 224B may extend in the direction from the first surface 221A toward the second surface 221B. The internal enclosure 224B may extend beyond the end of the first flange 222 and / or the end of the second flange 223. The length of the extension of the internal enclosure 224B is greater than the length of the extension of the external enclosure 224A.

[0471] The distance between the end face of the internal enclosure 224B and the second face 221B is substantially the same as the distance between the end face of the external enclosure 224A and the second face 221B.

[0472] The external enclosure 224A and the internal enclosure 224B may form a gap G. The first flange 222 may be placed in the gap G. At least a portion of the second flange 223 may be placed in the gap G.

[0473] The first silling 224 includes a connecting enclosure 224C. The connecting enclosure 224C may be configured to connect the external enclosure 224A and the internal enclosure 224B. The connecting enclosure 224C surrounds the ends of the first flange 222 and / or the ends of the second flange 223. The connecting enclosure 224C may extend or expand in a direction that intersects (e.g., perpendicular to) the extension direction of the external enclosure 224A and / or the extension direction of the internal enclosure 224B.

[0474] The external enclosure 224A, the internal enclosure 224B, and the connecting enclosure 224C may be seamlessly connected as a single unit.

[0475] The first silling 224 includes an elastic material. For example, the first silling 224 may include rubber.

[0476] Figure 41 shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0477] Referring to Figure 41, the aerosol generator 500 includes a cavity 510 (e.g., cavity 310 in Figure 15). The cavity 510 may include any shape suitable for containing the aerosol product (e.g., a hollow cylindrical shape).

[0478] The aerosol generator 500 includes a heater 520 (e.g., heater 320 in Figure 15). The heater 520 includes a plasma discharge space 521 (e.g., plasma discharge space 321 in Figure 15). The plasma discharge space 521 may include a substantially annular shape. The plasma discharge space 521 may at least partially surround the cavity 510. The plasma discharge space 521 may be located outside the cavity 510. The plasma discharge space 521 is a space adjacent to the cavity 510 but completely separated from it.

[0479] The heater 520 includes a partition 522 (e.g., partition 322 in Figure 15). Partition 522 includes a first extension 522A (e.g., extension 322A in Figure 15). The first extension 522A includes a first internal surface F1 that interfaces with the cavity 510. Partition 522 includes a second extension 522B that extends along the length of the extension of the first extension 522A (e.g., the portion in the Z-axis direction). The second extension 522B may be located outside the first extension 522A. The second extension 522B includes a second internal surface F2 that does not interface with the cavity 510. The second internal surface F2 may face the first internal surface F1. The first internal surface F1 and the second internal surface F2 define the plasma discharge space 521. The extension direction of the second extension 522B (e.g., the + / -Z direction) may be substantially parallel to the extension direction of the first extension 522A (e.g., the + / -Z direction). The length of the extension of the second extension 522C may be substantially the same as the length of the extension of the first extension 522A.

[0480] The heater 520 includes a plurality of plasma electrodes 523 (for example, plasma electrode 323 in Figure 15). At least one first plasma electrode 523A of the plurality of plasma electrodes 523 may be positioned on a first internal surface F1. At least one second plasma electrode 523B of the plurality of plasma electrodes 523 may be positioned on a second internal surface F2. The first plasma electrode 523A and the second plasma electrode 523B may face each other.

[0481] Multiple first plasma electrodes 523A may be arranged on the first internal surface F1 along the periphery of the first extension 522A (e.g., a portion in the X-axis direction, a portion in the Y-axis direction, and / or a portion in the circumferential direction relative to the Z-axis). Multiple first plasma electrodes 523A may be arranged along the length of the extension of the first extension 522A (e.g., a portion in the Z-axis direction).

[0482] Multiple second plasma electrodes 523B may be arranged on the second inner surface F2 along the periphery of the second extension 522B (e.g., a portion in the X-axis direction, a portion in the Y-axis direction, and / or a portion in the circumferential direction relative to the Z-axis). Multiple second plasma electrodes 523B may be arranged along the length of the extension of the second extension 522B (e.g., a portion in the Z-axis direction).

[0483] Figure 42 shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. Figure 43 shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0484] Referring to Figures 42 and 43, the aerosol generator 600 (for example, the aerosol generator 500 in Figure 41) includes a cavity 610 (for example, the cavity 510 in Figure 41).

[0485] The aerosol generator 600 includes a heater 620 (e.g., heater 520 in Figure 41). The heater 620 includes a plasma discharge space 621 (e.g., plasma discharge space 521 in Figure 41), a partition 622 (e.g., partition 522 in Figure 41), and a plurality of plasma electrodes 623 (e.g., plasma electrodes 523, 523A, 523B in Figure 41). The partition 622 includes a first extension 622A having a first internal surface F1 and a second extension 622B having a second internal surface F2.

[0486] Multiple plasma electrodes 623 are not arranged on the first internal surface F1 that interfaces with the cavity 610. Multiple plasma electrodes 623 may be arranged on a second internal surface F2 that does not interface with the cavity 610. Multiple plasma electrodes 623 may be arranged along the periphery of the second extension 623C (e.g., the portion in the X-axis direction, the portion in the Y-axis direction, and / or the circumferential portion with respect to the Z-axis). Multiple plasma electrodes 623 may be arranged along the length of the second extension 623C (e.g., the portion in the Z-axis direction).

[0487] The heater 420 includes an external space 624 defined outside the second extension 622C. The external space 624 may be adjacent to the plasma discharge space 621 but separated from it by a partition 622. The external space 624 is in contact with the plasma discharge space 621, with the second extension 622C in between.

[0488] The aerosol generator 600 includes a connecting electrode 630 (e.g., the connecting electrode 430 in Figures 17 and 18) electrically connected to a drive unit (not shown) (e.g., the drive unit 331 in Figure 16) and / or a control unit (not shown) (e.g., the control unit 332 in Figure 16). The connecting electrode 630 is configured to transfer electrical energy from the drive unit and / or the control unit to a plurality of plasma electrodes 623. The connecting electrode 630 may have a substantially hollow annular shape. The heater 620 may include a plurality of electrical lines configured to connect the connecting electrode 630 to each of the plurality of plasma electrodes 623. The connecting electrode 630 and the plurality of electrical lines may be located in an external space 624. The connecting electrode 630 is spaced apart from the second extension 622C in the external space 624 with a gap.

[0489] Any or other embodiment of the disclosure described above is not mutually exclusive or distinguishable from one another. Any or other embodiment of the disclosure described above may be used in combination or in combination with each other in terms of their respective configurations or functions.

[0490] For example, it means that a configuration B described in a different embodiment and / or drawing may be combined with a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, it means that combinations between configurations are possible unless explicitly stated that they cannot be combined, even if not directly described.

[0491] The above detailed description should not be construed restrictively in any respect, but should be considered illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A cavity configured to contain aerosol products, A heater configured to heat the aerosol product, wherein the heater is Plasma discharge space, A partition configured to separate the cavity and the plasma discharge space, Multiple plasma electrodes arranged in the partition, an aerosol generating apparatus including the heater, which includes the heater.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the partition includes an extension that extends along the length of the cavity.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the partition includes a tapered portion that tapers along the length of the cavity.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plasma discharge space is arranged in contact with the cavity.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plasma discharge space is located inside the cavity and is at least partially surrounded by the cavity.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plasma discharge space at least partially surrounds the cavity.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising connecting electrodes electrically connected to the plurality of plasma electrodes.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the connecting electrode is arranged to be separated from the plasma discharge space.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the connecting electrode is at least partially surrounded by the plasma discharge space.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the connecting electrode surrounds the plasma discharge space at least partially.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of plasma electrodes are arranged on the inner surface of the partition that interfaces with the cavity.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of plasma electrodes are arranged on the inner surface of the partition that does not interface with the cavity.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of plasma electrodes includes a piezoelectric transducer.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heater is configured to operate substantially without preheating.

15. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heater is configured to generate a temperature change of approximately 200°C to approximately 600°C.

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