Aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating apparatus is disclosed. The aerosol generating apparatus of this disclosure includes a body that provides an insertion space into which a stick is inserted, and a heater disposed inside the body and having a heating element for heating the insertion space, wherein the heating element includes a heating layer surrounding the insertion space and a wiring layer laminated on the heating layer and supplying current, and the thickness of the heating element may vary in the depth direction of the insertion space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] An aerosol generating device is for extracting a predetermined component from a medium or substance through an aerosol. The medium can contain substances of various components. The substances contained in the medium may be flavor substances of various components. For example, the substances contained in the medium can include a nicotine component, a herb component, and / or a coffee component, etc. In recent years, many studies have been conducted on such aerosol generating devices.

[0003] In an aerosol generating device, a heater heats an aerosol generating substance to generate an aerosol. Conventional metal heaters made of copper, constantan, etc. have a problem that a lot of time and power are consumed to heat up to the temperature for aerosol generation.

[0004] Carbonaceous substances such as carbon nanotubes or graphene have high thermal conductivity compared to conventional general metals. When a heater made of a carbonaceous substance is applied to an aerosol generating device, it may only take within a few seconds to heat up to the temperature for aerosol generation.

[0005] The stick heated by the heater can include an inhalation part that the user can contact the body with as needed, and a heating part that contains various flavor substances and is heated by the heater. The heating part can be divided into a plurality of regions according to the composition and state (phase) of the contained components. Although the proper heating temperature ranges of the plurality of regions are different from each other depending on the nature of the contained components, there is a problem that a conventional heater cannot heat to the proper heating temperature suitable for each of the plurality of regions.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] This disclosure aims to resolve the aforementioned issues and other problems.

[0007] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device that utilizes a heater composed of carbonaceous material.

[0008] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device that incorporates heaters to heat each part of the stick to the appropriate temperature.

[0009] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device that utilizes a heater with improved heat generation performance.

[0010] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generator that utilizes a heater with improved power efficiency.

[0011] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device that can dissipate the heat generated by a heater.

[0012] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device with a simplified structure.

[0013] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generator with simplified heater control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides an aerosol generating apparatus comprising a body having an insertion space into which a stick is inserted, and a heater disposed inside the body and comprising a heating element for heating the insertion space, wherein the heating element comprises a heating layer surrounding the insertion space and a wiring layer laminated on the heating layer and supplying current, and the heating element has a thickness that varies in the depth direction of the insertion space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to at least one of the embodiments of this disclosure, by applying a heater made of a carbonaceous material, the time required to heat the heater can be reduced, thereby increasing user satisfaction.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of the heating element corresponding to each part of the stick can be formed to be different from each other, allowing various materials contained in the stick to be heated to an appropriate temperature, thereby improving heating performance and power efficiency.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the structure and control of a heater can be simplified by varying the thickness of a single wiring layer or by laminating a single wiring layer onto heating layers of different thicknesses.

[0018] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the influence of the second heating element on the first heating element can be minimized by forming the second heating element so that its thickness decreases as it approaches the first heating element, or by forming the second heating element so that its wiring density decreases.

[0019] Any additional applicable scope of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of this disclosure, should be understood to be given only as examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] [Figure 3] This figure shows a stick and heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view showing a heat generating part according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] [Figure 5] It is a view showing a cross-section of FIG. 3.

[0024] [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view showing a heat generating part according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] [Figure 7] It is a view showing a wiring layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] [Figure 8] It is a view showing a wiring layer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] [Figure 9] It is a view showing a heat generating part according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] [Figure 10] It is a view showing a heat generating part according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] [Figure 11] It is a schematic view showing a wiring layer according to the depth of an insertion space according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] [Figure 12] It is a schematic view showing a wiring layer according to the depth of an insertion space according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] [Figure 13] It is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0032] The embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components will be given the same reference numerals even if they are shown in different drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0033] The suffixes "module" and "part" used in the following description are used solely for the sake of clarity in the description. "Module" and "part" do not have any distinct meaning or role from each other.

[0034] Furthermore, in subsequent descriptions of the embodiments disclosed herein, detailed explanations of related known technologies will be omitted if they could obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and the accompanying drawings do not limit the technical ideas disclosed herein. Therefore, the accompanying drawings should be construed as including all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions included in the ideas and scope of this disclosure.

[0035] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe a variety of components, but it should be understood that the components are not limited by such terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0036] When we say that one component is "linked" to another, it is understandable that other components may exist in between. On the other hand, when we say that one component is "directly linked" to another, it is understandable that there are no other components in between.

[0037] A singular expression includes plural expressions unless explicitly indicated otherwise in the context.

[0038] Throughout this specification, the orientation of the aerosol generator and cartridge can be defined with respect to a Cartesian coordinate system. In the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generator and cartridge. Here, with respect to the origin, the direction toward +x may mean the right direction, and the direction toward -x may mean the left direction. The y-axis can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generator and cartridge. Here, with respect to the origin, the direction toward +y may mean the rear direction, and the direction toward -y may mean the front direction. The z-axis can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generator and cartridge. With respect to the origin, the direction toward +z may mean the up direction, and the direction toward -z may mean the down direction.

[0039] Figures 1 and 2 show an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generator 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. The body 10 may provide an upwardly opening space into which a stick S, which is an aerosol product, can be inserted. This upwardly opening space can be called an 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 may correspond to the length of the region in the stick S that contains the aerosol generating substance and / or medium. The lower end of the stick S may be inserted into the body 10, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude outside the body 10. The user can inhale air by putting the exposed upper end of the stick S in their mouth.

[0041] The heater 18 can heat 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 in the form of a tube with a hollow interior. The heater 18 can be positioned around the insertion space. The heater 18 can be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater 18 can 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.

[0042] For example, referring to Figure 1, the heater 18 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 18 includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater 18 can be heated by an electric current flowing through the electrically conductive track. The heater 18 may be electrically connected to a power supply 11. The heater 18 can directly generate heat by receiving an electric current from the power supply 11. The heater 18 is a hollow heater, positioned to surround at least a portion of the stick S inserted into the insertion space, and heats the outside of the inserted stick S, or it is a needle-shaped, rod-shaped, tubular, or other shaped heater that can be inserted inside the stick S inserted into the insertion space and heat the inside.

[0043] For example, referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generator 1 may include an induction coil surrounding the heater 18. The induction coil can cause the heater 18 to generate heat. The heater 18 is a susceptor, and the heater 18 can generate heat through 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.

[0044] On the other hand, a susceptor can be included inside the stick S, and the susceptor inside the stick S can be heated by the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil.

[0045] The power supply 11 can supply power to the components of the aerosol generator to operate. The power supply 11 can be described as a battery. The power supply 11 can 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.

[0046] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator. The control unit can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit 12 can control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11 and the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can control the operation of the induction coil 181. The control unit 12 can control the operation of displays, motors, etc., installed in the aerosol generator. The control unit 12 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator and determine whether the aerosol generator is in an operational state.

[0047] The control unit 12 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor 13 and control subsequent processing. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 so that the operation of the heater 18 is disclosed or terminated. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and the duration of power supply so that the heater 18 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0048] Sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, and an insertion sensing sensor. For example, sensor 13 can sense at least one of the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power supply 11, and the internal and external temperatures of the body 10. For example, sensor 13 can sense the user's puff. For example, sensor 13 can sense whether the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space.

[0049] Figure 3 shows a stick and heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Referring to Figure 3, the stick S may include an insertion portion S1 positioned in the insertion space and an exposed portion S2 extending from the insertion portion S1 and exposed to the outside.

[0051] The insertion part S1 can be inserted into the insertion space. The insertion part S1 can be directly heated by the heater 18. The heater 18 can surround the insertion part S1. The insertion part S1 may be the part that is directly heated by the heater 18. The insertion part S1 may contain a medium. The insertion part S1 may contain flavoring substances of various components. For example, the insertion part S1 may contain nicotine components, herbal components and / or coffee components.

[0052] The insertion section S1 may include a first material section S11 and a second material section S12. The first material section S11 can contain a variety of flavorings. The first material section S11 may be inserted into the innermost part of the insertion space. The first material section S11 may be the end of the stick S. The first material section S11 may contain a liquid substance. For example, the liquid substance may be a liquid cartridge. The liquid substance contained in the first material section S11 can be heated to form an aerosol. The liquid substance may be contained in the stick S. The liquid substance may include nicotine, various flavorings, and a liquid medium that contains them.

[0053] The second material part S12 may extend from the first material part S11. The second material part S12 may be located in the center of the stick S. The second material part S12 may be located between the exposed part S2 (described later) and the first material part S11. For example, the second material part S12 may be located between the cooling part S3 (described later) and the first material part S11. The second material part S12 may be inserted into an adjacent insertion space on the outside. The second material part S12 may contain a solid medium. The second material part S12 may contain components different from those of the first material part S11. Components heated in the first material part S11 can pass through the second material part S12.

[0054] The exposed portion S2 may extend from the insertion portion S1. The insertion portion S1 may form part of the stick S, and the exposed portion S2 may form the remainder of the stick S. The exposed portion S2 may be located outside the insertion space. The exposed portion S2 does not necessarily have to be directly heated by the heater 18. Heating by the heater 18 allows the aerosol formed in the insertion portion S1 to move to the exposed portion S2. The aerosol can be filtered as it passes through the exposed portion S2. The aerosol can be cooled as it passes through the exposed portion S2.

[0055] The exposed portion S2 may include a cooling portion S3 for cooling the aerosol. The temperature of the aerosol can decrease as it passes through the cooling portion S3. The cooling portion S3 may form the center of the stick S. The cooling portion S3 may be located between the filter portion S22 and the second material portion S12, which will be described later.

[0056] The exposed portion S2 may include a filter portion S22 that filters the substance formed in the insertion portion S1. The filter portion S22 may come into contact with the user's body. For example, the user may put the filter portion S22 in their mouth and inhale it. The filter portion S22 may form the other end of the stick S. For example, the first substance portion S11 may form one end of the stick S, and the filter portion S22 may form the other end of the stick S.

[0057] The heater 18 may include a heat-generating element 180. The insertion space may be formed inside the heat-generating element 180. The heat-generating element 180 may surround the insertion space. For example, the heat-generating element 180 may surround a cylindrical insertion space. The heat-generating element 180 may surround the insertion portion S1 of the stick S. The heat-generating element 180 may directly heat the insertion portion S1 of the stick S. The heat-generating element 180 may heat the first material portion S11 and the second material portion S12. The heat-generating element 180 may extend to a length corresponding to the length of the insertion portion S1 of the stick S.

[0058] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a heating element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Referring to Figure 4, the heat-generating section 180 may include a heat-generating layer 182 that generates heat when an electric current flows through it, and a wiring layer 184 laminated on the heat-generating layer 182.

[0060] The heating layer 182 can conduct electric current. When electric current flows through the heating layer 182, it can generate heat. The heating layer 182 may be made of a carbonaceous material. For example, the heating layer 182 may be made of graphene or carbon nanotubes (CNT). The heating layer 182 may have thermal conductivity. The heating layer 182 may have electrical conductivity. The heating layer 182 may be manufactured using at least one of the following methods: chemical vapor deposition, arc discharge, laser deposition, vapor deposition, and flame synthesis. The heating layer 182 can heat the insertion space. For example, the heating layer 182 can heat a stick S placed in the insertion space.

[0061] The heating element 180 may include a wiring layer 184 laminated on the heating layer 182. The wiring layer 184 may be electrically conductive. The wiring layer 184 may include an electrically conductive pattern. The wiring layer 184 may be formed on the heating layer 182. The wiring layer 184 may be separated from the insertion space. The heating layer 182 may be located between the wiring layer 184 and the insertion space. That is, the heating layer 182 may surround the insertion space, and the wiring layer 184 may surround the heating layer 182. The wiring layer 184 may surround the insertion space. The wiring layer 184 may extend along the circumferential direction of the insertion space. When power is applied to the wiring layer 184, current flows to the heating layer 182, and the heating layer 182 can generate heat.

[0062] The heating element 180 may include a base layer 181 surrounding the insertion space. The heating layer 182 may be laminated on the base layer 181. The base layer 181 may be closest to the insertion space. The base layer 181 may form the innermost surface of the heating element 180. The base layer 181 can protect the heating layer 182. For example, the base layer 181 can reduce damage to the heating layer 182 due to external forces.

[0063] The heating element 180 may include a protective layer 185 laminated on the wiring layer 184. The protective layer 185 may be located as far away from the insertion space as possible. The protective layer 185 may form the outermost surface of the heating element 180. The protective layer 185 can protect the wiring layer 184. For example, the protective layer 185 can reduce damage to the metal pattern of the wiring layer 184 due to external forces. The wiring layer 184 and the heating element 182 may be located between the base layer 181 and the protective layer 185.

[0064] Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the stick and heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] Referring to Figure 5, the heating element may include a first heating element 180a that heats the first material part S11 and a second heating element 180b that heats the second material part S12.

[0066] The first heating element 180a can correspond to the first material part S11. For example, the position of the first heating element 180a can correspond to the position of the first material part S11. For example, the extended length of the first heating element 180a can correspond to the extended length of the first material part S11. The first heating element 180a can surround a part of the insertion space. The first heating element 180a can surround the first material part S11. The first heating element 180a can surround the inner part of the insertion space.

[0067] The second heating element 180b can correspond to the second material part S12. For example, the position of the second heating element 180b can correspond to the position of the second material part S12. For example, the extension length of the second heating element 180b can correspond to the extension length of the second material part S12. The second heating element 180b can surround a part of the insertion space. The second heating element 180b can surround the second material part S12. The second heating element 180b can surround the outer part of the insertion space.

[0068] The thickness L of the heating element 180 (see Figure 3) may vary in the direction of the depth of the insertion space. For example, the thickness L of the heating element 180 may become thinner as the depth of the insertion space increases. Conversely, the thickness L of the heating element 180 may become thicker as the depth of the insertion space decreases. The thickness L2 of the second heating element 180b may be thicker than the thickness L1 of the first heating element 180a. The thickness L1 of the first heating element 180a may be thinner than the thickness L2 of the second heating element 180b. The thickness L2 of the second heating element 180b may become thinner as it approaches the first heating element 180a. The thickness L2 of the second heating element 180b may become thinner as it moves away from the center of the second heating element 180b.

[0069] The first heating element 180a and the second heating element 180b can be connected to each other. The first heating element 180a and the second heating element 180b can be electrically connected. The second heating element 180b can extend from the first heating element 180a. The first heating element 180a and the second heating element 180b can be formed as a single unit. When a power source is applied, current can flow through the first heating element 180a and the second heating element 180b. Here, the first heating element 180a and the second heating element 180b can generate heat. The temperature of the heated second heating element 180b may be higher than the temperature of the heated first heating element 180a. Therefore, the amount of thermal energy applied to the second material part S12 may be greater than the amount of thermal energy applied to the first material part S11. The amount of heat contained in the second material part S12 may be greater than the amount of heat contained in the first material part S11. Therefore, when power is applied, the temperature of the second material part S12 may be higher than the temperature of the first material part S11. However, this is not limited to this, and the relationship between the heating temperatures of the first material part S11 and the second material part S12 may be reversed depending on the types of materials contained in the first material part S11 and the second material part S12.

[0070] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a heating element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] Referring to Figure 6, the thickness of the heating element 180 can be determined by the thickness of the heating layer 182 and / or the thickness of the wiring layer 184.

[0072] The first heating element 180a may include a first heating layer 182a and a first wiring layer 184a. The first heating layer 182a may be part of the heating layer 182. For example, the first heating layer 182a may be part of the heating element 180 corresponding to the first material part S11.

[0073] The first wiring layer 184a can be laminated on the first heating layer 182a. The first wiring layer 184a can be formed on the first heating layer 182a. Power can be applied to the first wiring layer 184a. When power is applied, current can flow through the first wiring layer 184a. The first heating layer 182a can be electrically conductive. Current flows through the first heating layer 182a, and heat can be generated in the first heating layer 182a.

[0074] The second heating element 180b may include a second heating layer 182b and a second wiring layer 184b. The second heating layer 182b may be part of the heating layer 182. For example, the second heating layer 182b may be part of the heating element 180 corresponding to the second material part S12. The second heating layer 182b may be formed integrally with the first heating layer 182a. The second heating layer 182b may be connected to the first heating layer 182a.

[0075] The second wiring layer 184b can be laminated on the second heating layer 182b. The second wiring layer 184b can be formed on the second heating layer 182b. Power can be applied to the second wiring layer 184b. When power is applied, current can flow through the second wiring layer 184b. The second heating layer 182b can be electrically conductive. Current flows through the second heating layer 182b, and heat can be generated in the second heating layer 182b.

[0076] The thicker the heating layer 182 is, the greater the amount of thermal energy generated by the heating layer 182. In other words, the thicker the heating layer 182 is, the greater the temperature of the heating layer 182. The thicker the heating layer 182 is, the greater the amount of heat applied to the stick S. The thicker the heating layer 182 is, the greater the temperature of the stick S.

[0077] Referring to Figure 6(a), the thickness t2 of the second heating layer 182b may be thicker than the thickness t1 of the first heating layer 182a. Here, the thickness d2 of the second wiring layer 184b can correspond to the thickness d1 of the first wiring layer 184a. The thickness t2 of the second heating layer 182b may be constant. The thickness t1 of the first heating layer 182a may be constant. By making the thickness t2 of the second heating layer 182b thicker than the thickness t1 of the first heating layer 182a, the temperature of the second heating layer 182b can be higher than the temperature of the first heating layer 182a. Therefore, the temperature of the heated second material part S12 can be higher than the temperature of the heated first material part S11. However, this is not limited to this, and the relationship between the thickness t2 of the second heating layer 182b and the thickness t1 of the first heating layer 182a may be reversed. In this case, the temperature of the first heating layer 182a may be higher than the temperature of the second heating layer 182b, and the temperature of the heated first material part S11 may be higher than the temperature of the heated second material part S12. That is, the thickness t of the heating layer 182 can be adjusted by the type of material contained in the corresponding part of the stick S.

[0078] The thicker the wiring layer 184, the greater the amount of thermal energy generated in the heating layer 182. In other words, the thicker the wiring layer 184, the greater the temperature of the heating layer 182. The thicker the wiring layer 184, the greater the amount of heat applied to the stick S. The thicker the wiring layer 184, the greater the temperature of the stick S. The thickness d of the wiring layer 184 may also be the thickness of the metal pattern formed on the heating layer 182.

[0079] Referring to Figure 6(b), the thickness d2 of the second wiring layer 184b may be thicker than the thickness d1 of the first wiring layer 184a. Here, the thickness t2 of the second heating layer 182b can correspond to the thickness t1 of the first heating layer 182a. The first wiring layer 184a and the second wiring layer 184b can be connected to each other. The first wiring layer 184a and the second wiring layer 184b can be physically connected. The first wiring layer 184a and the second wiring layer 184b can be formed integrally. The thickness d2 of the second wiring layer 184b may be constant. The thickness d1 of the first wiring layer 184a may be constant. By making the thickness d2 of the second wiring layer 184b thicker than the thickness d1 of the first wiring layer 184a, the temperature of the second heating layer 182b can be higher than the temperature of the first heating layer 182a. Therefore, the temperature of the heated second material part S12 can be higher than the temperature of the heated first material part S11. However, the relationship between the thickness d2 of the second wiring layer 184b and the thickness d1 of the first wiring layer 184a may be reversed. In this case, the temperature of the first heating layer 182a can be higher than the temperature of the second heating layer 182b, and the temperature of the heated first material part S11 can be higher than the temperature of the heated second material part S12. That is, the thickness d of the wiring layer 184 can be adjusted by the type of material contained in the corresponding part of the stick S.

[0080] Figure 7 shows a wiring layer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] Referring to Figure 7, the wiring layer 184 may include a power supply unit 1841 connected to the power supply 11 and a terminal unit 1844 extending from the power supply unit 1841.

[0082] The power supply unit 1841 is connected to the power supply 11, and current can flow through the wiring layer 184. The power supply unit 1841 is connected to the power supply 11, and the wiring layer 184 can receive power. The power supply unit 1841 may include a pair of power supply units 1841a and 1841b connected to the power supply 11. The pair of power supply units 1841a and 1841b can form a potential difference of a certain voltage. For example, the pair of power supply units 1841a and 1841b may include a first power supply unit 1841a having a first potential and a second power supply unit 1841b having a second potential that is a certain voltage higher than the first potential. A potential difference is formed between the first power supply unit 1841a and the second power supply unit 1841b, and current can flow through a pair of terminal units 1844a and 1844b connected to the pair of power supply units 1841a and 1841b.

[0083] The pair of power supply units 1841a and 1841b may be spaced apart from each other. The pair of power supply units 1841a and 1841b may extend in different directions from each other. For example, the first power supply unit 1841a may extend along the first side of the heating layer 182, and the second power supply unit 1841b may extend along the second side of the heating layer 182. However, it is not limited to this, and the pair of power supply units 1841a and 1841b may extend in one direction.

[0084] The wiring layer 184 may include terminals extending from the power supply unit 1841. The terminals 1844 extend from the power supply unit 1841 and can be bent. A pair of power supply units 1841a, 1841b may each include a pair of terminals 1844a, 1844b extending from them. The pair of terminals 1844a, 1844b may be spaced apart from each other. Current can flow between the spaced-apart pair of terminals 1844a, 1844b. The current can flow through the heating layer 182 over the separation distance between the spaced-apart pair of terminals 1844a, 1844b. The heating layer 182 may be electrically conductive. For example, a potential difference is formed between the first power supply unit 1841a and the second power supply unit 1841b, and the current flowing through the first terminal 1844a can flow through the heating layer 182 to the second terminal 1844b. During this process, heat can be generated in the heating layer 182. The heating layer 182 may have thermal conductivity. The heating layer 182 can heat the insertion space. The heating layer 182 heats the stick S placed in the insertion space, and the substance contained in the stick S can be aerosolized.

[0085] The first power supply unit 1841a extends in a first direction, and the first terminal unit 1844a may bend at one end of the first power supply unit and extend in a second direction. The second power supply unit 1841b extends in the opposite direction to the first direction, and the second terminal unit 1844b may bend at one end of the second power supply unit 1841b and extend in the opposite direction to the second direction. Here, the first terminal unit 1844a and the second terminal unit 1844b may be separated by a certain distance W.

[0086] Figure 8 shows a wiring layer 184 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] Referring to Figure 8, the terminal section 1844 can include a main terminal 1843 extending from the power supply section 1841 and a plurality of sub-terminals 1844 branching from the main terminal 1843.

[0088] The main terminal 1843 may extend from the power supply unit 1841. The main terminal 1843 may be directly connected to the power supply unit 1841. The main terminal 1843 may be detached from the power supply unit 1841. The terminal section 1844 may include a pair of main terminals 1843a, 1843b extending from a pair of power supply units 1841a, 1841b. For example, the terminal section 1844 may include a first main terminal 1843a extending from a first power supply unit 1841a and a second main terminal 1843b extending from a second power supply unit 1841b. The first main terminal 1843a and the second main terminal 1843b may be spaced apart from each other. The first main terminal 1843a and the second main terminal 1843b may extend in different directions from each other. For example, the first main terminal 1843a and the second main terminal 1843b may extend in opposing directions from each other.

[0089] Multiple sub-terminals 1844 may be provided. Multiple sub-terminals 1844 may extend from the main terminal 1843. A sub-terminal 1844 may include a pair of multiple sub-terminals 1844 extending from a pair of main terminals 1843a, 1843b. For example, a sub-terminal 1844 may include a pair of first sub-terminals 1844a extending from a first main terminal 1843a, and a pair of second sub-terminals 1844b extending from a second main terminal 1843b. A pair of multiple sub-terminals 1844 may be arranged alternately with respect to each other. A pair of multiple sub-terminals 1844 may be spaced apart from each other. For example, a pair of first sub-terminals 1844a and a pair of second sub-terminals 1844b may be arranged alternately with respect to each other and spaced apart from each other. That is, multiple first sub-terminals 1844a are each positioned between multiple second sub-terminals 1844b that are spaced apart from each other, and the first sub-terminals 1844a may be spaced apart from adjacent second sub-terminals 1844b. Here, first sub-terminals 1844a are positioned on both sides of a second sub-terminal 1844b, and one first sub-terminal 1844a adjacent to a second sub-terminal 1844b may be spaced apart by a first interval W1, and the other first sub-terminal 1844a adjacent to a second sub-terminal 1844b may be spaced apart by a second interval W2. The first interval W1 and the second interval W2 may be different from each other. The first interval W1 and the second interval W2 may correspond to each other.

[0090] Figure 9 shows a heating element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] Referring to Figure 9, the heating element 180 may include a heating layer 182 surrounding the insertion space and a wiring layer 184 laminated on the heating layer 182.

[0092] The heating layer 182 may include an extension 1821 on which the power supply unit 1841 is formed, and a wiring unit 1822 on which the terminal unit 1844 is formed. The heating layer 182 may also include an overlapping unit 1824 extending from the wiring unit 1822.

[0093] The superimposed portion 1824 may be the part that overlaps when the heating layer 182 surrounds the insertion space. The superimposed portion 1824 may be adhered to the back surface of the wiring portion 1822.

[0094] The power supply unit 1841 may be located on the extension unit 1821. The extension unit 1821 may extend from the wiring unit 1822. For example, the extension unit 1821 may extend from the wiring unit 1822 in the opposite direction to the first direction D1. The extension unit 1821 may be located inside the aerosol generator 1. The extension unit 1821 may be electrically connected to the power supply 11. Alternatively, the extension unit 1821 may be connected to the electrical unit.

[0095] Terminal section 1844 may be located in the wiring section 1822. Multiple sub-terminals 1844 may be located in the wiring section 1822. Main terminal 1843 may be located in the wiring section 1822. Main terminal 1843 may be located in the extension section 1821. For example, the first main terminal 1843a and the second main terminal 1843b may be located across the extension section 1821 and the wiring section 1822.

[0096] The power supply unit 1841 may be located on the extension unit 1821. The power supply unit 1841 may be connected to the electrical unit. The power supply unit 1841 may be connected to the power supply 11. A pair of power supply units 1841a and 1841b may be located on one side of the extension unit 1821 so as to be spaced apart from each other.

[0097] The main terminal 1843 may extend from the power supply unit 1841. For example, the first main terminal 1843a and the second main terminal 1843b may extend in a first direction D1 from the first power supply unit 1841a and the second power supply unit 1841b, respectively. These extending first main terminals 1843a and the second main terminals 1843b may be connected to a plurality of sub-terminals 1844 located in the wiring unit 1822. The first main terminals 1843a and the second main terminals 1843b may extend to the center of the wiring unit 1822. For example, the first main terminal 1843a and the second main terminal 1843b may extend in a first direction D1 from the first power supply unit 1841a and the second power supply unit 1841b located in the extension unit 1821 to the center of the wiring unit 1822, respectively.

[0098] Sub-terminal 1844 may branch from main terminal 1843. Multiple sub-terminals 1844 may branch from main terminal 1843 in one direction. Multiple first sub-terminals 1844a may branch from first main terminal 1843a. For example, multiple first sub-terminals 1844a may branch from first main terminal 1843a in the opposite direction to the second direction D2. These branching multiple first sub-terminals 1844a may extend in the opposite direction to the second direction D2. These extending multiple first sub-terminals 1844a may bend in the first direction D1. These bent multiple first sub-terminals 1844a may extend in the first direction D1. The first direction D1 may be the depth direction of the insertion space. That is, the first direction D1 may be the direction from the deep part to the shallow part of the insertion space. The second direction D2 may be the circumferential direction of the insertion space. Multiple first sub-terminals 1844a extending in the first direction D1 may bend and extend in the second direction D2. These extending multiple first sub-terminals 1844a may bend and extend in the opposite direction to the first direction D1. These extending multiple first sub-terminals 1844a may bend and extend in the opposite direction to the second direction D2.

[0099] Multiple second sub-terminals 1844b may branch off from the second main terminal 1843b. For example, multiple second sub-terminals 1844b may branch off from the second main terminal 1843b in the second direction D2. These branching multiple second sub-terminals 1844b may extend in the second direction D2. These extending multiple second sub-terminals 1844b may bend in the first direction D1. These bent multiple second sub-terminals 1844b may extend in the first direction D1. Multiple second sub-terminals 1844b extending in the first direction D1 may bend and extend in the opposite direction to the second direction D2. These extending multiple second sub-terminals 1844b may bend and extend in the opposite direction to the first direction D1. These extending multiple first sub-terminals 1844a may bend and extend in the second direction D2.

[0100] Multiple first sub-terminals 1844a and multiple second sub-terminals 1844b can be arranged alternately with respect to each other. That is, multiple first sub-terminals 1844a branching from the first main terminal 1843a and extending along the circumferential direction of the wiring section 1822, and multiple second sub-terminals 1844b branching from the second main terminal 1843b and extending along the opposite direction from the circumferential direction of the wiring section 1822 can be arranged alternately with respect to each other. Here, the circumferential direction of the wiring section 1822 may be the clockwise direction along the circumferential direction of the wiring section 1822. Any one of the multiple second sub-terminals 1844b can be surrounded by multiple first sub-terminals 1844a above and below in the depth direction of the insertion space. That is, the first sub-terminals 1844a and second sub-terminals 1844b can be arranged alternately in the depth direction of the insertion space.

[0101] The first sub-terminal 1844a and the second sub-terminal 1844b may be separated from each other. For example, the first sub-terminal 1844a and the second sub-terminal 1844b may be separated in a first direction D1. The separation distance between the first sub-terminal 1844a and the second sub-terminal 1844b may be constant. The wiring section 1822 may include a gap 1823 located between the first sub-terminal 1844a and the second sub-terminal 1844b. Current can flow from the first sub-terminal 1844a to the second sub-terminal 1844b through the gap 1823. Conversely, current can flow from the second sub-terminal 1844b to the first sub-terminal 1844a through the gap 1823.

[0102] Either the first terminal section 1844a or the second terminal section 1844b may include a central terminal 1845. The central terminal 1845 may be located in the center of the wiring section 1822. The central terminal 1845 may extend from one end of either the first main terminal 1843a or the second main terminal 1843b. The central terminal 1845 may be connected to either the first main terminal 1843a or the second main terminal 1843b. For example, the central terminal 1845 may be connected to the other end of the second main terminal 1843b, and the second power supply section 1841b may be connected to one end of the second main terminal 1843b.

[0103] The central terminal 1845 may extend in the circumferential direction of the insertion space. For example, the central terminal 1845 may extend in the second direction D2.

[0104] The central terminal 1845 may be surrounded by one of the shortest sub-terminals 1846, which is either the first terminal section 1844a or the second terminal section 1844b. The shortest sub-terminal 1846 may be the sub-terminal with the shortest extension length among the multiple sub-terminals 1844. The shortest sub-terminal 1846 may include a first shortest sub-terminal 1846a extending from the first terminal section 1844a and a second shortest sub-terminal 1846b extending from the second terminal section 1844b. The first shortest sub-terminal 1846a may extend from the other end of the first main terminal 1843a. For example, one end of the first main terminal 1843a may be connected to the first power supply section 1841a, and the first shortest sub-terminal 1846a may extend from the other end of the first main terminal 1843a. The second shortest sub-terminal 1846b may extend from the other end of the second main terminal 1843b. For example, one end of the second main terminal 1843b may be connected to the second power supply unit 1841b, and the second shortest sub-terminal 1846b may extend from the other end of the second main terminal 1843b. For example, the center terminal 1845 may be connected to the other end of the second main terminal 1843b and extend in the second direction D2, and the first shortest sub-terminal 1846a may surround the center terminal 1845.

[0105] Figure 10 shows a heating element 180 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] Referring to Figure 10, the wiring layer 184 may include a first wiring layer 184a located on one side of the heat-generating layer 182 and a second wiring layer 184b located on the other side of the heat-generating layer 182.

[0107] The first wiring layer 184a may be located on one surface of the heating layer 182. For example, the first wiring layer 184a may be located on the surface of the heating layer 182. The surface of the heating layer 182 may be the outer surface of the heating layer 182. The first power supply unit 1841a and the first terminal unit 1844a may be located on the surface of the heating layer 182.

[0108] The second wiring layer 184b may be located on the other side of the heating layer 182. The other side of the heating layer 182 may face one side of the heating layer on which the first wiring layer 184a is located. For example, the second wiring layer 184b may be located on the back surface of the heating layer 182. The back surface of the heating layer 182 may be the inner surface of the heating layer 182. The second power supply unit 1841b and the second terminal unit 1844b may be located on the surface of the heating layer 182.

[0109] The power supply 11 can be connected to a first power supply unit 1841a located on one side of the heat-generating layer 182, and a second power supply unit 1841b located on the other side of the heat-generating layer 182. A potential difference can be formed between the first wiring layer 184a and the second wiring layer 184b. Current can flow from the first wiring layer 184a to the second wiring layer 184b through the heat-generating layer 182. Conversely, current can flow from the second wiring layer 184b to the first wiring layer 184a through the heat-generating layer 182. The heat-generating layer 182 can generate heat while current flows through it.

[0110] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the wiring layers with respect to the depth of the insertion space according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The z-direction is the depth direction of the insertion space, and the x-direction may be the circumferential direction of the insertion space. The depth of the insertion space can increase as you move further in the z-direction. The heating element 180 may bend in the x-direction, which is the circumferential direction of the insertion space, so as to surround the insertion space.

[0111] Referring to Figure 11, the distance w between the sub-terminals 1844 may vary depending on the depth of the insertion space. The distance w between the sub-terminals 1844 may be the spacing W between the first sub-terminals 1844a and the second sub-terminals 1844b, which are arranged adjacent to each other alternately.

[0112] The distance wa between the sub-terminals 1844 of the first heating element 180a may be longer than the distance wb between the sub-terminals 1844 of the second heating element 180b. The longer the distance w between the sub-terminals 1844, the less thermal energy can be generated. The longer the distance w between the sub-terminals 1844, the lower the temperature of the heating element can be. The heating temperature of the first heating element 180a may be lower than the heating temperature of the second heating element 180b.

[0113] The second heating element 180b may include a central heating element 180C that corresponds to the central position of the second material element S12.

[0114] The second heating element 180b may include a lower heating element 180L located between the central heating element 180C and the first heating element 180a. The lower heating element 180L may include a first lower heating element 1801L and a second lower heating element 1802L located deeper than the first lower heating element 1801L, with respect to the depth direction of the insertion space. The second lower heating element 1802L may be located between the first lower heating element 1801L and the first heating element 180a. The first lower heating element 1801L may be located between the central heating element 180C and the second lower heating element 1802L.

[0115] The second heating element 180b may include an upper heating element 180U located at a shallower position than the central heating element 180C, with respect to the depth direction of the insertion space. The upper heating element 180U may include a first upper heating element 1801U and a second upper heating element 1802U located at a shallower position than the first upper heating element 1801U, with respect to the depth direction of the insertion space. The first upper heating element 1801U may be located between the second upper heating element 1802U and the central heating element 180C.

[0116] The distance wC between the sub-terminals 1844 of the central heating element 180C may be the shortest in the heating element. The distance wC between the sub-terminals 1844 of the central heating element 180C may be shorter than the distance wU between the sub-terminals 1844 of the upper heating element 180U or the distance wL between the sub-terminals of the lower heating element 180L. As a result, the temperature of the second heating element 180b can be highest near the central heating element 180C. The temperature of the second heating element 180b can decrease as you move from the central heating element 180C towards both ends in the depth direction of the insertion space.

[0117] The distance wL between the sub-terminals 1844 of the first lower heating element 1801L may be longer than the distance wC between the sub-terminals 1844 of the central heating element 180C. The distance wL1 between the sub-terminals 1844 of the first lower heating element 1801L may be shorter than the distance wL2 between the sub-terminals 1844 of the second lower heating element L1. As a result, the temperature of the first lower heating element 1801L can be higher than the temperature of the second lower heating element L1.

[0118] The temperature of the second lower heating section L1 may be lower than the temperature of the central heating section 180C and the temperature of the first lower heating section 1801L. The temperature of the second lower heating section L1 may be higher than the temperature of the first heating section 180a.

[0119] The distance wU1 between the sub-terminals 1844 of the first upper heating element 1801U may be longer than the distance wC between the sub-terminals 1844 of the central heating element 180C. The distance wU1 between the sub-terminals 1844 of the first upper heating element 1801U may be shorter than the distance wU2 between the sub-terminals 1844 of the second upper heating element 1802U. As a result, the temperature of the first upper heating element 1801U can be higher than the temperature of the second upper heating element 1802U.

[0120] The temperature of the second upper heating element 1802U may be lower than the temperature of the central heating element 180C and the temperature of the first upper heating element 1801U. The temperature of the second upper heating element 1802U may be higher than the temperature of the first heating element 180a.

[0121] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the wiring layers by insertion space depth according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] Referring to Figure 12, the distance w between the sub-terminals 1844 can increase as the depth of the insertion space increases.

[0123] The distance wU between the sub-terminals 1844 of the upper heating element 180U may be shorter than the distance wL between the sub-terminals 1844 of the lower heating element 180L. The distance wU between the sub-terminals 1844 of the upper heating element 180U may correspond to or be shorter than the distance wC between the sub-terminals 1844 of the central heating element 180C. Alternatively, the distance wU between the sub-terminals 1844 of the upper heating element 180U may be longer than the distance wC between the sub-terminals 1844 of the central heating element 180C.

[0124] The distance wL between the sub-terminals 1844 of the lower heating element 180L may be longer than the distance wC between the sub-terminals 1844 of the central heating element 180C and the distance wU between the sub-terminals 1844 of the upper heating element 180U. This allows the temperature of the upper heating element 180U and the central heating element 180C to be higher than the temperature of the lower heating element 180L.

[0125] Figure 13 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0126] Referring to Figure 13, the aerosol generator 1 may include 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 13. In other words, it will be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment that the design of the aerosol generator 1 may omit some of the components shown in Figure 13 or add new components.

[0127] The sensor 13 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 1 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 1, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 12. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, restricting smoking, determining whether a stick S and / or cartridge 19 has been inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0128] Sensor 13 may include at least one of the following: temperature sensor 131, puff sensor 132, insertion sensor 133, reuse sensor 134, cartridge sensor 135, cap sensor 136, and motion sensor 137.

[0129] The temperature sensor 131 can sense the temperature at which the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 are heated. The aerosol generator 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 themselves may act as a temperature sensor.

[0130] 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. The temperature sensor 131 can 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.

[0131] The temperature sensor 131 may be positioned around the power supply 11 to monitor its temperature. The temperature sensor 131 may be positioned adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one side of the battery which is the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0132] The temperature sensor 131 is located inside the body 10 and can sense the internal temperature of the body 10.

[0133] The puff sensor 132 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 132 can output 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 may correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 may be positioned in the aerosol generator 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0134] The insertion sensing sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion sensing sensor 133 can detect the signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion sensing sensor 133 may be provided around the insertion space. The insertion sensing sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S by the change in dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 133 may be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0135] An induction sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the induction sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if the magnetic field changes around a coil through which current flows, 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.

[0136] Induction sensors can output signals that correspond to the characteristics of the current flowing through a coil. For example, an induction sensor can output a signal that corresponds to the inductance value of a coil.

[0137] A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor can 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.

[0138] The reuse detection sensor 134 can detect whether the stick S has been reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 may also be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the hue of the stick S. The color sensor can detect the hue of a portion of the wrapper surrounding the outside of the stick S. The color sensor can detect a value for an optical property corresponding to the hue of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical property may be the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as an integrated configuration with the proximity sensor, or as a separate configuration separated from the proximity sensor.

[0139] At least a portion of the wrapper constituting the stick S can change hue due to aerosols. The reuse sensing sensor 134 may be positioned corresponding to the location where at least a portion of the wrapper whose hue changes due to aerosols is 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 wrapper may have a first hue. Here, as the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 1 passes through the stick S, at least a portion of the wrapper becomes wet with the aerosol, causing the hue of at least a portion of the wrapper to change to a second hue. On the other hand, after the hue of at least a portion of the wrapper has changed from the first hue to the second hue, it may be maintained at the second hue.

[0140] The cartridge sensing sensor 135 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge sensing sensor 135 can be implemented as an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, or a Hall sensor (Hall IC) using the Hall effect.

[0141] The cap sensing sensor 136 can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap 200 is separated from the body 10, a portion of the cartridge 19 and body 10 that was covered by the cap 200 may be exposed to the outside. The cap sensing sensor 136 can be implemented as a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0142] The motion sensor 137 can detect the movement of the aerosol generator. The motion sensor 137 can be implemented using at least one of an accelerometer and a gyro sensor.

[0143] Sensor 13 may further include at least one of the following, in addition to the sensors 131 to 137 described above: a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a GPS position sensor, and a proximity sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, so a detailed explanation can be omitted.

[0144] The output unit 14 can output and provide to the user information about the status of the aerosol generator 1. The output unit 14 may include, but is not limited to, a display 141, a haptic unit 142, and an acoustic output unit 143. If the display 141 and the touchpad form a layered structure and constitute a touchscreen, the display 141 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0145] The display 141 can visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the information about the aerosol generator 1 can include various types 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 the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display 141 may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0146] The haptic unit 142 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli, providing the user with tactile information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, if initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 during a set time, the haptic unit 142 can generate vibrations corresponding to the completion of initial preheating. The haptic unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0147] The acoustic output unit 143 can provide the user with auditory information about the aerosol generator 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 143 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0148] The power supply 11 can supply the power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. The power supply 11 can supply power so that the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 can be heated. 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.

[0149] Although not shown in Figure 13, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit is electrically connected to the power supply 11 and may include a switching element.

[0150] The power protection circuit can shut off the circuit to the power supply 11 under predetermined conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can shut off 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 can shut off 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.

[0151] The heater 18 receives power from the power supply 11 and can heat the medium or aerosol-generating material inside the stick S. Although not shown in Figure 13, 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 to AC power.

[0152] The control unit 12, sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17 can function by receiving power from the power supply 11. Although not shown in Figure 13, a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a constant voltage 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 13, 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 may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter prevents high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13, such as the insertion sensing sensor 133.

[0153] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 may be formed from any suitable electrical resistant material. For example, suitable electrical resistant materials may be, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Also, the heater 18 may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which an electrically conductive track is arranged, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0154] In other embodiments, the heater 18 may be an induction heating type heater. 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 material.

[0155] The input unit 15 can receive information input from the user or 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 that senses touch. 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.

[0156] The display 141 and the touch panel can be realized by a single panel. For example, the touch panel can be embedded within the display 141 (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added on top of the display panel 141 (add-on type).

[0157] On the other hand, the input section 15 may include, but is not limited to, buttons, keypads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0158] Memory 17 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1, and can store data processed by the control unit 12 and data to be processed. Memory 17 can 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 can 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 the user's smoking pattern.

[0159] 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.

[0160] The short-range wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, or an Ant+ communication unit.

[0161] The wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit.

[0162] Although not shown in Figure 13, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via such a connection interface to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0163] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 1 may include at least one processor. The processor can also be realized by an array of numerous logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by this microprocessor. It is also understandable to those with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it can be realized by other forms of hardware.

[0164] 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 sensed 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.

[0165] 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 181. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element can be embodied by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 12 can control the power supply circuit.

[0166] The control unit 12 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements in the power supply circuit. It may also be an inverter that converts the DC power output from the power supply 11 to AC power. For example, the inverter can be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including multiple switching elements.

[0167] 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 power is cut off to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. 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.

[0168] The control unit 12 can control the voltage output from the power supply 11 by controlling the switching of the switching elements in 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 steps down the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.

[0169] The control unit 12 can adjust the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit by controlling the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power supply circuit. When the switching element remains in the on state, the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the voltage level output from the power supply 11. The duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond 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 element, the lower the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit can be. The heater 18 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0170] 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).

[0171] For example, the control unit 12 can 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 control the power supplied to the heater 18 by adjusting the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses.

[0172] For example, the control unit 12 can 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.

[0173] 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 to interrupt the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 if the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeds a previously set 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 ratio if the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 exceeds a previously set limit temperature. For example, if the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted and can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24.

[0174] 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 in accordance with the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0175] 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 previously set 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.

[0176] 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 system to use 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 can interrupt the use of the power stored in the power supply 11.

[0177] 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 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power supply 11.

[0178] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space using the insertion sensing sensor 133. The control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been inserted based on the output signal from the insertion sensing sensor 133. 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 can supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0179] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space using the insertion sensing sensor 133. For example, the control unit 12 can 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 temperature change gradient of the heater 18 is above a set gradient. If the control unit 12 determines that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space, it can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0180] The control unit 12 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater 18 based on the state of the stick S sensed by the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can check the level range that includes the level of the capacitance sensor signal based on a lookup table. The control unit 12 can determine the amount of moisture in the stick S based on the checked level range.

[0181] If the stick S is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 12 can control the power supply time to the heater 18, thereby increasing the preheating time of the stick S compared to normal conditions.

[0182] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space has been reused by the reuse sensing sensor 134. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor signal with a first reference range that includes a first hue, and if the sensing value falls within the first reference range, it can determine that the stick S has not been used. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor signal with a second reference range that includes a second hue, and if the sensing value falls within the second reference range, it can determine that the stick S has been used. If it is determined that the stick S has been used, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0183] The control unit 12 can determine the coupling and / or removal of the cartridge 19 based on the cartridge sensing sensor 135. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the coupling and / or removal of the cartridge 19 based on the sensing value of the signal from the cartridge sensing sensor.

[0184] The control unit 12 can determine whether the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been depleted. For example, the control unit 12 can preheat the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been depleted. If the control unit 12 determines that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 19 has been depleted, it can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0185] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 has been used. For example, based on the data stored in the memory 17, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 cannot be used if the total time the heater 24 has been heated is greater than or equal to a previously set maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the heater 24 is greater than or equal to a previously set maximum amount of power.

[0186] The control unit 12 can make decisions regarding the user's inhalation based on the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether a puff has occurred based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor 132. If the number of puffs reaches a pre-set maximum number of puffs or if no puff is detected for a period of time longer than a pre-set time, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0187] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the cap sensing sensor 136. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal from the cap sensing sensor.

[0188] The control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the results sensed by the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 132 reaches a pre-set number, the control unit 12 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 1 will immediately shut off via at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, and the acoustic output unit 143. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that there is no stick S in the insertion space, it can notify the user via the output unit 14. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that the cartridge 19 and / or cap has not been installed, it can notify the user via the output unit 14. For example, the control unit 12 can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 to the user via the output unit 14.

[0189] The control unit 12 can save and update a history of the event in the memory 17 when a predetermined event occurs. Events can include operations performed by the aerosol generator 1, such as detection of stick S insertion, start of stick S heating, puff detection, end of puffing, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, end of stick S heating, on / off of the aerosol generator 1, start of charging of the power supply 11, detection of overcharge of the power supply 11, and end of charging of the power supply 11. The history of an event can 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 can include data such as the sensing 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 such as 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.

[0190] The control unit 12 can be controlled to form a communication link with an external device, such as the user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving authentication data from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 12 can remove 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 can perform user authentication via the external device. The external device can determine whether the user data is valid based on the user's date of birth, a unique number identifying the user, etc., and can receive data regarding the right to use the aerosol generator 1 from an external server. Based on the data regarding the right to use, the external device can transmit data indicating the completion of user authentication to the aerosol generator 1. Once user authentication is complete, the control unit 12 can remove the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. For example, once user authentication is complete, the control unit 12 can remove the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater 18.

[0191] The control unit 12 can transmit data about 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, and other information via the external device's display.

[0192] An external device can transmit a location search request to the aerosol generator 1 based on an input that initiates a location search for the aerosol generator 1. When the control unit 12 receives a location search request from the external device, it can control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit 142 can generate vibrations in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 can output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search in response to the location search request.

[0193] The control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update when it receives firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current firmware version of the aerosol generator 1 and determine if a new firmware version is available. When the external device receives an input requesting a firmware download, it can receive the new firmware data and transmit the new firmware data to the aerosol generator 1. When the control unit 12 receives the new firmware data, it can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update.

[0194] The control unit 12 can transmit data about the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 16, learn the sensing values ​​from the server via machine learning such as deep learning, and receive and store the generated learning model. Using the learning model received from the server, the control unit 12 can perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile. The control unit 12 can store the sensing value data of at least one sensor 13 and data for training an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 can store a database of each component provided in the aerosol generator 1, weights and biases that make up the artificial neural network (ANN) structure, etc., for training the artificial neural network (ANN). The control unit 12 can learn the data about the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13, the user's inhalation pattern, the temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory 17, and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile.

[0195] Referring to Figures 1 to 13, an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a body having an insertion space into which a stick is inserted, and a heater disposed inside the body and having a heating element for heating the insertion space, wherein the heating element includes a heating layer surrounding the insertion space and a wiring layer laminated on the heating layer and supplying current, and the thickness of the heating element may vary in the depth direction of the insertion space.

[0196] Furthermore, according to other aspects of the present disclosure, the stick includes a first material portion disposed in the insertion space and a second material portion extending from the first material portion and disposed in the insertion space, and the heating portion includes a first heating portion disposed at a position corresponding to the position of the first material portion and a second heating portion disposed at a position corresponding to the position of the second material portion and extending from the first heating portion, wherein the thickness of the second heating portion may be greater than the thickness of the first heating portion.

[0197] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the thickness of the second heating layer of the second heating element may be greater than the thickness of the first heating layer of the first heating element.

[0198] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the thickness of the second heating layer may decrease as it approaches the first heating element.

[0199] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the thickness of the second heating layer may decrease as it moves away from the center of the second heating layer.

[0200] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the first heating element includes a first heating layer and a first wiring layer laminated on the first heating layer through which electric current flows, and the second heating element includes a second heating layer and a second wiring layer laminated on the second heating layer and electrically connected to the first wiring layer, wherein the thickness of the second wiring layer may be greater than the thickness of the first wiring layer.

[0201] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the wiring layer may include a first wiring layer laminated on one surface of the heating layer and a second wiring layer laminated on the other surface of the heating layer.

[0202] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the wiring layer includes a pair of power supply units connected to a power source, and a pair of terminal units extending from each of the power supply units and spaced apart from each other, wherein the pair of terminal units can be laminated on the heating layer and surround the insertion space.

[0203] Furthermore, according to other aspects of the present disclosure, the stick includes a first material portion disposed in the insertion space and a second material portion extending from the first material portion and disposed in the insertion space, the heating portion includes a first heating portion disposed at a position corresponding to the position of the first material portion and comprising a first wiring layer, and a second heating portion disposed at a position corresponding to the position of the second material portion and comprising a second wiring layer, wherein the separation distance between the pair of terminal portions located in the second wiring layer may be smaller than the separation distance between the pair of terminal portions located in the first wiring layer.

[0204] Furthermore, according to other aspects of the present disclosure, the pair of power supply units includes a first power supply unit and a second power supply unit separated from the first power supply unit, and the pair of terminal units includes a first terminal unit extending from the first power supply unit and a second terminal unit extending from the second power supply unit and separated from the first terminal unit, the first terminal unit includes a first main terminal connected to the first power supply unit and a plurality of first sub-terminals branching from the first main terminal, and the second terminal unit may include a second main terminal connected to the second power supply unit and a plurality of second sub-terminals branching from the second main terminal.

[0205] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the plurality of first sub-terminals and the plurality of second sub-terminals may be arranged alternately and spaced apart from each other.

[0206] Furthermore, according to other aspects of the present disclosure, the first main terminal extends in the first direction of the first power supply, the plurality of first sub-terminals extend in the first direction in a second direction intersecting the first direction, extend in the opposite direction of the second direction, extend in the opposite direction of the first direction, extend in the second direction, the plurality of second sub-terminals extend in the first direction in the opposite direction of the second direction, extend in the opposite direction of the first direction, extend in the opposite direction of the second direction, and the plurality of second sub-terminals may be located between the plurality of first sub-terminals.

[0207] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, either the first terminal portion or the second terminal portion may include a central terminal surrounded by the shortest sub-terminals with the shortest extension length in the other of the first terminal portion or the second terminal portion.

[0208] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the separation distance between the pair of terminal portions located in the second wiring layer may increase as it approaches the first wiring layer.

[0209] The specific or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinguishable. The specific or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination or in combination with each other in terms of their respective configurations or functions.

[0210] For example, this means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in other embodiments and / or drawings. In other words, even if a combination of configurations is not directly described, it means that such a combination is possible unless it is explicitly stated that such a combination is not possible.

[0211] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in any way and 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 body having an insertion space into which a stick is inserted, The body includes a heater which is disposed inside the body and has a heating element that heats the insertion space, The aforementioned heating element is A heating layer surrounding the aforementioned insertion space, The heating layer includes a wiring layer laminated on the heating layer and supplied with current, The heat-generating element is an aerosol generating device in which the thickness changes in the depth direction of the insertion space.

2. The aforementioned stick is A first material portion is disposed in the aforementioned insertion space, It includes a second material portion extending from the first material portion and disposed in the insertion space, The aforementioned heating element is A first heating element is positioned at a location corresponding to the position of the first material part, It includes a second heating element that is positioned at a location corresponding to the position of the second material part and extends from the first heating element, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the second heating element is greater than the thickness of the first heating element.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the thickness of the second heating layer of the second heating section is greater than the thickness of the first heating layer of the first heating section.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the thickness of the second heating layer decreases as it approaches the first heating section.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the thickness of the second heating layer decreases as it moves away from the center of the second heating layer.

6. The first heating element is, The first heating layer, The first heating layer is laminated with a first wiring layer through which an electric current flows, and the first wiring layer is laminated with the first heating layer, The second heating element is, The second heating layer, The second wiring layer is laminated on the second heating layer and is electrically connected to the first wiring layer, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the thickness of the second wiring layer is greater than the thickness of the first wiring layer.

7. The aforementioned wiring layer is A first wiring layer is laminated on one surface of the heat-generating layer, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second wiring layer laminated on the other side of the heat generating layer.

8. The aforementioned wiring layer is A pair of power supply units connected to each other, It includes a pair of terminals extending from each of the aforementioned power supply units and spaced apart from each other, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pair of terminal portions are laminated on the heating layer and surround the insertion space.

9. The aforementioned stick is A first material portion is disposed in the aforementioned insertion space, It includes a second material portion extending from the first material portion and disposed in the insertion space, The aforementioned heating element is A first heating element is provided, which is positioned at a location corresponding to the position of the first material part and includes a first wiring layer. It includes a second heating element, which is positioned at a location corresponding to the position of the second material element and comprises a second wiring layer, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the separation distance between the pair of terminal portions located in the second wiring layer is smaller than the separation distance between the pair of terminal portions located in the first wiring layer.

10. The pair of power supply units are, First power supply unit, A second power supply unit separated from the first power supply unit, including, The pair of terminal portions are, A first terminal section extending from the first power supply unit, It includes a second terminal section extending from the second power supply section and separated from the first terminal section, The first terminal portion is, The first main terminal connected to the first power supply unit, It includes a plurality of first sub-terminals branching off from the first main terminal, The second terminal section is, The second main terminal connected to the second power supply unit, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a plurality of second sub-terminals branching from the second main terminal.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of first sub-terminals and the plurality of second sub-terminals are arranged alternately at a distance from each other.

12. The first main terminal extends from the first power supply unit in a first direction, The plurality of first sub-terminals extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction, extend in the first direction, extend in the opposite direction to the second direction, extend in the opposite direction to the first direction, extend in the second direction, The plurality of second sub-terminals extend in the direction opposite to the second direction and extend in the first direction, extend in the direction opposite to the first direction and extend in the direction opposite to the second direction, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of second sub-terminals are located between the plurality of first sub-terminals.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein either the first terminal portion or the second terminal portion includes a central terminal surrounded by the shortest sub-terminal with the shortest extension length in the other of the first terminal portion or the second terminal portion.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the distance between the pair of terminal portions located in the second wiring layer increases as it approaches the first wiring layer.

15. The heat-generating layer comprises at least one of graphene and carbon nanotubes. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wiring layer is a plate of metal material laminated on the heating layer.

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