Aerosol generator including heater module

Abstract

The present invention provides a heater module for heating an aerosol-generating substance, comprising: a heater body having a first outside air inlet formed therein; a heater disposed inside the heater body; and a side cover detachably coupled to the heater body, the side cover including a second outside air inlet connected to an internal space of the side cover, wherein the first outside air inlet, the internal space, and the second outside air inlet are in communication with each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An embodiment relates to an aerosol generating device including a heater module.

Background Art

[0002] An aerosol generating device includes a liquid storage unit that holds an aerosol generating substance and a cartridge that includes a heater. The cartridge is detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device. Electric power is transmitted from the aerosol generating device to the cartridge. Thereby, the aerosol generating substance held in the cartridge is heated by the heater. When all of the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge is consumed, the cartridge can be replaced. However, generally, since the period during which the durability of the heater is maintained is longer than the cycle in which the aerosol generating substance is consumed, the heater may be unnecessarily replaced even though it is still usable.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device including a heater module that can separate a heater from a cartridge and promote reuse of the heater in order to solve the above problems.

[0004] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and further problems not mentioned in this specification will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The embodiment provides a heater module for heating an aerosol-generating substance, comprising a heater body having a first outside air inlet formed therein, a heater disposed inside the heater body, and a side cover detachably coupled to the heater body, wherein the side cover includes a second outside air inlet connected to the internal space of the side cover, and the first outside air inlet, the internal space, and the second outside air inlet are in communication with each other.

[0006] The first outside air inlet may be located on the side of the heater body.

[0007] The second outside air inlet may be located on the lower surface of the side cover.

[0008] The heater body includes a first coupling portion protruding from the side surface of the heater body, the side cover includes a second coupling portion protruding from the inside of the side cover, and the first coupling portion can be detachably coupled to the second coupling portion.

[0009] The first connecting portion may be a first hook, and the second connecting portion may be a second hook.

[0010] The first hook may include a first-first hook and a first-second hook spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, and the second hook may include a second-first hook and a second-second hook spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

[0011] The 2-1 hook may be positioned above the 1-1 hook, and the 2-2 hook may be positioned below the 1-2 hook.

[0012] The first outside air inlet may be positioned vertically between the first-1 hook and the first-2 hook.

[0013] The second hook may include a through hole that connects the upper space and the lower space of the second hook, and the through hole may be positioned in alignment with the second outside air inlet.

[0014] The heater body includes a guide protruding from the side surface, the guide being positioned along the vertical direction of the heater body, and the first coupling portion may be positioned on the guide.

[0015] The embodiment includes a main body, a heater module detachably coupled to the main body, and a cartridge detachably coupled to the main body for holding an aerosol-generating substance. The heater module includes a heater body having a first outside air inlet, a heater disposed inside the heater body for heating the aerosol-generating substance transmitted from the cartridge, and a side cover detachably coupled to the heater body. The side cover includes a second outside air inlet connected to the internal space of the side cover. The first outside air inlet, the internal space, and the second outside air inlet are in communication with each other.

[0016] A gap is formed between the main body and the side cover in the vertical direction, and this gap can communicate with the second outside air inlet.

[0017] The main body further includes a battery and a control unit, the main body including a cover surrounding the battery and the control unit, the cover including slots arranged vertically, and the side cover may be positioned inside the slots.

[0018] The side cover may be positioned to protrude more than the cover.

[0019] The horizontal distance from the outermost part of the side cover to the side of the cover in the width direction may be the same as or less than the horizontal distance from the outermost part of the cartridge to the side of the cover in the width direction.

[0020] The main body includes an inhalation sensor for measuring the inhalation pressure, and the side cover can be arranged to overlap the inhalation sensor in the width direction.

[0021] The main body includes a first flow path connected to the inhalation sensor, and the heater module includes a second flow path connected to the first outside air inlet. When the heater module is assembled to the main body, the first flow path and the second flow path can be connected.

[0022] When the heater module is assembled to the main body, the first outside air inlet can be arranged to overlap the main body in the width direction.

[0023] The first flow path and the first outside air inlet can be arranged to overlap in the width direction.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] [[ID=ID=19]]According to the embodiment, by separating the cartridge and the heater module, there is an advantage that the reuse of the heater module can be promoted.

[0025] According to the embodiment, there is an advantage that the side cover is used as an inflow path for outside air.

[0026] According to the embodiment, there is an advantage that the side cover forms a part of the appearance of the aerosol generating device.

[0027] According to the embodiment, there is an advantage that the side cover can be easily assembled via the first hook of the heater main body and the second hook of the side cover.

[0028] According to the embodiment, by forming the first outside air inlet between the two second hooks of the heater main body, there is an advantage of realizing the assembly structure of the side cover while securing a path for the airflow guiding the outside air to the heater main body.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] This figure schematically shows an aerosol generating apparatus including a heater module according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, with reference to AA in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is an exploded view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the heater module. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the heater module. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the heater's upper sealing component. [Figure 8] This is a diagram of the first heater holder. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the heater. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the structure that supplies electricity to the heater. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the direction of airflow and aerosols within the heater. [Figure 12] This is a side cross-sectional view of the heater module with reference to BB in Figure 5. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view showing the cartridge. [Figure 14] This diagram shows the first hook of the heater body. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view of the side cover showing the second hook on the side cover. [Figure 16] This is a side cross-section showing the second hook of the side cover. [Figure 17] This is a side cross-sectional view showing the side cover attached to the heater body. [Figure 18] This is a cross-sectional view of the heater module. [Figure 19] This diagram shows the gap between the side cover and the main body. [Figure 20] This diagram shows the side cover protruding from the main cover. [Figure 21] This diagram shows the airflow into the heater unit through the side cover. [Figure 22] This is a plan view of the heater module. [Figure 23] Figure 22 is a side cross-sectional view of the heater module with X1-X1 as the reference point, and it shows the flow of air that flows into the heater body and is guided to the heater. [Figure 24] This is a side cross-sectional view of the heater module housing of the heater module. [Figure 25] This is a perspective view of the heater's lower sealing member. [Figure 26] Figure 22 is a side cross-sectional view of the heater module with X2-X2 as the reference point, and it shows the flow of air that flows into the inside of the heater body and is guided to the heater. [Figure 27] Figure 22 is a side cross-sectional view of the heater module with X3-X3 as the reference point, and it shows the flow of air that flows into the inside of the heater body and is guided to the heater. [Figure 28] This diagram shows the location of the intake sensor and the side cover. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] The embodiments disclosed herein will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, but regardless of the reference numerals in the drawings, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0031] The component suffixes "module" and "part" used in the following description are added or used interchangeably solely for the purpose of facilitating the creation of the specification, and do not have any inherently distinct meaning or role from each other.

[0032] In describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if a specific description of the relevant prior art is deemed to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, such detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and should be understood that the accompanying drawings do not limit the technical ideas disclosed herein and include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions included in the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0033] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe various components, but such components are not limited by those terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0034] When one component is said to be "connected" or "linked" to another component, it should be understood that it is directly connected to the other component, or may be connected, but may have other components in between. On the other hand, when one component is said to be "directly connected" or "directly linked" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0035] Unless otherwise clearly stated in the context, singular expressions include plural forms.

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an aerosol generating apparatus including a heater module according to one embodiment.

[0037] In the following diagram, the x-axis represents the width x of the aerosol generator 1 including the heater module 20, the y-axis represents the thickness direction of the aerosol generator 1 including the heater module 20, and the z-axis represents the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator 1 including the heater module 20.

[0038] Hereafter, "vertical direction," "upper side," "upper end," "lower side," "lower end," "up," and "down" refer to the z-axis in the drawing.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generator 1 can include a main body 10, a heater module 20, and a cartridge 30.

[0040] The main unit 10 may include at least one of the following: a power supply 11, a control unit 12, and a sensor 13. The cartridge 30 may be attached to the main unit 10.

[0041] The power supply 11 can supply power to the components of the aerosol generator 1 so that they can operate. The power supply 11 is sometimes called a battery. The power supply 11 can supply power to at least one of the following: the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the heater module 20.

[0042] The control unit 12 can control the entire operation of the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 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, sensor 13, and cartridge 30. The control unit 12 can control the operation of the display, motor, etc., provided in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is in an operational state.

[0043] The control unit 12 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor 13 and then control the processes to be performed. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater module 20 so that the operation of the heater module 20 starts or stops. 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 module 20 and the duration of power supply so that the heater module 20 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0044] Sensor 13 may include at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, or a motion detection sensor. For example, sensor 13 can sense at least one of the following: the temperature of the heater module 20, the temperature of the power supply 11, or the temperature inside and outside the main unit 10. For example, sensor 13 can sense the user's puff. For example, sensor 13 can sense whether a cartridge 30 is installed. For example, sensor 13 can sense the movement of the aerosol generator 1.

[0045] The heater module 20 can be detachably attached to the main body 10. The heater module 20 is located between the cartridge 30 and the main body 10 and can generate aerosols by converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material to a gaseous phase. The heater module 20 can generate aerosols by heating the aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge 30.

[0046] For example, the heater module 20 can heat the aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge 30 to generate vapor from the aerosol-generating material. The generated vapor can be mixed with outside air that flows into the heater module 20 from outside to generate an aerosol. In this embodiment, "aerosol" can mean particles produced when the vapor generated by heating the aerosol-generating material is mixed with air, and this expression may be used with the same meaning below.

[0047] The cartridge 30 can be detachably attached to the main body 10. The cartridge 30 can be located above the heater module 20. The cartridge 30 stores an aerosol-generating substance inside. The aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 30 is supplied to the heater module 20. The cartridge 30 may include a mouthpiece 30a. When a user sucks on the mouthpiece 30a, they can inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generator 1.

[0048] The outside air that flows into the main unit 10 can pass through the cartridge 30 and flow into the user's mouth via the airflow channel 31b.

[0049] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment, Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment, with reference to AA in Figure 2, and Figure 4 is an exploded view of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment.

[0050] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, one embodiment of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 can include a main body 10, a heater module 20, and a cartridge 30.

[0051] The main body 10 is located at the lower end of the heater module 20 and can support the heater module 20. Inside the main body 10, a power supply 11 and a control unit 12 for the operation of the aerosol generator 1 may be located. The main body 10 may also have a user interface and a display means for visually indicating the operating status and battery status. A mouthpiece 31c may protrude from the upper end of the main body 10.

[0052] The heater module 20 may be positioned on the upper side of the main body 10. The heater module 20 may be detachably coupled to the main body 10. The heater module 20 may be replaced with a new one once it has exceeded its target number of uses. Such a heater module may include a heater (22 in Figure 6).

[0053] The cartridge 30 may be positioned above the heater module 20. The cartridge 30 may be detachably coupled to the main body 10, sandwiching the heater module 20.

[0054] An aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment may further include a cover 11a. The cover 11a can form a space inside which to house the main body 10, the heater module 20, and the cartridge 30. The cover 11a may be formed to surround at least a portion of the main body 10, the heater module 20, and the cartridge 30. Such a cover 11a determines the positions of the main body 10, the heater module 20, and the cartridge 30, respectively. The cover 11a can then protect the main body 10, the heater module 20, and the cartridge 30 from external impacts and the inflow of foreign matter, respectively.

[0055] The cover 11a may be formed integrally with the main body 10, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0056] The heater module 20 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 5 to 12.

[0057] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the heater module 20, and Figure 6 is an exploded view of the heater module 20 shown in Figure 5.

[0058] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the heater module 20 may include a heater body 21, a heater 22, and a side cover 23.

[0059] The heater body 21 may include a structure for fixing the heater 22. The heater body 21 may also include a terminal for connecting to the heater 22, a flow path structure for the aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge, and so on. The upper end of the heater body 21 may include a connection structure for connecting to the cartridge. The lower end of the heater body 21 may include a housing structure for housing the connector of the body 10 (for example, connector CT in Figure 4).

[0060] The specific configuration of the heater unit 21 is as follows:

[0061] The heater body 21 may include a heater module housing 21a, a heater cover 21b, a heater upper sealing member 21c, a first heater holder 21d, a second heater holder 21e, a heater housing 21f, and a heater lower sealing member 21g.

[0062] The heater module housing 21a can form the exterior of the heater module 20. The heater cover 21b can be coupled to the upper end of the heater module housing 21a. The heater upper sealing member 21c is fixed to the heater cover 21b. The heater upper sealing member 21c can be located inside the heater cover 21b. A first heater holder 21d can serve to fix the heater 22 and form a channel through which aerosols pass. Such a first heater holder 21d can be in contact with the heater upper sealing member 21c. The first heater holder 21d can also be coupled to the heater housing 21f. A second heater holder 21e can serve to enclose the lower end of the heater 22. The second heater holder 21e can be made of an elastically deformable material. The heater housing 21f can secure terminals connected to the heater 22 and provide space for housing a switch that recognizes the cartridge 30. Furthermore, the heater housing 21f can serve to fix the heater 22. The heater lower sealing member 21g is positioned between the heater module housing 21a and the heater housing 21f and can serve to prevent leakage due to the liquefaction of residual aerosol. The substrate 24 is located inside the heater module housing 21a.

[0063] Figure 7 shows the heater upper sealing member 21c.

[0064] Referring to Figure 7, the heater upper sealing member 21c can serve to seal the open upper end of the heater body 21. The heater upper sealing member 21c can form a space for containing aerosols and seal the heater body 21 so that the contained aerosols do not leak out.

[0065] The heater upper sealing member 21c can come into contact with the cartridge 30. The heater upper sealing member 21c can form a structure that accommodates the aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge 30. The heater upper sealing member 21c can include a first conduit 21ca. The first conduit 21ca may be located in the center of the heater upper sealing member 21c. Such a first conduit 21ca may be connected to an airflow channel 31b located in the cartridge 30. The heater upper sealing member 21c can also include through holes 21cb. For example, two through holes 21cb may be located on either side of the first conduit 21ca. A portion of the heater 22 can be exposed to the outside of the heater module 20 through the through holes 21cb.

[0066] The heater upper sealing member 21c may include a side wall 21cd. The side wall 21cd may be positioned outside the through hole 21cb and the first conduit 21ca. The side wall 21cd may be positioned to surround the through hole 21cb and the first conduit 21ca. Such a side wall 21cd can contact the lower surface of the second case 32 when the cartridge 30 is connected to the heater module 20, and can serve to seal the inner space of the side wall 21cd.

[0067] On the other hand, the heater upper sealing member 21c may include a switch hole 21ce. The switch hole 21ce may be located on the outside of the side wall 21cd. The recognition projection of the cartridge 30 can pass through the switch hole 21ce.

[0068] Figure 8 shows the first heater holder 21d.

[0069] Referring to Figure 8, the first heater holder 21d may include a second conduit 21da, which may be in contact with the first conduit 21ca of the heater upper sealing member 21c. The first heater holder 21d may also include a through hole 21db, for example, two through holes 21db may be positioned on either side of the second conduit 21da. The through hole 21db of the first heater holder 21d may be aligned with the through hole 21cb of the heater upper sealing member 21c. The first heater holder 21d may include a hook-shaped fastening portion 21dc, which may be located on the edge of the first heater holder 21d. The first heater holder 21d may be coupled to the heater housing 21f via the fastening portion 21dc.

[0070] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the heater 22.

[0071] The heater 22 can be fixed to the heater body 21 such that a portion of the heater 22 is exposed to the outside of the heater module 20. The exposed portion of the heater 22 can come into contact with the moisture absorber 34 of the cartridge 30.

[0072] The specific configuration of heater 22 is as follows:

[0073] Referring to Figure 9, the heater 22 may include a hexahedral heater body 22a and side wall portions 22b that project vertically upward from both ends of the heater body 22a. For example, the heater body 22a and the side wall portions 22b may be arranged to form a "U" shape when viewed from the front. The ends of the side wall portions 22b may protrude from the heater upper sealing member 21c by passing through the through hole 21db of the first heater holder 21d and the through hole 22db of the heater upper sealing member 21c. The protruding ends of the side wall portions 22b can come into contact with the moisture absorber 34 of the cartridge 30.

[0074] Such a heater 22 can be formed from any electrically resistant material. For example, electrically resistant materials may be 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. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the heater 22 may include at least one of a coil heater bonded to a silica wick and a porous ceramic heater.

[0075] As shown in Figure 6, the side cover 23 can be detachably coupled to one side of the heater body 21. The side cover 23 may include grooves to facilitate user gripping and operation. The side cover 23 can also form an internal space to guide outside air into the heater body 21. A coupling structure for coupling with the side cover 23 may be provided on the side of the heater body 21. The gap between the heater body 21 and the side cover 23 can be used as an air intake path.

[0076] Figure 10 shows the structure for supplying electricity to the heater 22.

[0077] Referring to Figure 10, the heater module 20 may include an electrode pattern 25. The electrode pattern 25 may be formed on the underside of the heater body 22a of the heater 22. The heater module 20 may also include a heater terminal 26 that contacts the electrode pattern 25. The heater terminal 26 can be electrically connected to a connector (CT in Figure 4) of the main body. When electricity is transmitted to the heater 22 via the heater terminal 26 and the electrode pattern 25, the heater 22 generates heat, which may generate an aerosol.

[0078] Figure 11 shows the direction of airflow and aerosols in the heater 22.

[0079] Referring to Figure 11, the heater 22 may be positioned with its side wall portion 22b facing upward and its heater body 22a positioned horizontally. The outside air flowing into the heater module 20 can flow in so as to face the lower surface of the heater body 22a, as shown at P1 in Figure 11. As a result, the outside air flowing into the heater module 20 collides with the lower surface of the heater body 22a. Since the airflow does not flow along the outer surface of the heater 22 but collides with the outer surface of the heater 22, the generation of sludge can be significantly reduced.

[0080] As shown at P2 in Figure 11, the aerosol-generating material is supplied to the heater 22 via the side wall portion 22b, and when the heater 22 is heated, as shown at P3 in Figure 11, an aerosol airflow path can be formed in the center with respect to the width direction x of the heater 22. In this way, the aerosol generated by the heat generated by the heater 22 can be guided into the second conduit 21da of the first heater holder (21d in Figure 8).

[0081] Figure 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the heater module 20 with reference to BB in Figure 5.

[0082] Referring together to Figures 6 and 12, the heater module 20 may include a circuit board 24. The circuit board 24 can be electrically connected to a switch SW, which is a component for recognizing the cartridge 30. The circuit board 24 may also have a puff counting element and a heater resistance memory mounted on it.

[0083] On the other hand, the heater module housing 21a can form a space SP at its lower part into which a part of the main body 10 and a connector (CT in Figure 4) are inserted. The connector CT of the main body 1 can be electrically connected to the substrate 24 of the heater module 20. When the main body and the heater module 20 are assembled, the control unit 12 of the main body 10 and the substrate 24 of the heater module 20 can be electrically connected.

[0084] The aerosol-generating substance can be supplied to the heater 22 via the cartridge 30.

[0085] The side cover 23 of the heater module 20 will be described below with reference to Figures 13 to 20.

[0086] Figure 13 shows the side cover 23 and the heater body 21, Figure 14 is an enlarged view of the first hook T1 of the heater body 21, which is an enlarged view of G in Figure 13, and Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the inside of the side cover 23.

[0087] Referring to Figures 13 to 15, the side cover 23 can be coupled to the side of the heater body 21. As shown in Figure 2, the side cover 23 can be positioned so as to be exposed on the cover 11a of the body 10. The user can grasp the side cover 23 and push it in to fit it onto the cover 11a of the body. Alternatively, the user can grasp the cover 11a and pull the side cover 23 to separate it from the cover 11a of the body.

[0088] Such a side cover 23 can be detachably attached to the heater body 21. The side cover 23 can be attached to the side of the heater body 21 with respect to the width direction x.

[0089] The specific connection configuration between the side cover 23 and the heater body 21 is as follows:

[0090] The heater body 21 may include a first coupling portion, and the side cover 23 may include a second coupling portion. The side cover 23 can be coupled to the heater body 21 by fastening the second coupling portion of the side cover 23 to the first coupling portion.

[0091] Here, the first connecting portion is a first hook T1 protruding from the side of the heater body 21, and the second connecting portion may be a second hook (T2 in Figure 15) protruding from the inside of the side cover 23.

[0092] The first hook T1 will be described below with reference to Figures 13 and 14.

[0093] Figure 14 shows the first hook T1 of the heater body 21.

[0094] Referring to Figure 14, the first hook T1 may be positioned on the side of the heater body 21. The heater body 21 includes a guide 20a protruding from the side of the heater body 21. The guide 20a may be elongated along the vertical z direction of the heater body 21. The heater body 21 may also include recesses 20b positioned adjacent to the guides 20a on both sides. The recesses 20b may be elongated in the vertical z direction. Such guides 20a and recesses 20b are for the sliding coupling between the heater body 21 and the cover 11a.

[0095] The first hook T1 may be formed on the guide 20a. The first outside air inlet K1 of the heater body 21 may also be formed on the guide 20a. The first outside air inlet K1 may be formed to connect the outside and inside of the heater body 21. On the other hand, the first hook T1 may include a first-first hook T1a and a first-second hook T1b. The first-first hook T1a and the first-second hook T1b may be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction z. The first outside air inlet K1 may be positioned between the first-first hook T1a and the first-second hook T1b in the vertical direction z.

[0096] The first-first hook T1a is located above the first outside air inlet K1. The first-first hook T1a may include a body T1aa and a projection T1ab protruding from the body T1aa. The body T1aa may protrude outward from the guide 20a. The body T1aa may be formed such that its horizontal width W1 increases as it faces upward. Such a body T1aa can serve to increase the rigidity of the first-first hook T1a. The projection T1ab may protrude above the upper surface of the body T1aa. The projection T1ab may be the point where the second-first hook T2a of the second hook T2 of the side cover 11a engages.

[0097] The first-to-second hook T1b may be located below the first outside air inlet K1. The first-to-second hook T1b may include a body T1ba and a projection T1bb protruding from the body T1ba. The body T1ba may protrude outward from the guide 20a. The body T1ba may be formed such that its horizontal width W2 increases as it faces downward. Such a body T1ba serves to increase the rigidity of the first-to-second hook T1b. The projection T1bb may protrude below the lower surface of the body T1ba. The projection T1ba may be the point where the second-to-second hook T2b of the second hook T2 of the side cover 11a engages.

[0098] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the side cover 23 showing the second hook T2 of the side cover 23, and Figure 16 is a side cross-sectional view showing the second hook T2 of the side cover 23.

[0099] Referring to Figures 15 and 16, the second hook T2 may be located in the internal space of the side cover 23. The side cover 23 may be formed so that one side is open and the inside is hollow. The second hook T2 may protrude horizontally from the inner surface of the side cover 23. The second hook T2 may include a second-first hook T2a and a second-second hook T2b. The second-first hook T2a and the second-second hook T2b may be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction z.

[0100] The second-first hook T2a may include a body T2aa and a projection T2ab protruding from the body T2aa. The body T2aa may protrude from the inner surface of the side cover 23. The body T1aa of the second-first hook T2a may be formed on the inner surface of the side cover 23 in a cantilever shape so that it can deform in the process of contacting the first-first hook T1a of the heater body 21. The projection T2ab may protrude below the lower surface of the body T2aa. The projection T2ab may be the point where the first-first hook T1a of the heater body 21 engages.

[0101] The second-second hook T2b may include a body T2ba and a projection T2bb protruding from the body T2ba. The body T12ba may protrude from the inner surface of the side cover 23. The body T2ba of the second-first hook T2a may be formed on the inner surface of the side cover 23 in a cantilever shape so that it can deform in the process of contacting the first-first hook T1a of the heater body 21. The projection T2bb may protrude below the lower surface of the body T2ba. The projection T2bb may be the point where the first-second hook T1b of the heater body 21 engages.

[0102] On the other hand, the body T2ba of the second-second hook T2b may include a through hole Ha. The through hole Ha penetrates the upper and lower surfaces of the body T2ba of the second-second hook T2b and serves to connect the upper and lower spaces of the second-second hook T2b. The second outside air inlet K2 may be located on the lower surface of the side cover 23. The second outside air inlet K2 communicates with the lower space of the second-second hook T2b. The second outside air inlet K2 communicates with the through hole Ha, and the outside air of the side cover 23 can enter the upper space of the second-second hook T2b by passing through the second outside air inlet K2 and the through hole Ha.

[0103] Figure 17 is a side cross-sectional view showing the side cover 23 connected to the heater body 21.

[0104] Referring to Figure 17, the second-first hook T2a can be positioned above the first-first hook T1a. The second-second hook T2b can be positioned below the first-second hook T1b. When the side cover 23 is coupled to the heater body 21, the projection T2ab of the second-first hook T2a can engage with the projection T1ab of the first-first hook T1a, and the projection T2bb of the second-second hook T2b can engage with the projection T1bb of the first-second hook T1b.

[0105] In this way, when the side cover 23 is connected to the heater body 21, the inner space of the side cover 23 and the first outside air inlet K1 can communicate with each other.

[0106] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the heater module 20.

[0107] Referring to Figure 18, the cover 11a may include a sliding projection 11aa. The sliding projection 11aa may be positioned adjacent to a slot 11ab in the cover 11a. The sliding projection 11aa may be positioned in a recess 20b in the heater body 21.

[0108] The side cover 23 can be positioned within the slot 11ab of the cover 11a. As the heater body 21 moves along the slot 11ab of the cover 11a, the side cover 23 can also move along the slot 11ab.

[0109] Figure 19 shows the gap G between the side cover 23 and the main body.

[0110] Referring to Figure 19, a gap G may be formed between the main body 10 and the lower end of the side cover 23 in the vertical direction z. The gap G is in communication with a second outside air inlet K2. Such a gap G may be intended to guide outside air to the second outside air inlet K2. As shown in FL1 of Figure 19, outside air flows in through the gap G, and the air that has flowed in through the gap G can flow into the internal space of the side cover 23 through the second outside air inlet K2.

[0111] Figure 20 shows the side cover 23 protruding from the cover 11a.

[0112] Referring to Figure 20, the side cover 23 may be positioned to protrude beyond the cover 11a in the width direction x. This is for gripping the heater module 20 when attaching or detaching it from the cover 11a. The horizontal distance W4 from the outermost edge of the side cover 23 to the side of the cover 11a in the width direction x may be the same as or less than the horizontal distance W3 from the outermost edge of the cartridge 30 to the side of the cover 11a in the width direction x.

[0113] The path by which outside air enters the heater module 20 and is supplied to the heater 22 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 21 to 27.

[0114] Figure 21 shows the airflow into the heater body 21 via the side cover 23.

[0115] Referring to Figures 19 and 21, outside air flows in through gap G, and the air that flows in through gap G can flow into the internal space of the side cover 23 via the second outside air inlet K2. As shown in FL2 of Figure 21, the air that flows in through the second outside air inlet K2 passes through the through hole Ha and flows into the internal space of the side cover 23, and the air that has flowed into the internal space of the side cover 23 can flow into the interior of the heater body 21 via the first outside air inlet K1.

[0116] Thus, the air that flows into the heater body 21 is ultimately guided to the space below the heater 22, as shown by FL6 in Figure 21. The specific airflow will be explained with reference to the following diagrams.

[0117] Figure 22 is a plan view of the heater module 20, Figure 23 is a side cross-sectional view of the heater module 20 with respect to X1-X1 in Figure 22, showing the airflow that flows into the heater body 21 and is guided to the heater, Figure 24 is a side end view of the heater module housing 21a, and Figure 25 is a perspective view of the heater lower sealing member 21g.

[0118] As shown in Figure 24, the heater module housing 21a may include a hole Hb located in the inner partition wall WA. The hole Hb can connect the upper space of the heater module housing 21a with the lower space of the heater module housing 21a with respect to the partition wall WA. The first outside air inlet K1 may be located in the heater module housing 21a and positioned below the partition wall WA.

[0119] As shown in Figure 25, the lower surface of the heater lower sealing member 21g can include a hole Hc. The hole Hc can connect the outside and inside of the heater lower sealing member 21g.

[0120] The hole Hb in the heater module housing 21a and the hole Hc in the heater lower sealing member 21g can be aligned.

[0121] As shown in FL3 of Figure 23, the air flowing into the first outside air inlet K1 can first pass through the hole Hb in the heater module housing 21a. The air that has passed through the hole Hb in the heater module housing 21a can pass through the hole Hc in the heater lower seal member 21g and flow into the interior of the heater housing 21f. The air that has flowed into the interior of the heater housing 21f can be guided into the upper space M1 formed by the heater lower seal member 21g and the heater housing 21f. In this way, the heater body 21 can form a first flow path U1 that includes the hole Hb in the heater module housing 21a, the hole Hc in the heater lower seal member 21g, and the upper space M1 formed by the heater lower seal member 21g and the heater housing 21f.

[0122] Figure 26 is a side cross-sectional view of the heater module 20 with reference to X2-X2 in Figure 22, showing the flow of air that flows into the heater body 21 and is guided to the heater. Figure 27 is a side cross-sectional view of the heater module 20 with reference to X3-X3 in Figure 22, showing the flow of air that flows into the heater body 21 and is guided to the heater.

[0123] As shown in FL4 of Figure 26, the air that flows into the upper space M1 of the heater lower sealing member 21g can flow into the upper channel M2 of the heater housing 21f.

[0124] Then, as shown in FL5 of Figure 27, the air that flows into the first upper channel M2 of the heater housing 21f can flow into the connecting channel M3 of the heater housing 21f.

[0125] The air flowing along the connecting channel M3 flows into the second upper channel M4 of the heater housing 21f. The air flowing along the second upper channel M4 can be guided to the bottom of the heater 22, as shown in FL6 in Figure 21.

[0126] Thus, in addition to its function as a grip for the user, the side cover 23 also serves to guide outside air to the heater 22.

[0127] On the other hand, the main body 10 may include a first flow path U2 connected to the intake sensor SS. When the heater module 20 is assembled to the main body 10, the first flow path U1 and the second flow path U2 may be connected.

[0128] Figure 28 shows the positions of the intake sensor SS and the side cover 23.

[0129] Referring to Figure 28, the intake sensor SS can measure the internal pressure of the airflow path inside the heater module 20. The intake sensor SS communicates with the first upper channel (M2 in Figure 26) of the heater housing 21f and can measure the pressure change in the airflow path under normal conditions and when there is a user puff.

[0130] Such an intake sensor SS is located on the main body 10, but can be positioned adjacent to the first outside air inlet K1 of the heater body 21. The intake sensor SS can also be positioned adjacent to the side cover 23. In particular, the side cover 23 can be positioned so as to overlap with the intake sensor SS in the width direction x. The first outside air inlet K1 can be positioned so as not to overlap with the intake sensor SS in the width direction x.

[0131] In this way, by positioning the intake sensor SS adjacent to the airflow path formed in the side cover 23, pressure changes inside the airflow path can be sensed more precisely.

[0132] Some or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function.

[0133] For example, this means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, even if the combination between the configurations is not directly described, it means that the combination is possible unless it is stated that the combination is impossible.

[0134] The above detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in any way, but should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included within the scope of the present invention (Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and / or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and / or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art).

Claims

1. A heater module for heating aerosol-generating material, A heater body in which a first outside air inlet is formed, A heater positioned inside the heater body, Includes a side cover that is detachably attached to the heater body, The side cover includes a second outside air inlet connected to the internal space of the side cover, A heater module in which the first outside air inlet, the internal space, and the second outside air inlet are in communication with each other.

2. The heater module according to claim 1, wherein the first outside air inlet is located on the side surface of the heater body.

3. The heater module according to claim 1, wherein the second outside air inlet is located on the lower surface of the side cover.

4. The heater body includes a first coupling portion that protrudes from the side surface of the heater body, The side cover includes a second connecting portion that protrudes from the inside of the side cover. The heater module according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling portion is detachably coupled to the second coupling portion.

5. The heater module according to claim 4, wherein the first coupling portion is a first hook, and the second coupling portion is a second hook.

6. The first hook includes a first-1 hook and a first-2 hook that are separated from each other in the vertical direction. The heater module according to claim 5, wherein the second hook includes a second-first hook and a second-second hook that are separated from each other in the vertical direction.

7. The hook 2-1 is positioned above the hook 1-1. The heater module according to claim 6, wherein the second-second hook is positioned below the first-second hook.

8. The heater module according to claim 6, wherein the first outside air inlet is positioned vertically between the first-1 hook and the first-2 hook.

9. The second hook includes a through hole that connects the upper space and the lower space of the second hook. The heater module according to claim 7, wherein the through-hole is arranged in alignment with the second outside air inlet.

10. Includes a guide protruding from the side of the heater body, The guide is positioned along the vertical direction of the heater body, The heater module according to claim 4, wherein the first coupling portion is arranged on the guide.

11. The main unit and A heater module detachably connected to the main body, The system includes a cartridge that is detachably attached to the main body and holds an aerosol-generating substance, The heater module is A heater body in which a first outside air inlet is formed, A heater is positioned inside the heater body for heating the aerosol-generating substance transmitted from the cartridge, Includes a side cover that is detachably attached to the heater body, The side cover includes a second outside air inlet connected to the internal space of the side cover, An aerosol generating device in which the first outside air inlet, the internal space, and the second outside air inlet are in communication with each other.

12. A gap is formed between the main body and the side cover in the vertical direction. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the gap is in communication with the second outside air inlet.

13. Further including a battery and a control unit, The main body includes a cover surrounding the battery and the control unit. The cover includes slots arranged along the vertical direction, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the side cover is positioned inside the slot.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the side cover is arranged to protrude more than the cover.

15. The main body includes an intake sensor for measuring intake pressure, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the side cover is arranged to overlap with the intake sensor in the width direction.

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