Aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating apparatus is disclosed. The aerosol generating apparatus of the present disclosure includes a body, a power supply mounted on the body, and a hollow heater assembly mounted on the body and having an insertion space with one side open, the heater assembly including a long sheet, a susceptor, and an electrically conductive track attached to the sheet and generating heat by receiving power from the power supply, the heater assembly may be formed by the sheet being rolled, with the susceptor and the electrically conductive track sequentially arranged in the longitudinal direction of the sheet.

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 a 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] The aerosol generating device uses an internal heater in the form of a blade or a rod inserted into the aerosol generating substance to heat the aerosol generating substance, or an external heater in the form of a cylinder that houses and heats the aerosol generating substance inside.

[0004] Conventional external heaters have a problem that the heat generated by the heater is transmitted to the outer shell of the heater, so the internal temperature of the device rises, the operation of sensors and the like arranged inside the device becomes unstable, and the thermal efficiency drops.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and other problems.

[0006] Another object is to provide an aerosol generating device including a heater assembly formed by winding a thin film susceptor and an electrically conductive pattern arranged on a single sheet together with the sheet.

[0007] Still another object is to provide an aerosol generating device including a heater assembly formed by winding a thin film susceptor, an electrically conductive pattern, and a first heat insulating portion arranged on a single sheet together with the sheet.

[0008] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device having a structure in which the first insulating section, together with the sheet, surrounds the outside of the electrically conductive pattern.

[0009] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device having a structure in which the first insulating part is attached to the sheet by heat fusion.

[0010] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device having a structure in which the stepped portions created by the rolling of the sheet are offset from each other.

[0011] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device having a structure that allows a thin-film susceptor to come into direct contact with a stick into which it is inserted.

[0012] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device equipped with brackets that can fix the upper and lower ends of the heater assembly.

[0013] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device having a structure in which the heat diffusion section is located between the susceptor and the electrically conductive track and / or outside the electrically conductive track.

[0014] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device having a structure in which the heat diffusion section is in surface contact with an electrically conductive track.

[0015] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device in which the heat diffusion section contains graphene.

[0016] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device having a structure in which a sheet surrounds the outside of an electrically conductive pattern multiple times.

[0017] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device having a structure in which the second insulating section surrounds the outside of the electrically conductive pattern.

[0018] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device having a structure in which the second insulating layer surrounds the outside of the electrically conductive pattern multiple times.

[0019] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device having a second insulating section comprising multiple holes formed in a sheet, wherein the multiple holes do not overlap each other in the radial direction.

[0020] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device having a structure in which multiple holes in the second insulation section are sealed from the outside by a sheet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0021] 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, a power supply mounted on the body, and a hollow heater assembly mounted on the body and having an insertion space with one side open, wherein the heater assembly comprises a long sheet, a susceptor, and an electrically conductive track attached to the sheet and generating heat by receiving power from the power supply, wherein the heater assembly is formed by sequentially arranging the susceptor and the electrically conductive track on the sheet in the longitudinal direction of the sheet, and the sheet is rolled in the longitudinal direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the size of the device can be reduced by forming the heater assembly on a single sheet, with the thin-film susceptor and the electrically conductive pattern being wound together with the sheet.

[0023] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the process for producing the heater assembly can be simplified by forming the heater assembly by winding together the thin-film susceptor and the electrically conductive pattern, which are arranged on a single sheet, with the sheet.

[0024] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a thin film susceptor in which a heater assembly is disposed on a single sheet, an electrically conductive pattern, and a first heat insulating portion are wound together with the sheet, whereby the size of the apparatus can be reduced.

[0025] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a thin film susceptor in which a heater assembly is disposed on a single sheet, an electrically conductive pattern, and a first heat insulating portion are wound together with the sheet, whereby the process for heater assembly production can be simplified.

[0026] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, having a structure in which the first heat insulating portion and the sheet together surround the outside of the electrically conductive pattern, whereby the heater assembly can be effectively sealed and heat release to the outside can be minimized.

[0027] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first heat insulating portion is attached to the sheet by heat fusion, whereby the adhesion structure of the heater assembly can be simplified.

[0028] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, having a structure in which the stepped portions generated by winding the sheet are displaced from each other, whereby it is possible to prevent the heater assembly from deteriorating differently for each part.

[0029] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, having a structure in which the stepped portions generated by winding the sheet are displaced from each other, whereby the stick inserted into the heater assembly can be heated uniformly.

[0030] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the thin film susceptor forms an insertion space and directly contacts the inserted stick, whereby the heat efficiency transmitted to the stick can be increased.

[0031] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the rigidity of the heater assembly can be ensured by providing brackets that can fix the upper and lower ends of the heater assembly.

[0032] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the structure has a heat diffusion section positioned between the susceptor and the electrically conductive track and / or outside the electrically conductive track, thereby allowing the heat generated in the electrically conductive track to be uniformly diffused to the susceptor and the insertion space.

[0033] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat diffusion section has a structure in which it is in surface contact with the electrically conductive track, thereby increasing the thermal efficiency of heat transfer from the electrically conductive track to the heat diffusion section.

[0034] According to at least one of the embodiments of this disclosure, the thermal diffusion rate can be increased by including graphene in the thermal diffusion portion.

[0035] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater assembly can be effectively sealed and heat release to the outside can be minimized by having a structure in which a sheet surrounds the outside of the electrically conductive pattern multiple times.

[0036] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second insulating portion has a structure that surrounds the outside of the electrically conductive pattern, thereby minimizing heat release to the outside.

[0037] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the thermal insulation performance can be enhanced by having a structure in which the second thermal insulation portion surrounds the outside of the electrically conductive pattern multiple times.

[0038] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second heat insulating portion has a structure in which a plurality of holes are formed in the sheet and the plurality of holes do not overlap each other in the radial direction, thereby improving the heat insulating performance and increasing the heat heating efficiency of the heater assembly.

[0039] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater assembly can be effectively sealed and its thermal insulation performance enhanced by having a structure in which a plurality of holes in the second thermal insulation section are sealed to the outside by a sheet.

[0040] 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]

[0041] [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. [Figure 3] This figure shows a stick according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a front perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This figure shows a susceptor of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure shows the electrically conductive track of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This figure shows the first heat insulating portion of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This figure shows a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state. [Figure 10] This figure shows a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state. [Figure 11] This figure shows a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state. [Figure 12] This figure shows a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state. [Figure 13] This figure shows a bracket for a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] This figure shows a bracket for a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view showing a stepped separation structure of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] This is an exploded perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] This figure shows the heat diffusion section of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] This figure shows a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state. [Figure 20] This figure shows a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state. [Figure 21] This figure shows a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state. [Figure 22] This figure shows a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state. [Figure 23] This figure shows a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state. [Figure 24] This figure shows a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state. [Figure 25] This figure shows a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state. [Figure 26] This is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 27] This is a cross-sectional view showing a stepped separation structure of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 28] This is a cross-sectional view showing a stepped separation structure of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 29] This is a cross-sectional view showing a stepped separation structure of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 30] This is a cross-sectional view showing a stepped separation structure of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 31] This is an exploded perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 32] This figure shows a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state. [Figure 33] This figure shows a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state. [Figure 34] This figure shows the second heat insulating portion of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 35] This figure shows the second heat insulating portion of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 36] This figure shows the second heat insulating portion of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 37] This figure shows a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state. [Figure 38] This figure shows a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state. [Figure 39] This is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 40] This is a cross-sectional view showing the second heat insulating portion of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 41] This is a cross-sectional view showing the second heat insulating portion of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 42] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] A singular expression includes plural expressions unless explicitly indicated otherwise in the context.

[0048] Figures 1 and 2 show an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment 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 43. The insertion space 43 may be formed by recessing into the body 10 to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the stick S can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space 43 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 is 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.

[0050] 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 may be positioned around the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space 43. The heater 18 can heat the insertion space 43 or the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0051] 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 current flowing through the electrically conductive track. The heater 18 may be electrically connected to a power supply 11. The heater 18 can generate heat directly by receiving current from the power supply 11.

[0052] For example, referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generator may include an induction coil 181 surrounding a heater 18. The induction coil 181 can cause the heater 18 to heat up. The heater 18 can heat up due to the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil 181. The magnetic field penetrates the heater 18 and can generate eddy currents within the heater 18. The current can generate heat in the heater 18.

[0053] 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 181.

[0054] The power supply 11 can provide 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, sensor 13, cartridge heater 24, and heater 18. If the aerosol generator 1 includes an induction coil 181, the power supply 11 can supply power to the induction coil 181.

[0055] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator. The control unit 12 can be mounted on a printed circuit board. 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 displays, motors, and other components 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 operational.

[0056] The control unit 12 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor 13 and control subsequent processes. 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 heater 18 starts or stops operating. 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.

[0057] 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 43.

[0058] Figure 3 shows a stick according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Referring to Figure 3, the stick S may include an aerosol substrate portion 510. The stick S may include a medium portion 520. The aerosol substrate portion 510 and the medium portion 520 can be called a tobacco rod. The stick S may include a cooling portion 530. The stick S may include a filter portion 540. The stick S may include a wrapper 550 surrounding the aerosol substrate portion 510, the medium portion 520, the cooling portion 530 and / or the filter portion 540. In Figure 3, the wrapper 550 may include individual wrappers surrounding the aerosol substrate portion 510, the medium portion 520 and the filter portion 540, respectively, and / or an outer covering that surrounds the aerosol substrate portion 510, the medium portion 520 and the filter portion 540 as a single unit surrounded by the individual wrappers.

[0060] The aerosol substrate portion 510 may be a portion formed into a predetermined shape by incorporating a humectant into a pulp-based paper. The humectant (substrate) contained in the aerosol substrate portion 510 may include propylene glycol, glycerin, and the like. For example, the humectant in the aerosol substrate portion 510 may include propylene glycol and glycerin in a certain weight ratio with respect to the weight of the base paper. When the stick S is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 and heated to a certain temperature or higher by the heater 18, humectant vapor can be generated from the aerosol substrate portion 510.

[0061] The medium section 520 may include one or more of a sheet, a strand, or finely cut tobacco leaves from a tobacco sheet. The medium section 520 may be a part that generates nicotine to provide the user with a smoking experience. When the temperature of the medium contained in the medium section 520 rises above a certain temperature, nicotine vapor can be generated from the medium section 520. When the stick S is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, at least a portion of the aerosol base material section 510 and at least a portion of the medium section 520 can face the heater 18. For example, the downstream side or a portion of the downstream side of the aerosol base material section 510 and the downstream side or a portion of the upstream side of the medium section 520 can face the heater 18.

[0062] The length of the portion of the medium section 520 facing the heater 18 may be longer than the length of the portion of the aerosol substrate section 510 facing the heater 18. The length of the portion of the aerosol substrate section 510 facing the heater 18 may be more than half of the total length of the aerosol substrate section 510. The length of the portion of the medium section 520 facing the heater 18 may be more than half of the total length of the medium section 520.

[0063] The portions of the aerosol substrate 510 and the medium portion 520 facing the heater 18 can be heated by the heater 18. By heating at least a portion of the aerosol substrate 510 containing the humectant by the heater 18, humectant vapor can be generated. By heating at least a portion of the medium portion 520 containing the medium by the heater 18, nicotine vapor can be generated. By arranging the stick S such that the ratio of the lengths of a portion of the aerosol substrate 510 and a portion of the medium portion 520 facing the heater 18 is different, the ratio of the generated humectant vapor to nicotine vapor can be appropriately adjusted.

[0064] In one embodiment, the medium portion 520 does not need to be directly heated by the heater 18 even when the stick S is inserted into the aerosol generator 1. The medium portion 520 can be indirectly heated by conduction, convection, and radiation from the aerosol substrate portion 510 and the medium portion wrapper (or wrapper) surrounding the medium portion 520. The temperature of the medium portion 520 can also be indirectly raised after the aerosol substrate portion 510 has been heated by the heater 18.

[0065] The cooling section 530 can be made of a tube filter containing a predetermined weight of plasticizer. The humectant vapor and nicotine vapor generated from the aerosol substrate section 510 and the medium section 520 can be mixed with each other to form an aerosol, which can then be cooled as it passes through the cooling section 530. In one embodiment, unlike the aerosol substrate section 510, the medium section 520, and the filter section 540, the cooling section 530 does not need to be surrounded by an individual wrapper.

[0066] The filter section 540 may be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, the shape of the filter section 540 is not limited. The filter section 540 may be a cylindrical rod or a tube with a hollow interior. For example, if the filter section 540 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments may be made in a different shape. The filter section 540 may be made to generate flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter section 540, or a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted inside the filter section 540.

[0067] Furthermore, the filter section 540 may include at least one capsule. Here, the capsule may also perform the function of generating flavor. For example, the capsule may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is enclosed in a film, and may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0068] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 6 shows the susceptor of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 7 shows the electrically conductive track of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 8 shows the first heat insulating portion of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] Referring to Figure 4, the heater 18 may include a heater assembly 30. The heater assembly 30 may be elongated. The heater assembly 30 may be in the shape of a tube or cylinder with a hollow interior. The heater assembly 30 may be located inside the body 10 of the aerosol generator 1. The heater assembly 30 may surround an insertion space 43 (see Figures 1, 2, 15, and 16). The heater assembly 30 may provide the insertion space 43. The heater assembly 30 can heat the insertion space 43 or a stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The heater assembly 30 may include a pair of leads 63a, 63b (see Figure 7) that protrude outward and are electrically connected to the power supply 11.

[0070] The heater 18 may include a pair of brackets 91 and 92. The pair of brackets 91 and 92 can be coupled to the upper and lower ends of the heater assembly 30, respectively. The pair of brackets 91 and 92 can be coupled to the heater assembly 30 to support the heater assembly 30.

[0071] Referring to Figures 5 to 8, the heater assembly 30 may include a sheet 40, a susceptor 50, an electrically conductive track 60, and a first insulation section 70.

[0072] The susceptor 50 may be in the shape of a cylinder formed by winding a thin metal sheet. The susceptor 50 can be described as a heat transfer element, a heat conduction element, a heat diffusion element, or a pipe. The susceptor 50 can be made of stainless steel, aluminum, or an alloy, but is not limited to these materials.

[0073] The thin-film metal sheet may be rectangular, with a length L1 greater than the width W1, and extending long in one direction. The length and width of the thin-film metal sheet can be defined as the length and width of the susceptor 50, respectively. The length L1 of the susceptor 50 may be 17.5 mm to 27.5 mm, and the width W1 of the susceptor 50 may be 10 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length L1 of the susceptor 50 may be 20 mm to 25 mm, and the width W1 of the susceptor 50 may be 12.5 mm to 17.5 mm. The susceptor 50 may also be cylindrical in shape, with a diameter D1 of 7 mm to 8 mm.

[0074] One end 51 of the susceptor 50 may be separated from the other end 52 of the susceptor 50 in the direction of the susceptor 50 or the direction of the insertion space 43. A gap G1 may be formed between the one end 51 and the other end 52 of the susceptor. The width of the gap G1 may be 0.5 mm or less. The wider the gap G1, the larger the area of ​​the stick S that is not heated by the gap G1. Therefore, 0.5 mm may correspond to the maximum width at which the aerosol generated by the stick S exceeds the set minimum amount.

[0075] Therefore, when forming the cylindrical shape of the susceptor 50 by winding a thin film sheet, it is possible to prevent the shape of the susceptor 50 from being distorted or parts of the susceptor 50 from overlapping due to errors in the assembly process.

[0076] The electrically conductive track 60 may be in the shape of a rounded cylinder. The electrically conductive track 60 can be formed by laser etching of a thin metal film. The electrically conductive track 60 can generate heat by receiving power from the power supply 11. The electrically conductive track 60 can be considered a heat-generating part. The resistance of the electrically conductive track 60 may be between 1.0 and 1.2 ohms.

[0077] The electrically conductive track 60 can be made of stainless steel, aluminum, or an alloy, but is not limited to these materials.

[0078] The electrically conductive track 60 may be a rectangle that extends long in one direction and whose length L2 is greater than its width W2. The length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60 may be 18 mm to 28 mm, and the width W2 of the electrically conductive track 60 may be 10 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60 may be 20.5 mm to 25.5 mm, and the width W2 of the electrically conductive track 60 may be 12.5 mm to 17.5 mm.

[0079] The electrically conductive track 60 may include a heat-generating track 61 and a connecting section 62. The heat-generating track 61 may include at least one track 61a, 61b, or 61c. The first track 61a is located on the outermost edge of the electrically conductive track 60 and may be rectangular in shape overall. The second track 61b may be located inside the first track 61a, and the third track 61c may be located inside the second track 61b.

[0080] The first to third tracks 61a, 61b, and 61c may include at least one bend and may have a winding, folded shape. The number of bends in the first track 61a may be less than the number of bends in the second track 61b. The number of bends in the second track 61b may be less than the number of bends in the third track 61c. The first to third tracks 61a, 61b, and 61c may be separated from each other. The first to third tracks 61a, 61b, and 61c may be connected at one end to each other and at the other end to each other. In other words, the first to third tracks 61a, 61b, and 61c may be connected in parallel to each other.

[0081] The width Wa of the first track 61a may be 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm. The width Wb of the second track 61b may be 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm. The width Wc of the third track 61c may be 0.65 mm to 0.85 mm. The spacing G2 between the second track 61b and the first track 61a or the third track 61c may be 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm.

[0082] The width Wa of the first track 61a may be smaller than the width Wb of the second track 61b and the width Wc of the third track 61c. The width Wb of the second track 61b may be smaller than the width Wc of the third track 61c. The distance G2 at which the second track 61b separates from the first track 61a or the third track 61c may be smaller than the width Wa of the first track 61a, the width Wb of the second track 61b, and the width Wc of the third track 61c.

[0083] The length of the first track 61a may be less than the length of the second track 61b and the length of the third track 61c.

[0084] Therefore, the electrically conductive track 60 can reduce the resistance deviation between the first track 61a located on the outer casing and the second track 61b and third track 61c located inside, thereby reducing the deviation in the amount of heat generated in each track.

[0085] Furthermore, by making the spacing between tracks relatively smaller than the width of the tracks, the heating surface area of ​​the electrically conductive tracks 60 can be increased, and the electrically conductive tracks 60 can uniformly heat the insertion space 43 or the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43.

[0086] The connecting portion 62 can protrude to the outside from one side of the heating track 61. The connecting portion 62 may be formed integrally with the heating track 61. The connecting portion 62 may include a first connecting portion 62a and a second connecting portion 62b. The first connecting portion 62a may be connected to one end of the first to third tracks 61a, 61b, and 61c, and the second connecting portion 62b may be connected to the other end of the first to third tracks 61a, 61b, and 61c.

[0087] A lead 63 can be connected to a coupling portion 62. The lead 63 may extend in the direction from which the coupling portion 62 protrudes. The lead 63 can electrically connect the coupling portion 62 to a power supply 11 or a heater drive circuit (not shown). The temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the lead 63 can be lower than that of the electrically conductive track 60. The lead 63 can be attached to the coupling portion 62 by welding, but is not limited to this.

[0088] Therefore, based on the resistance change of the electrically conductive track 60, the temperature change of the electrically conductive track 60 can be accurately measured.

[0089] The first insulating section 70 may be in the shape of a rounded cylinder. The first insulating section 70 can be made of aerogel. The first insulating section 70 can also be made of porous silicon, graphite sheet, etc.

[0090] The first insulation section 70 may be a rectangle that extends long in one direction and whose length L3 is greater than its width W3. The length L3 of the first insulation section 70 may be 60 mm to 120 mm, and the width W3 of the first insulation section 70 may be 15 mm to 25 mm. Preferably, the length L3 of the first insulation section 70 may be 80 mm to 100 mm, and the width W3 of the first insulation section 70 may be 17.5 mm to 22.5 mm.

[0091] The sheet 40 can be stretched to a long length. The susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60, and the first insulation section 70 can be attached to the sheet 40. The susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60, and the first insulation section 70 can be wound together with the sheet 40 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. The sheet 40 can form multiple layers in the hollow heater assembly 30. The sheet 40 can form at least one layer surrounding the susceptor 50 on the outside, and at least one layer surrounding the electrically conductive track 60 on the outside. The sheet 40 can form at least one layer surrounding the electrically conductive track 60 together with the first insulation section 70.

[0092] Sheet 40 is a flexible sheet and may be formed from a heat-resistant material. Sheet 40 may include, but is not limited to, polyimide or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and may include other materials having elastic, heat-resistant, and electrically insulating properties.

[0093] The length L0 of the sheet 40 may be 115 mm to 165 mm, and the width W0 of the sheet 40 may be 15 mm to 25 mm. Preferably, the length L0 of the sheet 40 may be 130 mm to 150 mm, and the width W0 of the sheet 40 may be 17.5 mm to 22.5 mm. The features of the arrangement of the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 on the sheet 40 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 8 and 9.

[0094] Figures 9 to 12 show a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state.

[0095] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the heater assembly 30 may include a sheet 40, a susceptor 50, an electrically conductive track 60, and a first insulation section 70. The susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60, and the first insulation section 70 may be arranged on the sheet 40. The susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60, and the first insulation section 70 may be arranged sequentially along the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40.

[0096] The susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60, and the first insulation section 70 may be arranged on the same plane of the sheet 40. The sheet 40 may be a single sheet that extends long in one direction or in the x-direction. The sheet 40 may include a flat first surface 41 and a second surface 42 that forms the opposite surface of the first surface 41 in the thickness direction. The susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60, and the first insulation section 70 may be arranged on the first surface 41 of the sheet 40. The sheet 40 may be wound such that the first surface 41 faces the central axis or insertion space 43 of the hollow heater assembly 30 (see Figure 15). The heater assembly 30 can be formed by winding the susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60, and the first insulation section 70 together with the sheet 40.

[0097] When an elastic object is rolled into a ball, springback may occur. When an object is subjected to deformation, it has a property of resisting that deformation. Springback can be defined as a phenomenon caused by the restoring force that resists deformation. When the susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60, and the first insulating section 70 are arranged on the same plane of the sheet 40, the springback may be smaller than when the susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60, and the first insulating section 70 are arranged on different planes of the sheet 40.

[0098] Therefore, it is possible to reduce springback that occurs during the assembly process of the hollow heater assembly 30 and thereby reduce defects in the heater assembly.

[0099] The susceptor 50 may be positioned adjacent to one end of the sheet 40 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. One end 51 of the susceptor 50 may be aligned with one end of the sheet 40. The susceptor 50 may be positioned at a distance from the conductive track 60. For example, the conductive track 60 may be positioned at a distance from the susceptor 50 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. One end 64 of the conductive track 60 may be positioned at a certain distance A1 from the other end 52 of the sheet 40. The upper end 53 of the susceptor 50 may be aligned with the upper end 66 of the conductive track 60. The lower end 54 of the susceptor 50 may be aligned with the lower end 67 of the conductive track 60.

[0100] The width W0 of the sheet 40 may be greater than the width W1 of the susceptor 50 and the width W2 of the electrically conductive track 60. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be positioned adjacent to the upper end of the sheet 40 rather than the lower end in the width direction or the y direction. The distance A2 between the upper end 53 of the susceptor 50 and / or the upper end 66 of the electrically conductive track 60 and the upper end 66 of the electrically conductive track 60 and the upper end 67 of the electrically conductive track 60 and the upper end 67 of the susceptor 50 and the lower end 67 of the electrically conductive track 60 and the lower end 67 of the sheet 40 and the lower end 67 of the sheet 40 and the lower end 67 of the sheet 40 may be less than the distance A3 between the lower end of the sheet 40 and the upper end 66 of the susceptor 50 and the lower end 67 of the electrically conductive track 60 and the lower end 67 of the sheet 40.

[0101] The distance A1 between the susceptor 50 and the conductive track 60 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40 may be less than the length L2 of the conductive track 60, which is defined as the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. The susceptor 50 and the conductive track 60 can be electrically insulated from each other by the sheet 40. The larger the distance A1 between the susceptor 50 and the conductive track 60, the greater the number of layers of the sheet 40 placed between the susceptor 50 and the conductive track 60 in the hollow heater assembly 30, or the larger the area of ​​the sheet 40. If the distance A1 between the susceptor 50 and the conductive track 60 is less than the length L2 of the conductive track 60, the number of layers of the sheet 40 placed between the susceptor 50 and the conductive track 60 may be two or less.

[0102] Therefore, the heat generated in the electrically conductive track 60 can be transferred to the susceptor 50 more efficiently.

[0103] In the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60 may be greater than the length L1 of the susceptor 50. In the hollow heater assembly 30, the electrically conductive track 60 can surround the susceptor 50 on the outside. By making the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60 greater than the length L1 of the susceptor 50, the area of ​​the portion of the electrically conductive track 60 surrounding the susceptor 50 can be increased.

[0104] Therefore, the area over which heat is transferred from the electrically conductive track 60 to the susceptor 50 increases, and the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can heat the insertion space 43 or the stick S inside the insertion space 43 more uniformly. In addition, the increased area of ​​the electrically conductive track 60 allows for greater design flexibility regarding the track shape.

[0105] The first insulation section 70 may be positioned at a distance from the electrically conductive track 60 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. One end 71 of the first insulation section 70 may be at a certain distance from the other end 65 of the electrically conductive track 60. The width W3 of the first insulation section 70 may be greater than the width W1 of the susceptor 50 and the width W2 of the electrically conductive track 60. In the width direction of the sheet 40, the upper end 73 of the first insulation section 70 may be aligned with the upper end of the sheet 40. The lower end 74 of the first insulation section 70 may be aligned with the lower end of the sheet 40. In other words, the width of the first insulation section 70 may be the same as the width W0 of the sheet 40.

[0106] The sheet 40 may include first to fourth parts 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d. A susceptor 50 may be located in the first part 40a. An electrically conductive track 60 may be located in the second part 40b. A first thermal insulation section 70 may be located in the fourth part 40d. A third part 40c may be located between the first part 40a and the second part 40b in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40 and connected to the first part 40a and the second part 40b. A fifth part 40e may be located between the second part 40b and the fourth part 40d in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40 and connected to the second part 40b and the fourth part 40d. The sheet 40 may be wound in a direction from one end of the first part 40a toward one end of the fourth part 40d. In the hollow heater assembly 30, the second part 40b may be positioned outside the first part 40a, and the fourth part 40d may be positioned outside the second part 40b.

[0107] The first heat insulating portion 70 can be attached to the sheet 40 by heat fusion. The first heat insulating portion 70 is placed on the first surface 41 of the fourth part 40d of the sheet 40, and the first heat insulating portion 70 can be attached to the sheet 40 by heating the sheet 40 and the first heat insulating portion 70 to a certain temperature or higher.

[0108] The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can be attached to the sheet 40 by thermal fusion. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 are placed on the first surface 41 of the first part 40a and the second part 40b of the sheet 40, respectively, and the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can be attached to the sheet 40 by heating the sheet 40, the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 to a certain temperature or higher. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can be attached to the sheet 40 after the first heat insulating part 70 has been attached to the sheet 40. However, the susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60 and the first heat insulating part 70 can also be attached to the sheet 40 together.

[0109] Therefore, the bonding structure of the heater assembly can be simplified.

[0110] The thickness T1 of the susceptor 50 may be 0.01 to 0.03 mm. The thickness T2 of the electrically conductive track 60 may be 0.03 mm to 0.05 mm. The thickness T3 of the first insulation section 70 may be 0.07 mm to 0.09 mm. The thickness T0 of the sheet 40 may be 0.015 to 0.035 mm. The thickness T2 of the electrically conductive track 60 may be greater than the thickness T0 of the sheet 40 and the thickness T1 of the susceptor 50. The thickness T0 of the sheet 40 may be greater than the thickness T1 of the susceptor 50. The thin film type susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60 and the first insulation section 70 can be wound together with a single thin sheet 40 to form a hollow heater assembly 30.

[0111] Therefore, the size of the hollow heater assembly 30 can be reduced, thereby reducing the size of the aerosol generator 1. In addition, the production process for the heater assembly 30 can be simplified, and manufacturing costs can be lowered.

[0112] Furthermore, by forming the sheet 40 with a thickness T0 greater than the susceptor 50 with a thickness T1, it is possible to prevent the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 from short-circuiting. Also, by forming the electrically conductive track 60 with a thickness T2 greater than the susceptor 50 with a thickness T1, the electrically conductive track 60 can stably support the outside of the susceptor 50 and provide more heat to the susceptor 50.

[0113] The thickness T3 of the first insulation section 70 may be greater than the thickness T0 of the sheet 40, the thickness T1 of the susceptor 50, and the thickness T2 of the electrically conductive track 60. The thickness T3 of the first insulation section 70 may be three times or more the thickness T0 of the sheet 40. The thickness T3 of the first insulation section 70 may be 3.5 times or more the thickness T1 of the susceptor 50. The thickness T3 of the first insulation section 70 may be four times or more the thickness T2 of the electrically conductive track 60.

[0114] By forming the first insulation section 70 with a thickness T3 greater than the thickness T2 of the electrically conductive track 60, the thickness T1 of the susceptor 50, and the thickness T0 of the sheet 40, the amount of heat generated in the electrically conductive track 60 that dissipates to the outside of the heater assembly 30 is reduced, and more heat can be provided to the susceptor 50.

[0115] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the heater assembly 30 may include a sheet 40, a susceptor 50, an electrically conductive track 60, and a first insulation section 70. The susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60, and the first insulation section 70 may be arranged on the sheet 40.

[0116] The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be arranged on the same surface of the sheet 40. The first insulation section 70 may be arranged on a different surface from the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be arranged on the first surface 41 of the sheet 40. The first insulation section 70 may be arranged on the second surface 42 of the sheet 40. The sheet 40 may be wound such that the first surface 41 faces the central axis or insertion space 43 of the hollow heater assembly 30.

[0117] The susceptor 50 may be positioned adjacent to one end of the sheet 40 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. One end 51 of the susceptor 50 may be aligned with the other end of the sheet 40. The electrically conductive track 60 and the first heat insulating section 70 may be positioned at a distance from the susceptor 50 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. The distance at which the electrically conductive track 60 is separated from the susceptor 50 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40 may be different from the distance at which the first heat insulating section 70 is separated from the susceptor 50.

[0118] In the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, one end 71 of the first heat insulating portion 70 may be positioned away from one end 64 of the electrically conductive track 60. In the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, one end 71 of the first heat insulating portion 70 may be positioned between one end 64 and the other end 65 of the electrically conductive track 60. In the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, one end 71 and the other end 72 of the first heat insulating portion 70 may be positioned offset from one end 64 and the other end 65 of the electrically conductive track 60.

[0119] One end 71 of the first heat insulating portion 70 can be separated from one end 64 of the electrically conductive track 60 by a certain distance A4. In the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, the distance A4 separated from one end 64 of the electrically conductive track 60 by one end 71 of the first heat insulating portion 70 may be smaller than the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60 defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40.

[0120] The width W3 of the first insulation section 70 may be greater than the width W1 of the susceptor 50 and the width W2 of the electrically conductive track 60. The upper end of the first insulation section 70 may be aligned with the upper end of the sheet 40. The lower end of the first insulation section 70 may be aligned with the lower end of the sheet 40. The width of the first insulation section 70 may be the same as the width W0 of the sheet 40.

[0121] Figures 13 and 14 show a bracket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] Referring to Figure 13 in conjunction with Figures 4 and 5, the heater assembly 30 can be coupled with brackets 91 and 92. The first bracket 91 can be attached to or coupled to the upper side of the heater assembly 30 corresponding to the opening of the insertion space 43. The first bracket 91 may include a first bracket body 911, a first flange 912, an insertion opening 913, and an alignment groove 914.

[0123] The first bracket body 911 may be cylindrical in shape. The outer diameter D2 of the first bracket body 911 may be the same as or larger than the diameter of the upper end of the heater assembly 30. The first bracket body 911 may extend in the circumferential direction. The first bracket body 911 may be attached to or pressed into the upper end of the heater assembly 30. The first flange 912 may project radially outward from the upper end of the first bracket body 911. The first flange 912 may extend in the circumferential direction. The first flange 912 may surround the upper end of the first bracket body 911. The insertion opening 913 may be formed to penetrate vertically through the central part of the first bracket 91. The boundary between the first flange 912 and the first bracket body 911 may be curved so as to bulge from the inner circumferential surface of the first bracket body 911 to the upper surface of the first flange 912. The alignment groove 914 may be formed by one side of the flange 912 curving radially inward. The alignment groove 914 may have a shape corresponding to a projection provided on the body 10. The alignment groove 914 can be coupled to the projection provided on the body 10. The alignment groove 914 prevents the heater assembly 30 from rotating on the body 10, and allows the heater assembly 30 to be stably coupled to the body 10. The first bracket 91 can be made of stainless steel, aluminum, or an alloy, but is not limited to these materials.

[0124] Referring to Figure 14 in conjunction with Figures 4 and 5, the second bracket 92 can be attached to or coupled to the underside of the heater assembly 30. The second bracket 92 may include a second bracket body 921, a second flange 922, and a hole 924.

[0125] The second bracket body 921 may be cylindrical in shape. The outer diameter of the second bracket body 921 may be the same as or greater than the diameter of the lower end of the heater assembly 30, and the inner diameter D3 of the second bracket body 921 may be smaller than the diameter of the lower end of the heater assembly 30. The second bracket body 921 may extend in the circumferential direction. The second bracket body 921 may be attached to or pressed into the lower end of the heater assembly 30. The second flange 922 may project radially outward from the lower end of the second bracket body 921. The second flange 922 may extend in the circumferential direction. The second flange 922 may surround the lower end of the second bracket body 921. The hole 924 may be formed to penetrate vertically through the central part of the second bracket 92. The second bracket 92 may be made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK), but is not limited to this.

[0126] The first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92 can support the upper and lower ends of the heater assembly 30, respectively. The upper end of the heater assembly 30 can be fixed to or supported by the first bracket 91. The lower end of the heater assembly 30 can be fixed to or supported by the second bracket 92.

[0127] Therefore, the rigidity of the heater assembly 30 can be ensured by stably fixing both ends of the heater assembly 30, which is formed by winding the susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60, and the sheet 40.

[0128] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the stepped separation structure of the heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15 is a diagram showing a cross-section of the heater assembly along line AA in Figure 4, and Figure 16 is a diagram showing a cross-section of the heater assembly along line BB in Figure 4.

[0129] Referring to Figure 15, the susceptor 50 may be located on the innermost side of the hollow heater assembly 30. An insertion space 43 may be located inside the susceptor 50. The susceptor 50 may form at least a portion of the insertion space 43. The susceptor 50 may surround at least a portion of the insertion space 43. The inner surface of the susceptor 50 may be exposed to the insertion space 43. The susceptor 50 may face the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. At least a portion of the inner surface of the susceptor 50 may be in contact with the outer surface of the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43.

[0130] Therefore, the thin-film susceptor forms at least a portion of the insertion space and comes into direct contact with the stick inserted into the insertion space, thereby increasing the thermal efficiency transferred to the stick.

[0131] The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can be separated from the upper and lower ends of the sheet 40. In the hollow heater assembly 30, the first part 40a and the second part 40b can be in contact with each other at their upper and lower ends. The structure in which the upper and lower ends of the first part 40a and the second part 40b are in contact with each other, and the fourth parts 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d are wound from the first part, allows the electrically conductive track 60 to be sealed to the outside.

[0132] In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43 or in the width direction of the sheet 40, the upper end 73 of the first insulation portion 70 may be aligned with the upper end of the sheet 40, and the lower end 74 of the first insulation portion 70 may be aligned with the lower end of the sheet 40. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43 or in the width direction of the sheet 40, the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be covered by the first insulation portion 70.

[0133] The hollow heater assembly 30 can be coupled with brackets 91 and 92. Brackets 91 and 92 can be glued to or pressed into the heater assembly 30. With the hollow heater assembly 30 coupled with brackets 91 and 92, the heater assembly 30 and brackets 91 and 92 can be heated to a certain temperature or higher.

[0134] Therefore, the heater assembly can be sealed to the outside, minimizing the release of heat generated by the electrically conductive pattern to the outside of the heater assembly.

[0135] The insertion opening 913 of the first bracket 91 can communicate with the upper side of the insertion space 43. The hole 924 of the second bracket 92 can communicate with the lower side of the insertion space 43. The stick S can be inserted into the insertion space 43 through the insertion opening 913. Through the hole 924, outside air can flow from outside the heater assembly 30 into the interior of the stick S via the end of the stick S. The inner circumferential surface of the first bracket body 911 can support at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The upper surface 923 of the second bracket body 921 can support at least a portion of the lower end of the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, the first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92 can be separated from the susceptor 50. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, the lower end of the first bracket body 911 may be separated from the upper end 53 of the susceptor 50, and the upper end of the second bracket body 921 may be separated from the lower end 54 of the susceptor 50.

[0136] A stick sensing sensor 133 may be positioned on the heater assembly 30. The stick sensing sensor 133 can sense the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. For example, the stick sensing sensor 133 may be an induction sensor and / or a capacitance sensor. The stick sensing sensor 133 may be positioned adjacent to the lower end of the insertion space 43. The stick sensing sensor 133 may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the lower side of the heater assembly 30. The stick sensing sensor 133 may be in contact with and surrounding the fourth part 40d or outermost layer of the sheet 40. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, the stick sensing sensor 133 may be positioned below the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, the stick sensing sensor 133 may be positioned away from the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60.

[0137] Therefore, the transfer of heat from the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 to the sensor 133 can be minimized. In addition, the accuracy of stick S detection by the sensor 133 can be improved.

[0138] Referring to Figure 16 together with Figure 12, the heater assembly 30 may have layers formed radially outward from the insertion space 43, in the following order: susceptor 50, first part 40a and / or third part 40c of the sheet 40, electrically conductive track 60, first insulation section 70 and fourth part 40d.

[0139] At least a portion of the sheet 40 is positioned between the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60, so that at least one layer can be formed between the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60. For example, a first part 40a can be in contact with the susceptor 50 and surround the outside of the susceptor 50. At least a portion of the sheet 40 is positioned outside the electrically conductive track 60, so that at least one layer can be formed outside the electrically conductive track 60. For example, a second part 40b can be in contact with the electrically conductive track 60 and surround the outside of the electrically conductive track 60.

[0140] The first insulation section 70 is positioned outside the electrically conductive track 60 and can form at least one layer outside the electrically conductive track 60. In the heater assembly 30, the layers formed by the sheet 40 and the layers formed by the first insulation section 70 can be arranged alternately outside the electrically conductive track 60 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43.

[0141] The length of the fourth part 40d or the first insulation section 70 defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40 (see Figures 9 and 11) may be greater than the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60. For example, the length of the fourth part 40d or the first insulation section 70 may be between 3 and 5 times the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60. The fourth part 40d and the first insulation section 70 can surround the outside of the second part 40b and the electrically conductive track 60 for between 3 and 5 turns. The fourth part 40d and the first insulation section 70 can form at least one layer surrounding the outside of the second part 40b and the electrically conductive track 60.

[0142] Therefore, by forming multiple alternating layers of the first heat insulating section 70 and the sheet 40 on the outside of the electrically conductive track 60, the heat generated in the electrically conductive track 60 can be minimized from escaping to the outside of the heater assembly 30.

[0143] In a structure in which one sheet 40 is wound to form multiple layers, steps may be formed where one layer is connected to another. For example, steps may be formed in the heater assembly 30 at the positions where one end 64 and the other end 65 of the electrically conductive track 60 are located in the longitudinal direction. Steps may be formed in the heater assembly 30 at the positions where one end 64 and the other end 65 of the electrically conductive track 60 are located in the circumferential direction of the insertion space 43. These steps can be called the first step section SP1. For example, a gap G1 is formed between one end 51 and the other end 52 of the susceptor 50 in the circumferential direction of the insertion space 43 (see Figures 5 and 6), and steps may be formed in the heater assembly 30 at the positions where the gap G1 is formed in the circumferential direction of the insertion space 43. These steps can be called the third step section SP3. For example, steps may be formed in the circumferential direction of the insertion space 43 at the positions where one end 71 and / or the other end 72 of the first heat insulating section 70 are located. These steps can be called the second step section SP2.

[0144] At least two of the first stepped portion SP1, second stepped portion SP2, and third stepped portion SP3 may be offset from each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43 or the heater assembly 30. At least two of the first stepped portion SP, second stepped portion SP2, and third stepped portion SP3 do not have to overlap each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43 or the heater assembly 30.

[0145] The first stepped portion SP1 can be separated from the gap G1 or the third stepped portion SP3 by a certain angle, and the second stepped portion SP2 can be separated from the gap G1 or the third stepped portion SP3 by a certain angle. For example, the angle c1 formed by the first stepped portion SP1 and the gap G1 or the third stepped portion SP3 with respect to the center O or central axis of the heater assembly 30 may be 80 to 100 degrees. Preferably, the angle c1 formed by the first stepped portion SP1 and the gap G1 or the third stepped portion SP3 may be about 90 degrees. For example, the angle c2 formed by the second stepped portion SP2 and the gap G1 or the third stepped portion SP3 with respect to the center O or central axis of the heater assembly 30 may be 160 to 200 degrees. Preferably, the angle c2 formed by the second stepped portion SP2 and the gap G1 or the third stepped portion SP3 may be about 180 degrees.

[0146] In a flat sheet 40, the distance at which the first heat insulating portion 70 is separated from the electrically conductive track 60 may correspond to a range of 0.23 to 0.28 times the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60 defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. Preferably, the distance at which the first heat insulating portion 70 is separated from the electrically conductive track 60 may correspond to approximately 0.25 times the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60 defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40.

[0147] Compared to other parts surrounding the insertion space 43, heat may not be uniformly transferred to the insertion space 43 from the first stepped section SP1 to the third stepped section SP3. With repeated use of the aerosol generator 1, the degree of deterioration of the first stepped section SP1 to the third stepped section SP3 may differ from the degree of deterioration of other parts surrounding the insertion space 43. If at least two of the first stepped section SP1 to the third stepped section SP3 are arranged in overlapping positions, the degree of deterioration of those sections may differ significantly from the degree of deterioration of the other sections. In addition, certain parts of the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43 may not be heated properly, and those parts may be more vulnerable to external impacts than other parts.

[0148] The first stepped portion SP1, the second stepped portion SP2, and the third stepped portion SP3 may be arranged at a 90-degree angle to each other with respect to the insertion space 43. By arranging the stepped portions SP1, SP2, and SP3 symmetrically, it is possible to effectively prevent different parts of the heater assembly 30 from deteriorating differently, and to heat the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43 uniformly. In addition, it is possible to minimize damage to the heater assembly 30 due to external impacts.

[0149] Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 18 is a diagram showing the heat diffusion section of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed explanations of configurations that overlap with those shown in Figures 5 to 8 above will be omitted.

[0150] Referring to Figures 17 and 18, the heater assembly 30 may include a sheet 40, a susceptor 50, an electrically conductive track 60, and a heat diffusion section 80.

[0151] The heat diffusion section 80 may be in the shape of a rounded cylinder. The heat diffusion section 80 can be made of graphene. The heat diffusion section 80 can be made of a carbon material such as carbon nanotubes. Graphene and carbon nanotubes have high thermal conductivity. Therefore, the heat diffusion section 80 containing graphene and / or carbon nanotubes can diffuse heat quickly. In addition, since graphene and carbon nanotubes are lightweight and highly flexible, the heater assembly 30 may be easy to manufacture.

[0152] The heat diffusion section 80 may be a rectangle that extends long in one direction and whose length L4 is greater than its width W4. The length L4 of the heat diffusion section 80 may be 20 mm to 60 mm, and the width W4 of the heat diffusion section 80 may be 17.5 mm to 22.5 mm.

[0153] The heat diffusion portion 80 may be included in the sheet 40 (see Figures 20 and 25). The heat diffusion portion 80 may be included in one region of the sheet 40. The heat diffusion portion 80 may be formed integrally with the sheet 40. The heat diffusion portion 80 can be defined as a portion of the sheet 40 that contains a carbon material such as graphene.

[0154] The heat diffusion section 80 can be attached to the sheet 40 or to either the susceptor 50 or the electrically conductive track 60 (see Figures 21 and 23). For example, the heat diffusion section 80 may be placed on one side of the sheet 40, and at least one of the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be placed on the heat diffusion section 80. For example, the heat diffusion section 80 may be placed on at least one side of the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60. The heat diffusion section 80 may be a flat sheet containing a carbon material such as graphene.

[0155] Figures 19 to 25 show a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state.

[0156] Referring to Figures 19 to 21, the heater assembly 30 may include a sheet 40, a susceptor 50, an electrically conductive track 60, and a heat diffusion section 80. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be arranged on the sheet 40. The heat diffusion section 80 may be arranged on or included in the sheet 40. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. The heat diffusion section 80 may be arranged in the thickness direction of the sheet 40, overlapping with at least one of the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60.

[0157] The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be arranged on the same surface of the sheet 40. The sheet 40 may be a single sheet that extends long in one direction or in the x-direction. The sheet 40 may include a flat first surface 41 and a second surface 42 that forms the opposite surface to the first surface 41 in the thickness direction. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be arranged on the first surface 41 of the sheet 40. The sheet 40 may be wound such that the first surface 41 faces the central axis or insertion space 43 of the hollow heater assembly 30 (see Figure 26). The heater assembly 30 may be formed by winding the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 together with the sheet 40.

[0158] When an elastic object is rolled into a ball, springback may occur. When an object is subjected to deformation, it has a property of resisting that deformation. Springback can be defined as a phenomenon caused by the restoring force that resists deformation. When the susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60, and the first insulating section 70 are arranged on the same plane of the sheet 40, the springback may be smaller than when the susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60, and the first insulating section 70 are arranged on different planes of the sheet 40.

[0159] Therefore, it is possible to reduce springback that occurs during the assembly process of the hollow heater assembly 30, thereby reducing defects in the heater assembly.

[0160] The susceptor 50 may be positioned adjacent to one end of the sheet 40 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. One end 51 of the susceptor 50 may be aligned with one end of the sheet 40. The susceptor 50 may be positioned at a distance from the conductive track 60. For example, the conductive track 60 may be positioned at a distance from the susceptor 50 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. One end 64 of the conductive track 60 may be positioned at a certain distance A1 from the other end 52 of the sheet 40. The upper end 53 of the susceptor 50 may be aligned with the upper end 66 of the conductive track 60. The lower end 54 of the susceptor 50 may be aligned with the lower end 67 of the conductive track 60.

[0161] The width W0 of the sheet 40 may be greater than the width W1 of the susceptor 50 and the width W2 of the electrically conductive track 60. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be positioned adjacent to the upper end of the sheet 40 rather than the lower end in the width direction or the y direction. The distance A2 between the upper end 53 of the susceptor 50 and / or the upper end 66 of the electrically conductive track 60 and the upper end 66 of the electrically conductive track 60 and the upper end 67 of the electrically conductive track 60 and the upper end 67 of the susceptor 50 and the lower end 67 of the electrically conductive track 60 and the lower end 67 of the sheet 40 and the lower end 67 of the sheet 40 and the lower end 67 of the sheet 40 may be less than the distance A3 between the lower end of the sheet 40 and the upper end 66 of the susceptor 50 and the lower end 67 of the electrically conductive track 60 and the lower end 67 of the sheet 40.

[0162] The distance A1 between the susceptor 50 and the conductive track 60 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40 may be less than the length L2 of the conductive track 60, which is defined as the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. The susceptor 50 and the conductive track 60 can be electrically insulated from each other by the sheet 40. The larger the distance A1 between the susceptor 50 and the conductive track 60, the greater the number of layers of the sheet 40 placed between the susceptor 50 and the conductive track 60 in the hollow heater assembly 30, or the larger the area of ​​the sheet 40. If the distance A1 between the susceptor 50 and the conductive track 60 is less than the length L2 of the conductive track 60, the number of layers of the sheet 40 placed between the susceptor 50 and the conductive track 60 may be two or less.

[0163] Therefore, the heat generated in the electrically conductive track 60 can be transferred to the susceptor 50 more efficiently.

[0164] In the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60 may be greater than the length L1 of the susceptor 50. In the hollow heater assembly 30, the electrically conductive track 60 can surround the susceptor 50 on the outside. By making the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60 greater than the length L1 of the susceptor 50, the area of ​​the portion of the electrically conductive track 60 surrounding the susceptor 50 can be increased.

[0165] Therefore, the area over which heat is transferred from the electrically conductive track 60 to the susceptor 50 increases, and the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can heat the insertion space 43 or the stick S inside the insertion space 43 more uniformly. In addition, the increased area of ​​the electrically conductive track 60 allows for greater design flexibility regarding the track shape.

[0166] The heat diffusion section 80 may be positioned superimposed on at least one of the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 in the thickness direction or z direction of the sheet 40. For example, the heat diffusion section 80 may be positioned superimposed on the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 in the thickness direction of the sheet 40. In the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, one end 81 of the heat diffusion section 80 may be aligned with one end of the sheet 40, and the other end 82 of the heat diffusion section 80 may be aligned with the other end 65 of the electrically conductive track 60, or may be further away from one end of the sheet 40 than the other end 65 of the electrically conductive track 60. The length L4 of the heat diffusion section 80 as defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40 may be equal to or greater than the sum of the length L1 of the susceptor 50 and the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60 as defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40.

[0167] The width W4 of the heat diffusion section 80 may be the same as or greater than the width W1 of the susceptor 50 and the width W2 of the electrically conductive track 60. The width W4 of the heat diffusion section 80 may be the same as or less than the width W0 of the sheet 40. In the width direction of the sheet 40, the upper end 83 of the heat diffusion section 80 may be aligned with the upper end 53 of the susceptor 50, the upper end 66 of the electrically conductive track 60, or the upper end of the sheet 40, or it may be positioned between the upper end 53 of the susceptor 50 or the upper end 66 of the electrically conductive track 60 and the upper end of the sheet 40. In the width direction of the sheet 40, the lower end 84 of the heat diffusion section 80 may be aligned with the lower end 54 of the susceptor 50, the lower end 67 of the electrically conductive track 60, or the lower end of the sheet 40, or it may be positioned between the lower end 54 of the susceptor 50 or the lower end 67 of the electrically conductive track 60 and the lower end of the sheet 40.

[0168] The sheet 40 may include first to fifth parts 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, and 40e. A susceptor 50 may be located in the first part 40a. An electrically conductive track 60 may be located in the second part 40b. A heat diffusing section 80 may be located in the fifth part 40e. A third part 40c may be located in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40 between the first part 40a and the second part 40b and connected to the first part 40a and the second part 40b. A fourth part 40d may be located in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, opposite the third part 40c to the second part 40b and connected to the second part 40b. The sheet 40 may be wound in a direction from one end of the first part 40a toward one end of the fourth part 40d. In the hollow heater assembly 30, the second part 40b may be positioned outside the first part 40a, and the fourth part 40d may be positioned outside the second part 40b.

[0169] The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can be attached to the sheet 40 by heat fusion. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 are placed on the first surface 41 of the first part 40a and the second part 40b of the sheet 40, respectively, and the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can be attached to the sheet 40 by heating the sheet 40, the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 to a certain temperature or higher.

[0170] Therefore, the bonding structure of the heater assembly can be simplified.

[0171] The thickness T1 of the susceptor 50 may be 0.01 to 0.03 mm. The thickness T2 of the electrically conductive track 60 may be 0.03 mm to 0.05 mm. The thickness T0 of the sheet 40 may be 0.015 to 0.035 mm. The thickness T4 of the heat diffusion section 80 may be the same as or less than the thickness T0 of the sheet 40. The thickness T2 of the electrically conductive track 60 may be greater than the thickness T0 of the sheet 40 and the thickness T1 of the susceptor 50. The thickness T0 of the sheet 40 may be greater than the thickness T1 of the susceptor 50. The thin film type susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60 and the heat diffusion section 80 can be wound together with a single thin sheet 40 to form a hollow heater assembly 30.

[0172] Therefore, the size of the hollow heater assembly 30 can be reduced, and the size of the aerosol generator 1 can be reduced. In addition, the production process for the heater assembly 30 can be simplified, and manufacturing costs can be lowered.

[0173] Furthermore, by forming the sheet 40 with a thickness T0 greater than the susceptor 50 with a thickness T1, it is possible to prevent the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 from short-circuiting. Also, by forming the electrically conductive track 60 with a thickness T2 greater than the susceptor 50 with a thickness T1, the electrically conductive track 60 can stably support the outside of the susceptor 50 and provide more heat to the susceptor 50.

[0174] The thickness T4 of the heat diffusion section 80 may be the same as or less than the thickness T0 of the sheet 40. Since the heat diffusion section 80 contains a carbon material such as graphene, it can easily diffuse the heat generated in the electrically conductive track 60 even if it is formed to be thinner than the thickness of the sheet 40. In addition, the heat diffusion section 80 can increase the rate at which heat diffuses.

[0175] Referring to Figure 20 together with Figure 19, the heat diffusion portion 80 may be formed integrally with the sheet 40. The heat diffusion portion 80 may be included in the sheet 40. The heat diffusion portion 80 may be included in one region of the sheet 40. The heat diffusion portion 80 can be defined as a portion of the sheet 40 that contains a carbon material such as graphene. The heat diffusion portion 80 may be exposed on one surface 41 of the sheet 40. The heat diffusion portion 80 may be in contact with at least one of the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60.

[0176] Referring to Figure 21 together with Figure 19, the heat diffusion section 80 may be attached to the sheet 40. For example, the heat diffusion section 80 may be placed on one side of the sheet 40, and at least one of the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be placed on the heat diffusion section 80. The heat diffusion section 80 may be a flat sheet containing a carbon material such as graphene.

[0177] The heat diffusion portion 80 can be attached to the sheet 40 by thermal fusion. The heat diffusion portion 80 is placed on the first surface 41 of the fifth part 40e of the sheet 40, and the heat diffusion portion 80 can be attached to the sheet 40 by heating the sheet 40 and the heat diffusion portion 80 to a certain temperature or higher.

[0178] The heat diffusion section 80 may be attached to the sheet 40 first, followed by the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60. However, the susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60, and the heat diffusion section 80 may be attached to the sheet 40 together.

[0179] Referring to Figures 22 and 23, the heat diffusion section 80 may be positioned on the electrically conductive track 60. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be positioned sequentially in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. The heat diffusion section 80 may be positioned superimposed on the electrically conductive track 60 in the thickness direction of the sheet 40. For example, the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be positioned on one surface 41 of the sheet 40, and the heat diffusion section 80 may be positioned to cover the electrically conductive track 60. In the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, one end 81 of the heat diffusion section 80 may be aligned with one end 64 of the electrically conductive track 60, or positioned more adjacent to the susceptor 50 than one end 64 of the electrically conductive track 60, and the other end 82 of the heat diffusion section 80 may be aligned with the other end 65 of the electrically conductive track 60, or positioned further away from the susceptor 50 than the other end 65 of the electrically conductive track 60. The length L4 of the heat diffusion portion 80 defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40 may be the same as or greater than the length L2 of the electrical conductive track 60 defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40.

[0180] The heat diffusion section 80 may be a flat sheet containing a carbon material such as graphene. The heat diffusion section 80 can be attached to the electrically conductive track 60 by thermal fusion. The heat diffusion section 80 is positioned to cover the electrically conductive track 60, and the heat diffusion section 80 can be attached to the electrically conductive track 60 by heating the electrically conductive track 60 and the heat diffusion section 80 to a certain temperature or higher.

[0181] The heat diffusion section 80 may be attached to the electrically conductive track 60 first, and then the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be attached to the sheet 40. Alternatively, the heat diffusion section 80 may be attached to the electrically conductive track 60 after the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 have been attached to the sheet 40. Alternatively, the susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60, and the heat diffusion section 80 may be attached to the sheet 40 together.

[0182] Referring to Figures 24 and 25, the heat diffusion section 80 may be arranged in the thickness direction of the sheet 40, overlapping with the susceptor 50. For example, the heat diffusion section 80 may be contained within a region of the sheet 40, and the susceptor 50 may be positioned on one surface 41 of the sheet 40 and be in contact with the heat diffusion section 80. The susceptor 50 may be positioned to cover at least a portion of the heat diffusion section 80. In the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, one end 81 of the heat diffusion section 80 may be aligned with one end 51 of the susceptor 50, and the other end 82 of the heat diffusion section 80 may be aligned with the other end 52 of the susceptor 50, or positioned more adjacent to the electrically conductive track 60 than the other end 52 of the susceptor 50. The length L4 of the heat diffusion section 80 as defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40 may be the same as or greater than the length L1 of the susceptor 50 as defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40.

[0183] Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figures 27 to 30 are cross-sectional views showing the stepped separation structure of the heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 26 is a diagram showing a cross-section of the heater assembly along line AA in Figure 4, and Figures 27 to 30 are diagrams showing a cross-section of the heater assembly along line BB in Figure 4.

[0184] Referring to Figure 26, the susceptor 50 may be located on the innermost side of the hollow heater assembly 30. An insertion space 43 may be located inside the susceptor 50. The susceptor 50 may form at least a portion of the insertion space 43. The susceptor 50 may surround at least a portion of the insertion space 43. The inner surface of the susceptor 50 may be exposed to the insertion space 43. The susceptor 50 may face the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. At least a portion of the inner surface of the susceptor 50 may be in contact with the outer surface of the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43.

[0185] Therefore, the thin-film susceptor forms at least a portion of the insertion space and comes into direct contact with the stick inserted into the insertion space, thereby increasing the thermal efficiency transferred to the stick.

[0186] The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can be separated from the upper and lower ends of the sheet 40. In the hollow heater assembly 30, the first part 40a and the second part 40b can be in contact with each other at their upper and lower ends. The structure in which the upper and lower ends of the first part 40a and the second part 40b are in contact with each other, and the fifth parts 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, and 40e are wound from the first part, allows the electrically conductive track 60 to be sealed to the outside.

[0187] In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43 or in the width direction of the sheet 40, the upper end 83 of the heat diffusion section 80 may be aligned with the upper end 53 of the susceptor 50 or the upper end 66 of the electrically conductive track 60, or may be located above the upper end 53 of the susceptor 50 or the upper end 66 of the electrically conductive track 60. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43 or in the width direction of the sheet 40, the lower end 84 of the heat diffusion section 80 may be aligned with the lower end 54 of the susceptor 50 or the lower end 67 of the electrically conductive track 60, or may be located below the lower end 54 of the susceptor 50 or the lower end 67 of the electrically conductive track 60. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43 or in the width direction of the sheet 40, at least one of the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be covered by the heat diffusion section 80.

[0188] The hollow heater assembly 30 can be coupled with brackets 91 and 92. The brackets 91 and 92 can be glued to or pressed into the heater assembly 30. With the hollow heater assembly 30 coupled with brackets 91 and 92, the heater assembly 30 and brackets 91 and 92 can be heated to a certain temperature or higher.

[0189] Therefore, the heater assembly can be sealed to the outside, minimizing the release of heat generated by the electrically conductive pattern to the outside of the heater assembly.

[0190] The insertion opening 913 of the first bracket 91 can communicate with the upper side of the insertion space 43. The hole 924 of the second bracket 92 can communicate with the lower side of the insertion space 43. The stick S can be inserted into the insertion space 43 through the insertion opening 913. Through the hole 924, outside air can flow from outside the heater assembly 30 into the interior of the stick S via the end of the stick S. The inner circumferential surface of the first bracket body 911 can support at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The upper surface 923 of the second bracket body 921 can support at least a portion of the lower end of the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, the first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92 can be separated from the susceptor 50. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, the lower end of the first bracket body 911 may be separated from the upper end 53 of the susceptor 50, and the upper end of the second bracket body 921 may be separated from the lower end 54 of the susceptor 50.

[0191] A stick sensing sensor 133 may be positioned on the heater assembly 30. The stick sensing sensor 133 can sense the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. For example, the stick sensing sensor 133 may be an induction sensor and / or a capacitance sensor. The stick sensing sensor 133 may be positioned adjacent to the lower end of the insertion space 43. The stick sensing sensor 133 may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the lower side of the heater assembly 30. The stick sensing sensor 133 may be in contact with the fourth part 40d or the outermost layer of the sheet 40 and to surround the fourth part 40d or the outermost layer. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, the stick sensing sensor 133 may be positioned below the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, the stick sensing sensor 133 may be positioned away from the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60.

[0192] Therefore, the transfer of heat from the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 to the sensor 133 can be minimized. In addition, the accuracy of stick S detection by the sensor 133 can be improved.

[0193] Referring to Figure 27 together with Figure 26, the heat diffusion section 80 may be formed integrally with the sheet 40. The heat diffusion section 80 may be included in the sheet 40. The heat diffusion section 80 may be included in one region of the sheet 40. The heater assembly 30 may have layers formed radially outward from the insertion space 43 in the order of susceptor 50, first part 40a and / or third part 40c of the sheet 40, electrical conductive track 60 and fourth part 40d. A fifth part 40e may be superimposed on the first part 40a, second part 40b and third part 40c. The fifth part 40e may include the first part 40a, second part 40b and third part 40c. The heater assembly 30 may have layers formed radially outward from the insertion space 43 in the order of susceptor 50, heat diffusion section 80, electrical conductive track 60, heat diffusion section 80 and sheet 40.

[0194] At least a portion of the heat diffusion section 80 is positioned between the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60, and can form at least one layer between the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60. For example, at least a portion of the heat diffusion section 80 can be in contact with the susceptor 50 and surround the outside of the susceptor 50. At least a portion of the heat diffusion section 80 is positioned outside the electrically conductive track 60, and can form at least one layer outside the electrically conductive track 60. For example, at least a portion of the heat diffusion section 80 can be in contact with the electrically conductive track 60 and surround the outside of the electrically conductive track 60.

[0195] The heater assembly 30 may have a layer formed by the heat diffusion portion 80 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43, positioned between the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60, and positioned outside the electrically conductive track 60. The heater assembly 30 may have at least one surface of the layer formed by the heat diffusion portion 80 in contact with one surface of the electrically conductive track 60.

[0196] Therefore, the heat diffusion section 80 can uniformly diffuse the heat generated in the electrically conductive track 60 to the susceptor 50 and insertion space 43, thereby increasing the thermal efficiency of heat transfer from the electrically conductive track 60 to the heat diffusion section 80.

[0197] The length of the fourth part 40d, defined in the longitudinal direction of sheet 40 (see Figures 19 and 20), may be greater than the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60. For example, the length of the fourth part 40d may be between 3 and 5 times the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60. The fourth part 40d can surround the outside of the second part 40b and the electrically conductive track 60 for between 3 and 5 turns. The fourth part 40d can form at least one layer surrounding the outside of the second part 40b and the electrically conductive track 60.

[0198] Therefore, by forming multiple layers on the outside of the electrically conductive track 60, the heat generated in the electrically conductive track 60 can be minimized from escaping to the outside of the heater assembly 30.

[0199] In a structure in which a single sheet 40 is wound to form multiple layers, steps may be formed where one layer is connected to another. For example, steps may be formed in the heater assembly 30 at the positions where one end 64 and the other end 65 of the electrically conductive track 60 are located in the longitudinal direction. Steps may be formed in the heater assembly 30 at the positions where one end 64 and the other end 65 of the electrically conductive track 60 are located in the circumferential direction of the insertion space 43. These steps can be called the first step portion SP1. For example, a gap G1 is formed between one end 51 and the other end 52 of the susceptor 50 in the circumferential direction of the insertion space 43 (see Figure 6), and steps may be formed in the heater assembly 30 at the positions where the gap G1 is formed in the circumferential direction of the insertion space 43. These steps can be called the third step portion SP3.

[0200] The first stepped portion SP1 and the third stepped portion SP3 may be offset from each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43 or the heater assembly 30. The first stepped portion SP1 and the third stepped portion SP3 do not need to overlap each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43 or the heater assembly 30.

[0201] The first stepped portion SP1 can be separated from the gap G1 or the third stepped portion SP3 by a certain angle. For example, the angle c1 formed by the first stepped portion SP1 and the gap G1 or the third stepped portion SP3 with respect to the center O or central axis of the heater assembly 30 may be between 80 and 100 degrees. Preferably, the angle c1 formed by the first stepped portion SP1 and the gap G1 or the third stepped portion SP3 may be about 90 degrees.

[0202] In a flat sheet 40, the distance at which the electrically conductive track 60 is separated from the susceptor 50 may correspond to a range of 0.23 to 0.28 times the length L1 of the susceptor 50 as defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. Preferably, the distance at which the electrically conductive track 60 is separated from the susceptor 50 may correspond to approximately 0.25 times the length L1 of the susceptor 50 as defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40.

[0203] Compared to other parts surrounding the insertion space 43, heat may not be uniformly transferred to the insertion space 43 through the first stepped section SP1 and the third stepped section SP3. With repeated use of the aerosol generator 1, the degree of deterioration of the first stepped section SP1 and the third stepped section SP3 may differ from the degree of deterioration of other parts surrounding the insertion space 43. If the first stepped section SP1 and the third stepped section SP3 are arranged in a superimposed position, the difference between the degree of deterioration of those parts and the degree of deterioration of the other parts may become larger. In addition, a specific part of the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43 may not be heated properly, and that part may be more vulnerable to external impact than other parts.

[0204] The first stepped portion SP1 and the third stepped portion SP3 can be positioned 90 degrees apart from each other with respect to the insertion space 43. This effectively prevents different parts of the heater assembly 30 from deteriorating differently, and allows the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43 to be heated uniformly. Furthermore, damage to the heater assembly 30 due to external impacts can be minimized.

[0205] Referring to Figure 28 together with Figure 26, the heat diffusion section 80 may be attached to the sheet 40. For example, the heat diffusion section 80 may be placed on one surface of the sheet 40, and at least one of the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be placed on the heat diffusion section 80. The heater assembly 30 may be formed in layers radially outward from the insertion space 43, in the order of susceptor 50, heat diffusion section 80, sheet 40, electrically conductive track 60, heat diffusion section 80, and sheet 40.

[0206] At least a portion of the heat diffusion section 80 is positioned between the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60, and at least one layer can be formed between the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60. For example, at least a portion of the heat diffusion section 80 can be in contact with the susceptor 50 and surround the outside of the susceptor 50. At least one layer, formed by the sheet 40, may be positioned between the heat diffusion section 80 and the electrically conductive track 60.

[0207] At least a portion of the heat diffusion section 80 is positioned outside the electrically conductive track 60, and at least one layer can be formed on the outside of the electrically conductive track 60. For example, at least a portion of the heat diffusion section 80 can be in contact with the electrically conductive track 60 and surround the outside of the electrically conductive track 60.

[0208] The heater assembly 30 may have a layer formed by the heat diffusion section 80 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43, positioned between the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60, and positioned outside the electrically conductive track 60. The heater assembly 30 may have at least one surface of the layer formed by the heat diffusion section 80 in contact with one surface of the electrically conductive track 60.

[0209] Therefore, the heat diffusion section 80 can uniformly diffuse the heat generated in the electrically conductive track 60 to the susceptor 50 and insertion space 43, thereby increasing the thermal efficiency of heat transfer from the electrically conductive track 60 to the heat diffusion section 80.

[0210] Steps may be formed in the heater assembly 30 where one layer is connected to another. For example, a first step SP1 may be formed in the heater assembly 30 at a position where one end 64 and the other end 65 of the electrically conductive track 60 are located in the circumferential direction of the insertion space 43. For example, a third step SP3 may be formed in the heater assembly 30 at a position where a gap G1 is formed in the circumferential direction of the insertion space 43. For example, a second step SP2 may be formed in the heater assembly 30 at a position where the other end 82 of the heat diffusion section 80 is located in the circumferential direction of the insertion space 43.

[0211] At least two of the first stepped portion SP1, second stepped portion SP2, and third stepped portion SP3 may be offset from each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43 or the heater assembly 30. At least two of the first stepped portion SP1, second stepped portion SP2, and third stepped portion SP3 do not have to overlap each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43 or the heater assembly 30.

[0212] The first stepped portion SP1 may be separated from the gap G1 or the third stepped portion SP3 by a certain angle, and the second stepped portion SP2 may be separated from the gap G1 or the third stepped portion SP3 by a certain angle. For example, the angle c1 formed by the first stepped portion SP1 and the gap G1 or the third stepped portion SP3 with respect to the center O or central axis of the heater assembly 30 may be 80 to 100 degrees. Preferably, the angle c1 formed by the first stepped portion SP1 and the gap G1 or the third stepped portion SP3 may be about 90 degrees. For example, the angle c2 formed by the second stepped portion SP2 and the gap G1 or the third stepped portion SP3 with respect to the center O or central axis of the heater assembly 30 may be 160 to 200 degrees. Preferably, the angle c2 formed by the second stepped portion SP2 and the gap G1 or the third stepped portion SP3 may be about 180 degrees.

[0213] In a flat sheet 40, the distance A5 (see Figure 19) from the other end 82 of the heat diffusion portion 80 to the other end 65 of the electrically conductive track 60 may correspond to a range of 0.23 to 0.28 times the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60 defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. Preferably, the distance A5 from the other end 82 of the heat diffusion portion 80 to the other end 65 of the electrically conductive track 60 may correspond to approximately 0.25 times the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60 defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. In a flat sheet 40, the distance A1 (see Figure 19) from the susceptor 50 to the electrically conductive track 60 may correspond to a range of 0.23 to 0.28 times the length L1 of the susceptor 50 defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. Preferably, the distance A1 at which the susceptor 50 is separated from the electrically conductive track 60 may correspond to about 0.25 times the length L1 of the susceptor 50 as defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40.

[0214] The first stepped portion SP1, the second stepped portion SP2, and the third stepped portion SP3 may be arranged at a 90-degree angle to each other with respect to the insertion space 43. By arranging the stepped portions SP1, SP2, and SP3 symmetrically, it is possible to effectively prevent different parts of the heater assembly 30 from deteriorating differently, and to heat the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43 uniformly. In addition, it is possible to minimize damage to the heater assembly 30 due to external impacts.

[0215] Referring to Figure 29 together with Figure 26, the heat diffusion section 80 may be positioned on the electrically conductive track 60. The heat diffusion section 80 may be positioned superimposed on the electrically conductive track 60 in the thickness direction of the sheet 40. The heater assembly 30 may be formed in layers radially outward from the insertion space 43, in the order of susceptor 50, sheet 40, heat diffusion section 80, electrically conductive track 60, and sheet 40.

[0216] At least a portion of the heat diffusion section 80 is positioned between the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60, and at least one layer can be formed between the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60. For example, at least a portion of the heat diffusion section 80 can be in contact with the electrically conductive track 60 and surround the outside of the susceptor 50. At least one layer formed by the sheet 40 may be positioned between the heat diffusion section 80 and the susceptor 50.

[0217] In the heater assembly 30, a layer formed by the heat diffusion section 80 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43 may be positioned between the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60. In the heater assembly 30, one surface of at least one layer formed by the heat diffusion section 80 may be in contact with one surface of the electrically conductive track 60.

[0218] Therefore, the heat diffusion section 80 can uniformly diffuse the heat generated in the electrically conductive track 60 to the susceptor 50 and insertion space 43, thereby increasing the thermal efficiency of heat transfer from the electrically conductive track 60 to the heat diffusion section 80.

[0219] A first stepped portion SP1 and a third stepped portion SP3 may be formed in the heater assembly 30. The first stepped portion SP1 may be separated from the third stepped portion SP3 by a certain angle. For example, the angle c1 formed by the first stepped portion SP1 and the gap G1 or third stepped portion SP3 with respect to the center O or central axis of the heater assembly 30 may be between 80 and 100 degrees. Preferably, the angle c1 formed by the first stepped portion SP1 and the gap G1 or third stepped portion SP3 may be about 90 degrees.

[0220] Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent different parts of the heater assembly 30 from deteriorating differently, and to heat the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43 uniformly. In addition, damage to the heater assembly 30 due to external impact can be minimized.

[0221] Referring to Figure 30 together with Figure 26, the heat diffusion section 80 may be formed integrally with the sheet 40. The heat diffusion section 80 may be included in the sheet 40. The heat diffusion section 80 may be included in one region of the sheet 40. The heater assembly 30 may have layers formed radially outward from the insertion space 43 in the order of susceptor 50, heat diffusion section 80, electrically conductive track 60, and sheet 40.

[0222] At least a portion of the heat diffusion section 80 is positioned between the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60, and at least one layer can be formed between the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60. For example, at least a portion of the heat diffusion section 80 can be in contact with the susceptor 50 and surround the outside of the susceptor 50.

[0223] In the heater assembly 30, a layer formed by the heat diffusion portion 80 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43 may be positioned between the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60. In the heater assembly 30, one surface of at least one layer formed by the heat diffusion portion 80 may be in contact with one surface of the susceptor 50 and / or one surface of the electrically conductive track 60.

[0224] Therefore, the heat diffusion section 80 can uniformly diffuse the heat generated in the electrically conductive track 60 to the susceptor 50 and insertion space 43, thereby increasing the thermal efficiency of heat transfer from the electrically conductive track 60 to the heat diffusion section 80.

[0225] A first stepped portion SP1 and a third stepped portion SP3 may be formed in the heater assembly 30. The first stepped portion SP1 may be separated from the third stepped portion SP3 by a certain angle. For example, the angle c1 formed by the first stepped portion SP1 and the gap G1 or third stepped portion SP3 with respect to the center O or central axis of the heater assembly 30 may be between 80 and 100 degrees. Preferably, the angle c1 formed by the first stepped portion SP1 and the gap G1 or third stepped portion SP3 may be about 90 degrees.

[0226] Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent different parts of the heater assembly 30 from deteriorating differently, and to heat the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43 uniformly. In addition, damage to the heater assembly 30 due to external impact can be minimized.

[0227] Figure 31 is an exploded perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed explanations of components that overlap with those shown in Figures 5 to 8 are omitted.

[0228] Referring to Figure 31, the heater assembly 30 may include a sheet 40, a susceptor 50, an electrically conductive track 60, and a second insulation section 40d.

[0229] The second heat insulating portion 40d is part of the sheet 40 and may be included in a region of the sheet 40. The second heat insulating portion 40d may be formed integrally with the sheet 40. The second heat insulating portion 40d can be defined as a region of the sheet 40 having a plurality of holes H1, H2, H3 spaced apart from each other.

[0230] The sheet 40 can be elongated. A susceptor 50 and an electrically conductive track 60 can be attached to the sheet 40. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can be wound together with the sheet 40 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. The sheet 40 can form multiple layers on the hollow heater assembly 30. The sheet 40 can form at least one layer surrounding the susceptor 50 on the outside and / or at least one layer surrounding the electrically conductive track 60 on the outside. The second insulation portion 40d can form at least one layer surrounding the electrically conductive track 60.

[0231] Figures 32 and 33 show a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state.

[0232] Referring to Figures 32 and 33, the heater assembly 30 may include a sheet 40, a susceptor 50, an electrically conductive track 60, and a second insulation section 40d. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be arranged on the sheet 40. The second insulation section 40d may be part of the sheet 40 and may be included in one region of the sheet 40. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be arranged sequentially along the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40.

[0233] The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be arranged on the same surface of the sheet 40. The sheet 40 may be a single sheet that extends long in one direction or in the x-direction. The sheet 40 may include a flat first surface 41 and a second surface 42 that forms the opposite surface to the first surface 41 in the thickness direction. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be arranged on the first surface 41 of the sheet 40. The sheet 40 may be wound such that the first surface 41 faces the central axis or insertion space 43 of the hollow heater assembly 30 (see Figure 39). The heater assembly 30 may be formed by winding the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 together with the sheet 40.

[0234] When an elastic object is rolled into a ball, springback can occur. When an object is subjected to deformation, it has a property of resisting that deformation. Springback can be defined as a phenomenon caused by the restoring force that resists deformation. When the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 are arranged on the same surface of the sheet 40, the springback can be smaller than when the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 are arranged on other surfaces of the sheet 40.

[0235] Therefore, it is possible to reduce springback that occurs during the assembly process of the hollow heater assembly 30, thereby reducing defects in the heater assembly.

[0236] The susceptor 50 may be positioned adjacent to one end of the sheet 40 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. One end 51 of the susceptor 50 may be aligned with one end of the sheet 40. The susceptor 50 may be positioned at a distance from the conductive track 60. For example, the conductive track 60 may be positioned at a distance from the susceptor 50 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. One end 64 of the conductive track 60 may be positioned at a certain distance A1 from the other end 52 of the susceptor 50. The upper end 53 of the susceptor 50 may be aligned with the upper end 66 of the conductive track 60. The lower end 54 of the susceptor 50 may be aligned with the lower end 67 of the conductive track 60.

[0237] The width W0 of the sheet 40 may be greater than the width W1 of the susceptor 50 and the width W2 of the electrically conductive track 60. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be positioned adjacent to the upper end of the sheet 40 rather than the lower end in the width direction or the y direction. The distance A2 between the upper end 53 of the susceptor 50 and / or the upper end 66 of the electrically conductive track 60 and the upper end 66 of the electrically conductive track 60 and the upper end 67 of the electrically conductive track 60 and the upper end 67 of the susceptor 50 and the lower end 67 of the electrically conductive track 60 and the lower end 67 of the sheet 40 and the lower end 67 of the sheet 40 and the lower end 67 of the sheet 40 may be less than the distance A3 between the lower end of the sheet 40 and the upper end 63 of the susceptor 50 and the lower end 67 of the electrically conductive track 60 and the lower end 67 of the sheet 40.

[0238] The distance A1 between the susceptor 50 and the conductive track 60 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40 may be less than the length L2 of the conductive track 60 defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. The susceptor 50 and the conductive track 60 can be electrically insulated from each other by the sheet 40. The larger the distance A1 between the susceptor 50 and the conductive track 60, the greater the number of layers of the sheet 40 placed between the susceptor 50 and the conductive track 60 in the hollow heater assembly 30, or the larger the area of ​​the sheet 40. If the distance A1 between the susceptor 50 and the conductive track 60 is less than the length L2 of the conductive track 60, the number of layers of the sheet 40 placed between the susceptor 50 and the conductive track 60 may be two or less.

[0239] Therefore, the heat generated in the electrically conductive track 60 can be transferred to the susceptor 50 more efficiently.

[0240] In the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60 may be greater than the length L1 of the susceptor 50. In the hollow heater assembly 30, the electrically conductive track 60 can surround the susceptor 50 on the outside. By making the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60 greater than the length L1 of the susceptor 50, the area of ​​the portion of the electrically conductive track 60 surrounding the susceptor 50 can be increased.

[0241] Therefore, the area over which heat is transferred from the electrically conductive track 60 to the susceptor 50 increases, and the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can heat the insertion space 43 or the stick S within the insertion space 43 more uniformly. In addition, the increased area of ​​the electrically conductive track 60 allows for greater design flexibility regarding the track shape.

[0242] The second insulation section 40d may be positioned adjacent to the electrically conductive track 60 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. The second insulation section 40d may extend elongated in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. The length L5 of the second insulation section 40d may be 50 mm to 90 mm. Preferably, the length L5 of the second insulation section 70 may be 60 mm to 80 mm.

[0243] The second insulation section 40d may have a plurality of holes H1, H2, and H3 spaced apart from each other. The plurality of holes H1, H2, and H3 may penetrate the sheet 40 in the thickness direction or in the z direction. The plurality of holes H1, H2, and H3 may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the sheet 40. The plurality of holes H1, H2, and H3 may form rows and columns.

[0244] The sheet 40 may include first to fifth parts 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, and 40e. A susceptor 50 may be located in the first part 40a. An electrically conductive track 60 may be located in the second part 40b. A third part 40c may be located in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40 between the first part 40a and the second part 40b and connected to the first part 40a and the second part 40b. A fourth part 40d may be located in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, opposite the third part 40c to the second part 40b and connected to the second part 40b and the fifth part 40e. The fourth part 40d may have a plurality of holes H1, H2, and H3. That is, the fourth part 40d is part of the sheet 40 and can be called the second insulation section 40d. The fifth part 40e is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, facing the second part 40b relative to the second insulation part 40d, and can be connected to the second insulation part 40d.

[0245] The fifth part 40e can be elongated. The length A6 of the fifth part 40e, defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, may be greater than the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60, defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. The shortest distance A6 between the multiple holes H1, H2, H3 of the second insulation section 40d and the other end of the sheet 40 may be greater than the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60, defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. In the heater assembly 30, the fifth part 40e can form at least one layer surrounding the outside of the second insulation section 40d.

[0246] The sheet 40 may be wound in a direction from one end of the first part 40a toward one end of the fifth part 40e. In the hollow heater assembly 30, the second part 40b may be located outside the first part 40a, the second insulation part 40d may be located outside the second part 40b, and the fifth part 40e may be located outside the second insulation part 40d.

[0247] The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can be attached to the sheet 40 by heat fusion. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 are placed on the first surface 41 of the first part 40a and the second part 40b of the sheet 40, respectively, and the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can be attached to the sheet 40 by heating the sheet 40, the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 to a certain temperature or higher.

[0248] Therefore, the bonding structure of the heater assembly can be simplified.

[0249] The thickness T1 of the susceptor 50 may be 0.01 to 0.03 mm. The thickness T2 of the electrically conductive track 60 may be 0.03 mm to 0.05 mm. The thickness T0 of the sheet 40 may be 0.015 to 0.035 mm. The thickness T2 of the electrically conductive track 60 may be greater than the thickness T0 of the sheet 40 and the thickness T1 of the susceptor 50. The thickness T0 of the sheet 40 may be greater than the thickness T1 of the susceptor 50. The thin film type susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can be wound together with a single thin sheet 40 including a second insulating section 40d to form a hollow heater assembly 30.

[0250] Therefore, the size of the hollow heater assembly 30 can be reduced, thereby reducing the size of the aerosol generator 1. In addition, the production process for the heater assembly 30 can be simplified, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0251] Figures 34 to 36 show the second heat insulating portion of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0252] Referring to Figure 34, the multiple holes H1, H2, and H3 of the second insulation section 40d may be arranged in at least one group. The multiple holes H1, H2, and H3 may include a plurality of first holes H1 arranged in rows and columns in one area of ​​the sheet 40. The area where the first holes H1 are located can be called the first group or the 2-1 insulation section 40d1. The multiple holes H1, H2, and H3 may include a plurality of second holes H2 arranged in rows and columns in one area of ​​the sheet 40. The area where the second holes H2 are located can be called the second group or the 2-2 insulation section 40d2. The multiple holes H1, H2, and H3 may include a plurality of third holes H3 arranged in rows and columns in one area of ​​the sheet 40. The area where the third holes H3 are located can be called the third group or the 2-3 insulation section 40d3. Figure 10 shows three second insulation sections as an example, but the number of second insulation sections is not limited to this, and there may be at least one second insulation section.

[0253] The 2-1 to 2-3 insulation sections 40d1, 40d2, and 40d3 may be arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. In the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, the 2-1 insulation section 40d1 may be located more adjacent to the susceptor 50 and / or the electrically conductive track 60 than the 2-2 and 2-3 insulation sections 40d2 and 40d3. The multiple first holes H1 of the 2-1 insulation section 40d1 may be aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction and / or width direction of the sheet 40. The multiple first holes H1 may be aligned with each other in at least one row in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. In the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, the 2-2 insulation section 40d2 may be located between the 2-1 insulation section 40d1 and the 2-3 insulation section 40d3. The 2-2 insulation section 40d2 may be connected to the 2-1 insulation section 40d1 and the 2-3 insulation section 40d3. Multiple second holes H2 of the second-second insulation section 40d2 can be aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction and / or width direction of the sheet 40. Multiple second holes H2 can be aligned with each other in at least one row in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. The second-third insulation section 40d3 can be connected to the second-second insulation section 40d2. Multiple third holes H3 of the second-third insulation section 40d3 can be aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction and / or width direction of the sheet 40. Multiple third holes H3 can be aligned with each other in at least one row in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. Multiple first holes H1, second holes H2 and third holes H3 can be aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40.

[0254] Multiple first holes H1 can be spaced apart from each other at a constant interval P21 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. Multiple second holes H2 can be spaced apart from each other at a constant interval P22 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. Multiple third holes H3 can be spaced apart from each other at a constant interval P23 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. The spacing P21 of the first holes H1 may be smaller than the spacing P22 of the second holes H2. The spacing P22 of the second holes H2 may be smaller than the spacing P23 of the third holes H3.

[0255] In the longitudinal direction of sheet 40, the spacing P21 of the first hole H1 may be greater than the diameter DH of the first hole H1. The spacing P22 of the second hole H2 may be greater than the diameter of the second hole H2. The spacing P23 of the third hole H3 may be greater than the diameter of the third hole H3.

[0256] Multiple first holes H1 can be spaced apart from each other at a constant interval P1 in the width direction of the sheet 40. Multiple second holes H2 can be spaced apart from each other at a constant interval P1 in the width direction of the sheet 40. Multiple third holes H3 can be spaced apart from each other at a constant interval P1 in the width direction of the sheet 40. Multiple holes H1, H2, and H3 can be arranged at a distance from the upper and lower ends of the sheet 40 or the second heat insulating section 40d in the width direction of the sheet 40.

[0257] The diameters of the first hole H1 to the third hole H3 may be the same. However, at least one of the first hole H1 to the third hole H3 may have a different diameter from the other holes.

[0258] Therefore, in a structure in which multiple layers of the heater assembly 30 are formed by winding a single sheet 40, the first hole H1 to the third hole H3, located in different layers from each other, can be arranged offset from each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43.

[0259] Referring to Figure 35, the 2-1 to 2-3 insulation sections 40d1, 40d2, and 40d3 can be arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. Multiple first holes H1 can be aligned with each other in at least one row CL1 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. Multiple second holes H2 can be aligned with each other in at least one row CL2 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. Multiple third holes H3 can be aligned with each other in at least one row CL3 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40.

[0260] Multiple first holes H1 and multiple second holes H2 may be arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. At least one row CL1 formed by the multiple first holes H1 may be arranged offset from at least one row CL2 formed by the multiple second holes H2 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. Multiple second holes H2 and multiple third holes H3 may be arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. At least one row CL2 formed by the multiple second holes H2 may be arranged offset from at least one row CL3 formed by the multiple third holes H3 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40.

[0261] Multiple first holes H1 can be spaced apart from each other at a constant interval P21 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. Multiple second holes H2 can be spaced apart from each other at a constant interval P22 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. Multiple third holes H3 can be spaced apart from each other at a constant interval P23 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. The spacing P21 of the first holes H1 may be smaller than the spacing P22 of the second holes H2. The spacing P22 of the second holes H2 may be smaller than the spacing P23 of the third holes H3.

[0262] In the longitudinal direction of sheet 40, the spacing P21 of the first hole H1 may be 0.4 times or more the diameter DH of the first hole H1. The spacing P22 of the second hole H2 may be 0.4 times or more the diameter of the second hole H2. The spacing P23 of the third hole H3 may be 0.4 times or more the diameter of the third hole H3.

[0263] Multiple first holes H1 can be spaced apart from each other at a constant interval P1 in the width direction of the sheet 40. Multiple second holes H2 can be spaced apart from each other at a constant interval P1 in the width direction of the sheet 40. Multiple third holes H3 can be spaced apart from each other at a constant interval P1 in the width direction of the sheet 40. The spacing P1 of the first holes H1 can be 0.4 times or more the diameter DH of the first hole H1 in the width direction of the sheet 40. The spacing P1 of the second holes H2 can be 0.4 times or more the diameter of the second hole H2. The spacing P1 of the third holes H3 can be 0.4 times or more the diameter of the third hole H3.

[0264] The diameters of the first hole H1 to the third hole H3 may be the same. However, at least one of the first hole H1 to the third hole H3 may have a different diameter from the other holes.

[0265] Therefore, in a structure where one sheet 40 is wound to form a plurality of layers of the heater assembly 30, the first hole H1 to the third hole H3 located in different layers can be arranged offset from each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43.

[0266] Referring to FIG. 36, the second - 1 to second - 3 heat insulation parts 40d1, 40d2, 40d3 can be sequentially arranged in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. The plurality of first holes H1 can be aligned with each other in at least one row in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. The plurality of second holes H2 can be aligned with each other in at least one row in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. The plurality of third holes H3 can be aligned with each other in at least one row in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40.

[0267] The first holes H1 included in two adjacent columns CL4, CL5 among the plurality of columns of the second - 1 heat insulation part 40d1 can be arranged offset from each other in the width direction of the sheet 40. For example, the first holes H1 included in the first column CL4 and the third column CL6 among the plurality of columns can be arranged offset from the first holes H1 included in the second column CL5 and the fourth column CL7 in the width direction of the sheet 40. Similar to the second - 1 heat insulation part 40d1, the second holes H2 included in two adjacent columns among the plurality of columns of the second - 2 heat insulation part 40d2 can be arranged offset from each other in the width direction of the sheet 40, and the third holes H3 included in two adjacent columns among the plurality of columns of the second - 3 heat insulation part 40d3 can be arranged offset from each other in the width direction of the sheet 40.

[0268] In the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, a plurality of first holes H1 can be spaced apart from each other at a constant interval P21. In the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, a plurality of second holes H2 can be spaced apart from each other at a constant interval P22. In the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, a plurality of third holes H3 can be spaced apart from each other at a constant interval P23. The spacing interval P21 of the first holes H1 may be smaller than the spacing interval P22 of the second holes H2. The spacing interval P22 of the second holes H2 may be smaller than the spacing interval P23 of the third holes H3.

[0269] Therefore, in a structure where one sheet 40 is wound to form a plurality of layers of the heater assembly 30, the first holes H1 to the third holes H3 located in different layers can be arranged offset from each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43.

[0270] FIGS. 37 and 38 are diagrams showing a developed state of a heater assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed descriptions of features overlapping with the heater assembly of FIGS. 32 and 33 are omitted.

[0271] Referring to FIGS. 37 and 38, the heater assembly 30 can include a sheet 40, a susceptor 50, an electrically conductive track 60, and a second heat insulating portion 40d. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can be arranged on the sheet 40. The second heat insulating portion 40d is a part of the sheet 40 and can be included in a region of the sheet 40. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can be arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40.

[0272] The second heat insulating portion 40d can be arranged adjacent to the susceptor 50 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. The second heat insulating portion 40d can overlap the electrically conductive track 60 in the thickness direction of the sheet 40.

[0273] The second heat insulating portion 40d can include a plurality of holes H1, H2, H3, H4 spaced apart from each other. At least a part of the plurality of holes H1, H2, H3, H4 can overlap the electrically conductive track 60 in the thickness direction of the sheet 40.

[0274] Sheet 40 may include first to fifth parts 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, and 40e. A susceptor 50 may be located in the first part 40a. An electrically conductive track 60 may be located in the second part 40b. Some of the multiple holes H1, H2, H3, and H4 may be included in the fourth part 40d. Some of the multiple holes H1, H2, H3, and H4 may be included in the second part 40d.

[0275] The sheet 40 may be wound in a direction from one end of the first part 40a toward one end of the fifth part 40e. In the hollow heater assembly 30, the second insulation section 40d may be located outside the electrically conductive track 60, and the fifth part 40e may be located outside the second insulation section 40d.

[0276] Figure 39 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figures 40 and 41 are cross-sectional views showing the stepped separation structure of the heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 39 is a diagram showing a cross-section of the heater assembly along line AA in Figure 4, and Figures 40 and 41 are diagrams showing a cross-section of the heater assembly along line BB in Figure 4.

[0277] Referring to Figure 39, the susceptor 50 may be located on the innermost side of the hollow heater assembly 30. An insertion space 43 may be located inside the susceptor 50. The susceptor 50 may form at least a portion of the insertion space 43. The susceptor 50 may surround at least a portion of the insertion space 43. The inner surface of the susceptor 50 may be exposed to the insertion space 43. The susceptor 50 may face the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. At least a portion of the inner surface of the susceptor 50 may be in contact with the outer surface of the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43.

[0278] Therefore, the thin-film susceptor forms at least a portion of the insertion space and comes into direct contact with the stick inserted into the insertion space, thereby increasing the thermal efficiency transferred to the stick.

[0279] The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can be separated from the upper and lower ends of the sheet 40. In the hollow heater assembly 30, the first part 40a and the second part 40b can be in contact with each other at their upper and lower ends. The structure in which the upper and lower ends of the first part 40a and the second part 40b are in contact with each other, and the fifth parts 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, and 40e are wound from the first part, allows the electrically conductive track 60 to be sealed to the outside.

[0280] The hollow heater assembly 30 can be coupled with brackets 91 and 92. The brackets 91 and 92 can be glued to or pressed into the heater assembly 30. With the hollow heater assembly 30 coupled with brackets 91 and 92, the heater assembly 30 and brackets 91 and 92 can be heated to a certain temperature or higher.

[0281] Therefore, the heater assembly can be sealed to the outside, minimizing the release of heat generated by the electrically conductive pattern to the outside of the heater assembly.

[0282] The insertion opening 913 of the first bracket 91 can communicate with the upper side of the insertion space 43. The hole 924 of the second bracket 92 can communicate with the lower side of the insertion space 43. The stick S can be inserted into the insertion space 43 through the insertion opening 913. Through the hole 924, outside air can flow from outside the heater assembly 30 into the interior of the stick S via the end of the stick S. The inner circumferential surface of the first bracket body 911 can support at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The upper surface 923 of the second bracket body 921 can support at least a portion of the lower end of the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, the first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92 can be separated from the susceptor 50. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, the lower end of the first bracket body 911 may be separated from the upper end 53 of the susceptor 50, and the upper end of the second bracket body 921 may be separated from the lower end 54 of the susceptor 50.

[0283] A stick sensing sensor 133 may be positioned on the heater assembly 30. The stick sensing sensor 133 can sense the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. For example, the stick sensing sensor 133 may be an induction sensor and / or a capacitance sensor. The stick sensing sensor 133 may be positioned adjacent to the lower end of the insertion space 43. The stick sensing sensor 133 may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the lower side of the heater assembly 30. The stick sensing sensor 133 may be in contact with the fifth part 40e or the outermost layer of the sheet 40 and to surround the fifth part 40e or the outermost layer. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, the stick sensing sensor 133 may be positioned below the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, the stick sensing sensor 133 may be positioned away from the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60.

[0284] Therefore, the transfer of heat from the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 to the sensor 133 can be minimized. In addition, the accuracy of stick S detection by the sensor 133 can be improved.

[0285] Referring to Figure 40 together with Figure 39, the heater assembly 30 may have layers formed radially outward from the insertion space 43 in the following order: susceptor 50, first part 40a and / or third part 40c of sheet 40, electrically conductive track 60, second part 40b of sheet 40, second insulation part 40d, and fifth part 40e of sheet 40. The second insulation part 40d can form multiple layers outside the electrically conductive track 60. The second insulation part 40d can form three to five layers outside the electrically conductive track 60. For example, the second-first insulation part 40d1 can form at least one layer outside the electrically conductive track 60, the second-second insulation part 40d2 can form at least one layer outside the second-first insulation part 40d1, and the second-third insulation part 40d3 can form at least one layer outside the second-second insulation part 40d2. The length L5 of the second insulation section 40d may be between 3 and 5 times the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60. The second insulation section 40d can surround the outside of the second part 40b and the electrically conductive track 60 by 3 to 5 turns.

[0286] The multiple holes H1, H2, and H3 of the heater assembly 30 can be arranged so as not to overlap each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43. For example, the first hole H1 of the second-first insulation section 40d1 and the second hole H2 of the second-second insulation section 40d2 can be offset from each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43. For example, the second hole H2 of the second-second insulation section 40d2 and the third hole H3 of the second-third insulation section 40d3 can be offset from each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43. Thus, each of the multiple holes H1, H2, and H3 of the second insulation section 40d is sealed from the outside, and multiple air layers can be formed within the second insulation section 40d by each hole.

[0287] The second part 40b of the sheet 40 is disposed outside the electrically conductive track 60 and can form at least one layer outside the electrically conductive track 60. The second part 40b of the sheet 40 can form at least one layer between the electrically conductive track 60 and the second heat insulating part 40d1. One surface of the second part 40b contacts the electrically conductive track 60 and can surround the outside of the electrically conductive track 60.

[0288] The fifth part 40e of the sheet 40 can form at least one layer surrounding the outside of the second heat insulating part 40d. By at least one layer formed by the fifth part 40e outside the second heat insulating part 40d, a plurality of holes H1, H2, H3 of the second heat insulating part 40d can be sealed from the outside by the sheet 40.

[0289] Therefore, by surrounding the outside of the electrically conductive track 60 and forming a plurality of layers, the second heat insulating part 40d can minimize the divergence of the heat generated in the electrically conductive track 60 to the outside of the heater assembly 30 and enhance the heat insulation performance.

[0290] Also, since the plurality of holes H1, H2, H3 of the second heat insulating part 40d are arranged offset from each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43 and an air layer is formed by each hole, the heat insulation performance can be enhanced, and the dimensions can be easily controlled in the process of heat-sealing the heater assembly 30 in which a plurality of layers are formed.

[0291] Also, by providing a structure in which the plurality of holes H1, H2, H3 of the second heat insulating part 40d are sealed from the outside by the sheet 40, the heater assembly 30 can be effectively sealed.

[0292] In a structure in which one sheet 40 is wound to form multiple layers, steps may be formed at the points where one layer connects to another. For example, steps may be formed in the heater assembly 30 at the positions where one end 64 and the other end 65 of the electrically conductive track 60 are located in the longitudinal direction. Steps may be formed in the heater assembly 30 at the positions where one end 64 and the other end 65 of the electrically conductive track 60 are located in the circumferential direction of the insertion space 43. These steps can be called the first step portion SP1. For example, a gap G1 is formed between one end 51 and the other end 52 of the susceptor 50 in the circumferential direction of the insertion space 43 (see Figure 6), and steps may be formed in the heater assembly 30 at the positions where the gap G1 is formed in the circumferential direction of the insertion space 43. These steps can be called the second step portion SP2.

[0293] The first stepped portion SP1 and the second stepped portion SP2 may be offset from each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43 or the heater assembly 30. The first stepped portion SP1 and the second stepped portion SP2 do not have to overlap each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43 or the heater assembly 30.

[0294] The first stepped portion SP1 can be separated from the gap G1 or the second stepped portion SP2 by a certain angle. For example, the angle c1 formed by the first stepped portion SP1 and the gap G1 or the second stepped portion SP2 with respect to the center O or central axis of the heater assembly 30 may be between 80 and 100 degrees. Preferably, the angle c1 formed by the first stepped portion SP1 and the gap G1 or the second stepped portion SP2 may be about 90 degrees.

[0295] In a flat sheet 40, the distance at which the electrically conductive track 60 is separated from the susceptor 50 may correspond to a range of 0.23 to 0.28 times the length L1 of the susceptor 50 as defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. Preferably, the distance at which the electrically conductive track 60 is separated from the susceptor 50 may correspond to approximately 0.25 times the length L1 of the susceptor 50 as defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40.

[0296] Compared to other parts surrounding the insertion space 43, heat may not be uniformly transferred to the insertion space 43 through the first stepped section SP1 and the second stepped section SP2. With repeated use of the aerosol generator 1, the degree of deterioration of the first stepped section SP1 and the second stepped section SP2 may differ from the degree of deterioration of other parts surrounding the insertion space 43. If the first stepped section SP1 and the second stepped section SP2 are arranged in an overlapping manner, the difference between the degree of deterioration of those parts and the degree of deterioration of other parts may become large. In addition, certain parts of the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43 may not be heated properly, and those parts may be more vulnerable to external impacts than other parts.

[0297] The first stepped portion SP1 and the second stepped portion SP2 can be positioned 90 degrees apart from each other with respect to the insertion space 43. This effectively prevents different parts of the heater assembly 30 from deteriorating differently, and allows the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43 to be heated uniformly. Furthermore, damage to the heater assembly 30 due to external impacts can be minimized.

[0298] Referring to Figure 41 together with Figure 39, the heater assembly 30 may have layers formed radially outward from the insertion space 43, in the following order: susceptor 50, first part 40a and / or third part 40c of sheet 40, electrically conductive track 60, second part 40b of sheet 40, second insulation part 40d and fifth part 40e of sheet 40.

[0299] Some of the multiple holes H1, H2, H3, and H4 may be included in the second part 40d. That is, the second part 40b may form part of the second insulation section 40d. The second part 40b may be defined as the second-first insulation section 40d1 of the second insulation section 40d. The second-first insulation section 40d1 is located outside the electrically conductive track 60 and may form at least one layer outside the electrically conductive track 60. One surface of the second-first insulation section 40d1 may contact the electrically conductive track 60 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43 and surround the outside of the electrically conductive track 60.

[0300] The multiple holes H1, H2, H3, and H4 of the heater assembly 30 can be arranged so as not to overlap each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43. For example, the first hole H1 of the second-first insulation section 40d1 and the second hole H2 of the second-second insulation section 40d2 can be arranged offset from each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43. For example, the second hole H2 of the second-second insulation section 40d2 and the third hole H3 of the second-third insulation section 40d3 can be arranged offset from each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43. For example, the third hole H3 of the second-third insulation section 40d3 and the fourth hole H4 of the second-fourth insulation section 40d4 can be arranged offset from each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43. Thus, each of the multiple holes H1, H2, H3, and H4 of the second insulation section 40d is sealed from the outside, and multiple air layers can be formed within the second insulation section 40d by each hole.

[0301] The fifth part 40e of sheet 40 can form at least one layer surrounding the outside of the second insulation portion 40d. The at least one layer formed by the fifth part 40e on the outside of the second insulation portion 40d allows the multiple holes H1, H2, H3, and H4 of the second insulation portion 40d to be sealed from the outside by sheet 40.

[0302] Therefore, the second insulation section 40d surrounds the outside of the electrically conductive track 60, forming multiple layers, which minimizes the heat generated in the electrically conductive track 60 from escaping to the outside of the heater assembly 30, thereby improving the insulation performance.

[0303] Furthermore, the multiple holes H1, H2, H3, and H4 of the second insulation section 40d are arranged offset from each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43, and an air layer is formed by each hole, thereby improving the insulation performance, and the dimensions can be easily controlled in the process of heat-sealing the heater assembly 30 in which multiple layers are formed.

[0304] Furthermore, the heater assembly 30 can be effectively sealed by having the multiple holes H1, H2, H3, and H4 of the second insulation section 40d sealed from the outside by the sheet 40.

[0305] Figure 42 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0306] 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 42. 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 allow for the omission of some of the components shown in Figure 42 or the addition of new components.

[0307] 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.

[0308] Sensor 13 may include at least one of the following: temperature sensor 131, puff sensor 132, insertion sensor 133, reuse sensor 134, motion sensor 137, and humidity sensor 138.

[0309] 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.

[0310] 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.

[0311] 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.

[0312] The temperature sensor 131 is located inside the body 10 and can sense the internal temperature of the body 10.

[0313] 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.

[0314] The stick sensing sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The stick sensing sensor can be described as an insertion sensing sensor. The insertion sensing sensor 133 can detect a 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 a 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.

[0315] An induction sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the induction sensor may be placed adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if the magnetic field changes around a coil through which current flows, Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction applies. The characteristics of the current flowing through the coil can change depending on the law. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil can include the frequency of the AC current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0316] 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.

[0317] 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.

[0318] 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.

[0319] 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.

[0320] 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 gyroscope.

[0321] The humidity sensor 138 can sense the humidity of the aerosol generator and / or the cartridge. The humidity sensor 138 can sense the humidity of the outside air and / or the humidity inside the cartridge. The humidity sensor 138 can be implemented as a capacitive sensor or the like. The humidity sensor 138 can be located on the outside of the body 10 or in the path through which outside air flows in, and can measure the humidity around the aerosol generator 1. The humidity sensor 138 can be located inside the storage section C1 of the cartridge 19, and can measure the humidity inside the cartridge 19.

[0322] Sensor 13 may further include at least one of the following, in addition to the aforementioned sensors 131 to 138: 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.

[0323] 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 unit 141 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0324] 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 mounting / removal status of the upper case, 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.

[0325] 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.

[0326] 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.

[0327] 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.

[0328] Although not shown in Figure 42, 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.

[0329] 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.

[0330] 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 42, 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 supply.

[0331] 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 42, 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 42, 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.

[0332] 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.

[0333] 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.

[0334] 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.

[0335] 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).

[0336] On the other hand, the input section 15 may include, but is not limited to, buttons, keypads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0337] 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.

[0338] 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.

[0339] 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, an Ant+ communication unit, and the like.

[0340] 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.

[0341] Although not shown in Figure 42, 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.

[0342] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 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.

[0343] 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.

[0344] 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.

[0345] The control unit 12 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts the DC power output from the power supply 11 into AC power. For example, the inverter can be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit that includes multiple switching elements.

[0346] 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.

[0347] 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.

[0348] 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.

[0349] 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).

[0350] 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.

[0351] 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.

[0352] 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.

[0353] 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.

[0354] 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.

[0355] 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.

[0356] 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.

[0357] 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.

[0358] 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.

[0359] 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.

[0360] 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.

[0361] 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.

[0362] 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.

[0363] 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.

[0364] 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 upper case have 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.

[0365] 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.

[0366] 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.

[0367] 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.

[0368] 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.

[0369] 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.

[0370] 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.

[0371] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the size of the device can be reduced by forming the heater assembly by winding together the thin-film susceptor, the electrically conductive pattern, and the first heat insulating portion together with the sheet, which are arranged on a single sheet.

[0372] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the process for producing the heater assembly can be simplified by forming the heater assembly by winding together the thin-film susceptor, the electrically conductive pattern, and the first insulation portion, which are arranged on a single sheet, together with the sheet.

[0373] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater assembly can be effectively sealed and heat release to the outside can be minimized by having a structure in which the first heat insulating portion and the sheet together surround the outside of the electrically conductive pattern.

[0374] According to at least one of the embodiments of this disclosure, the adhesive structure of the heater assembly can be simplified by attaching the first heat insulating portion to the sheet by heat fusion.

[0375] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the structure is such that the stepped portions generated by the winding of the sheet are offset from each other, thereby preventing different parts of the heater assembly from deteriorating differently.

[0376] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the structure has such that the stepped portions generated by the winding of the sheet are offset from each other, thereby enabling uniform heating of the stick inserted into the heater assembly.

[0377] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a thin-film susceptor can increase the thermal efficiency transferred to the stick by forming an insertion space and making direct contact with the inserted stick.

[0378] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the rigidity of the heater assembly can be ensured by providing brackets that can fix the upper and lower ends of the heater assembly.

[0379] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the structure has a heat diffusion section positioned between the susceptor and the electrically conductive track and / or outside the electrically conductive track, thereby allowing the heat generated in the electrically conductive track to be uniformly diffused to the susceptor and the insertion space.

[0380] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat diffusion section has a structure in which it is in surface contact with the electrically conductive track, thereby increasing the thermal efficiency of heat transfer from the electrically conductive track to the heat diffusion section.

[0381] According to at least one of the embodiments of this disclosure, the thermal diffusion rate can be increased by including graphene in the thermal diffusion portion.

[0382] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater assembly can be effectively sealed and heat release to the outside can be minimized by having a structure in which a sheet surrounds the outside of the electrically conductive pattern multiple times.

[0383] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second insulating portion has a structure that surrounds the outside of the electrically conductive pattern, thereby minimizing heat release to the outside.

[0384] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the thermal insulation performance can be enhanced by having a structure in which the second thermal insulation portion surrounds the outside of the electrically conductive pattern multiple times.

[0385] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second heat insulating portion has a structure in which a plurality of holes are formed in the sheet and the plurality of holes do not overlap each other in the radial direction, thereby improving the heat insulating performance and increasing the heat heating efficiency of the heater assembly.

[0386] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater assembly can be effectively sealed and its thermal insulation performance enhanced by having a structure in which a plurality of holes in the second thermal insulation section are sealed to the outside by a sheet.

[0387] Referring to Figures 1 to 42, an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a body 10, a power supply 11 mounted on the body 10, and a hollow heater assembly 30 mounted on the body 10 and providing an insertion space 43 with one side open, wherein the heater assembly 30 includes a long sheet 40, a susceptor 50, and an electrically conductive track 60 attached to the sheet 40 and generating heat by receiving power from the power supply 11, wherein the heater assembly 30 can be formed by sequentially arranging the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 on the sheet 40 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, and the sheet 40 is rolled in the longitudinal direction.

[0388] Furthermore, according to other aspects of the present disclosure, the heater assembly 30 may include a first insulation section 70, wherein the susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60 and the first insulation section 70 are arranged on one surface 41 of the sheet 40, and the susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60 and the first insulation section 70 are wound together with the sheet 40 such that the one surface 41 faces the insertion space 43.

[0389] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the length L3 of the first heat insulating portion 70 defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40 may be greater than the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60 defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40.

[0390] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the susceptor 50 may surround at least a portion of the insertion space 43, and the heater assembly 30 may be arranged radially outward from the insertion space 43 in the order of the susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60, and the first heat insulating section 70.

[0391] Furthermore, according to other aspects of the present disclosure, the heater assembly 30 includes at least one layer formed on the outside of the electrically conductive track 60, wherein at least a portion of the sheet 40 is formed on the outside of the electrically conductive track 60, and the layers formed by the sheet 40 and the layers formed by the first heat insulating portion 70 may be arranged alternately with respect to each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43.

[0392] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the first heat insulating portion 70 may contain an aerogel and be attached to the sheet 40 by heat fusion.

[0393] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60, and the first heat insulating section 70 may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40.

[0394] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the heater assembly 30 may have a gap G1 formed between one end 51 and the other end 52 of the susceptor 50 in the circumferential direction of the insertion space 43, a first stepped portion SP1 formed at positions corresponding to one end 64 and the other end 65 of the electrically conductive track 60 in the circumferential direction of the insertion space 43, and a second stepped portion SP2 formed at positions corresponding to one end 71 and the other end 72 of the first heat insulating portion 70 in the circumferential direction of the insertion space 43, with the gap G1, the first stepped portion SP1 and the second stepped portion SP2 being offset from each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43.

[0395] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the sheet 40 may include a thermal diffusion section 80 that is arranged in the thickness direction of the sheet 40 in superimposition with at least one of the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60, the thermal diffusion section 80 may include graphene.

[0396] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the length L4 of the heat diffusion portion 80 defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40 is equal to or greater than the length L1 of the susceptor 50 defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, and the heat diffusion portion 80 may be arranged superimposed on the susceptor 50 in the thickness direction of the sheet 40.

[0397] Furthermore, according to other aspects of the present disclosure, the susceptor 50 surrounds at least a portion of the insertion space 43, and the heater assembly 30 includes at least one layer formed by the heat diffusion portion 80, wherein one surface of the at least one layer formed by the heat diffusion portion 80 can be in contact with one surface of the electrically conductive track 60.

[0398] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the at least one layer may be positioned radially between the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 in the insertion space 43.

[0399] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a second insulating portion 40d is included, which is formed in a region of the sheet 40 and comprises a plurality of holes H1, H2, H3 spaced apart from each other, wherein the second insulating portion 40d may be adjacent to the electrically conductive track 60 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40.

[0400] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the second heat insulating portion 40d may be superimposed on the electrically conductive track 60 in the thickness direction of the sheet 40.

[0401] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the second insulation portion 40d may include a second-first insulation portion 40d1 containing a plurality of first holes H1, and a second-second insulation portion 40d2 connected to the second-first insulation portion 40d2 and containing a plurality of second holes H2.

[0402] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the plurality of first holes H1 may be aligned with each other in at least one row along the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, and the plurality of second holes H2 may be aligned with each other in at least one row along the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40.

[0403] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, at least one row of the plurality of first holes H1 may be offset in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40 from at least one row of the plurality of second holes H2.

[0404] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the plurality of first holes H1 may be aligned with each other in a plurality of rows along the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, and the first holes H1 included in two adjacent rows may be offset from each other in the width direction of the sheet 40.

[0405] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the susceptor 50 may surround at least a portion of the insertion space 43, and the heater assembly 30 may be arranged radially outward from the insertion space 43 in the order of the susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60, and the second heat insulating section 40d.

[0406] Furthermore, according to other aspects of the present disclosure, the heater assembly 30 includes the second-first insulation portion 40d1 which is formed outside the electrically conductive track 60 and the second-second insulation portion 40d2 which is formed outside the second-first insulation portion 40d1, wherein the plurality of first holes H1 and the plurality of second holes H2 may be offset from each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43.

[0407] 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.

[0408] 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.

[0409] 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. The body and, The power supply attached to the aforementioned body, The body includes a hollow heater assembly having an insertion space with one side open, The heater assembly is A long, stretching sheet, Susceptor and, The sheet includes an electrically conductive track that is attached to the sheet and generates heat when it receives power from the power source, The heater assembly is formed by sequentially arranging the susceptor and the electrically conductive track on the sheet in the longitudinal direction of the sheet, and by rolling the sheet in the longitudinal direction.

2. Including the first insulation section, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heater assembly is formed by arranging the susceptor, the electrically conductive track, and the first heat insulating portion on one surface of the sheet, and winding the susceptor, the electrically conductive track, and the first heat insulating portion together with the sheet such that the one surface faces the insertion space.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the length of the first heat insulating portion defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet is longer than the length of the electrical conductive track defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet.

4. The susceptor surrounds at least a portion of the insertion space, The heater assembly is arranged radially outward from the insertion space in the order of the susceptor, the electrically conductive track, and the first heat insulating section. The heater assembly includes at least one layer formed on the outside of the electrically conductive track, at least a portion of the sheet The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the layers formed by the sheet and the layers formed by the first heat insulating portion are arranged alternately with respect to the radial direction of the insertion space.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first heat insulating portion contains Aerogel and is attached to the sheet by heat fusion.

6. The susceptor, the electrically conductive track, and the first heat insulating section are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the sheet. The heater assembly is A gap is formed between one end and the other end of the susceptor in the circumferential direction of the insertion space. In the circumferential direction of the insertion space, a first stepped portion is formed at positions corresponding to one end and the other end of the electrically conductive track. In the circumferential direction of the insertion space, a second stepped portion is formed at positions corresponding to one end and the other end of the first heat insulating portion. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the gap, the first stepped portion, and the second stepped portion are offset from each other in the radial direction of the insertion space.

7. The sheet includes a heat diffusion portion that is arranged in the thickness direction of the sheet in superimposition with at least one of the susceptor and the electrically conductive track, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat diffusion section contains graphene.

8. The length of the heat diffusion portion defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet is greater than the length of the susceptor defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the heat diffusion portion is arranged to overlap with the susceptor in the thickness direction of the sheet.

9. The susceptor surrounds at least a portion of the insertion space, The heater assembly includes at least one layer formed by the heat diffusion portion, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein one surface of at least one layer formed by the heat diffusion section is in contact with one surface of the electrically conductive track.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the at least one layer is positioned between the susceptor and the electrically conductive track in the radial direction of the insertion space.

11. The sheet includes a second heat insulating portion which is formed in one region and has a plurality of holes spaced apart from each other, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second heat insulating portion is adjacent to the electrically conductive track in the longitudinal direction of the sheet and overlaps with the electrically conductive track in the thickness direction of the sheet.

12. The second insulation section is, The second-first insulation section includes multiple first holes, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a second-second insulating section connected to the second-first insulating section and including a plurality of second holes.

13. The plurality of first holes are aligned with each other in at least one row along the longitudinal direction of the sheet. The aforementioned plurality of second holes are aligned with each other in at least one row along the longitudinal direction of the sheet. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein at least one row formed by the plurality of first holes is arranged offset in the longitudinal direction of the sheet from at least one row formed by the plurality of second holes.

14. The aforementioned plurality of first holes are arranged in a plurality of rows in the longitudinal direction of the sheet, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first holes included in two adjacent rows among the plurality of rows are arranged offset from each other in the width direction of the sheet.

15. The susceptor surrounds at least a portion of the insertion space, The heater assembly is arranged radially outward from the insertion space in the order of the susceptor, the electrically conductive track, and the second heat insulating section. The heater assembly is The 2-1 heat insulating portion comprises at least one layer formed on the outside of the electrical conductive track, The second-2 insulation portion includes at least one layer formed on the outside of the second-1 insulation portion, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of first holes and the plurality of second holes are arranged offset from each other in the radial direction of the insertion space.

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