Heater module and aerosol generating apparatus containing the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a heater module for heating an aerosol-generating substance, comprising a heater body, a heater disposed inside the heater body for heating the aerosol-generating substance transmitted from the cartridge, and a heater upper sealing member disposed above the heater body, wherein a portion of the heater is exposed above the heater upper sealing member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Relates to a heater module and an aerosol generating device including the same.

Background Art

[0002] An aerosol generating device includes a liquid storage unit that holds an aerosol generating substance, and a cartridge that includes a heater. The cartridge is detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device. Power is transmitted from the aerosol generating device to the cartridge. Thereby, the aerosol generating substance held in the cartridge is heated by the heater.

[0003] When all of the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge is consumed, the cartridge can be replaced. However, generally, the period during which the durability of the heater is maintained is longer than the cycle in which the aerosol generating substance is consumed. Therefore, the heater may be unnecessarily replaced even though it is still usable.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a heater module that can separate a heater from a cartridge and promote reuse of the heater, and an aerosol generating device including the same, in order to solve the above problems.

[0005] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-described problems, and further problems not mentioned in this specification will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A heater module for heating an aerosol-generating substance can be provided, comprising a heater body, a heater disposed inside the heater body for heating the aerosol-generating substance transmitted from a cartridge, and a heater upper sealing member disposed above the heater body, wherein a portion of the heater is exposed above the heater upper sealing member.

[0007] The system further includes a heater control unit, which may include a counting unit for counting the number of puffs.

[0008] The heater further includes a heater control unit, the heater control unit includes a switch that is turned on or off by an external force, and a portion of the terminal portion of the switch may be exposed to the outside of the heater body.

[0009] The terminal portion of the switch includes a first terminal connected to the heater control unit, a second terminal connected to the heater control unit and spaced apart from the first terminal, and a switching terminal connected to the first terminal. The switching terminal is positioned such that one end is connected to the first terminal and the other end is spaced apart from the second terminal, and can be elastically deformed by an external force so that the other end comes into contact with the second terminal.

[0010] The switching terminal may include a receiving portion that is horizontally positioned and receives external forces in the vertical direction.

[0011] The heater upper sealing member may include a side wall that forms a housing space on its inside, a through hole located inside the side wall that connects the upper and lower sides of the heater upper sealing member, and a first conduit located inside the side wall that connects the upper and lower sides of the heater upper sealing member.

[0012] The heater control unit further includes a switch that is turned on or off by an external force, a portion of the terminal portion of the switch is exposed to the outside of the heater body, and the heater upper sealing member includes a switch hole located on the outside of the side wall, the switch hole can be aligned with the terminal portion of the switch.

[0013] The heater is sandwiched between a first heater holder and a second heater holder for fixing the heater, the first heater holder having a through hole connecting the upper and lower sides of the first heater holder and a second conduit connecting the upper and lower sides of the first heater holder, the through hole of the heater upper sealing member and the through hole of the first heater holder being arranged in alignment, and the first conduit and the second conduit being arranged in alignment.

[0014] The second holder includes a housing groove for housing the heater, is made of an elastically deformable material, and can surround the heater.

[0015] The heater further includes a heater housing disposed inside the heater body and outside the first heater holder and the second heater holder, and a heater cover coupled to the upper side of the heater body, wherein the heater upper sealing member is arranged to surround the upper part of the heater housing and can seal the space between the heater cover and the heater housing.

[0016] The heater further includes a heater lower sealing member positioned to surround the lower part of the heater housing, the heater lower sealing member being able to seal the space between the main body and the heater housing.

[0017] The embodiment provides an aerosol generating apparatus comprising a main body, a heater module detachably coupled to the main body and including a heater for heating an aerosol generating substance, and a cartridge detachably coupled to the main body and holding the aerosol generating substance transmitted to the heater, wherein the heater module includes a heater body and a heater disposed inside the heater body for heating the aerosol generating substance transmitted from the cartridge, and a heater upper sealing member disposed above the heater body, and a portion of the heater is exposed above the heater upper sealing member.

[0018] The cartridge includes a moisture-absorbing element, and a portion of the heater that is exposed above the heater upper sealing member can come into contact with the moisture-absorbing element.

[0019] The cartridge includes a protruding recognition projection, and the heater module further includes a heater control unit, the heater control unit may include a switch that is turned on or off by contact with the recognition projection.

[0020] The heater upper sealing member can contact the cartridge to form a space for containing the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the cartridge, and can seal the formed space.

[0021] The heater module includes a side cover that is detachably coupled to the heater body, the body including a flow path connected to an intake sensor located inside the body, a gap formed between the body and the side cover in the vertical direction, and the gap and the flow path can communicate when the heater module is assembled to the body.

[0022] The heater module can form a space at its lower part into which a part of the main body and the connector of the main body are inserted.

[0023] The heater module includes connection terminals connected to the heater control unit. The connection terminals are exposed in a space where a part of the main body and the connector of the main body are inserted. When the heater module is assembled to the main body, the connection terminals can be in electrical contact with the connector.

Advantages of the Invention

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

[0025] According to an embodiment, there is an advantage that the connection of the cartridge in the heater module can be recognized.

[0026] According to an embodiment, there is an advantage that leakage of the aerosol product substance from the cartridge can be prevented through the seal member.

[0027] According to an embodiment, there is an advantage that leakage of the aerosol product substance can be prevented when the cartridge is assembled to the heater module.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a diagram schematically showing an aerosol generating device including a heater module according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment with reference to A-A in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is an exploded view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing the heater module. [Figure 6] It is an exploded view of the heater module shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the heater upper seal member. [Figure 8]This is a diagram of the first heater holder. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the heater. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the structure that supplies electricity to the heater. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the direction of airflow and aerosols within the heater. [Figure 12] This is a side cross-sectional view of the heater module with reference to BB in Figure 5. [Figure 13] This block shows the heater control unit. [Figure 14] This figure shows a cartridge including recognition protrusions. [Figure 15] This figure shows the structure of the heater module into which the recognition protrusion of the cartridge shown in Figure 14 is inserted. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view showing the switch. [Figure 17] This is a diagram showing the cartridge in disassembled form. [Figure 18] This is a side cross-sectional view of the area around the heater when the cartridge is connected to the heater module. [Figure 19] This diagram shows the connection terminals that connect to the main unit. [Figure 20] This is a side cross-sectional view showing the intake sensor located on the main unit and the path of outside air communicating with the intake sensor. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] The embodiments disclosed herein will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, but regardless of the reference numerals in the drawings, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0030] The component suffixes "module" and "part" used in the following description are added or used interchangeably solely for the purpose of facilitating the creation of the specification, and do not have any inherently distinct meaning or role from each other.

[0031] In describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if a specific description of the relevant prior art is deemed to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, such detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and should be understood that the accompanying drawings do not limit the technical ideas disclosed herein and include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions included in the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0032] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe various components, but such components are not limited by those terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0033] When one component is said to be "linked" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it is either directly linked to the other component, or may be connected, but may have other components in between. On the other hand, when one component is said to be "directly linked" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0034] Unless otherwise clearly stated in the context, singular expressions include plural forms.

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an aerosol generating apparatus including a heater module according to one embodiment.

[0036] In the following diagram, the x-axis represents the width x of the aerosol generator 1 including the heater module 20, the y-axis represents the thickness direction of the aerosol generator 1 including the heater module 20, and the z-axis represents the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator 1 including the heater module 20.

[0037] Hereafter, "vertical direction," "upper side," "upper end," "lower side," "lower end," "up," and "down" refer to the z-axis in the drawing.

[0038] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generator 1 can include a main body 10, a heater module 20, and a cartridge 30.

[0039] The main unit 10 may include at least one of the following: a power supply 11, a control unit 12, and a sensor 13. The cartridge 30 may be attached to the main unit 10.

[0040] The power supply 11 can supply power to the components of the aerosol generator 1 so that they can operate. The power supply 11 is sometimes called a battery. The power supply 11 can supply power to at least one of the following: the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the heater module 20.

[0041] The control unit 12 can control the entire operation of the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit 12 can control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11, sensor 13, and cartridge 30. The control unit 12 can control the operation of the display, motor, etc., provided in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is in an operational state.

[0042] The control unit 12 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor 13 and then control the processes to be performed. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater module 20 so that the operation of the heater module 20 starts or stops. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater module 20 and the duration of power supply so that the heater module 20 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0043] Sensor 13 may include at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, or a motion detection sensor. For example, sensor 13 can sense at least one of the following: the temperature of the heater module 20, the temperature of the power supply 11, or the temperature inside and outside the main unit 10. For example, sensor 13 can sense the user's puff. For example, sensor 13 can sense whether a cartridge 30 is installed. For example, sensor 13 can sense the movement of the aerosol generator 1.

[0044] The heater module 20 can be detachably attached to the main body 10. The heater module 20 is located between the cartridge 30 and the main body 10 and can generate aerosols by converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material to a gaseous phase. The heater module 20 can generate aerosols by heating the aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge 30.

[0045] For example, the heater module 20 can heat the aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge 30 to generate vapor from the aerosol-generating material. The generated vapor can be mixed with outside air that flows into the heater module 20 from outside to generate an aerosol. In this embodiment, "aerosol" can mean particles produced when the vapor generated by heating the aerosol-generating material is mixed with air, and this expression may be used with the same meaning below.

[0046] The cartridge 30 can be detachably attached to the main body 10. The cartridge 30 can be located above the heater module 20. The cartridge 30 stores an aerosol-generating substance inside. The aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 30 is supplied to the heater module 20. The cartridge 30 may include a mouthpiece 30a. When a user sucks on the mouthpiece 30a, they can inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generator 1.

[0047] The outside air that flows into the main unit 10 can pass through the cartridge 30 and flow into the user's mouth via the airflow channel CN.

[0048] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment, Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment, with reference to AA in Figure 2, and Figure 4 is an exploded view of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment.

[0049] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, one embodiment of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 can include a main body 10, a heater module 20, and a cartridge 30.

[0050] The main body 10 is located at the lower end of the heater module 20 and can support the heater module 20. A power supply 11 and a control unit 12 for the operation of the aerosol generator 1 may be located inside the main body 10. The main body 10 may also have a user interface and a display means for visually indicating the operating status and battery status. A mouthpiece 31C may protrude from the upper end of the main body 10.

[0051] The heater module 20 may be positioned on the upper side of the main body 10. The heater module 20 may be detachably coupled to the main body 10. When the target number of uses of the heater module 20 has been exceeded, it may be replaced with a new one. Such a heater module may include a heater (e.g., heater 22 in Figure 6).

[0052] The cartridge 30 may be positioned above the heater module 20. The cartridge 30 may be detachably coupled to the main body 10, sandwiching the heater module 20.

[0053] An aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment may further include a cover 11a. The cover 11a can form a space inside which to house the main body 10, the heater module 20, and the cartridge 30. The cover 11a may be formed to surround at least a portion of the main body 10, the heater module 20, and the cartridge 30. Such a cover 11a determines the positions of the main body 10, the heater module 20, and the cartridge 30, respectively. The cover 11a can then protect the main body 10, the heater module 20, and the cartridge 30 from external impacts and the inflow of foreign matter, respectively.

[0054] The cover 11a may be formed integrally with the main body 10, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0055] The heater module 20 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 5 to 12.

[0056] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the heater module 20, and Figure 6 is an exploded view of the heater module 20 shown in Figure 5.

[0057] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the heater module 20 may include a heater body 21, a heater 22, and a side cover 23.

[0058] The heater body 21 may include a structure for fixing the heater 22. The heater body 21 may also include a terminal for connecting to the heater 22, a flow path structure for the aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge, and so on. The upper end of the heater body 21 may include a connection structure for connecting to the cartridge. The lower end of the heater body 21 may include a housing structure for housing the connector of the body 10 (for example, connector CT in Figure 4).

[0059] The specific configuration of the heater unit 21 is as follows:

[0060] The heater body 21 may include a heater module housing 21a, a heater cover 21b, a heater upper sealing member 21c, a first heater holder 21d, a second heater holder 21e, a heater housing 21f, and a heater lower sealing member 21g.

[0061] The heater module housing 21a can form the exterior of the heater module 20. The heater cover 21b can be coupled to the upper end of the heater module housing 21a. The heater upper sealing member 21c can be fixed to the heater cover 21b. The heater upper sealing member 21c can be located inside the heater cover 21b. The first heater holder 21d can serve to fix the heater 22 and form a channel through which aerosols pass. Such a first heater holder 21d can be in contact with the heater upper sealing member 21c. The first heater holder 21d can also be coupled to the heater housing 21f. The second heater holder 21e can serve to enclose the lower end of the heater 22. The second heater holder 21e can be made of an elastically deformable material. The heater housing 21f can secure terminals connected to the heater 22 and provide space for housing a switch that recognizes the cartridge 30. Furthermore, the heater housing 21f can serve to fix the heater 22. The heater lower sealing member 21g is positioned between the heater module housing 21a and the heater housing 21f and can serve to prevent leakage due to the liquefaction of residual aerosol. The substrate 24 is located inside the heater module housing 21a.

[0062] Figure 7 shows the heater upper sealing member 21c.

[0063] Referring to Figure 7, the heater upper sealing member 21c can serve to seal the open upper end of the heater body 21. The heater upper sealing member 21c can form a space for containing aerosols and seal the heater body 21 so that the contained aerosols do not leak out.

[0064] The heater upper sealing member 21c can come into contact with the cartridge 30. The heater upper sealing member 21c can form a structure that accommodates the aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge 30. The heater upper sealing member 21c can include a first conduit 21ca. The first conduit 21ca may be located in the center of the heater upper sealing member 21c. Such a first conduit 21ca may be connected to an airflow channel CN ​​located in the cartridge 30. The heater upper sealing member 21c can also include through holes 21cb. For example, two through holes 21cb may be located on either side of the first conduit 21ca. A portion of the heater 22 can be exposed to the outside of the heater module 20 through the through holes 21cb.

[0065] The heater upper sealing member 21c may include a side wall 21cd. The side wall 21cd may be positioned outside the through hole 21cb and the first conduit 21ca. The side wall 21cd may be positioned to surround the through hole 21cb and the first conduit 21ca. Such a side wall 21cd can contact the lower surface of the second case 32 when the cartridge 30 is connected to the heater module 20, and can serve to seal the inner space of the side wall 21cd.

[0066] On the other hand, the heater upper sealing member 21c may include a switch hole 21ce. The switch hole 21ce may be located on the outside of the side wall 21cd. The recognition projection of the cartridge 30 (32g in Figure 14) can pass through the switch hole 21ce.

[0067] Figure 8 shows the first heater holder 21d.

[0068] Referring to Figure 8, the first heater holder 21d may include a second conduit 21da, which may be in contact with the first conduit 21ca of the heater upper sealing member 21c. The first heater holder 21d may also include a through hole 21db, for example, two through holes 21db may be positioned on either side of the second conduit 21da. The through hole 21db of the first heater holder 21d may be aligned with the through hole 21cb of the heater upper sealing member 21c. The first heater holder 21d may include a hook-shaped fastening portion 21dc, which may be located on the edge of the first heater holder 21d. The first heater holder 21d may be coupled to the second heater holder 21e via the fastening portion 21dc.

[0069] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the heater 22.

[0070] The heater 22 can be fixed to the heater body 21 such that a portion of the heater 22 is exposed to the outside of the heater module 20. The exposed portion of the heater 22 can come into contact with the moisture absorber 34 of the cartridge 30.

[0071] The specific configuration of heater 22 is as follows:

[0072] Referring to Figure 9, the heater 22 may include a hexahedral heater body 22a and side wall portions 22b that project vertically upward from both ends of the heater body 22a. For example, the heater body 22a and the side wall portions 22b may be arranged to form a "U" shape when viewed from the front. The ends of the side wall portions 22b may protrude from the heater upper sealing member 21c by passing through the through hole 21db of the first heater holder 21d and the through hole 22db of the heater upper sealing member 21c. The protruding ends of the side wall portions 22b can come into contact with the moisture absorber 34 of the cartridge 30.

[0073] Such a heater 22 can be formed from any electrically resistant material. For example, electrically resistant materials may be metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the heater 22 may include at least one of a coil heater bonded to a silica wick and a porous ceramic heater.

[0074] As shown in Figure 6, the side cover 23 can be detachably coupled to one side of the heater body 21. The side cover 23 may include grooves to facilitate user gripping and operation. The side cover 23 can also form an internal space to guide outside air into the heater body 21. A coupling structure for coupling with the side cover 23 may be provided on the side of the heater body 21. The gap between the heater body 21 and the side cover 23 can be used as an air intake path.

[0075] Figure 10 shows the structure for supplying electricity to the heater 22.

[0076] Referring to Figure 10, the heater module 20 may include an electrode pattern 25. The electrode pattern 25 may be formed on the underside of the heater body 22a of the heater 22. The heater module 20 may also include a heater terminal 26 that contacts the electrode pattern 25. The heater terminal 26 can be electrically connected to a connector (CT in Figure 4) of the main body. When electricity is transmitted to the heater 22 via the heater terminal 26 and the electrode pattern 25, the heater 22 generates heat, which may generate an aerosol.

[0077] Figure 11 shows the direction of the airflow and aerosols within the heater 22.

[0078] Referring to Figure 11, the heater 22 may be positioned with its side wall portion 22b facing upward and its heater body 22a positioned horizontally. The outside air flowing into the heater module 20 can flow in so as to face the lower surface of the heater body 22a, as shown at P1 in Figure 11. As a result, the outside air flowing into the heater module 20 collides with the lower surface of the heater body 22a. Since the airflow does not flow along the outer surface of the heater 22 but collides with the outer surface of the heater 22, the generation of sludge can be significantly reduced.

[0079] As shown at P2 in Figure 11, the aerosol-generating material is supplied to the heater 22 via the side wall portion 22b, and when the heater 22 is heated, as shown at P3 in Figure 11, an aerosol airflow path can be formed in the center with respect to the width direction x of the heater 22. In this way, the aerosol generated by the heat generated by the heater 22 can be guided into the second conduit 21da of the first heater holder (21d in Figure 8).

[0080] Figure 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the heater module 20 with reference to BB in Figure 5.

[0081] Referring together to Figures 6 and 12, the heater module 20 may include a circuit board 24. The circuit board 24 can be electrically connected to a switch SW, which is a component for recognizing the cartridge 30. The circuit board 24 may also have a puff counting element and a heater resistance memory mounted on it.

[0082] On the other hand, the heater module housing 21a can form a space SP at its lower part into which a part of the main body 10 and a connector (CT in Figure 4) are inserted. The connector CT of the main body 10 can be electrically connected to the substrate 24 of the heater module 20. When the main body 10 and the heater module 20 are assembled, the control unit 12 of the main body 10 and the substrate 24 of the heater module 20 can be electrically connected.

[0083] The following describes the specific configuration of the heater control unit, which is formed by the mounted elements on substrate 24.

[0084] Figure 13 shows a block representing the heater control unit HC.

[0085] Referring to Figure 13, the heater control unit HC may include a counting unit CW, a switch SW, and a memory MO.

[0086] The counting unit CW can count the number of puffs taken by the user. The counting unit CW is connected to the inhalation sensor SS of the main unit 10 and can receive information about the user's puffs. The user's puffs, sensed via the inhalation sensor SS, can be transmitted to the counting unit CW via the connector CT and connection terminal 27 of the main unit 10. The number of puffs taken by the user counted by the counting unit CW can be stored in the memory MO. The memory MO can store the maximum allowable number of puffs that determines the lifespan of the heater module 20, the current number of puffs, and so on.

[0087] When the number of puffs counted by the counting unit CW reaches the maximum allowable number of puffs, the heater control unit HC sends a signal to the control unit 12 of the main unit 10, which can then inform the user via a display device located on the main unit 10. The heater module 20 that has reached the maximum allowable number of puffs can be replaced with a new heater module 20.

[0088] The switch SW is turned on or off by the external force applied by the recognition projection 32g of the cartridge 30, and can generate an electrical signal depending on whether or not the cartridge 30 is installed.

[0089] Figure 14 shows a cartridge 30 containing the recognition protrusion 32g.

[0090] Referring to Figure 14, the cartridge 30 may include a first case 31 and a second case 32. The second case 32 is in contact with the heater module 20.

[0091] The second case 32 may include a recognition projection 32g. The recognition projection 32g may protrude from the lower surface of the second case 32. The recognition projection 32g may be configured to physically press a switch SW located on the heater module 20. By the recognition projection 32g pressing the switch SW located on the heater module 20, the control unit 12 of the main body 10 can recognize that the cartridge 30 is connected to the heater module 20.

[0092] Figure 15 shows the structure of the heater module 20 into which the recognition projection 32g of the cartridge 30 shown in Figure 14 is inserted.

[0093] Referring to Figure 15, the heater module 20 may be provided with a structure that allows the recognition projection 32g to be inserted and contact the switch SW when the cartridge 30 is coupled to the heater module 20. Specifically, the heater cover 21b may include a hole 21ba that aligns with the switch hole 21ce of the heater upper sealing member 21c.

[0094] The recognition projection 32g of the cartridge 30 can be inserted in the direction indicated by IW in Figure 15. The recognition projection 32g can pass through the hole 21ba in the heater cover 21b and the switch hole 21ce in the heater upper sealing member 21c, and contact the switch SW located inside the heater module 20.

[0095] The specific configuration of the switch SW is as follows:

[0096] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the switch SW.

[0097] Referring to Figure 16, the switch SW may include a first terminal Z1, a second terminal Z2, and a switching terminal Z3. The lower end of the first terminal Z1 may be connected to the substrate 24. The upper end of the first terminal Z1 may be connected to the switching terminal Z3. The lower end of the second terminal Z2 may also be connected to the substrate 24.

[0098] The switching terminal Z3 may be positioned with one end connected to the first terminal Z1 and the other end spaced apart from the second terminal Z2. Such a switching terminal Z3 can be positioned so that its other end contacts the second terminal Z2 by being elastically deformed by the recognition projection 32g.

[0099] On the other hand, the switching terminal Z3 may include a receiving portion Z3a. The receiving portion Z3a may have a flat plate shape. The receiving portion Z3a is positioned horizontally and is the part that contacts the recognition projection 32g of the cartridge 30. As shown by the arrow in Figure 16, the recognition projection 32g pushes the receiving portion Z3a downward. As the receiving portion Z3a moves, the other end of the switching terminal Z3 contacts the second terminal Z2 downward, thereby converting the switch SW from the off state to the on state.

[0100] When the switch SW is turned ON, the control unit 12 of the main unit 10 can recognize that the cartridge 30 has been installed in the heater module 20. When the switch SW is turned ON, the control unit 12 of the main unit 10 can make it possible for the user to recognize this visually or audibly through another display device or audio device provided in the main unit 10.

[0101] When the cartridge 30 is removed from the heater module 20, the recognition projection 32g that was pressing against the receiving part Z3a separates from the receiving part Z3a, causing the other end of the switching terminal Z3 to separate from the second terminal Z2, thereby switching the switch SW from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0102] Figure 17 is an exploded view of cartridge 30.

[0103] Referring to Figure 17, the cartridge 30 may include a case, a sealing member 33, and a moisture absorber 34. The case may include a first case 31 and a second case 32. The sealing member 33 is positioned between the first case 31 and the second case 32. The moisture absorber 34 is seated in the second case 32 and positioned below the sealing member 33.

[0104] Here, the moisture absorber 34 plays the role of impregnating (containing) the aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage section 31a and transferring it to the heater 22. The moisture absorber 34 comes into contact with the aerosol-generating substance contained in the storage section 31a. The upper end of the moisture absorber 34 comes into contact with the aerosol-generating substance, and the lower end of the moisture absorber 34 comes into contact with the heater 22, thereby transferring the aerosol-generating substance to the heater 22. The moisture absorber 34 can be made of materials such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramics. On the other hand, two moisture absorbers 34 may be arranged. The two moisture absorbers 34 may have the same shape and size.

[0105] Figure 18 is a side cross-sectional view of the area around the heater 22 when the cartridge 30 is connected to the heater module 20.

[0106] Referring to Figures 15 and 18, when the cartridge 30 is installed in the heater module 20, the moisture absorber 34 and the heater 22 come into contact with each other, and the side wall 32f of the second case 32 of the cartridge 30 pressurizes and contacts the heater upper sealing member 21c. As a result, the inner space AP formed by the side wall 32f of the second case 32 and the heater upper sealing member 21c is sealed, preventing the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the moisture absorber 34 to the heater 22 from leaking. In other words, the heater module 20 can prevent the aerosol-generating substance from leaking between the cartridges 30.

[0107] The aerosol-generating material from the moisture-absorbing body 34 is transferred to the heater 22. The aerosol-generating material can be heated by the heater 22 and generated as an aerosol.

[0108] Figure 19 shows the connection terminal 27 that is connected to the main unit 10.

[0109] Referring to Figures 12 and 19, the heater module 20 may include connection terminals 27 that connect to the substrate 24. When the heater module 20 is mounted on the main body 10, the connection terminals 27 can be electrically connected to the connector CT of the main body 10. Such connection terminals 27 may be exposed to a portion of the main body 10 and to the lower space SP of the heater module 20 into which the connector CT of the main body 10 is inserted.

[0110] Figure 20 is a side cross-sectional view showing the intake sensor SS located on the main body 10 and the path of outside air communicating with the intake sensor SS.

[0111] Referring to Figure 20, a vertical gap G may be formed between the main body 10 and the lower end of the side cover 23. The gap G can communicate with the inside of the side cover 23. Air flowing in through the gap G flows into the inside of the heater module 20 via the inside of the side cover 23.

[0112] On the other hand, the main body 10 may include a flow path U connected to the intake sensor SS. When the heater module 20 is assembled to the main body 10, the flow path U can communicate with the inside of the heater module 20.

[0113] Some or other embodiments of the foregoing Disclosure are not mutually exclusive or distinct from one another. Some or other embodiments of the foregoing Disclosure may be used in combination or combined with each other in terms of their respective configurations or functions (the embodiments described above are not mutually exclusive or independent. The elements of the embodiments described above may be integrated with each other in terms of configuration and function, either individually or in combination).

[0114] For example, it means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if the combination of configurations is not directly described, it means that combination is possible unless it is stated that combination is impossible (for example, configuration A of embodiment described in the disclosure and drawings can be combined with configuration B of another embodiment. In other words, even if the combination of configurations is not explicitly described, combination is possible unless it is explicitly stated that combination is impossible).

[0115] The above detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in any way, but should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all equivalent modifications within the scope of the present invention are included within the scope of the present invention (although embodiments of the present invention are described based on several exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that various other modifications and embodiments can be devised within the scope of the principles of the present invention. In particular, it goes without saying that various variations and modifications are possible in the components and configurations themselves within the scope of the disclosure, drawings, and claims of the present invention. In addition to variations and modifications of components and configurations, various alternative uses of the present invention will also be readily understood by those skilled in the art).

Claims

1. A heater module for heating aerosol-generating material, The heater unit and A heater is positioned inside the heater body for heating the aerosol-generating substance transmitted from the cartridge, The heater upper sealing member is positioned above the heater body, A heater module in which a portion of the heater is exposed above the heater upper sealing member.

2. Further including a heater control unit, The heater module according to claim 1, wherein the heater control unit includes a counting unit for counting the number of puffs.

3. Further including a heater control unit, The heater control unit includes a switch that is turned on and off by an external force, The heater module according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the terminal portion of the switch is exposed to the outside of the heater body.

4. The terminal portion of the switch includes a first terminal connected to the heater control unit, a second terminal connected to the heater control unit and spaced apart from the first terminal, and a switching terminal connected to the first terminal. The heater module according to claim 3, wherein one end of the switching terminal is connected to the first terminal, the other end is positioned at a distance from the second terminal, and is elastically deformed by an external force so that the other end comes into contact with the second terminal.

5. The heater module according to claim 4, wherein the switching terminals are arranged horizontally and include a receiving portion that receives external forces in the vertical direction.

6. The sealing member on the upper part of the heater is, Side walls that form an internal storage space, A through hole is provided on the inside of the side wall, connecting the upper and lower sides of the heater upper sealing member, The heater module according to claim 1, further comprising a first conduit disposed inside the side wall and connecting the upper and lower sides of the heater upper sealing member.

7. Further including a heater control unit, The heater control unit includes a switch that is turned on and off by an external force, A portion of the terminal portion of the switch is exposed to the outside of the heater body. The heater upper sealing member includes a switch hole located on the outside of the side wall. The heater module according to claim 1, wherein the switch hole is aligned with the terminal portion of the switch.

8. It includes a first heater holder and a second heater holder positioned on either side of the heater and for fixing the heater, The first heater holder includes a through hole connecting the upper and lower sides of the first heater holder, and a second conduit connecting the upper and lower sides of the first heater holder. The through hole of the heater upper sealing member and the through hole of the first heater holder are arranged in alignment. The heater module according to claim 6, wherein the first conduit and the second conduit are arranged in alignment.

9. The heater module according to claim 8, wherein the second heater holder includes a housing groove for housing the heater, is made of an elastically deformable material, and surrounds the heater.

10. The heater further includes a heater housing positioned inside the heater body and outside the first heater holder and the second heater holder, and a heater cover coupled to the upper side of the heater body. The heater module according to claim 6, wherein the heater upper sealing member is arranged to surround the upper part of the heater housing and seals the space between the heater cover and the heater housing.

11. The main unit and A heater module, which is detachably connected to the main body and includes a heater for heating an aerosol-generating substance, It includes a cartridge that is detachably coupled to the main body and holds the aerosol-generating substance that is transmitted to the heater, The heater module is The heater unit and A heater is positioned inside the heater body for heating the aerosol-generating substance transmitted from the cartridge, The heater upper sealing member is positioned above the heater body, An aerosol generating apparatus in which a portion of the heater is exposed above the heater upper sealing member.

12. The aforementioned cartridge includes a moisture absorber, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a portion of the heater exposed above the heater upper sealing member is in contact with the moisture-absorbing body.

13. The cartridge includes a protruding recognition projection, The heater module further includes a heater control unit, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the heater control unit includes a switch that is turned on or off by contact of the recognition projection.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the heater upper sealing member contacts the cartridge to form a space for containing the aerosol generating substance supplied from the cartridge, and seals the formed space.

15. Includes a side cover that can be detachably attached to the heater body, The main body includes a flow path connected to an intake sensor located inside the main body, A gap is formed between the main body and the side cover in the vertical direction. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the gap and the flow path are connected when the heater module is assembled to the main body.

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