Manufacturing method for heater assemblies for aerosol generators

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device is disclosed. The method for manufacturing a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device according to this disclosure includes the steps of: preparing a long sheet; arranging a susceptor and an electrically conductive track on the sheet; and rolling the sheet on which the susceptor and the electrically conductive track are arranged onto a main roller, wherein the rolling step may include passing the sheet sequentially through the space formed between each of a plurality of sub-rollers adjacent to the main roller and the main roller, thereby winding it onto the outer surface of the main roller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] An aerosol generating device is for extracting a predetermined component from a medium or substance through an aerosol. The medium can contain substances with various components. The substances contained in the medium may be flavor substances with 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] For a cylindrical external heater that houses and heats an aerosol generating substance inside, an insulator using a polyimide film or the like is generally used. Along with using the aerosol generating device in various environments such as a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, there is a problem that the film insulator of the heater bulges, or a part of the film insulator lifts off or peels from the heating element.

[0004] Also, in the case of an external heater having a structure in which a film insulator is wound multiple times, there is a problem that in the production process of the heater, each layer is not firmly crimped and some layers lift off.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

[0006] Another object is to provide a method for manufacturing a heater assembly that winds a sheet around a main roller by sequentially passing the sheet through spaces formed by each of the main roller and a plurality of sub-rollers.

[0007] Another objective is to provide a method for manufacturing a heater assembly in which a main roller heats the sheet and a sub-roller heats and presses the sheet.

[0008] Another objective is to provide a method for manufacturing a heater assembly in which a susceptor and electrically conductive track, placed on a sheet, are wound together with the sheet onto a main roller, thereby heat-sealing the susceptor and electrically conductive track to the sheet.

[0009] Another objective is to provide a method for manufacturing a heater assembly that forms multiple layers, each including one of a susceptor, an electrically conductive track, and a sheet.

[0010] Another objective is to provide a method for manufacturing a heater assembly to which a heating time, pressure, and temperature of a sheet set within a specific range are applied. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to one aspect of this disclosure for achieving the above-mentioned objectives, a method for manufacturing a heater assembly for an aerosol generator is provided, comprising the steps of: preparing a long sheet; arranging a susceptor and an electrically conductive track on the sheet; and rolling the sheet on which the susceptor and the electrically conductive track are arranged onto a main roller, wherein the rolling step includes sequentially passing the sheet through the spaces formed between each of a plurality of sub-rollers adjacent to the main roller and the main roller, thereby winding it onto the outer surface of the main roller. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the process of winding the sheet onto the main roller by sequentially passing the sheet through the spaces formed by the main roller and each of the sub-rollers, the layers of the sheet can be firmly pressed together during the manufacturing process of the heater assembly, and some layers can be prevented from lifting up.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the process of heating the sheet with a main roller and heating and pressing the sheet with a sub-roller allows each layer of the sheet to be firmly pressed together during the manufacturing process of the heater assembly, and the gas generated in the sheet can be discharged to the outside during the manufacturing process.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater assembly manufacturing process can be simplified and the adhesive structure of the heater assembly can be simplified by winding the susceptor and electrically conductive track, which are placed on a sheet, onto a main roller together with the sheet, and then heat-sealing the susceptor and electrically conductive track to the sheet.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the size of the device can be reduced and heat dissipation to the outside can be minimized by forming multiple layers, each of which includes a susceptor, an electrically conductive track, and a sheet.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by setting the heating time, pressure, and temperature within a specific range during the manufacturing process, it is possible to prevent the heater's insulator from bulging or a portion of the insulator from lifting or peeling off from the heating element when using the aerosol generator.

[0017] 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]

[0018] [Figure 1] This figure shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2]A diagram showing an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] An exploded perspective view of a heater assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] A cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an electrically conductive track of a heater assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] A flowchart showing a method of manufacturing a heater assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] A diagram showing a state in which a susceptor and an electrically conductive track are disposed on a sheet in a heater assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] A diagram showing a process of winding a sheet around a main roller in a method of manufacturing a heater assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] A diagram showing a process of winding a sheet around a main roller in a method of manufacturing a heater assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] A diagram showing a process of winding a sheet around a main roller in a method of manufacturing a heater assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] A diagram showing a process of assembling brackets and a casing in a method of manufacturing a heater assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] An image exemplifying bulging and lifting of an insulator that may occur as the heater assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is used. ]> [Figure 13] A block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Even if the same or similar components are illustrated in different drawings, they are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] When we say that one component is "linked" or "connected" to another component, it can be understood that it may be directly linked or connected to the other component, but there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when we say that one component is "directly linked" or "directly connected" to another component, it can be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0024] A singular expression includes plural expressions unless explicitly indicated otherwise in the context.

[0025] Throughout this specification, the orientation of the heater assembly manufacturing apparatus and sheet for aerosol generators can be defined with reference to a Cartesian coordinate system. In the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis can be defined as the left-right direction of the manufacturing apparatus. The y-axis can be defined as the front-back direction of the manufacturing apparatus. The z-axis can be defined as the up-down direction of the manufacturing apparatus.

[0026] Figures 1 and 2 show an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol generator 1 may include at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, and a heater 18. At least one of the power supply 11, control unit 12, sensor 13, and heater 18 may be located inside the body 10 of the aerosol generator. The body 10 may provide an upwardly opening space 43 into which a stick S, which is an aerosol product, can be inserted. 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 may be inserted into the body 10, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude outside the body 10. The user can inhale air by putting the exposed upper end of the stick S in their mouth.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 5 is a diagram showing the electrically conductive track of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the heater 18 may be located within the body 10. The heater 18 can be described as a heater assembly. The heater assembly 18 may have a tubular or cylindrical shape with a hollow interior. The heater assembly 18 may surround the insertion space 43. The heater assembly 18 may provide the insertion space 43. The heater assembly 18 can heat the insertion space 43 or the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43.

[0038] The heater assembly 18 may include a susceptor 50, an electrically conductive track 60, and an insulator 40.

[0039] The susceptor 50 may have a cylindrical shape. The susceptor 50 may be located on the innermost side of the hollow heater assembly 18. The susceptor 50 may be positioned inside the electrically conductive track 60. The susceptor 50 may surround at least a portion of the insertion space 43. At least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the susceptor 50 may be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The susceptor 50 can be described as an insulator, a heat conductor, a heat diffuser, or a pipe. The susceptor 50 may be made of stainless steel, aluminum, or an alloy, but is not limited to these materials.

[0040] One end of the susceptor 50 can be separated from the other end of the susceptor 50 in the direction of the susceptor 50 or in the direction of the insertion space 43. A gap G1 (see Figure 10) can be formed between one end and the other end of the susceptor 210. The gap G1 can be formed to be long in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43. The wider the gap G1, the larger the area of ​​the stick S that is not heated by the gap G1. Therefore, the gap G1 can be formed to have a maximum width such that the amount of aerosol generated by the stick S is greater than or equal to a set minimum amount.

[0041] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the shape of the susceptor 50 from becoming distorted or parts of the susceptor 50 from overlapping during the manufacturing process of the susceptor 50 or during the heating or cooling process of the susceptor 50.

[0042] The electrically conductive track 60 may have a cylindrical shape. The electrically conductive track 60 may be positioned outside the susceptor 50. The electrically conductive track 60 may surround at least a portion of the susceptor 50. The electrically conductive track 60 may generate heat by receiving power from the power supply 11. The electrically conductive track 60 can be considered a heat-generating part. The electrically conductive track 60 can be formed by laser etching a thin metal film. The electrically conductive track 60 may be made of stainless steel, copper, aluminum, or an alloy, but is not limited to these materials.

[0043] An insulator 40 may be placed on one side of the electrically conductive track 60. The insulator 40 may be placed inside and outside the electrically conductive track 60 and may have a cylindrical shape. The insulator 40 may cover the electrically conductive track 60. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, the insulator 40 may extend above and below the electrically conductive track 60. In the radial direction of the insertion space 43, the insulator 40 may be placed between the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 and outside the electrically conductive track 60.

[0044] The insulator 40 may be formed from a material that is flexible and heat-resistant. The insulator 40 may include, but is not limited to, polyimide or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and may include other materials that are elastic, heat-resistant, and electrically insulating.

[0045] Brackets 91 and 92 can be attached to the upper and lower ends of the heater assembly 18. Brackets 91 and 92 may include a first bracket 91 attached to or attached to the upper side of the heater assembly 18 corresponding to the opening of the insertion space 43, and a second bracket 92 attached to or attached to the lower side of the heater assembly 18.

[0046] The first bracket 91 has an overall cylindrical shape and may be equipped with a flange 912 projecting radially outward from its upper end. The lower side of the first bracket body 911 can be attached to or pressed into the upper end of the heater assembly 18. The first bracket 91 may have an insertion opening 913 that penetrates vertically through its central portion. One side of the flange 912 may have an alignment groove formed by curving radially inward. The alignment groove may have a shape corresponding to a projection provided on the body 10. The alignment groove can be coupled to a projection provided on the body 10. The alignment groove prevents the heater assembly 18 from rotating relative to the body 10 and allows the heater assembly 18 to be stably coupled to the body 10.

[0047] The second bracket 92 has an overall cylindrical shape and may include a flange 922 projecting radially outward from its lower end. The upper side of the second bracket body 921 can be attached to or pressed into the lower end of the heater assembly 18. The second bracket 92 may have a hole 924 that penetrates vertically through its central portion.

[0048] 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. Outside air can flow in from outside the heater assembly 18 through the end of the stick S into the interior of the stick S through the hole 924. 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.

[0049] Therefore, the rigidity of the heater assembly 18 can be ensured by stably fixing both ends of the heater assembly 18, including the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60.

[0050] Brackets 91 and 92 may be made of stainless steel, aluminum, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or an alloy, but are not limited to these materials.

[0051] A stick sensing sensor 133 (see Figure 4) may be positioned on the heater assembly 18. The stick sensing sensor 133 can sense the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The stick sensing sensor 133 may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the underside of the heater assembly 18. 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. The stick sensing sensor 133 may be positioned to contact a portion of the insulator 40 extending below the electrically conductive track 60 and surround a portion of the outer casing of the insulator 40. 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] Casings 93 and 94 can be coupled to the sides of the heater assembly 18. Casings 93 and 94 may include a first casing 93 that surrounds a portion of the side of the heater assembly 18 and a second casing 94 that surrounds the remaining portion of the side of the heater assembly 18. The first casing 93 and the second casing 94 can be coupled together to surround the side of the heater assembly 18. The first casing 93 and the second casing 94 can be coupled to brackets 91 and 92 that are coupled to the upper and lower ends of the heater assembly 18.

[0054] Therefore, the heater assembly 18, including the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60, can be protected from the outside, and the rigidity of the heater assembly 18 can be ensured.

[0055] Referring to Figure 5, the electrically conductive track 60 may have a cylindrical shape. The electrically conductive track 60 can generate heat by receiving power from the power source 11. The heat generated in the electrically conductive track 60 can heat the medium and / or humectant of the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0056] The electrically conductive track 60 may have a rounded cylindrical shape. The resistance of the electrically conductive track 60 may be 1.0 to 1.2 ohms. 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The width Wa of the first track 61a may be smaller than the width Wb of the second track 61b and the width 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The lead 63 can be connected to the electrically conductive track 60. The lead 63 can be connected to a coupling portion 62. The lead 63 can extend in the direction in which the coupling portion 62 protrudes. The lead 63 can electrically connect the electrically conductive track 60 to a power supply 11 or a heater drive circuit (not shown). The lead 63 may include a first lead 63a that contacts a first coupling portion 62a and a second lead 63b that contacts a second coupling portion 62b. Power can be supplied to the electrically conductive track 60 via the first lead 63a and the second lead 63b. The lead 63 can be manufactured from a material whose temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) is 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.

[0066] Therefore, the temperature change of the electrically conductive track 60, which is derived based on the resistance change of the electrically conductive track 60, can be accurately measured.

[0067] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 7 shows a state in which a susceptor and an electrically conductive track are arranged on a sheet in a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 8 to 10 show the process of winding a sheet onto a main roller in a method for manufacturing a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 11 shows the process of assembling a bracket and a casing in a method for manufacturing a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, a method for manufacturing a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes the steps of preparing a sheet 40 (S610), arranging a susceptor 50 and an electrically conductive track 60 on the sheet 40 (S620), and rolling the sheet 40 onto the main roller 71 (S630).

[0069] In step S610, sheet 40 can be prepared. Sheet 40 may be a single sheet that extends long in one direction or in the x-axis direction. Sheet 40 is a flexible sheet and may be formed from a heat-resistant material. Sheet 40 can be called an insulator or insulating sheet. 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.

[0070] The length L0 of the sheet 40 may be 120 mm to 160 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.

[0071] In step S620, the susceptors 50 and electrically conductive tracks 60 can be placed on the sheet 40. The susceptors 50 and electrically conductive tracks 60 may be placed sequentially along the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. The susceptors 50 and electrically conductive tracks 60 may be placed spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40.

[0072] The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be arranged on the same surface of the sheet 40. The sheet 40 may include a flat first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface in the thickness direction. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be arranged on the first surface of the sheet 40. The sheet 40 may be placed on the feeder 73. The sheet 40 may be placed on the feeder 73 such that the second surface is in contact with the upper surface of the feeder 73.

[0073] By arranging the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 on the same surface of the sheet 40, the springback that occurs when an elastic object is rolled into a ball can be reduced, thereby reducing defects in the heater assembly.

[0074] 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. One end 64 of the electrically conductive track 60 may be separated from the other end 52 of the sheet 40 by a certain distance A1. The upper end 53 of the susceptor 50 may be aligned with the upper end 66 of the electrically conductive track 60. The lower end 54 of the susceptor 50 may be aligned with the lower end 67 of the electrically conductive track 60.

[0075] The susceptor 50 may be positioned in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, adjacent to the main roller 71 rather than to the electrically conductive track 60.

[0076] 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, either in the width direction or in the y-axis 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 lower 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 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] Therefore, the heat generated in the electrically conductive track 60 can be transferred to the susceptor 50 more efficiently.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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 third part 40c may be located longitudinally in 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 extend longitudinally from the second part 40b in the sheet 40 and may face the third part 40c relative to the second part 40b.

[0082] In the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, the first part 40a may be positioned more adjacent to the main roller 71 than the second to fourth parts 40b, 40c, and 40d. The first part 40a may be wound onto the main roller 71 first, than the second to fourth parts 40b, 40c, and 40d, and may be positioned more inward than the second to fourth parts 40b, 40c, and 40d in the radial direction of the hollow heater assembly 18.

[0083] Referring to Figure 8 together with Figure 6, in step S630, the sheet 40 can be wound onto the main roller 71. The sheet 40 can be wound onto the main roller 71. The sheet 40 can be wound onto the main roller 71 from one end while positioned on the feeder 73. The sheet 40 can be moved toward the main roller 71 by the feeder 73. The feeder 73 includes a belt (not shown) and, by a driving means (not shown), can move the sheet 40 toward the main roller 71 while traveling at a constant speed in the direction toward the main roller 71 or in the x-axis direction.

[0084] The main roller 71 can rotate in one direction. The main roller 71 can rotate at a constant angular velocity for a set time. The diameter of the main roller 71 may be 7 mm to 8 mm. Multiple sub-rollers 72 can be arranged around the main roller 71. Multiple sub-rollers 72 can be arranged spaced apart from each other around the main roller 71 and adjacent to the outer surface of the main roller 71. Multiple sub-rollers 72 can rotate in the opposite direction to the direction in which the main roller 71 rotates. Multiple sub-rollers 72 can rotate at a constant angular velocity for a set time.

[0085] A space or gap may be formed between the outer surface of each sub-roller 72 and the outer surface of the main roller 71. The sheet 40 can sequentially pass through the spaces between the outer surfaces of each sub-roller 72 and the outer surface of the main roller 71 along the circumferential direction of the main roller 71. For example, the sheet 40 can sequentially pass through the first space between the main roller 71 and the first sub-roller 72a, the second space between the main roller 71 and the second sub-roller 72b, the third space between the main roller 71 and the third sub-roller 72c, the fourth space between the main roller 71 and the fourth sub-roller 72d, and the fifth space between the main roller 71 and the fifth sub-roller 72e. The sheet 40 can form one layer on the outside of the main roller 71 as it sequentially passes through the first to fifth spaces. Then, the sheet 40 can further form one layer on the outside of the previously formed layer as it sequentially passes through the first to fifth spaces again.

[0086] Therefore, during the manufacturing process of the heater assembly 18, each layer of the sheet 40 can be firmly pressed together, preventing some layers from lifting up.

[0087] At least one of the multiple sub-rollers 72 may have a different diameter from the other sub-rollers 72.

[0088] For example, the diameter of the first sub-roller 72a may be larger than the diameters of the second to fifth sub-rollers 72b, 72c, 72d, and 72e. When the diameter of a sub-roller is larger, the curvature of the outer surface is smaller than when the diameter is smaller, so the sheet 40 passing between the sub-roller and the main roller 71 can be pressed more uniformly. By forming the diameter of the first sub-roller 72a, which presses the sheet 40 first, to be larger than the diameters of the other sub-rollers, the sheet 40 can be wound onto the main roller 71 stably, and the problem of a part of the sheet 40 lifting up during the winding process can be prevented.

[0089] When the diameter of the sub-rollers is small, the number of sub-rollers that can be arranged around the main roller 71 can be increased compared to when the diameter is large. By forming the diameters of the remaining second to fifth sub-rollers 72b, 72c, 72d, and 72e to be smaller than the diameter of the first sub-roller 72a, the number of sub-rollers that can be arranged around the main roller 71 can be increased, allowing the sheet 40 to be stably wound onto the main roller 71.

[0090] Referring to Figure 9 in conjunction with Figure 6, in step S630, the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can be wound onto the main roller 71 together with the sheet 40. The sheet 40 can be wound onto the main roller 71 such that the susceptor 50 faces the outer surface of the main roller 71. The susceptor 50 can be wound onto the outer surface of the main roller 71 while moving together with the sheet 40, while being positioned on the sheet 40. The susceptor 50 can form a first layer on the outside of the main roller 71. The first part 40a of the sheet 40 that is in contact with the susceptor 50 can form a second layer on the outside of the first layer formed by the susceptor 50.

[0091] The main roller 71 can be heated to a constant temperature. The main roller 71 may include a heating element positioned adjacent to its outer circumferential surface. The main roller 71 can be heated by the heating element. The sheet 40 and susceptor 50 wrapped around the outer circumferential surface of the main roller 71 can be heated by the main roller 71. Multiple sub-rollers 72 can press the sheet 40 and susceptor 50 together with the main roller 71. The susceptor 50 can be heat-fused to the sheet 40 by being heated and pressed by the main roller 71 and the multiple sub-rollers 72.

[0092] Therefore, the manufacturing process of the heater assembly 18 can be simplified, and the bonding structure of the heater assembly 18 can be simplified.

[0093] Referring to Figure 10 together with Figure 6, in step S630, the sheet 40 can be wound onto the main roller 71 such that the electrically conductive track 60 faces the outer surface of the main roller 71. The electrically conductive track 60 can be wound onto the main roller 71 while moving together with the sheet 40, while positioned on the sheet 40. The electrically conductive track 60 can form a third layer on the outside of the main roller 71. The second part 40b of the sheet 40 that is in contact with the electrically conductive track 60 can form a fourth layer on the outside of the third layer formed by the electrically conductive track 60.

[0094] The electrically conductive track 60 wound around the main roller 71 can be heated together with the sheet 40 by the main roller 71. Multiple sub-rollers 72 can press the sheet 40 and the electrically conductive track 60 together with the main roller 71. The electrically conductive track 60 can be heat-fused to the sheet 40 by being heated and pressed by the main roller 71 and the multiple sub-rollers 72.

[0095] The width of the space between the outer surface of each sub-roller 72 and the outer surface of the main roller 71 can be varied. For example, each sub-roller 72 can move radially with respect to the main roller 71. Each sub-roller 72 is configured to rotate around a rotation axis, and the rotation axis of each sub-roller 72 can move radially with respect to the main roller 71. A drive means for moving the sub-roller 72 radially with respect to the main roller 71 can be connected to the rotation axis of each sub-roller 72 so that each sub-roller 72 presses the sheet 40 toward the center of the main roller 71 with constant pressure. The drive means includes a motor, gears, a pressure sensor, etc., and can move the rotation axis radially with respect to the main roller 71. The sub-roller 72 can move radially with respect to the main roller 71 together with the rotation axis moved by the drive means, and can press against the sheet 40 that is wound around the main roller 71.

[0096] As each sub-roller 72 moves radially relative to the main roller 71, the shortest distance or width of the space between the outer surface of each sub-roller 72 and the outer surface of the main roller 71 can increase or decrease.

[0097] Therefore, even if the sheet 40 is wrapped around the outer surface of the main roller 71 and at least one layer is formed on the outer surface of the main roller 71, the sheet 40 wrapped around the main roller 71 can be pressed down at a constant pressure.

[0098] Referring to Figure 6, in step S630, at least one of the multiple sub-rollers 72 can be heated. At least one of the multiple sub-rollers 72 may include a heating element positioned adjacent to its outer circumferential surface. At least one of the multiple sub-rollers 72 can be heated by the heating element. For example, the main roller 71 may be heated to a first temperature, and at least one of the multiple sub-rollers 72 may be heated to a second temperature. The second temperature may be the same as the first temperature or lower than the first temperature. At least one of the multiple sub-rollers 72 and the main roller 71 can heat the sheet 40, susceptor 50, and electrically conductive track 60 that are wrapped around the outer circumferential surface of the main roller 71. The multiple sub-rollers 72 can press and heat the sheet 40, susceptor 50, and electrically conductive track 60 together with the main roller 71. The susceptor 50 and electrically conductive track 60 can be heat-fused to the sheet 40 by being heated and pressed by the main roller 71 and the multiple sub-rollers 72.

[0099] By heating the sheet 40, susceptor 50, and electrically conductive track 60 by at least one of the multiple sub-rollers 72, the layers of the sheet 40 can be firmly pressed together during the manufacturing process of the heater assembly 18, and the gas generated in the sheet 40 can be discharged to the outside during the manufacturing process.

[0100] Referring to Figure 4 together with Figure 6, at step S630, the sheet 40 may be wound in a direction from one end of the first part 40a to one end of the fourth part 40d. In the hollow heater assembly 18, 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.

[0101] The sheet 40 can be wound around the outer surface of the main roller 71 for at least three turns. For example, the sheet 40 can be wound around the main roller 71 to form a first layer 40a including a susceptor 50. The first layer can be formed by a first part. The susceptor 50 can form one layer inside the first layer 40a, and the first layer 40a can surround the outside of the layer formed by the susceptor 50. The sheet 40 can be wound around the main roller 71 to form a second layer 40b including an electrically conductive track 60. The second layer can be formed by a second part. The second layer 40b can be positioned radially outside the first layer 40a of the main roller 71. The electrically conductive track 60 can form one layer inside the second layer 40b, and the second layer 40b can surround the outside of the layer formed by the electrically conductive track 60. The sheet 40 can be wound onto the main roller 71 to form a third layer 40d. The third layer may be formed by a fourth part. The third layer 40d may be positioned radially around the main roller 71, outside the second layer 40b. The third layer 40d can form one to four layers radially around the main roller 71. For example, the third layer 40d can form four layers 40d1, 40d2, 40d3, and 40d4.

[0102] Therefore, when the electrically conductive track 60 generates heat, the transfer of heat generated by the electrically conductive track 60 to the outside of the heater assembly 18 can be minimized, thereby increasing the thermal efficiency of the heater assembly 18.

[0103] Referring to Figure 11 together with Figure 6, the method for manufacturing a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include, after step S630, a step of separating the sheet 40 from the main roller 71 (S640) and a step of assembling the brackets 91, 92 and the casings 93, 94 to the sheet 40 (S650).

[0104] In step S640, the hollow-shaped wound sheet 40 can be separated from the main roller 71. For example, after step 630, multiple sub-rollers 72 can be separated from the main roller 71, and the hollow-shaped wound sheet 40 can be separated from the main roller 71 in the axial direction of the main roller 71.

[0105] In step S650, brackets 91 and 92 can be assembled to the hollow-shaped rolled sheet 40. The first bracket 91 can be attached to or pressed into the open end of the hollow-shaped sheet 40. The second bracket 92 can be attached to or pressed into the open end of the hollow-shaped sheet 40.

[0106] The hollow-shaped wound sheet 40 can contain a susceptor 50 and an electrically conductive track 60 inside. The hollow-shaped wound sheet 40, the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can constitute a heater assembly 18. By attaching or pressing the first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92 to both ends of the hollow-shaped sheet 40, both ends of the heater assembly 18, including the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60, can be stably fixed, thereby ensuring the rigidity of the heater assembly 18.

[0107] In step S650, casings 93 and 94 can be assembled to the sides of the hollow-shaped wound sheet 40. The first casing 93 can be joined to the sides of the hollow-shaped wound sheet 40. The first casing 93 can surround a portion of the side of the heater assembly 18. The second casing 94 can be joined to the sides of the hollow-shaped wound sheet 40. The second casing 94 can surround the remaining portion of the side of the heater assembly 18. The first casing 93 and the second casing 94 can include couplers. Projections or grooves formed on the first casing 93 can be coupled to grooves or projections formed on the second casing 94. The first casing 93 and the second casing 94 can be coupled to brackets 91 and 92 which are coupled to the upper and lower ends of the heater assembly 18.

[0108] Therefore, the heater assembly 18, including the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60, can be protected from the outside, and the rigidity of the heater assembly 18 can be ensured.

[0109] Figure 12 is an illustrative image showing the bulging and lifting of the insulator that may occur as a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is used.

[0110] Referring to Figure 12 together with Figure 6, in step S630, the sheet 40 can be heated by the main roller 71 for a set time and wound onto the main roller 71 while being pressed by the main roller 71 and the sub-rollers 72.

[0111] In step S630, the main roller 71 can be heated to a first temperature. For example, the first temperature may be between 360 and 400 degrees. Preferably, the first temperature may be about 380 degrees. The heated main roller 71 can then heat the sheet 40.

[0112] In step S630, the multiple sub-rollers 72, together with the main roller 71, can press the sheet 40 with a first pressure. For example, the first pressure may be 18 kgf to 22 kgf. Preferably, the first pressure may be about 20 kgf. The multiple sub-rollers 72 and the main roller 71 can press the sheet 40 with a constant pressure.

[0113] In step S630, the main roller 71 can wind the sheet 40 for a first time while rotating at a constant speed. For example, the first time may be 10 to 14 minutes. Preferably, the first time may be about 12 minutes. The sheet 40 can be wound onto the outer surface of the main roller 71 at a constant speed for the set first time.

[0114] As a user uses the aerosol generator 1 which includes the heater assembly 18, a portion of the insulator 40 constituting the heater assembly 18 may bulge or lift away from the susceptor 50 or the electrically conductive track 60.

[0115] As illustrated in Figure 12, if a portion of the insulator 40 constituting the heater assembly 18 bulges during the process of repeated heating and cooling of the electrically conductive track 60, portions 401 and 402 may occur where parts of the susceptor 50 and / or the electrically conductive track 60 lift away from the insulator 40. When parts of the susceptor 50 and / or the electrically conductive track 60 lift away from the insulator 40, the shape of the insertion space 43 inside the heater assembly 18 may become distorted, and the heat generated in the electrically conductive track 60 may not be properly transferred to the susceptor 50. Therefore, the stick S housed in the insertion space 43 may not be properly heated.

[0116] Table 1 below shows the quality of insulator bulging and lifting under time, temperature, and pressure for a method of manufacturing a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] Table 1 below shows the quality of bulging or lifting of the insulator 40 due to a first time (t) of rotating the main roller 71 to wind the sheet 40 onto the main roller 71, a first temperature (H) for heating the main roller 71, and a first pressure (P) applied to the sheet 40 by the multiple sub-rollers 72 and the main roller 71.

[0118] In Table 1 below, the first time (t), first temperature (H), and first pressure (P) mentioned above represent the set time, temperature, and pressure during the process of producing the heater assembly 18 by placing the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 on the sheet 40 and winding the sheet 40 together with the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 onto the main roller 71. The first time (t) is divided into 1-1 time (A) and 1-2 time (B). 1-1 time (A) represents the time it takes to wind the sheet from the first part 40a, where the susceptor 50 is placed, to the second part 40b, where the electrically conductive track 60 is placed, onto the main roller 71. 1-2 time (B) represents the time it takes to wind the fourth part 40d, which is connected to the second part 40b, onto the main roller 71.

[0119] Table 1 below shows that the quality of bulging or lifting of the insulator 40 was measured after leaving the produced heater assembly 18 in an environment of 60°C and 90% humidity for 16 hours. The quality of bulging or lifting of the sheet 40 was evaluated visually by assessing the degree of bulging of the first layer 40a, which is placed between the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 in the heater assembly 18 cut in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction, and the degree to which the first layer 40a lifted away from the susceptor 50 or the electrically conductive track 60. The evaluation was conducted by 10 evaluators and the quality was evaluated in three stages: Good, Medium, and Poor.

[0120] [Table 1]

[0121] Referring to Table 1 above, compared to Comparative Example 1 of Category #1, the Example of Category #2 doubled the overall heating time (A, B) and pressure. Compared to Comparative Example 1, the quality of bulging and lifting of the insulator 40 improved to a Good level in the Example. Compared to Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2 of Category #3 quadrupled the overall heating time (A, B), doubled the pressure, and decreased the temperature to 60 degrees. Compared to Comparative Example 1, the quality of bulging and lifting of the insulator 40 improved to a Medium level in Comparative Example 2.

[0122] Using Comparative Example 1 as a baseline, Comparative Example 3 in Category #4 had the 1-1 hour (A) doubled and the pressure doubled. Compared to Comparative Example 1, the quality of bulging and lifting of the insulator 40 improved to a Medium level in Comparative Example 3.

[0123] Using Comparative Example 1 as a baseline, Comparative Example 4 in category #5 had the 1-1 hour (A) increased fourfold, the pressure doubled, and the temperature reduced to 60 degrees. Compared to Comparative Example 1, the quality of bulging and lifting of the insulator 40 improved to a medium level in Comparative Example 4.

[0124] In the examples shown in Table 1, it can be confirmed that the quality of insulation bulging or lifting was highest compared to Comparative Examples 1 to 4. Thus, according to the embodiments of this disclosure, by setting the heating time, pressure, and temperature within a specific range during the manufacturing process, it is possible to prevent the heater insulation from bulging or for a portion of the insulation to lift or peel off from the susceptor or electrically conductive track when using the aerosol generator.

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

[0126] The aerosol generator 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and at least one heater 18, 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to that shown in Figure 13. In other words, it will be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment that the design of the aerosol generator 1 may allow for the omission of some of the components shown in Figure 13 or the addition of new components.

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

[0128] Sensor 13 may include at least one of the following: temperature sensor 131, puff sensor 132, insertion sensor 133, reuse sensor 134, motion sensor 137, and humidity sensor 138.

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

[0130] The temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistive element whose resistance changes in response to temperature changes in the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. The temperature sensor 131 can be implemented using a thermistor or other element that utilizes the property that resistance changes with temperature. Here, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. Here, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

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

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

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

[0134] 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.

[0135] An induction sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the induction sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if the magnetic field changes around a coil through which current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

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

[0137] A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor can output a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic properties, such as the capacitance around the conductor. For example, if a stick S including a metal wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the wrapper of the stick S may alter the electromagnetic properties around the conductor.

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

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

[0140] The motion sensor 137 can detect the movement of the aerosol generator. The motion sensor 137 can be implemented using at least one of an accelerometer and a gyro sensor.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] The output unit 14 can output and provide to the user information about the status of the aerosol generator 1. The output unit 14 may include, but is not limited to, a display 141, a haptic unit 142, and an acoustic output unit 143. If the display 141 and the touchpad form a layered structure and constitute a touchscreen, the display 141 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] Although not shown in Figure 13, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit is electrically connected to the power supply 11 and may include a switching element.

[0149] 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.

[0150] The heater 18 receives power from the power supply 11 and can heat the medium or aerosol-generating material inside the stick S. Although not shown in Figure 13, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the power supply 11 and supplies it to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 1 generates aerosols using an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the power supply 11 to AC power.

[0151] The control unit 12, sensor 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17 can function by receiving power from the power supply 11. Although not shown in Figure 13, a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a constant voltage circuit, may be further included to convert the power from the power supply 11 and supply it to each component. Also, although not shown in Figure 13, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter may be a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter prevents high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13, such as the insertion sensing sensor 133.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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).

[0156] On the other hand, the input section 15 may include, but is not limited to, buttons, keypads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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 others.

[0160] 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.

[0161] Although not shown in Figure 13, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via such a connection interface to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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.

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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.

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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.

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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).

[0170] 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.

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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.

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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.

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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.

[0180] 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.

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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.

[0183] 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.

[0184] 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.

[0185] 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.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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.

[0188] 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.

[0189] 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.

[0190] 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.

[0191] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the process of sequentially passing the sheet through the spaces formed by the main roller and each of the sub-rollers and winding the sheet onto the main roller makes it possible to firmly press each layer of the sheet against each other during the manufacturing process of the heater assembly, and prevents some layers from lifting up.

[0192] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the process of heating the sheet with a main roller and heating and pressing the sheet with a sub-roller allows each layer of the sheet to be firmly pressed together during the manufacturing process of the heater assembly, and the gas generated in the sheet can be discharged to the outside during the manufacturing process.

[0193] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater assembly manufacturing process can be simplified and the adhesive structure of the heater assembly can be simplified by winding the susceptor and electrically conductive track, which are placed on a sheet, onto a main roller together with the sheet, and then heat-sealing the susceptor and electrically conductive track to the sheet.

[0194] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the size of the device can be reduced and heat dissipation to the outside can be minimized by forming multiple layers, each of which includes a susceptor, an electrically conductive track, and a sheet.

[0195] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by setting the heating time, pressure, and temperature within a specific range during the manufacturing process, it is possible to prevent the heater's insulator from bulging or a portion of the insulator from lifting or peeling off from the heating element when using the aerosol generator.

[0196] Referring to Figures 1 to 13, a method for manufacturing a heater assembly 18 for an aerosol generator according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of: preparing a long sheet 40; arranging a susceptor 50 and an electrically conductive track 60 on the sheet 40; and rolling the sheet 40 on which the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 are arranged onto a main roller 71, wherein the rolling step may include passing the sheet 40 sequentially through the spaces formed between each of a plurality of sub-rollers 72 adjacent to the main roller 71 and the main roller 71 to wind it onto the outer surface of the main roller 71.

[0197] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the plurality of sub-rollers 72 may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the main roller 71 and adjacent to the outer circumferential surface.

[0198] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the arrangement step may include arranging the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 so that they are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, and arranging the susceptor 50 more adjacent to the main roller 71 than the electrically conductive track 60 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40.

[0199] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the arranging step may include arranging the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 on the same plane as the sheet 40.

[0200] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the winding step may include winding the sheet 40 onto the main roller 71 such that the susceptor 50 faces the outer circumferential surface.

[0201] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the winding step may include heating the sheet 40 with the main roller 71 and winding it onto the main roller 71 while pressing it with the plurality of sub-rollers 72.

[0202] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the winding step may include heating the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 with the main roller 71 and pressing them with the plurality of sub-rollers 72 to heat-seal the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 to the sheet 40.

[0203] Furthermore, according to other aspects of the present disclosure, the winding step may include heating the main roller 71 to a first temperature, heating at least one of the plurality of sub-rollers 72 to a second temperature equal to or lower than the first temperature, and heating the sheet 40 to be wound on the main roller 71 by the main roller 71 and the plurality of sub-rollers 72.

[0204] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the winding step may include pressing the sheet 40 with a pressure of 18 kgf to 22 kgf by each of the main roller 71 and the plurality of sub-rollers 72.

[0205] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the winding step may include heating the main roller 71 to a temperature of 360 to 400 degrees and heating the sheet 40 to be wound around the main roller 71 by the main roller 71.

[0206] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the winding step may include winding the sheet 40 onto the main roller 71 for 10 to 14 minutes.

[0207] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the winding step may include winding the sheet 40 onto the outer surface of the main roller 71 at least three times.

[0208] Furthermore, according to other aspects of the present disclosure, the winding step may include winding the sheet 40 onto the main roller 71 to form a first layer 40a including the susceptor 50; forming a second layer 40b including the electrically conductive track 60 and positioned radially outside the first layer 40a on the main roller 71; and forming at least one third layer 40d formed by the sheet 40 and positioned radially outside the second layer 40b on the main roller 71.

[0209] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the third layer 40d can form one to four layers in the radial direction of the main roller 71.

[0210] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the steps may further include separating the hollow-shaped wound sheet 40 from the main roller 71, assembling brackets 91 and 92 to the open end and the other end of the wound sheet 40, and assembling casings 93 and 94 to the sides of the wound sheet 40.

[0211] 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.

[0212] 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.

[0213] 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 stage of preparing a single long sheet, The steps include placing a susceptor and an electrically conductive track on the aforementioned sheet, The step includes winding the sheet on which the susceptor and the electrically conductive track are arranged onto a main roller, The aforementioned winding step is, A method for manufacturing a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, comprising the step of sequentially passing the sheet through the space formed between each of a plurality of sub-rollers adjacent to the main roller and the main roller, and winding it around the outer surface of the main roller.

2. The method for manufacturing a heater assembly for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sub-rollers are arranged spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the main roller and adjacent to the outer surface.

3. The aforementioned arrangement step is, A method for manufacturing a heater assembly for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, comprising the steps of arranging the susceptor and the electrically conductive track at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the sheet, and arranging the susceptor more adjacent to the main roller than the electrically conductive track in the longitudinal direction of the sheet.

4. The aforementioned arrangement step is, A method for manufacturing a heater assembly for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, comprising the step of arranging the susceptor and the electrically conductive track on the same surface of the sheet.

5. The aforementioned winding step is, A method for manufacturing a heater assembly for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, comprising the step of winding the sheet onto the main roller such that the susceptor faces the outer circumferential surface.

6. The aforementioned winding step is, A method for manufacturing a heater assembly for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, comprising the steps of heating the sheet with the main roller and winding it onto the main roller while pressing it with the plurality of sub-rollers.

7. The aforementioned winding step is, A method for manufacturing a heater assembly for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, comprising the steps of heating the susceptor and the electrically conductive track with the main roller and pressing them with the plurality of sub-rollers to heat-seal the susceptor and the electrically conductive track to the sheet.

8. The aforementioned winding step is, A method for manufacturing a heater assembly for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, comprising the steps of heating the main roller to a first temperature, heating at least one of the plurality of sub-rollers to a second temperature equal to or lower than the first temperature, and heating the sheet wound around the main roller with the main roller and the plurality of sub-rollers.

9. The aforementioned winding step is, A method for manufacturing a heater assembly for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, comprising the step of pressing the sheet with a pressure of 18 kgf to 22 kgf by each of the main roller and the plurality of sub-rollers.

10. The aforementioned winding step is, A method for manufacturing a heater assembly for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, comprising the steps of heating the main roller to a temperature of 360 to 400 degrees and heating the sheet wrapped around the main roller with the main roller.

11. The aforementioned winding step is, A method for manufacturing a heater assembly for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, comprising the step of winding the sheet onto the main roller for 10 to 14 minutes.

12. The aforementioned winding step is, A method for manufacturing a heater assembly for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, comprising the step of winding the sheet around the outer surface of the main roller at least three times.

13. The aforementioned winding step is, The steps include winding the sheet onto the main roller to form a first layer including the susceptor, The steps include forming a second layer which includes the electrically conductive track and is positioned outside the first layer in the radial direction of the main roller, A method for manufacturing a heater assembly for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, comprising the step of forming at least one third layer formed by the sheet and positioned outside the second layer in the radial direction of the main roller.

14. The method for manufacturing a heater assembly for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the third layer forms one to four layers in the radial direction of the main roller.

15. The steps include separating the hollow-shaped rolled sheet from the main roller, The steps include assembling brackets to the open end and the other end of the rolled sheet, A method for manufacturing a heater assembly for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the step of assembling a casing on the side surface of the rolled sheet.

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