Aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating apparatus is disclosed. The aerosol generating apparatus of this disclosure includes a body having an insertion space formed on one side that is open, and a heater including an electrically conductive track, the heater including a first heating element corresponding to a portion of a first region of a stick inserted into the insertion space, and a second heating element corresponding to a second region of the stick and the other portion of the first region, the first heating element corresponding to a first node which is one end of the electrically conductive track and a third node located between the first node and a second node which is the other end of the electrically conductive track, the second heating element corresponding to the second node and the third node, and the first heating element and the second heating element may be connected in series to the third node.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] An aerosol generating device is for extracting a predetermined component from a medium or substance through an aerosol. The medium can contain substances 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 nicotine components, herb components, and / or coffee components, etc. In recent years, many studies have been conducted on such aerosol generating devices.

[0003] Generally, in order to heat the aerosol generating substance contained in the stick, an internal heating method, an external heating method, an induction heating method using an induction coil and a susceptor, etc. are used. Also, although it is common for an aerosol generating device to heat a single substance (or region) to generate an aerosol, in recent years, in order to improve the smoking feeling, the atomization amount, etc., a method of heating a plurality of substances (or a plurality of regions) together to generate an aerosol is also used.

[0004] On the other hand, in order to provide an optimal flavor to the user, it is also possible to make the degree of heating different for each substance (or region) contained in the stick. For example, when heating one region of the stick corresponding to a humectant such as glycerin to a relatively low temperature and heating another region of the stick corresponding to the medium to a relatively high temperature, an optimal flavor can be provided to the user.

[0005] When an aerosol generator uses a single heater to heat the stick, there is a problem in that it is difficult to simultaneously heat each of the multiple substances (or multiple regions) to the optimal temperature. For example, if one region of the stick that needs to be heated to a relatively low temperature is heated to a high temperature, the substances contained in that region of the stick may overheat and be quickly consumed, which may reduce the smoking sensation or decrease the amount of atomization. Furthermore, when an aerosol generator uses multiple heaters to heat the stick, there are problems in that the manufacturing cost increases and the difficulty and complexity of the design increases. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

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

[0007] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device in which a single heater can be composed of multiple heating elements corresponding to multiple regions contained within a stick.

[0008] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generator that can adjust the degree of heating for each of the multiple regions contained within the stick using a single heater.

[0009] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device that can adjust the degree of heating for each of the multiple regions contained within the stick, thereby optimally maintaining the smoking sensation and atomization amount while using the stick.

[0010] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generator that can optimize the control of the current flowing through multiple heating elements based on the characteristics of the multiple heating elements that make up a single heater.

[0011] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus comprising a heater assembly formed by winding together a thin-film susceptor and an electrically conductive pattern, which are arranged on a single sheet.

[0012] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device having a structure that allows a thin-film susceptor to come into direct contact with a stick into which it is inserted.

[0013] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device having a structure in which a sheet surrounds the outside of an electrically conductive pattern multiple times.

[0014] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device having a structure in which gaps and stepped portions included in the heater assembly are spaced apart from each other.

[0015] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device equipped with brackets that can fix the upper and lower ends of the heater assembly.

[0016] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus having a structure in which a susceptor and an electrically conductive pattern are attached to a sheet by thermal fusion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described objectives includes a body having an insertion space formed on one side that is open, and a heater including an electrically conductive track, wherein the heater includes a first heating element corresponding to a portion of a first region of a stick inserted into the insertion space, and a second heating element corresponding to a second region of the stick and the other portion of the first region, wherein the first heating element corresponds to a first node which is one end of the electrically conductive track and a third node located between the first node and a second node which is the other end of the electrically conductive track, the second heating element corresponds to the second node and the third node, and the first heating element and the second heating element may be connected in series to the third node. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a single heater can be composed of multiple heating elements corresponding to multiple regions contained within a stick.

[0019] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the degree of heating for each of the multiple regions contained in the stick can be adjusted using a single heater.

[0020] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the degree of heating for each of the multiple regions contained in the stick can be adjusted to maintain the smoking sensation and atomization amount while using the stick.

[0021] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to optimize the control of the current flowing through multiple heating elements based on the characteristics of the multiple heating elements constituting a single heater.

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

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

[0024] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a thin-film susceptor can increase the thermal efficiency transferred to the stick by forming an insertion space and making direct contact with the inserted stick.

[0025] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by having a structure in which a sheet surrounds the outside of an electrically conductive pattern multiple times, the heater assembly can be effectively sealed and heat dissipation to the outside can be minimized.

[0026] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by providing brackets that can fix the upper and lower ends of the heater assembly, the rigidity of the heater assembly can be ensured.

[0027] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by attaching the susceptor and the electrically conductive pattern to the sheet by heat fusion, the adhesion structure of the heater assembly can be simplified.

[0028] The applicable additional scope of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be clearly understandable to those skilled in the art, the detailed description and specific examples such as the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure should be understood as being given only by way of illustration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] [Figure 3] It is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] [Figure 5] It is a diagram referred to in the description of the heater according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]This figure is referenced in the description of heaters according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure is referenced in the description of heaters according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This figure is referenced in the description of heaters according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This figure is referenced in the description of heaters according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This figure is referenced in the description of heaters according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] This figure is referenced in the description of heaters according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] This figure is referenced in the description of heaters according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] This figure is referenced in the description of heaters according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] [Figure 14] This flowchart shows the operation method of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] [Figure 15] This is a front perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] [Figure 16] This is an exploded perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] [Figure 17] This figure shows a susceptor of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] [Figure 18] This figure shows the unfolded state of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19]This figure shows the unfolded state of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] [Figure 20] This figure shows a bracket for a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] This figure shows a bracket for a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] [Figure 22] This is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] This is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] [Figure 24] This figure shows the unfolded state of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 25] This figure shows the unfolded state of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] This figure shows the unfolded state of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0041] The embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components will be given the same reference numerals even if they are shown in different drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] A singular expression includes plural expressions unless explicitly indicated otherwise in the context.

[0047] Figures 1 and 2 show an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment may include at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, and a heater 18. At least one of the power supply 11, control unit 12, sensor 13, and heater 18 may be located inside the body 10 of the aerosol generator. The body 10 may provide an upwardly opening space into which a stick S, which is an aerosol product, can be inserted. This upwardly opening space can be called an insertion space 43. The insertion space 43 may be formed by recessing into the body 10 to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the stick S can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space 43 may correspond to the length of the region in the stick S that contains the aerosol generating substance and / or medium. The lower end of the stick S is inserted into the body 10, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude outside the body 10. The user can inhale air by putting the exposed upper end of the stick S in their mouth.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] Sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, and a stick 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.

[0057] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] 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 3. 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 3 or the addition of new components.

[0059] 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.

[0060] Sensor 13 may include at least one of the following: temperature sensor 131, puff sensor 132, stick detection sensor 133, reuse detection sensor 134, motion detection sensor 137, and humidity sensor 138.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The temperature sensor 131 is located inside the body 10 and can sense the internal temperature of the body 10.

[0065] The puff sensor 132 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 may be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generator. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1 may correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 may be positioned in the aerosol generator 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0066] 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 stick sensing sensor 133 can detect the signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The stick sensing sensor 133 may be provided around the insertion space 43. The stick sensing sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S by the change in dielectric constant inside the insertion space 43. For example, the stick sensing sensor 133 may be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0067] An induction sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the induction sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space 43. 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space 43. The capacitance sensor can output a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic properties, for example, the capacitance around the conductor. For example, if a stick S including a metal wrapper is inserted into the insertion space 43, the wrapper of the stick S may alter the electromagnetic properties around the conductor.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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 in a location corresponding to 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 43. For example, before the stick S is used by a 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, the hue of at least a portion of the wrapper can be maintained at the second hue after it has changed from the first hue to the second hue.

[0072] The motion sensing sensor 137 can detect the movement of the aerosol generator. The motion sensing sensor 137 can be implemented using at least one of an accelerometer and a gyro sensor.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] The output unit 14 can output and provide to the user information about the status of the aerosol generator 1. The output unit 14 may include, but is not limited to, a display 141, a haptic unit 142, and an acoustic output unit 143. If the display 141 and the touchpad form a layered structure and constitute a touchscreen, the display unit 141 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] Although not shown in Figure 3, 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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 3, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the power supply 11 and supplies it to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 1 generates aerosols using an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the power supply 11 to AC power supply.

[0083] 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 3, 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 14, 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 stick sensing sensor 133.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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).

[0088] On the other hand, the input section 15 may include, but is not limited to, buttons, keypads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] The short-range wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, or an Ant+ communication unit.

[0092] 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.

[0093] Although not shown in Figure 3, 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.

[0094] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 1 may include at least one processor. The processor can also be realized by an array of numerous logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by this microprocessor. It is also understandable to those with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it can be realized by other forms of hardware.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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).

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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 according to the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space 43 using the stick sensing sensor 133. The control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been inserted based on the output signal from the stick sensing sensor 133. If it determines that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space 43, 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.

[0110] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space 43. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space 43 using the stick sensing sensor 133. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space 43 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 43, it can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0111] 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 signal level of the capacitance sensor 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43 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 shut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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 pre-set period of time or longer, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0116] 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 43, 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 has not been installed, it can notify the user via the output unit 14. For example, the control unit 12 can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 to the user via the output unit 14.

[0117] The control unit 12 can save and update the 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 the event can include the date and time the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is detection of stick S insertion, the log data corresponding to the event can include data such as the sensing value of the stick sensing 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] Figure 4 shows a stick according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] Referring to Figure 4, the stick S may include an aerosol substrate portion 510. The stick S may include a medium portion 520. The aerosol substrate portion 510 and the medium portion 520 can be called a tobacco rod. The stick S may include a cooling portion 530. The stick S may include a filter portion 540. The stick S may include a wrapper 550 surrounding the aerosol substrate portion 510, the medium portion 520, the cooling portion 530 and / or the filter portion 540. In Figure 3, the wrapper 550 may include individual wrappers surrounding the aerosol substrate portion 510, the medium portion 520 and the filter portion 540 respectively, and / or an outer covering that surrounds the aerosol substrate portion 510, the medium portion 520 and the filter portion 540 as a single unit surrounded by the individual wrappers.

[0125] The aerosol substrate portion 510 may be a portion formed into a predetermined shape by incorporating a humectant into a pulp-based paper. The humectant (substrate) contained in the aerosol substrate portion 510 may include propylene glycol, glycerin, and the like. For example, the humectant in the aerosol substrate portion 510 may include propylene glycol and glycerin in a certain weight ratio with respect to the weight of the base paper. When the stick S is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 and heated to a certain temperature or higher by the heater 18, humectant vapor can be generated from the aerosol substrate portion 510.

[0126] The medium section 520 may include one or more of a sheet, a strand, or finely cut tobacco leaf pieces from a tobacco sheet. The medium section 520 may be a part that generates nicotine to provide the user with a smoking experience. When the temperature of the medium contained in the medium section 520 rises above a certain temperature, nicotine vapor can be generated from the medium section 520. When the stick S is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, at least a portion of the aerosol base material section 510 and at least a portion of the medium section 520 can face the heater 18. For example, a portion of the upper or downstream side of the aerosol base material section 510 and a portion of the lower or upstream side of the medium section 520 can face the heater 18.

[0127] The length of the portion of the medium section 520 facing the heater 18 may be longer than the length of the portion of the aerosol substrate section 510 facing the heater 18. The length of the portion of the aerosol substrate section 510 facing the heater 18 may be more than half of the total length of the aerosol substrate section 510. The length of the portion of the medium section 520 facing the heater 18 may be more than half of the total length of the medium section 520.

[0128] The portions of the aerosol substrate 510 and the medium portion 520 facing the heater 18 can be heated by the heater 18. By heating at least a portion of the aerosol substrate 510 containing the humectant by the heater 18, humectant vapor can be generated. By heating at least a portion of the medium portion 520 containing the medium by the heater 18, nicotine vapor can be generated. By arranging the stick S such that the ratio of the lengths of a portion of the aerosol substrate 510 and a portion of the medium portion 520 facing the heater 18 is different, the ratio of the generated humectant vapor to nicotine vapor can be appropriately adjusted.

[0129] In one embodiment, the medium portion 520 does not need to be directly heated by the heater 18 even when the stick S is inserted into the aerosol generator 1. The medium portion 520 can be indirectly heated by conduction, convection, and radiation from the aerosol substrate portion 510 and the medium portion wrapper (or wrapper) surrounding the medium portion 520. The temperature of the medium portion 520 can also be indirectly raised after the aerosol substrate portion 510 has been heated by the heater 18.

[0130] The cooling section 530 can be made of a tube filter containing a predetermined weight of plasticizer. The humectant vapor and nicotine vapor generated from the aerosol substrate section 510 and the medium section 520 can be mixed with each other to form an aerosol, which can then be cooled as it passes through the cooling section 530. In one embodiment, unlike the aerosol substrate section 510, the medium section 520, and the filter section 540, the cooling section 530 does not need to be surrounded by an individual wrapper.

[0131] The filter section 540 may be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, the shape of the filter section 540 is not limited. The filter section 540 may be a cylindrical rod or a tube with a hollow interior. For example, if the filter section 540 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments may be made in a different shape. The filter section 540 may be made to generate flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter section 540, or a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted inside the filter section 540.

[0132] Furthermore, the filter section 540 may include at least one capsule. Here, the capsule may also perform the function of generating flavor. For example, the capsule may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is enclosed in a film, and may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0133] In one embodiment, the aerosol substrate 510 does not need to be directly heated by the heater 18 even when the stick S is inserted into the aerosol generator 1. The aerosol substrate 510 can be indirectly heated by conduction, convection, and radiation from the medium wrapper (or wrapper) surrounding the aerosol substrate 510 and the medium 520. The temperature of the aerosol substrate 510 can also be indirectly increased after the medium 520 has been heated by the heater 18.

[0134] In one embodiment, the medium portion 520 may contain a humectant. For example, when the stick S is inserted into the aerosol generator 1 and heated to a certain temperature or higher by the heater 18, humectant vapor can be generated from the medium portion 520. Here, the amount of humectant contained in the aerosol base material portion 510 may be greater than the amount of humectant contained in the medium portion 520.

[0135] Figures 5 to 13 are diagrams that are referenced in describing the heaters according to various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0136] The heater 18 in the embodiments of this disclosure may be positioned in correspondence with the stick S inserted into the aerosol generator 1. The heater 18 may be positioned in a direction in which the stick S extends to a longer length.

[0137] The heater 18 may include a plurality of heater sections 1810, 1820. The plurality of heater sections 1810, 1820 may be connected to one another. The plurality of heater sections 1810, 1820 may be connected in series. The plurality of heater sections 1810, 1820 may be arranged to correspond to at least one region contained in the stick S. For example, the first heater section 1810 may correspond to the aerosol substrate section 510, and the second heater section 1820 may correspond to the medium section 520. For example, the first heater section 1810 may correspond to a part of the aerosol substrate section 510, and the second heater section 1820 may correspond to another part of the aerosol substrate section 510 and the medium section 520. For example, the first heater section 1810 may correspond to the aerosol substrate section 510 and a part of the medium section 520, and the second heater section 1820 may correspond to another part of the medium section 520. In this disclosure, a first heater section 1810 corresponds to an aerosol substrate section 510, and a second heater section 1820 corresponds to a medium section 520, as an example.

[0138] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the first heater section 1810 may correspond to the entire aerosol substrate section 510, and the second heater section 1820 may correspond to the entire medium section 520.

[0139] The heater 18 may include an electrically conductive track 60. The electrically conductive track 60 can be formed by laser etching of a thin metal film. The electrically conductive track 60 can generate heat by receiving power from the power supply 11. The electrically conductive track 60 can be considered a heat-generating part. The resistance of the electrically conductive track 60 may be between 1.0Ω and 1.2Ω.

[0140] The electrically conductive track 60 may be made of stainless steel, aluminum, or an alloy, but is not limited to these materials.

[0141] The electrically conductive track 60 may have a winding shape, including the bent portion.

[0142] The electrically conductive track 60 may be arranged to correspond to a plurality of heater sections 1810, 1820. The electrically conductive track 60 may include a first track 610 corresponding to a first heater section 1810 and a second track 620 corresponding to a second heater section 1820. The first track 610 and the second track 620 may be connected in series.

[0143] The electrically conductive track 60 may include a first node a corresponding to one end, a second node b corresponding to the other end, and a third node c located between the first node a and the second node b. When a voltage is applied between the first node a and the second node b, current can flow through the entire electrically conductive track 60. In this case, the entire electrically conductive track 60 through which the current flows can generate heat. On the other hand, when a voltage is applied between the first node a and the third node c, current can flow through a portion of the electrically conductive track 60. In this case, the portion of the electrically conductive track 60 through which the current flows can generate heat.

[0144] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third node c may correspond to the position where the first track 610 and the second track 620 are connected. When a voltage is applied between the first node a and the second node b, the first track 610 and the second track 620 can generate heat. On the other hand, when a voltage is applied between the first node a and the third node c, the second track 620 can generate heat.

[0145] In this disclosure, a portion of the heater 18 that generates heat when a voltage is applied between the first node a and the third node c can be referred to as the first heating portion, and the remaining portion of the heater 18 excluding the first heating portion can be referred to as the second heating portion. For example, if the third node c is located at the position where the first track 610 and the second track 620 are connected, the first heating portion may be the second heater portion 1820 corresponding to the second track 620, and the second heating portion may be the first heater portion 1810 corresponding to the first track 610.

[0146] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first track 610 and the second track 620 may differ from each other in at least one characteristic. Here, the characteristic may include the width of the pattern forming the electrically conductive track 60, the spacing between the patterns, the material constituting the pattern, and the resistance per unit area of ​​the pattern. In this disclosure, an example is described in which the target heating temperature for providing the user with the optimal flavor is higher in the medium portion 520 than in the aerosol substrate portion 510. For example, the width of the pattern in the first track 610 may be greater than the width of the pattern in the second track 620. For example, the spacing between the patterns in the first track 610 may be greater than the spacing between the patterns in the second track 610. For example, the resistance per unit area of ​​the pattern in the first track 610 may be less than the resistance per unit area of ​​the pattern in the second track 620.

[0147] Referring to reference numeral 601, the spacing w1 between patterns on the first track 610 and the spacing w1 between patterns on the second track 620 may be the same. On the other hand, referring to reference numeral 602, the spacing w2 between patterns on the first track 610 may be greater than the spacing w3 between patterns on the second track 620. Here, if the characteristics of the first track 610 and the second track 620 are the same except for the spacing between patterns, the degree of heat generation per unit area may be greater in the second heater section 1820 than in the first heater section 1810. In this disclosure, the case in which the spacing between patterns on the first track 610 and the spacing between patterns on the second track 620 are different will be explained as an example.

[0148] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the first heater section 1810 may correspond to a part of the aerosol substrate section 510, and the second heater section 1820 may correspond to a part of the medium section 520.

[0149] The length of the aerosol substrate portion 510 corresponding to the first heater portion 1810 and the length of the medium portion 520 corresponding to the second heater portion 1820 may be different from each other. Referring to reference numeral 701, the length 710 of the aerosol substrate portion 510 corresponding to the first heater portion 1810 may be shorter than the length 720 of the medium portion 520 corresponding to the second heater portion 1820. Referring to reference numeral 702, the length 730 of the aerosol substrate portion 510 corresponding to the first heater portion 1810 may be longer than the length 720 of the medium portion 540 corresponding to the second heater portion 1820.

[0150] The position of the third node c can be determined in accordance with the length of the aerosol substrate portion 510 corresponding to the first heater portion 1810 and the length of the medium portion 520 corresponding to the second heater portion 1820. Referring to reference numeral 801 in the drawing, if the length 710 of the aerosol substrate portion 510 corresponding to the first heater portion 1810 is shorter than the length 720 of the medium portion 520 corresponding to the second heater portion 1820, the greater the difference between the length 710 of the aerosol substrate portion 510 corresponding to the first heater portion 1810 and the length 720 of the medium portion 520 corresponding to the second heater portion 1820, the closer the third node c may be to the second node b. Referring to reference numeral 802 in the drawing, if the length 730 of the aerosol substrate portion 510 corresponding to the first heater portion 1810 is longer than the length 740 of the medium portion 520 corresponding to the second heater portion 1820, the greater the difference between the length 730 of the aerosol substrate portion 510 corresponding to the first heater portion 1810 and the length 740 of the medium portion 520 corresponding to the second heater portion 1820, the closer the third node c may be to the first node b.

[0151] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the aerosol generator 1 may include a power supply circuit 910 and / or a switching circuit 920.

[0152] The power supply circuit 910 can supply power to the heater 18. The power supply circuit 910 may include a power supply 11. For example, the power supply circuit 910 can output a predetermined voltage. For example, the power supply circuit 910 can output a predetermined current.

[0153] The switching circuit 920 can electrically connect either the second node b or the third node c to the power supply circuit 910. The switching circuit 920 may include at least one switching element that operates to electrically connect either the second node b or the third node c to the power supply circuit 910. In this disclosure, the switching circuit 920 is described as including a first switching element SW1 corresponding to the second node b and a second switching element SW2 corresponding to the third node c. On the other hand, the power supply circuit 910 may be electrically connected to the first node a.

[0154] Referring to reference numeral 1001 in the drawing, when the first switching element SW1 included in the switching circuit 920 is turned off and the second switching element SW2 is turned on, the second heater section 1820 on which the second track 620 is located can generate heat. Here, the heat generated by the second heater section 1820 can heat the medium section 520 of the stick S.

[0155] Referring to reference numeral 1002 in the drawing, when the first switching element SW1 included in the switching circuit 920 is turned on and the second switching element SW2 is turned off, both the first heater section 1810 on which the first track 610 is located and the second heater section 1820 on which the second track 620 is located can generate heat. Here, the heat generated by the first heater section 1810 and the second heater section 1820 can heat the aerosol substrate section 510 and the medium section 520 of the stick S together.

[0156] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third node c may correspond to a position that divides the second track 620 into a plurality of detail tracks 621, 622.

[0157] The entire region R of the second track 620 may correspond to the second heater section 1820. Region R1 corresponding to the first detail track 621 may correspond to a part 1821 of the second heater section 1820, and region R2 corresponding to the second detail track 622 may correspond to another part 1822 of the second heater section 1820.

[0158] When a voltage is applied between the first node a and the second node b, the first track 610 and the second track 620 can generate heat. On the other hand, when a voltage is applied between the first node a and the third node c, the first detail track 621 of the second track 620 can generate heat. That is, when the third node c is located at a position that divides the second track 620 into a plurality of detail tracks 621 and 622, the first heat-generating part is a part 1821 of the second heater part 1820 corresponding to the first detail track 621, and the second heat-generating part may be the first heater part 1810 corresponding to the first track 610 and the other part 1822 of the second heater part 1820 corresponding to the second detail track 622.

[0159] The position of the third node c can be determined in relation to the size of the region R1 corresponding to the first detail track 621 and the size of the region R2 corresponding to the second detail track 622. Referring to reference numeral 1201, if the size of the region R1 corresponding to the first detail track 621 is larger than the size of the region R2 corresponding to the second detail track 622, the larger the size of the region R1 corresponding to the first detail track 621, the closer the third node c may be to the second node b. Referring to reference numeral 1202, if the size of the region R1 corresponding to the first detail track 621 is smaller than the size of the region R2 corresponding to the second detail track 622, the smaller the size of the region R1 corresponding to the first detail track 621, the closer the third node c may be to the first node a.

[0160] Referring to reference numeral 1301 in Figure 13, when the first switching element SW1 included in the switching circuit 920 is turned off and the second switching element SW2 is turned on, a portion 1821 of the second heater section 1820 on which the first detail track 621 is located can generate heat. Here, the heat generated by a portion 1821 of the second heater section 1820 can heat a portion of the medium section 520 of the stick S.

[0161] Referring to reference numeral 1302 in Figure 13, when the first switching element SW1 included in the switching circuit 920 is turned on and the second switching element SW2 is turned off, both the first heater section 1810 on which the first track 610 is located and the second heater section 1820 on which the second track 620 is located can generate heat. Here, the heat generated by the first heater section 1810 and the second heater section 1820 can heat the aerosol substrate section 510 and the medium section 520 of the stick S together.

[0162] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the operation method of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0163] Referring to Figure 14, the aerosol generator 1 can perform preheating of the stick S in operation S1401. For example, when the aerosol generator 1 senses the insertion of the stick S into the insertion space 43 via the stick sensing sensor 133, it can supply power to the heater 18 based on the temperature profile corresponding to the preheating stored in memory 17.

[0164] According to one embodiment, when the aerosol generator 1 performs preheating on the stick S, power can be supplied to the heater 18 so that the first heating element of the heater 18 generates heat. When the first heating element of the heater 18 generates heat, at least a portion of the medium 520 of the stick S corresponding to the first heating element can be directly heated. On the other hand, while performing preheating on the stick S, the aerosol substrate 510 of the stick S can be indirectly heated.

[0165] When only the first heating element generates heat, the time required to preheat the stick S can be shortened compared to when both the first and second heating elements generate heat. Here, the smaller the size of the first heating element, the shorter the time required to preheat the stick S can be. For example, when a predetermined voltage is applied to the first heating element, the magnitude of the current flowing through the heater 18 can be increased compared to when a predetermined voltage is applied to both the first and second heating elements. Here, a relatively large current flows through the first heating element, allowing the temperature of the first heating element to rise more quickly. Therefore, the time required to preheat the stick S can be shortened.

[0166] The aerosol generator 1 can determine in operation S1402 whether preheating of the stick S is complete. For example, the aerosol generator 1 can determine that preheating of the stick S is complete if the temperature of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than the target temperature during preheating. Here, the temperature of the heater 18 may be the temperature of the first heating element.

[0167] In operation S1403, if preheating of the stick S is complete, the aerosol generator 1 can perform partial heating of the stick S. For example, if preheating of the stick S is complete, the aerosol generator 1 can supply power to the heater 18 so that its temperature corresponds to the target temperature during heating, based on the temperature profile corresponding to the heating stored in memory 17.

[0168] When the aerosol generator 1 performs partial heating of the stick S, it can supply power to the heater 18 so that the first heating element of the heater 18 generates heat. When the first heating element of the heater 18 generates heat, at least a portion of the medium 520 of the stick S corresponding to the first heating element can be directly heated. If the medium 520 contains a humectant, humectant vapor and nicotine vapor can be generated from at least a portion of the medium 520 of the stick S corresponding to the first heating element.

[0169] In operation S1404, the aerosol generator 1 can determine whether the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 132 is equal to or greater than a first number. Here, the first number may correspond to the number of puffs at which at least one of the humectant vapor and nicotine vapor decreases to below a predetermined level due to the depletion of a substance contained in at least a portion of the medium portion 520 of the stick S corresponding to the first heating element. For example, the aerosol generator 1 can heat the medium portion 520 to a temperature for generating nicotine vapor. Here, the amount of atomization may become insufficient because the humectant contained in the medium portion 520 is depleted relatively quickly compared to other substances.

[0170] The first count can correspond to the size of the first heating element. For example, the first count can increase as the size of the first heating element increases. The first count can be set based on the ratio of the size of the region R1 corresponding to the first detail track 621 of the second track 620 to the size of the entire region R of the second track 620. For example, the first count can increase as the ratio of the size of the region R1 corresponding to the first detail track 621 to the size of the entire region R increases. In other words, the more the region of the medium 520 heated by the heat generated by the first heating element increases, the longer it takes for the material contained in the medium 520 to be depleted.

[0171] In operation S1405, the aerosol generator 1 can perform overall heating of the stick S if the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 132 is equal to or greater than the first number. When the aerosol generator 1 performs overall heating of the stick S, it can supply power to the heater 18 so that both the first and second heating elements of the heater 18 generate heat. When both the first and second heating elements of the heater 18 generate heat, the aerosol base material 510 and the medium 520 of the stick S can be directly heated. This minimizes problems such as the humectant vapor decreasing before the nicotine vapor, which can occur when heating the stick S using a single heater 18, resulting in a reduced smoking sensation or a decrease in atomization.

[0172] In operation S1406, the aerosol generator 1 can determine whether the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 132 is the second number or greater. Here, the second number may correspond to the maximum number of puffs required to complete use of the stick S. The second number may be greater than the first number.

[0173] In operation S1407, the aerosol generator 1 can determine whether the conditions for temporarily suspending heating of the stick S (hereinafter referred to as the heating suspension conditions) are met if the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 132 is less than the second puff count. Here, the heating suspension conditions may include the time elapsed without detecting a puff (hereinafter referred to as the undetected time), user input received via the input unit 15, etc. For example, if the undetected time is 1 hour (e.g., 30 seconds) or longer, the heating suspension conditions can be met. For example, if user input to temporarily suspend heating is received via a button included in the input unit 15, the heating suspension conditions can be met.

[0174] In operation S1408, the aerosol generator 1 can partially heat the stick S if the conditions for interrupting heating are met. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 can supply power to the heater 18 so that its temperature corresponds to a predetermined temperature lower than the target temperature during heating. This minimizes problems such as the wasteful consumption of substances contained in the stick S or changes in the smoking sensation caused by continuously heating the stick S to a high temperature before a puff is detected.

[0175] On the other hand, the aerosol generator 1 can perform overall heating of the stick S if the conditions for interrupting heating are not met. For example, the aerosol generator 1 can perform overall heating of the stick S if it detects a puff again via the puff sensor 132. For example, the aerosol generator 1 can perform overall heating of the stick S if it receives user input to resume heating via the button included in the input unit 15.

[0176] The aerosol generator 1 can determine in operation S1409 whether the conditions for terminating heating of the stick S (hereinafter referred to as the heating termination conditions) are met. Here, the heating termination conditions can include the unsensed time, user input received via the input unit 15, etc. For example, if the unsensed time is 2 hours (e.g., 1 minute) or longer, the heating termination conditions can be met. For example, if the user input to turn off the power is received via a button included in the input unit 15, the heating termination conditions can be met. For example, if the removal of the stick S from the insertion space 43 is detected via the stick sensing sensor 133, the heating termination conditions can be met.

[0177] The aerosol generator 1 can terminate heating of the stick S in operation S1410. The aerosol generator 1 can cut off the power supply to the heater 18.

[0178] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol generator 1 can also perform overall heating of the stick S once preheating of the stick S is complete. For example, if the first heating element is a second heater element 1820 corresponding to the second track 620, and the second heating element is a first heater element 1810 corresponding to the first track 610, then power can be supplied to the heater 18 such that the second heater element 1820 generates heat during preheating of the stick S, and once preheating of the stick S is complete, both the first heater element 1810 and the second heater element 1820 generate heat.

[0179] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol generator 1 can also alternately perform partial heating and total heating of the stick S based on the number of times a puff is detected via the puff sensor 132. For example, the aerosol generator 1 can alternately perform partial heating and total heating of the stick S when the number of puffs is less than the third number (less than the second number), and perform total heating of the stick S when the number of puffs is the third number or more.

[0180] Figure 15 is a front perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 17 is a diagram showing the susceptor of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0181] Referring to Figure 15, the heater 18 may include a heater assembly 30. The heater assembly 30 may be elongated. The heater assembly 30 may be tubular or cylindrical in shape with a hollow interior. The heater assembly 30 may be located inside the body 10 of the aerosol generator 1. The heater assembly 30 may surround an insertion space 43. The heater assembly 30 may provide an insertion space 43. The heater assembly 30 can heat the insertion space 43 or a stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The heater assembly 30 may include a lead 63 (see Figure 18) that protrudes to the outside and is electrically connected to the power supply 11.

[0182] The heater 18 may include a pair of brackets 91 and 92. The pair of brackets 91 and 92 can be coupled to the upper and lower ends of the heater assembly 30, respectively. The pair of brackets 91 and 92 can be coupled to the heater assembly 30 to support the heater assembly 30.

[0183] Referring to Figures 16 and 17, the heater assembly 30 may include a sheet 40, a susceptor 50, and an electrically conductive track 60.

[0184] The susceptor 50 may be in the shape of a cylinder formed by winding a thin metal sheet. The susceptor 50 can be described as a heat transfer element, a heat conduction element, a heat diffusion element, or a pipe. The susceptor 50 can be made of stainless steel, aluminum, or an alloy, but is not limited to these materials.

[0185] The thin-film metal sheet may be rectangular, with a length L1 greater than the width W1, and extending long in one direction. The length and width of the thin-film metal sheet can be defined as the length and width of the susceptor 50, respectively. The length L1 of the susceptor 50 may be 17.5 mm to 27.5 mm, and the width W1 of the susceptor 50 may be 10 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length L1 of the susceptor 50 may be 20 mm to 25 mm, and the width W1 of the susceptor 50 may be 12.5 mm to 17.5 mm. The susceptor 50 may also be cylindrical in shape, with a diameter D1 of 7 mm to 8 mm.

[0186] One end 51 of the susceptor 50 may be separated from the other end 52 of the susceptor 50 in the direction of the susceptor 50 or the direction of the insertion space 43. A gap G1 may be formed between the one end 51 and the other end 52 of the susceptor. The width of the gap G1 may be 0.5 mm or less. The wider the gap G1, the larger the area of ​​the stick S that is not heated by the gap G1. Therefore, 0.5 mm may correspond to the maximum width at which the aerosol generated by the stick S exceeds the set minimum amount.

[0187] Therefore, when forming the cylindrical shape of the susceptor 50 by winding a thin film sheet, it is possible to prevent the shape of the susceptor 50 from being distorted or parts of the susceptor 50 from overlapping due to errors in the assembly process.

[0188] The electrically conductive track 60 may also be in the shape of a rounded cylinder.

[0189] 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.

[0190] The sheet 40 can be elongated. A susceptor 50 and an electrically conductive track 60 can be attached to the sheet 40. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can be wound together with the sheet 40 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. The sheet 40 can form multiple layers in the hollow heater assembly 30. The sheet 40 can form at least one layer surrounding the susceptor 50 on the outside and at least one layer surrounding the electrically conductive track 60 on the outside.

[0191] Sheet 40 is a flexible sheet and may be formed from a heat-resistant material. Sheet 40 may include, but is not limited to, polyimide or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and may include other materials having elastic, heat-resistant, and electrically insulating properties.

[0192] The length L0 of the sheet 40 may be 115 mm to 165 mm, and the width W0 of the sheet 40 may be 15 mm to 25 mm. Preferably, the length L0 of the sheet 40 may be 130 mm to 150 mm, and the width W0 of the sheet 40 may be 17.5 mm to 22.5 mm. The features of the arrangement of the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 on the sheet 40 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 18 and 19.

[0193] Figures 18 and 19 show the unfolded state of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0194] Referring to Figures 18 and 19, the heater assembly 30 may include a sheet 40, a susceptor 50, and an electrically conductive track 60. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be arranged on the sheet 40. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be arranged sequentially along the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40.

[0195] The electrically conductive track 60 may include a heat-generating track 61 and a connecting section 62. The heat-generating track 61 may include a plurality of tracks 610, 620.

[0196] 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, a second connecting portion 62b, and a third connecting portion 62c. The first connecting portion 62a may be connected to a first node a, the second connecting portion 62b may be connected to a second node b, and the third connecting portion 62c may be connected to a third node c.

[0197] The lead 63 may be connected to the coupling portion 62. The lead 63 may extend in the direction in which the coupling portion 62 protrudes. The lead 63 can electrically connect the coupling portion 62 to the power supply 11, the power supply circuit 910 and / or the switching circuit 920. The temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the lead 63 may be lower than that of the electrically conductive track 60. The lead 63 may, but is not limited to, be attached to the coupling portion 62 by welding.

[0198] Therefore, based on the resistance change of the electrically conductive track 60, the temperature change of the electrically conductive track 60 can be accurately measured.

[0199] The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be arranged on the same plane of the sheet 40. The sheet 40 may be a single sheet that extends long in one direction or in the x-direction. The sheet 40 may include a flat first surface 41 and a second surface 42 that forms the opposite surface of the first surface 41 in the thickness direction. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be arranged on the first surface 41 of the sheet 40. The sheet 40 may be wound such that the first surface 41 faces the central axis or insertion space 43 of the hollow heater assembly 30 (see Figure 22). The heater assembly 30 can be formed by winding the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 together with the sheet 40.

[0200] When an elastic object is rolled into a ball, springback can occur. When an object is subjected to deformation, it has a property of resisting that deformation. Springback can be defined as a phenomenon caused by the restoring force that resists deformation. When the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 are placed on the same plane of the sheet 40, the springback may be smaller than when the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 are placed on different planes of the sheet 40.

[0201] Therefore, it is possible to reduce springback that occurs during the assembly process of the hollow heater assembly 30, thereby reducing defects in the heater assembly.

[0202] The susceptor 50 may be positioned adjacent to one end of the sheet 40 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. One end 51 of the susceptor 50 may be aligned with one end of the sheet 40. The susceptor 50 may be positioned at a distance from the electrically conductive track 60. For example, the electrically conductive track 60 may be positioned at a distance from the susceptor 50 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. One end of the electrically conductive track 60 may be positioned at a certain distance A1 from the other end 52 of the sheet 40. The upper end 53 of the susceptor 50 may be aligned with the upper end of the electrically conductive track 60. The lower end 54 of the susceptor 50 may be aligned with the lower end of the electrically conductive track 60.

[0203] The width W0 of the sheet 40 may be greater than the width W1 of the susceptor 50 and the width W2 of the electrically conductive track 60. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be positioned adjacent to the upper end of the sheet 40 rather than the lower end in the width direction or the y direction. The distance A2 between the upper end 53 of the susceptor 50 and / or the upper end of the electrically conductive sheet 60 and the upper end of the sheet 40 may be less than the distance A3 between the lower end 54 of the susceptor 50 and / or the lower end of the electrically conductive sheet 60 and the lower end of the sheet 40 and the lower end of the sheet 40.

[0204] The distance A1 between the susceptor 50 and the conductive track 60 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40 may be smaller than the length L2 of the conductive track 60, which is defined as the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. The susceptor 50 and the conductive track 60 can be electrically insulated from each other by the sheet 40. The larger the distance A1 between the susceptor 50 and the conductive track 60, the greater the number of layers of the sheet 40 placed between the susceptor 50 and the conductive track 60 in the hollow heater assembly 30, or the larger the area of ​​the sheet 40. If the distance A1 between the susceptor 50 and the conductive track 60 is smaller 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.

[0205] Therefore, the heat generated in the electrically conductive track 60 can be transferred to the susceptor 50 more efficiently.

[0206] 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.

[0207] Therefore, the area over which heat is transferred from the electrically conductive track 60 to the susceptor 50 increases, and the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can heat the insertion space 43 or the stick S inside the insertion space 43 more uniformly. In addition, the increased area of ​​the electrically conductive track 60 allows for greater design flexibility regarding the track shape.

[0208] 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 between the first part 40a and the second part 40b in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40 and connected to the first part 40a and the second part 40b. A fourth part 40d may extend from the second part 40b in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40 and may face the third part 40c relative to the second part 40b. The sheet 40 may be wound in a direction from one end of the first part 40a toward one end of the fourth part 40d. In the hollow heater assembly 30, the second part 40b may be located outside the first part 40a and the fourth part 40d may be located outside the second part 40b.

[0209] The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can be attached to the sheet 40 by thermal fusion. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 are placed on the first surface 41 of the first part 40a and the second part 40b of the sheet 40, respectively, and the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can be attached to the sheet 40 by heating the sheet 40, the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 to a certain temperature or higher.

[0210] Therefore, the bonding structure of the heater assembly can be simplified.

[0211] The thickness T1 of the susceptor 50 may be 0.01 to 0.03 mm. The thickness T2 of the electrically conductive track 60 may be 0.03 mm to 0.05 mm. The thickness T0 of the sheet 40 may be 0.015 to 0.035 mm. The thickness T2 of the electrically conductive track 60 may be greater than the thickness T0 of the sheet 40 and the thickness T1 of the susceptor 50. The thickness T0 of the sheet 40 may be greater than the thickness T1 of the susceptor 50. The thin film type susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can be wound together with a single thin sheet 40 to form a hollow heater assembly 30.

[0212] Therefore, the size of the hollow heater assembly 30 can be reduced, thereby reducing the size of the aerosol generator 1. In addition, the production process for the heater assembly 30 can be simplified, and manufacturing costs can be lowered.

[0213] Furthermore, by forming the sheet 40 with a thickness T0 greater than the susceptor 50 with a thickness T1, it is possible to prevent the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 from short-circuiting. Also, by forming the electrically conductive track 60 with a thickness T2 greater than the susceptor 50 with a thickness T1, the electrically conductive track 60 can stably support the outside of the susceptor 50 and provide more heat to the susceptor 50.

[0214] Figures 20 and 21 show a bracket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0215] Referring to Figure 20 together with Figures 15 and 16, the heater assembly 30 can be coupled with brackets 91 and 92. The first bracket 91 can be attached to or coupled to the upper side of the heater assembly 30 corresponding to the opening of the insertion space 43. The first bracket 91 may include a first bracket body 911, a first flange 912, an insertion opening 913, and an alignment groove 914.

[0216] The first bracket body 911 may be cylindrical in shape. The outer diameter D2 of the first bracket body 911 may be the same as or larger than the diameter of the upper end of the heater assembly 30. The first bracket body 911 may extend in the circumferential direction. The first bracket body 911 may be attached to or pressed into the upper end of the heater assembly 30. The first flange 912 may project radially outward from the upper end of the first bracket body 911. The first flange 912 may extend in the circumferential direction. The first flange 912 may surround the upper end of the first bracket body 911. The insertion opening 913 may be formed to penetrate vertically through the central part of the first bracket 91. The boundary between the first flange 912 and the first bracket body 911 may be curved so as to bulge from the inner circumferential surface of the first bracket body 911 to the upper surface of the first flange 912. The alignment groove 914 may be formed by one side of the flange 912 curving radially inward. The alignment groove 914 may have a shape corresponding to a projection provided on the body 10. The alignment groove 914 can be coupled to the projection provided on the body 10. The alignment groove 914 prevents the heater assembly 30 from rotating on the body 10, and allows the heater assembly 30 to be stably coupled to the body 10. The first bracket 91 can be made of stainless steel, aluminum, or an alloy, but is not limited to these materials.

[0217] Referring to Figure 21 in conjunction with Figures 15 and 16, the second bracket 92 can be attached to or coupled to the underside of the heater assembly 30. The second bracket 92 may include a second bracket body 921, a second flange 922, and a hole 924.

[0218] The second bracket body 921 may be cylindrical in shape. The outer diameter of the second bracket body 921 may be the same as or greater than the diameter of the lower end of the heater assembly 30, and the inner diameter D3 of the second bracket body 921 may be smaller than the diameter of the lower end of the heater assembly 30. The second bracket body 921 may extend circumferentially. The second bracket body 921 may be attached to or pressed into the lower end of the heater assembly 30. The second flange 922 may project radially outward from the lower end of the second bracket body 921. The second flange 922 may extend circumferentially. The second flange 922 may surround the lower end of the second bracket body 921. The first hole 924 may be formed to penetrate vertically through the central part of the second bracket 92. The second bracket 92 may be made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK), but is not limited to this.

[0219] The first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92 can support the upper and lower ends of the heater assembly 30, respectively. The upper end of the heater assembly 30 can be fixed to or supported by the first bracket 91. The lower end of the heater assembly 30 can be fixed to or supported by the second bracket 92.

[0220] Therefore, the rigidity of the heater assembly 30 can be ensured by stably fixing both ends of the heater assembly 30, which is formed by winding the susceptor 50, the electrically conductive track 60, and the sheet 40.

[0221] Figures 22 and 23 are cross-sectional views of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 22 shows a cross-section of the heater assembly along line AA in Figure 15, and Figure 23 shows a cross-section of the heater assembly along line BB in Figure 15.

[0222] Referring to Figure 22, the susceptor 50 may be located on the innermost side of the hollow heater assembly 30. An insertion space 43 may be located inside the susceptor 50. The susceptor 50 may form at least a portion of the insertion space 43. The susceptor 50 may surround at least a portion of the insertion space 43. The inner surface of the susceptor 50 may be exposed to the insertion space 43. The susceptor 50 may face the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. At least a portion of the inner surface of the susceptor 50 may be in contact with the outer surface of the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43.

[0223] Therefore, the thin-film susceptor forms at least a portion of the insertion space and comes into direct contact with the stick inserted into the insertion space, thereby increasing the thermal efficiency transferred to the stick.

[0224] The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can be separated from the upper and lower ends of the sheet 40. In the hollow heater assembly 30, the first part 40a and the second part 40b can be in contact with each other at their upper and lower ends. The structure in which the upper and lower ends of the first part 40a and the second part 40b are in contact with each other, and the fourth parts 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d are wound from the first part, allows the electrically conductive track 60 to be sealed to the outside.

[0225] The hollow heater assembly 30 can be coupled with brackets 91 and 92. The brackets 91 and 92 can be glued to or pressed into the heater assembly 30. With the hollow heater assembly 30 coupled with brackets 91 and 92, the heater assembly 30 and brackets 91 and 92 can be heated to a certain temperature or higher.

[0226] Therefore, the heater assembly can be sealed to the outside, minimizing the release of heat generated by the electrically conductive pattern to the outside of the heater assembly.

[0227] The insertion opening 913 of the first bracket 91 can communicate with the upper side of the insertion space 43. The hole 924 of the second bracket 92 can communicate with the lower side of the insertion space 43. The stick S can be inserted into the insertion space 43 through the insertion opening 913. Through the hole 924, outside air can flow from outside the heater assembly 30 into the interior of the stick S via the end of the stick S. The inner circumferential surface of the first bracket body 911 can support at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The upper surface 923 of the second bracket body 921 can support at least a portion of the lower end of the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, the first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92 can be separated from the susceptor 50. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, the lower end of the first bracket body 911 may be separated from the upper end 53 of the susceptor 50, and the upper end of the second bracket body 921 may be separated from the lower end 54 of the susceptor 50.

[0228] A stick sensing sensor 133 may be positioned on the heater assembly 30. The stick sensing sensor 133 can sense the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. For example, the stick sensing sensor 133 may be an induction sensor and / or a capacitance sensor. The stick sensing sensor 133 may be positioned adjacent to the lower end of the insertion space 43. The stick sensing sensor 133 may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the lower side of the heater assembly 30. The stick sensing sensor 133 may be in contact with and surrounding the fourth part 40d or outermost layer of the sheet 40. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, the stick sensing sensor 133 may be positioned below the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, the stick sensing sensor 133 may be positioned away from the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60.

[0229] 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.

[0230] Referring to Figure 23 together with Figure 22, the heater assembly 30 may have layers formed radially outward from the insertion space 43, in the order of susceptor 50, first part 40a and / or third part 40c of sheet 40, electrically conductive track 60, and fourth part 40d.

[0231] At least a portion of the sheet 40 is positioned between the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60, so that at least one layer can be formed between the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60. For example, the first part 40a can be in contact with the susceptor 50 and surround the outside of the susceptor 50. At least a portion of the sheet 40 is positioned outside the electrically conductive track 60, so that at least one layer can be formed outside the electrically conductive track 60. For example, the second part 40b can be in contact with the electrically conductive track 60 and surround the outside of the electrically conductive track 60. For example, the fourth part 40d can be in contact with the second part 40b and surround the outside of the second part 40b and the electrically conductive track 60.

[0232] The length of the fourth part 40d, defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40 (see Figure 8), may be greater than the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60. For example, the length of the fourth part 40d may be one or more times the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60. The fourth part 40d can surround the outside of the second part 40b and the electrically conductive track 60 for one or more turns. The fourth part 40d can form at least one layer 40d1 surrounding the outside of the second part 40b and the electrically conductive track 60. The second part 40b and the fourth part 40d can form at least two layers surrounding the outside of the electrically conductive track 60. For example, the length of the fourth part 40d may be four or more times the length L2 of the electrically conductive track 60. The fourth part 40d can surround the outside of the second part 40b and the electrically conductive track 60 for four or more turns. The fourth part 40d can form at least four layers 40d1, 40d2, 40d3, and 40d4 that surround the second part 40b and the outside of the electrically conductive track 60. The second part 40b and the fourth part 40d can form at least five layers that surround the outside of the electrically conductive track 60.

[0233] In a structure in which one sheet 40 is wound to form multiple layers, steps may be formed at the points where one layer connects to another. For example, steps may be formed in the heater assembly 30 at the positions where one end and the other end of the electrically conductive track 60 are positioned in the longitudinal direction. Steps may be formed in the heater assembly 30 at the positions where one end and the other end of the electrically conductive track 60 are positioned in the circumferential direction of the insertion space 43. These steps can be called the first step portion SP1. For example, a gap G1 is formed between one end 51 and the other end 52 of the susceptor 50 in the circumferential direction of the insertion space 43 (see Figures 5 and 6), and steps may be formed in the heater assembly 30 at the positions where the gap G1 is formed in the circumferential direction of the insertion space 43. These steps can be called the second step portion SP2.

[0234] The first stepped portion SP1 may be positioned offset from the gap G1 or the second stepped portion SP2 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43 or the heater assembly 30. The first stepped portion SP does not have to overlap with the gap G1 or the second stepped portion SP2 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43 or the heater assembly 30.

[0235] Compared to other parts surrounding the insertion space 43, heat may not be uniformly transferred to the insertion space 43 through the first stepped section SP1 and the second stepped section SP2. With repeated use of the aerosol generator 1, the degree of deterioration of the first stepped section SP1 and the second stepped section SP2 may differ from the degree of deterioration of other parts surrounding the insertion space 43. If the first stepped section SP1 and the second stepped section SP2 are arranged in a superimposed position, the degree of deterioration of those parts may differ significantly from the degree of deterioration of the other parts. In addition, certain parts of the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43 may not be heated properly, and those parts may be more vulnerable to external impacts than other parts.

[0236] By arranging the first stepped portion SP1 and the second stepped portion SP2 so as to be offset from each other in the radial direction of the insertion space 43, it is possible to prevent different degrees of deterioration from being observed in different parts of the heater assembly 30, and to heat the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43 uniformly. In addition, damage to the heater assembly 30 due to external impact can be minimized.

[0237] Figures 24 to 26 show the unfolded state of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed explanations of features common to the heater assemblies in Figures 18 and 19 are omitted.

[0238] Referring to Figures 24 to 26, the heater assembly 30 may include a sheet 40, a susceptor 50, and an electrically conductive track 60. The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be positioned on the sheet 40.

[0239] The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 may be arranged on opposite sides of the sheet 40. The susceptor 50 may be arranged on the first side 41 of the sheet 40. The electrically conductive track 60 may be arranged on the second side 42 of the sheet 40. The sheet 40 may be wound such that the first side 41 faces the central axis or insertion space 43 of the hollow heater assembly 30.

[0240] The susceptor 50 may be positioned adjacent to one end of the sheet 40 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. One end 51 of the susceptor 50 may be aligned with one end of the sheet 40. The electrically conductive track 60 may be positioned spaced away from one end of the sheet 40 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. One end 64 of the electrically conductive track 60 may be positioned spaced away from one end 51 of the susceptor 50 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. One end of the electrically conductive track 60 may be positioned between one end 51 and the other end 52 of the susceptor 50 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. One end 51 and the other end 52 of the susceptor 50 may be positioned offset from one end and the other end of the electrically conductive track 60 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40. One end of the electrically conductive track 60 may be spaced a certain distance A4 away from one end of the sheet 40 or one end 51 of the susceptor 50. The upper end 53 of the susceptor 50 may be aligned with the upper end of the conductive track 60. The lower end 54 of the susceptor 50 may be aligned with the lower end of the conductive track 60. In the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40, the distance A1 from one end 51 of the susceptor 50 to one end of the conductive track 60 may be less than the length L2 of the conductive track 60 defined in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 40.

[0241] The susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can be attached to the sheet 40 by heat fusion. With the susceptor 50 placed on the first surface 41 of the sheet 40 and the electrically conductive track 60 placed on the second surface 42 of the sheet 40, the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 can be attached to the sheet 40 by heating the sheet 40, the susceptor 50 and the electrically conductive track 60 to a certain temperature or higher.

[0242] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a single heater can be composed of multiple heating elements corresponding to multiple regions contained within a stick.

[0243] Furthermore, according to at least one of the embodiments of this disclosure, the degree of heating for each of the multiple regions contained in the stick can be adjusted using a single heater.

[0244] Furthermore, according to at least one of the embodiments of this disclosure, the smoking sensation and atomization amount can be maintained while using the stick by adjusting the degree of heating for each of the multiple regions contained in the stick.

[0245] Furthermore, according to at least one of the embodiments of this disclosure, it is possible to optimize the control of the current flowing through multiple heating elements based on the characteristics of the multiple heating elements constituting a single heater.

[0246] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the size of the device can be reduced by forming the heater assembly on a single sheet, with the thin-film susceptor and the electrically conductive pattern being wound together with the sheet.

[0247] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the process for producing the heater assembly can be simplified by forming the heater assembly by winding together a thin film susceptor and an electrically conductive pattern, which are arranged on a single sheet, together with the sheet.

[0248] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a thin-film susceptor can increase the thermal efficiency transferred to the stick by forming an insertion space and making direct contact with the inserted stick.

[0249] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater assembly can be effectively sealed and heat release to the outside can be minimized by having a structure in which a sheet surrounds the outside of the electrically conductive pattern multiple times.

[0250] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the rigidity of the heater assembly can be ensured by providing brackets that can fix the upper and lower ends of the heater assembly.

[0251] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the adhesive structure of the heater assembly can be simplified by attaching the susceptor and the electrically conductive pattern to the sheet by thermal fusion.

[0252] Referring to Figures 1 to 26, an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a body 10 having an insertion space 43 formed on one side that is open, and a heater 18 including an electrically conductive track 60, wherein the heater 18 includes a first heating element corresponding to a part of a first region of a stick S inserted into the insertion space 43, and a second heating element corresponding to a second region of the stick S and another part of the first region, wherein the first heating element corresponds to a first node a which is one end of the electrically conductive track 60 and a third node c located between the first node a and the second node b which is the other end of the electrically conductive track 60, and the second heating element corresponds to the second node b and the third node c, and the first heating element and the second heating element may be connected in series to the third node c.

[0253] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the first region of the stick S may be an aerosol substrate portion 510 on which a humectant vapor is generated, and the second region of the stick S may be a medium portion 520 on which nicotine vapor is generated.

[0254] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the amount of humectant contained in the first region of the stick S may be greater than the amount of humectant contained in the second region of the stick S.

[0255] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the present invention further includes a power supply circuit 910 electrically connected to the first node a and outputting a predetermined voltage, a switching circuit 920 electrically connecting either the second node b or the third node c to the power supply circuit 910, and a control unit 12, wherein the control unit 12 can control the switching circuit 920 in a first section so that the third node c is electrically connected to the power supply circuit 910, and in a second section so that the second node b is electrically connected to the power supply circuit 910.

[0256] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the first section may be a section in which preheating of the stick S is performed, and the second section may be a section in which heating is performed after the preheating of the stick S is completed.

[0257] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the device further includes a puff sensor 132 for sensing puffs, wherein the first interval is an interval in which the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 132 is less than a predetermined number, and the second interval is an interval in which the number of puffs is equal to or greater than the predetermined number.

[0258] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the predetermined number of times can be increased as the size corresponding to a portion of the first region of the stick S increases.

[0259] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the predetermined number of times can be increased as the ratio of the second size corresponding to a part of the first region of the stick S to the first size corresponding to a part of the first region of the stick S increases.

[0260] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the first section may be a section that satisfies predetermined conditions for temporarily suspending heating of the stick S, and the second section may be a section that does not satisfy the predetermined conditions.

[0261] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the device further includes a puff sensor 132 for sensing the puff, and the control unit 12 can determine that the predetermined condition is met if the unsensed time elapsed during which the puff is not sensed via the puff sensor 132 is greater than or equal to a predetermined time, and that the predetermined condition is not met if the unsensed time is less than the predetermined time.

[0262] Furthermore, according to other aspects of the present disclosure, the electrically conductive track 60 includes a first track 610 corresponding to the aerosol substrate portion 510 and a second track 620 corresponding to the medium portion 520, the first heating portion includes a portion of the second track 620 corresponding to the first node a and the third node c, and the second heating portion may include other portions of the first track 610 and the second track 620 corresponding to the second node b and the third node c.

[0263] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the spacing between the patterns forming the first track 610 may be greater than the spacing between the patterns forming the second track 620.

[0264] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the width of the pattern forming the first track 610 may be greater than the width of the pattern forming the second track 620.

[0265] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the resistance per unit area of ​​the pattern forming the first track 610 may be smaller than the resistance per unit area of ​​the pattern forming the second track 620.

[0266] 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.

[0267] 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.

[0268] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in any way and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A body having an insertion space formed with one side open, A heater including an electrically conductive track, The aforementioned heater is A first heating element corresponding to a part of the first region of the stick inserted into the insertion space, The stick includes a second heating element corresponding to a second region and another part of the first region, The first heating element corresponds to a first node, which is one end of the electrically conductive track, and a third node located between the first node and the second node, which is the other end of the electrically conductive track. The second heating element corresponds to the second node and the third node, The first heating element and the second heating element are connected in series to the third node in an aerosol generating device.

2. The first region of the stick is an aerosol substrate portion where humectant vapor is generated. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second region of the stick is a medium portion on which nicotine vapor is generated.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the amount of humectant contained in the first region of the stick is greater than the amount of humectant contained in the second region of the stick.

4. A power supply circuit electrically connected to the first node and outputting a predetermined voltage, A switching circuit that electrically connects either the second node or the third node to the power supply circuit, The system further includes a control unit, The control unit, In the first section, the switching circuit is controlled so that the third node is electrically connected to the power supply circuit. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switching circuit is controlled in the second section so that the second node is electrically connected to the power supply circuit.

5. The first section is a section in which preheating is performed on the stick, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second section is a section in which heating is performed after preheating of the stick is completed.

6. It further includes a puff sensor that detects the puff, The first section is a section in which the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor is less than a predetermined number. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second section is a section in which the number of puffs is equal to or greater than the predetermined number.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined number of times increases as the size corresponding to a part of the first region of the stick increases.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined number of times increases as the ratio of the second size corresponding to a part of the first region of the stick to the first size corresponding to a part of the first region of the stick increases.

9. The first section is a section that satisfies predetermined conditions for temporarily interrupting heating of the stick, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second section is a section that does not satisfy the predetermined conditions.

10. It further includes a puff sensor that detects the puff, The control unit, If the period of time during which the puff is not detected via the puff sensor is longer than a predetermined time, it is determined that the predetermined condition is met. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein if the undetected time is less than the predetermined time, it is determined that the predetermined condition is not met.

11. The aforementioned electrically conductive track is A first track corresponding to the aerosol substrate portion, It includes a second track corresponding to the medium section, The first heating element includes a portion of the second track corresponding to the first node and the third node, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second heating element includes other parts of the first track and the second track corresponding to the second node and the third node.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the spacing between the patterns forming the first track is greater than the spacing between the patterns forming the second track.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the width of the pattern forming the first track is greater than the width of the pattern forming the second track.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the resistance per unit area of ​​the pattern forming the first track is smaller than the resistance per unit area of ​​the pattern forming the second track.

Images