Aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating apparatus is disclosed. The aerosol generating apparatus of this disclosure includes a body having an insertion space that is open on one side, a heater for heating the insertion space, at least one sensor disposed adjacent to the insertion space, a circuit board on which the at least one sensor is disposed, and a heat diffuser in contact with the circuit board, wherein at least a portion of the heat diffuser can extend in a direction away from the heater.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device. [Background Art]

[0002] An aerosol generating device is for extracting a predetermined component from a medium or substance via aerosol. The medium may contain substances of various components. The substances contained in the medium may be flavor substances of various components. For example, the substances contained in the medium may include a nicotine component, a herbal component and / or a coffee component. In recent years, many studies have been conducted on such aerosol generating devices.

[0003] The aerosol generating device uses a blade-shaped or rod-shaped internal heater that is inserted into an aerosol-generating substance to heat the aerosol-generating substance, or a cylindrical external heater that accommodates and heats the aerosol-generating substance therein.

[0004] Heat generated by the heater is transferred to the outer shell of the heater. In a conventional aerosol generating device, the heat transferred to the outer shell of the heater increases the temperature of a sensor provided in the device, which causes a problem that the sensor malfunctions or the sensor fails. [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve the aforementioned problems and other problems.

[0006] Another object is to provide an aerosol generating device including a heat diffuser that is in contact with a circuit board connected to at least one sensor and extends in a direction away from a heater.

[0007] Still another object is to provide an aerosol generating device in which the heat diffuser is disposed on the circuit board so as to be in contact with a surface opposite to a surface on which the sensor is disposed.

[0008] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device in which the heat diffuser has a curved shape to correspond to the curved shape of the circuit board.

[0009] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generator in which the heat diffuser extends below the heater.

[0010] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus in which a heat diffuser is positioned adjacent to the inflow channel.

[0011] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating device comprising at least one heat sink positioned outside the heat diffuser.

[0012] Another objective is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus that includes a TIM (Thermal Insulator) positioned between the thermal diffuser and the body casing and in contact with the thermal diffuser and the body casing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-mentioned objectives, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided comprising: a body having an insertion space with one side open; a heater for heating the insertion space; at least one sensor disposed adjacent to the insertion space; a circuit board on which the at least one sensor is disposed; and a heat diffuser in contact with the circuit board, wherein at least a portion of the heat diffuser extends in a direction away from the heater. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing a heat diffuser that contacts a circuit board connected to at least one sensor and extends away from the heater, the heat generated by the heater and transferred to the sensor can be diffused, thereby minimizing the rise in the sensor's temperature.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the structure of the heat diffuser can be simplified by arranging the heat diffuser so as to be in contact with the side of the circuit board opposite to the side on which the sensor is located.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat diffuser has a curved shape that corresponds to the curved shape of the circuit board, thereby increasing the contact area between the heat diffuser and the circuit board, and thus effectively transferring heat from the sensor to the heat diffuser.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat diffuser extends below the heater, thereby transferring or diffusing the heat generated by the heater and transmitted to the sensor in a direction away from the heater and sensor.

[0018] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat diffuser can be cooled by the outside air flowing through the inflow channel by arranging the heat diffuser adjacent to the inflow channel.

[0019] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing at least one heat sink located outside the heat diffuser, the heat emitted from the heat diffuser can be effectively transferred to the outside of the device.

[0020] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing a TIM (Thermal Insulator) positioned between the heat diffuser and the body casing and in contact with the heat diffuser and the body casing, heat radiated from the heat diffuser can be effectively transferred to other structures within the apparatus.

[0021] Any additional applicable scope of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of this disclosure, should be understood to be given only as examples. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a heater assembly of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates electrically conductive tracks of a heater assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a coupled state of a circuit board, a heat spreader and a TIM of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a separated state of a circuit board, a heat spreader and a TIM of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a top cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a coupled state of a circuit board, a heat spreader and a TIM of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a separated state of a circuit board, a heat spreader and a TIM of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15]This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the side. [Figure 16] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] A singular expression includes plural expressions unless explicitly indicated otherwise in the context.

[0029] Throughout this specification, the orientation of the aerosol generator 1 can be defined with respect to a Cartesian coordinate system. In the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generator 1. The y-axis can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generator 1. The z-axis can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generator 1.

[0030] Figures 1 and 2 show an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol generator 1 may include at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, and a heater 18. At least one of the power supply 11, control unit 12, sensor 13, and heater 18 may be located inside the body 10 of the aerosol generator 1. The body 10 may have an insertion space 43 that opens upward so as to into which a stick S, which is an aerosol product, can be inserted. The insertion space 43 may be formed by recessing inward to a predetermined depth so as to allow at least a portion of the stick S to be inserted. The depth of the insertion space 43 may correspond to the length of the region in the stick S that contains the aerosol generating substance and / or medium. The lower end of the stick S may be inserted inside the body 10, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude outside the body 10. The user may inhale air by putting the exposed upper end of the stick S in their mouth.

[0032] The heater 18 can heat the stick S. The heater 18 may 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.

[0033] For example, referring to Figure 1, the heater 18 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 18 may include 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.

[0034] For example, referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generator 1 may include an induction coil 181 surrounding the 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 eddy currents can generate heat in the heater 18.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The power supply 11 can supply power to the components of the aerosol generator 1 so that they can 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, the sensor 13, and the heater 18. If the aerosol generator 1 includes an induction coil 181, the power supply 11 can supply power to the induction coil 181.

[0037] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. 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 the display, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is in an operational state.

[0038] The control unit 12 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor 13 and control the processes to be performed thereafter. 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 maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0039] Sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, and an insertion sensing sensor. For example, sensor 13 can sense at least one of the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power supply 11, and the internal and external temperatures of the body 10. For example, sensor 13 can sense the user's puff. For example, sensor 13 can sense whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space 43.

[0040] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Referring to Figure 3, the body 10 may include an elongated side wall 102, a cover 106 forming one end, a base 108 forming the other end, and a door 110 for opening and closing the insertion space 43. The body 10 may also be cylindrical in shape, elongated in one direction.

[0042] The body 10 may include side walls 102 that form the outer surface. The side walls 102 may have a curved surface. The side walls 102 may include a curved surface that extends along the circumferential direction of the body 10.

[0043] The side wall 102 may include a first side wall 103. The first side wall 103 may extend in the circumferential direction of the body 10. The first side wall 103 may bend in the circumferential direction of the body 10, forming a space inside. One side of the first side wall 103 may be open. The cross-section of the first side wall 103 may be a loop shape with one side open.

[0044] The side wall 102 may include a second side wall 104. The second side wall 104 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the body 10. The second side wall 104 may be coupled to the first side wall 103. The second side wall 104 may be located between the circumferential ends of the first side wall 103 and may form a continuous surface with the first side wall 103. The second side wall 104 may cover one side of the first side wall 103 that is open laterally.

[0045] The body 10 may include a cover 106 that forms one end in the longitudinal direction. The cover 106 may be coupled to one end in the longitudinal direction of the first side wall 103.

[0046] The body 10 may include a door 110. The door 110 may be coupled to a cover 106. The door 110 can open and close the insertion space 43 (see Figures 1 and 2) in a sliding manner. A rail 107 may be formed in the cover 106. The door 110 can slide along the rail 107.

[0047] The body 10 may include a base 108 forming the other end in the longitudinal direction. The base 108 may be coupled to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first side wall 103.

[0048] The body 10 may include a first curved portion 105a that connects the cover 106 and the second side wall 104. The first curved portion 105a can be curved to connect the cover 106 and the second side wall 104.

[0049] The body 10 may include a second curved portion 105b that connects the base 108 and the second side wall 104. The second curved portion 105b can be curved to connect the base 108 and the second side wall 104.

[0050] By rounding the portion where the side wall 102 and the cover 106 are connected by the first curved portion 105a, and rounding the portion where the side wall 102 and the base 108 are connected by the second curved portion 105b, the resistance of the body 10 to external impacts can be improved.

[0051] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the heater assembly 18 of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly 18 of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the heater 18 may be located within the body 10 (see Figures 1 to 3). The heater 18 can be described as a heater assembly. The heater assembly 18 may have a tubular or cylindrical shape with a hollow interior. The heater assembly 18 may surround the insertion space 43. The heater assembly 18 may provide the insertion space 43. The heater assembly 18 can heat the insertion space 43 or the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43.

[0053] The heater assembly 18 may include a susceptor 210, an electrically conductive track 220, and an insulator 230.

[0054] The susceptor 210 may have a cylindrical shape. The susceptor 210 may be located on the innermost side of the hollow heater assembly 18. The susceptor 210 may be positioned inside the electrically conductive track 220. The susceptor 210 may surround at least a portion of the insertion space 43. At least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the susceptor 210 may be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The susceptor 210 can be described as an insulator, a heat conductor, a heat diffuser, or a pipe. The susceptor 210 may be made of stainless steel, aluminum, or an alloy, but is not limited to these materials.

[0055] One end 211 of the susceptor 210 can be separated from the other end 212 of the susceptor 210 in the circumferential direction of the susceptor 210 or in the circumferential direction of the insertion space 43. A gap G1 can be formed between the one end 211 and the other end 212 of the susceptor 210. The gap G1 can be formed to be long in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43. The wider the gap G1, the larger the area of ​​the stick S that is not heated by the gap G1. Therefore, the gap G1 can be formed to have a maximum width such that the amount of aerosol generated by the stick S is greater than or equal to a set minimum amount.

[0056] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the shape of the susceptor 210 from becoming distorted or parts of the susceptor 210 from overlapping during the manufacturing process of the susceptor 210 or during the heating or cooling process of the susceptor 210.

[0057] The electrically conductive track 220 may have a cylindrical shape. The electrically conductive track 220 may be located outside the susceptor 210. The electrically conductive track 220 may surround at least a portion of the susceptor 210. The electrically conductive track 220 may generate heat by receiving power from the power supply 11 (see Figures 1 and 2). The electrically conductive track 220 can be considered a heat-generating part. The electrically conductive track 220 can be formed by laser etching a thin metal film. The electrically conductive track 220 may be made of stainless steel, copper, aluminum, or an alloy, but is not limited to these materials.

[0058] An insulator 230 may be placed on one side of the electrically conductive track 220. The insulator 230 may be placed inside and outside the electrically conductive track 220 and may have a cylindrical shape. The insulator 230 may cover the electrically conductive track 220. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, the insulator 230 may extend above and below the electrically conductive track 220. In the radial direction of the insertion space 43, the insulator 230 may be placed between the susceptor 210 and the electrically conductive track 220.

[0059] The insulator 230 may be formed from a material that is flexible and heat-resistant. The insulator 230 may include, but is not limited to, polyimide or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and may include other materials that are elastic, heat-resistant, and electrically insulating.

[0060] Brackets 241 and 242 may be attached to the upper and lower ends of the heater assembly 18. Brackets 241 and 242 may include a first bracket 241 attached to or attached to the upper side of the heater assembly 18 corresponding to the opening of the insertion space 43, and a second bracket 242 attached to or attached to the lower side of the heater assembly 18.

[0061] The first bracket 241 may include a first bracket body 2411, a first flange 2412, an insertion opening 2413, and an alignment groove 2414. The first bracket body 2411 may be cylindrical. The first bracket body 2411 may be attached to or pressed into the upper end of the heater assembly 18. The first flange 2412 may project radially outward from the upper end of the first bracket body 2411. The insertion opening 2413 may be formed to penetrate vertically through the central part of the first bracket 241. The alignment groove 2414 may be formed by one side of the first flange 2412 curving radially inward. The alignment groove 2414 may have a shape corresponding to a projection provided on the body 10. The alignment groove 2414 can be coupled to a projection provided on the body 10. The alignment groove 2414 can prevent the heater assembly 18 from rotating relative to the body 10, and the heater assembly 18 can be stably coupled to the body 10.

[0062] The second bracket 242 may include a second bracket body 2421, a second flange 2422, and a hole 2424. The second bracket body 2421 may be cylindrical. The second bracket body 2421 may be attached to or pressed into the lower end of the heater assembly 18. The second flange 2422 may project radially outward from the lower end of the second bracket body 2421. The hole 2424 may be formed to penetrate vertically through the central portion of the second bracket 242.

[0063] The insertion opening 2413 of the first bracket 241 can communicate with the upper side of the insertion space 43. The hole 2424 of the second bracket 242 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 2413. Outside air can flow in from outside the heater assembly 18 through the hole 2424, through the end of the stick S, and into the interior of the stick S. The inner circumferential surface of the first bracket body 2411 can support at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The upper surface 2423 of the second bracket body 2421 can support at least a portion of the lower end of the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43.

[0064] Brackets 241 and 242 may be made of stainless steel, aluminum, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or alloy, but are not limited to these materials.

[0065] A stick detection sensor 133 may be positioned in the heater assembly 18. The stick detection sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The stick detection sensor 133 may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the underside of the heater assembly 18. The stick detection sensor 133 may be positioned under the susceptor 210 and the electrically conductive track 220 in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43. The stick detection sensor 133 may be positioned to contact a portion of the insulator 230 extending under the electrically conductive track 220 and to surround a portion of the outer casing of the insulator 230. The stick detection sensor 133 may be positioned away from the susceptor 210 and the electrically conductive track 220 in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43.

[0066] Therefore, the transfer of heat from the susceptor 210 and the electrically conductive track 220 to the stick sensing sensor 133 can be minimized. In addition, the accuracy of stick sensing S by the stick sensing sensor 133 can be improved.

[0067] A stick recognition sensor (not shown) may be positioned on one side of the heater assembly 18. The stick recognition sensor may be positioned at a location corresponding to a region of the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The stick recognition sensor can detect a specific substance located in a region of the stick S. For example, the specific substance may be located on the wrapper corresponding to a region of the stick S. By detecting the specific substance, the stick recognition sensor can sense at least one of the following: the type of stick S and whether the stick S is genuine or not.

[0068] Although not shown in the drawings, the casing may be coupled to the side of the heater assembly 18. The casing may include a first casing that surrounds a portion of the side of the heater assembly 18 and a second casing that surrounds the remaining portion of the side of the heater assembly 18. The first and second casings can be coupled together to surround the side of the heater assembly 18 and can be coupled to brackets 241, 242 that are coupled to the upper and lower ends of the heater assembly 18.

[0069] Figure 6 shows an electrically conductive track 220 of a heater assembly 18 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] Referring to Figure 6, the electrically conductive track 220 may be cylindrical. The electrically conductive track 220 can generate heat by receiving power from the power source 11 (see Figures 1 and 2). The heat generated from the electrically conductive track 220 can heat the medium and / or humectant of the stick S (see Figures 1 and 2) inserted into the insertion space 43 (see Figures 1 and 2), thereby generating an aerosol.

[0071] The electrically conductive track 220 may include a heat-generating track 221 and a connecting section 222. The heat-generating track 221 may include at least one track 221a, 221b, or 221c. The first track 221a is located on the outermost edge of the electrically conductive track 220 and may be rectangular overall. The second track 221b may be located inside the first track 221a, and the third track 221c may be located inside the second track 221b.

[0072] The first to third tracks 221a, 221b, and 221c may have a curved shape and include at least one bent portion. The first to third tracks 221a, 221b, and 221c can be separated from each other. The first to third tracks 221a, 221b, and 221c may be connected at one end and at the other end. In other words, the first to third tracks 221a, 221b, and 221c may be connected in parallel to each other.

[0073] The width Wa of the first track 221a may be the same as or less than the width Wb of the second track 221b. The width Wb of the second track 221b may be the same as or less than the width Wc of the third track 221c. The length of the first track 221a may be the same as or less than the length of the second track 221b. The length of the second track 221b may be the same as or less than the length of the third track 221c. The distance G2 at which the second track 221b separates from the first track 221a or the third track 221c may be smaller than the width Wa of the first track 221a, the width Wb of the second track 221b, and the width Wc of the third track 221c.

[0074] Therefore, the electrically conductive track 220 can reduce the resistance deviation between the first track 221a located on the outer casing and the second track 221b and third track 221c located inside, thereby reducing the deviation in the amount of heat generated in each track.

[0075] Furthermore, by making the spacing between tracks relatively smaller than the width of the tracks, the heating surface area of ​​the electrically conductive tracks 220 can be increased, and the electrically conductive tracks 220 can uniformly heat the insertion space 43 or the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43.

[0076] The connecting portion 222 can protrude to the outside from one side of the heat-generating track 221. The connecting portion 222 may be formed integrally with the heat-generating track 221. The connecting portion 222 can expose more of the electrically conductive track 220 from the insulator 230. The connecting portion 222 may include a first connecting portion 222a and a second connecting portion 222b. The first connecting portion 222a may be connected to one end of the first to third tracks 221a, 221b, and 221c, and the second connecting portion 222b may be connected to the other end of the first to third tracks 221a, 221b, and 221c.

[0077] The lead 223 can be connected to the electrically conductive track 220. The lead 223 can be connected to the coupling portion 222. The lead 223 can extend in the direction in which the coupling portion 222 protrudes. The lead 223 can electrically connect the electrically conductive track 220 to the power supply 11. The lead 223 may include a first lead 223a that contacts the first coupling portion 222a and a second lead 223b that contacts the second coupling portion 222b. Power can be supplied to the electrically conductive track 220 via the first lead 223a and the second lead 223b. The lead 223 can be attached to the coupling portion 222 by welding. However, the method of attaching the lead 223 to the coupling portion 222 is not limited thereto.

[0078] Figure 7 is a front cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a diagram showing a cross-section of the body 10 along line BB in Figure 3.

[0079] Referring to Figure 7, the aerosol generator 1 may include a body 10. The body 10 may have an insertion space 43. The insertion space 43 may be open on one side and extend along the longitudinal direction of the body 10. The insertion space 43 may accommodate a stick S (see Figures 1, 2, and 5) inside.

[0080] The body casing 111 may be positioned inside the body 10. The body casing 111 can support the body 10 from within. At least a portion of the body casing 111 may be coupled to or in contact with the inner surface of the body 10. The body casing 111 can house a heater 18 inside.

[0081] The body casing 111 may include a first body casing 111a and a second body casing 111b. The first body casing 111a may extend in the circumferential direction of the insertion space 43. The first body casing 111a may form the outer surface of the body casing 111. The second body casing 111b may be connected to the first body casing 111a and positioned inside the first body casing 111a. The second body casing 111b may have at least one space formed inside it. At least one space may be formed between the first body casing 111a and the second body casing 111b. The second body casing 111b may be formed integrally with the first body casing 111a.

[0082] The body casing 111 may include a support portion 111c. The support portion 111c protrudes from one side of the heat diffuser 520 toward the heat diffuser 520 and can support the heat diffuser 520 by contacting one side of the heat diffuser 520.

[0083] The heater 18 can surround the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may be cylindrical in shape with a hollow interior. At least a portion of the insertion space 43 may be formed inside the heater 18. The heater 18 can extend in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43. The heater 18 can heat the insertion space 43 and / or the stick S housed in the insertion space 43.

[0084] The heater 18 can be coupled with heater casings 243 and 244. The heater casings 243 and 244 can surround the outside of the heater 18. The heater casings 243 and 244 may include a first heater casing 243 and a second heater casing 244. The first heater casing 243 can surround a portion of the side of the heater 18. The second heater casing 244 can surround the remaining portion of the side of the heater 18. The first heater casing 243 and the second heater casing 244 can be coupled together to surround the side of the heater 18. Each of the first heater casing 243 and the second heater casing 244 can be coupled with a first bracket 241 (see Figures 4 and 5) and a second bracket 242 (see Figures 4 and 5).

[0085] The heater 18 and heater casings 243 and 244 can be housed in the internal space of the second body casing 111b. The internal space housing the heater 18 and heater casings 243 and 244 can be called the heater housing section. The heater housing section may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The heater housing section can extend long in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43.

[0086] The inlet passage P may be formed inside the body casing 111. The inlet passage P may be formed inside the second body casing 111b. The inlet passage P can communicate with the outside of the body 10 and with the insertion space 43. The inlet passage P can communicate with the insertion space 43 via the inlet hole 2424.

[0087] The inflow channel P may include the first to third channels P1, P2, and P3. The third channel P3 can communicate with the insertion space 43. The third channel P3 may extend below the insertion space 43 in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43. The second channel P2 can communicate with the third channel P3. The second channel P2 may extend from one end of the third channel P3 in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43. The second channel P2 can connect the third channel P3 and the first channel P1. The first channel P1 can communicate with the second channel P2. The first channel P1 may extend from the upper end of the second channel P2 in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43. The first channel P1 can communicate with the outside of the body casing 111. External air from the aerosol generator 1 flows into the body 10 through gaps provided in the body 10, passes through the first channel to the third channels P1, P2, and P3, and can flow into the insertion space 43 through the inflow hole 2424.

[0088] At least one sensor 132, 133 may be provided within the body 10. At least one sensor 132, 133 may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space 43. At least one sensor 132, 133 may be connected to the circuit board 510. At least one sensor 132, 133 may be mounted on the circuit board 510 and electrically connected to the control unit 12 via the circuit board 510.

[0089] At least one of the sensors 132, 133 may include a stick sensing sensor 133 that senses a stick housed in the insertion space 43, and a puff sensor 132 that communicates with the insertion space 43. The stick sensor 133 and the puff sensor 132 may be arranged adjacent to each other.

[0090] The stick sensor 133 may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space 43. The stick sensor 133 may be positioned facing the insertion space 43. The stick sensor 133 may be positioned at a location corresponding to a region of the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The stick sensor 133 can sense whether the stick S is inserted into or removed from the insertion space 43. The stick sensor 133 can sense at least one of the following: the type of stick S and whether the stick S is genuine.

[0091] The puff sensor 132 may be positioned on one side of the inflow passage P. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the inflow passage P or a change in internal pressure. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to a user's puff. The puff sensor 132 can communicate with the inflow passage P and the insertion space 43. The puff sensor 132 may be positioned in a direction intersecting the direction in which the stick sensing sensor 133 is facing. The puff sensor 132 may be positioned facing the inflow passage P.

[0092] The circuit board 510 may be connected to the connecting board 560. At least one sensor 132, 133 may be connected to one side of the circuit board 510, and a connector 540 may be connected to the other side of the circuit board 510. The connector 540 may be mounted on the circuit board 510. The circuit board 510 may be connected to the connecting board 560 via the connector 540. The control unit 12 may be provided on the connecting board 560 or another board. The circuit board 510 may be connected via the connecting board 560 to other boards and / or the control unit 12 provided within the body 10.

[0093] At least a portion of the circuit board 510 can be in contact with the heat diffuser 520. The heat diffuser 520 may be positioned adjacent to at least one sensor 132, 133 located on the circuit board 510. The heat diffuser 520 can be called a sensor heat diffuser. The heat diffuser 520 can extend in the direction in which the circuit board 510 extends. For example, at least a portion of the circuit board 510 extends away from the heater 18 (e.g., in the opposite direction to the x-direction or the opposite direction to the z-direction), and the heat diffuser 520 can extend together with the circuit board 510 in the direction away from the heater 18, at least a portion of which.

[0094] The detailed structure of the circuit board 510 and the heat diffuser 520 will be described in detail below based on Figures 8 and 9, etc.

[0095] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the circuit board, heat diffuser, and TIM of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in a coupled state, and Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the circuit board, heat diffuser, and TIM of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in a separated state.

[0096] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the circuit board 510 may include the first board 511 to the fourth board 514.

[0097] The second substrate 512 is connected to the first substrate 511 and can extend in a first direction (for example, the opposite direction to the x-direction). The third substrate 513 is connected to the second substrate 512 and can extend in a second direction (for example, the opposite direction to the z-direction). The fourth substrate 514 is connected to the third substrate 513 and can extend in a third direction (for example, the opposite direction to the y-direction). The first to fourth substrates 511 to 514 may be a single, interconnected substrate.

[0098] The circuit board 510 may have a curved shape in at least part of it. The first connecting portion 515 is positioned between the first substrate 511 and the second substrate 512 and can bend in one direction. The second connecting portion 516 is positioned between the second substrate 512 and the third substrate 513 and can bend in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first connecting portion 515 is curved. The third connecting portion 517 is positioned between the third substrate 514 and the fourth substrate 514 and can bend in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first connecting portion 515 is curved. The circuit board 510 may include an FPCB (flexible printed circuit board). The circuit board 510 may include a polyimide film, but the material of the circuit board 510 is not limited thereto.

[0099] The first substrate 511 can be connected to a stick sensor 133. The stick sensor 133 can be mounted on one side of the first substrate 511. The side of the first substrate 511 on which the stick sensor 133 is mounted can face the insertion space 43. The second substrate 512 can be connected to a puff sensor 132. The puff sensor 132 can be mounted on one side of the second substrate 512. The side of the second substrate 512 on which the puff sensor 132 is mounted can face the inflow path P. The direction in which the side of the first substrate 511 on which the stick sensor 133 is mounted faces (e.g., the x-direction) and the direction in which the side of the second substrate 512 on which the puff sensor 132 is mounted faces (e.g., the opposite direction of the z-direction) may be different from each other.

[0100] The stick sensor 133 and the puff sensor 132 can be arranged on the same plane of the circuit board 510 with respect to the thickness direction of the circuit board 510. In other words, the surface on the first board 511 on which the stick sensing sensor 133 is mounted and the surface on the second board 512 on which the puff sensor 132 is mounted can form a single plane connected to each other via the first connecting portion 515.

[0101] The third substrate 513 can extend in a second direction. The third substrate can be considered an extension. The second direction can correspond to the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43. The width of the third substrate 513 may be narrower on the lower side than on the upper side. The upper part 5131 of the third substrate extends from one end of the second substrate 512 or the second connecting part 516, has a certain width, and can extend downward to a certain length. The lower part 5132 of the third substrate is connected to the upper part 5131 and the fourth substrate 514, has a narrower width than the upper part 5131, and can extend downward to a certain length.

[0102] The circuit board 510 can extend in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43 to below the heater 18 (see Figure 7). For example, the upper part 5131 of the third board can extend to below the heater 18. For example, the lower part 5132 of the third board may be located below the heater 18 in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43. In other words, the third board 513 may have a certain width and extend downward to a certain length, and its width may narrow below the heater 18.

[0103] The fourth substrate 514 may be connected to a connector 540. The connector 540 may be mounted on one side of the fourth substrate 514. The connector 540 may be connected to a connecting substrate 560. The circuit board 510 may be connected via the connecting substrate 560 to other substrates and / or control units 12 provided within the body 10.

[0104] The thermal diffuser 520 may include first part 521 to fourth part 524.

[0105] The second part 522 can be connected to the first part 521 and extend in a first direction. The third part 523 can be connected to the second part 522 and extend in a second direction. The first to third parts 521 to 523 may be a single, interconnected thermal diffuser. The fourth part 524 may be positioned apart from the first to third parts 521 to 523.

[0106] The thermal diffuser 520 may be made of a material with a higher thermal conductivity than the circuit board 510. For example, the thermal diffuser 520 may include at least one of graphite, copper, gold, silver, nanocrystal, and aluminum.

[0107] The heat diffuser 520 can come into contact with at least a portion of the circuit board 510. For example, the first part 521 can come into contact with the first board 511. The second part 522 can come into contact with the second board 512. The third part 523 can come into contact with the third board 513. The fourth part 524 can come into contact with the fourth board 514.

[0108] The heat diffuser 520 can cover at least a portion of the circuit board 510. For example, the first part 521 can contact the other side of the first board 511 and cover at least a portion of that side. The second part 522 can contact the other side of the second board 512 and cover at least a portion of that side. The third part 523 can contact one side of the third board 513 and cover at least a portion of that side. The fourth part 524 can contact one side of the fourth board 514 and cover at least a portion of that side.

[0109] The heat diffuser 520 may have a shape corresponding to at least a portion of the circuit board 510. For example, the first part 521 may have a shape corresponding to the first board 511. The second part 522 may have a shape corresponding to the second board 512. The third part 523 may have a shape corresponding to at least a portion of the third board 513. The fourth part 524 may have a shape corresponding to at least a portion of the fourth board 514.

[0110] The heat diffuser 520 can be in contact with the surface opposite to the surface on which the stick sensor 133 and puff sensor 132 are located. For example, the first part 521 can be in contact with the surface on the first substrate 511 opposite to the surface on which the stick sensing sensor 133 is mounted. The second part 522 can be in contact with the surface on the second substrate 512 opposite to the surface on which the puff sensor 132 is mounted.

[0111] Therefore, the structure of the heat diffuser 520 can be simplified by positioning it so that it contacts the side of the circuit board 510 opposite to the side on which the sensors 132 and 133 are located.

[0112] The heat diffuser 520 may have a curved shape in at least part of it. The first bent portion 525 is located between the first part 521 and the second part 522 and can bend in one direction. The second bent portion 526 is located between the second part 522 and the third part 523 and can bend in a direction intersecting the direction in which the second bent portion 526 is bent.

[0113] The heat diffuser 520 can be bent to a shape corresponding to the curved shape of the circuit board 510. For example, the first bent portion 525 can be bent to a shape corresponding to the curved shape of the first connecting portion 515. The second bent portion 526 can be bent to a shape corresponding to the curved shape of the second connecting portion 516.

[0114] Therefore, by having the heat diffuser 520 bent to correspond to the curved shape of the circuit board 510, the contact area between the heat diffuser 520 and the circuit board 510 is increased, thereby effectively transferring heat from the sensors 132 and 133 to the heat diffuser 520.

[0115] Furthermore, the fourth part 524, which contacts the fourth substrate 514 on which the connector 540 is mounted, has a structure that separates it from the first to third parts 521, 522, and 523 without being connected to them. This prevents the shape of the heat diffuser 520 from deforming or the heat diffuser 520 from being damaged during the process of the connector 540 being connected to the connecting substrate 560.

[0116] The heat diffuser 520 can extend in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43 to below the heater 18 (see Figure 7). For example, the third part 523 can extend to below the heater 18. The third part 523 may have a shape corresponding to at least a portion of the upper part 5131 and the lower part 5132 of the third substrate. The third part 523 may have a certain width and extend downward to a certain length, and its width may narrow below the heater 18.

[0117] Therefore, the heat diffuser 520 extends below the heater 18, and can transmit or diffuse the heat generated by the heater 18 and transferred to the sensors 132 and 133 in a direction away from the heater 18 and sensors 132 and 133.

[0118] The TIM (Thermal interface material) 530 can come into contact with the thermal diffuser 520. The TIM 530 can extend in the direction in which the thermal diffuser 520 extends. The TIM 530 may have a shape that corresponds to at least a portion of the thermal diffuser 520. For example, the TIM 530 may have a shape that corresponds to a third part 523 of the thermal diffuser 520 and can cover one side of the third part 523. One side of the third part 523 may come into contact with one side of the third substrate 513 of the circuit board 510, and the other side of the third part 523 may come into contact with one side of the TIM 530. The TIM 530 may include thermal cream or sealer, etc. One side of the TIM 530 may come into contact with the thermal diffuser 520, and the other side may come into contact with at least a portion of the body casing 111.

[0119] Therefore, by positioning the TIM 530 between the heat diffuser 520 and the body casing 111 and contacting the heat diffuser 520 and the body casing 111, the heat radiated from the heat diffuser 520 can be effectively transferred to other structures within the device.

[0120] On the other hand, the TIM530 is not necessarily required, and the heat diffuser 520 can also be in direct contact with the body casing 111 to transfer heat to other structures within the device.

[0121] Figure 10 is a side view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 11 is a top view of the aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 shows a cross-section of the body 10 along line CC in Figure 3, and Figure 11 shows a cross-section of the body 10 along line AA in Figure 3. In Figure 10, the body 10 is omitted.

[0122] Referring to Figure 10 together with Figure 7, the heat diffuser 520 may be positioned adjacent to the inflow channel P. For example, the first part 521 and the second part 522 of the heat diffuser 520 may be positioned above the first channel P1 and adjacent to the first channel P1. For example, the third part 523 of the heat diffuser 520 may be positioned on one side of the first channel P1 and the second channel P2 and adjacent to the first channel P1 and the second channel P2. The direction in which the third part 523 extends may correspond to the direction in which the second channel P2 extends.

[0123] When a user inhales an aerosol using the aerosol generator 1, the temperature of the flowing air in the first channel P1 through which outside air flows may be lower than that of the second channel P2 and the third channel P3. In the heat diffuser 520, the first part 521 and the second part 522, which are located adjacent to the sensors 132 and 133, can receive more heat than the third part 523 and the fourth part 524.

[0124] The first part 521 and the second part 522 are positioned adjacent to the first flow path P1 through which air at the relatively lowest temperature flows, thereby enabling effective cooling of the heat diffuser 520.

[0125] Furthermore, the third part 523 has a structure that extends in the direction in which the second flow path P2 extends, thereby enabling effective cooling of the heat diffuser 520.

[0126] When the user operates the aerosol generator 1 and does not inhale the air, a portion of the air heated by the heater 18 can flow into the inflow passage P through the inflow hole 2424. In this case as well, the temperature of the air flowing through the first flow path P1, which is relatively farther away from the inflow hole 2424, may be lower than that of the second flow path P2 and the third flow path P3.

[0127] By arranging the first part 521 and the second part 522 adjacent to the first flow path P1 through which the air at the lowest temperature flows, the influence of heated air in the inflow path P can be minimized.

[0128] Referring to Figure 11 together with Figure 10, at least one heat sink 300, 400 may be placed inside the body 10. The heat sinks 300, 400 can be called a body heat sink or a heater heat sink. The first heat sink 300 may be placed outside the heat diffuser 520 and the heater 18 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43. The first heat sink 300 may surround at least a portion of the outside of the heat diffuser 520 and the heater 18. The first heat sink 300 may be placed away from the heat diffuser 520 and the heater 18 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43. The first heat sink 300 may have a shape corresponding to the inner surface of the body 10. The first heat sink 300 may be placed facing the inner surface of the body 10.

[0129] The second heat sink 400 may be placed inside the body casing 111. The second heat sink 400 may be placed in the space 114 formed between the first body casing 111a and the second body casing 111b. This space can be called a heat sink housing. The heat sink housing 114 may be formed between the inner surface of the first body casing 111a and the outer surface of the second body casing 111b. The heat sink housing 114 may be formed along the periphery of the inner surface of the first body casing 111a. The heat sink housing 114 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43.

[0130] The second heat sink 400 may be positioned outside the second body casing 111b. The second heat sink 400 may surround at least a portion of the second body casing 111b in the circumferential direction of the insertion space 43. The second heat sink 400 may be positioned outside the heat diffuser 520 and heater 18 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43. The second heat sink 400 may surround at least a portion of the outside of the heat diffuser 520 and heater 18. The second heat sink 400 may be positioned at a distance from the heat diffuser 520 and heater 18 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43. The second heat sink 400 may be positioned at least a portion at a distance from the outer and inner walls of the heat sink housing 114 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43. A gap may be formed between the inner surface of the second heat sink 400 and the inner wall of the heat sink housing 114, and / or between the outer surface of the second heat sink 400 and the outer wall of the heat sink housing 114. The second heat sink 400 may be positioned inside the first heat sink 300 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43.

[0131] At least a portion of the heat diffuser 520 can be in contact with one side of the body casing 111. For example, the third part 523 of the heat diffuser 520 can be in contact with one side of the second body casing 111b. The third part 523 of the heat diffuser 520 is positioned within a space formed in the second body casing 111b and can be in contact with a surface adjacent to the position where the first heat sink 300 and the second heat sink 400 are positioned.

[0132] On the other hand, when the TIM530 is provided, one surface of the TIM530 can be in contact with the heat diffuser 520, and the other surface can be in contact with at least a portion of the body casing 111. The other surface of the TIM530 can be in contact with a surface adjacent to the position where the first heat sink 300 and the second heat sink 400 are arranged.

[0133] Therefore, by providing at least one heat sink 300, 400 positioned outside the heat diffuser 520, the heat emitted from the heat diffuser 520 can be effectively transferred to the outside of the device.

[0134] Figure 12 is a front cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 is a diagram showing a cross-section of the body 10 along line BB in Figure 3. Detailed explanations of the features of Figure 12 that overlap with those disclosed in Figures 7 to 11 are omitted.

[0135] Referring to Figure 12, at least a portion of the circuit board 510 can be in contact with the heat diffuser 520. The heat diffuser 520 may be positioned adjacent to at least one of the sensors 132, 133 located on the circuit board 510. The heat diffuser 520 may extend in the direction in which the circuit board 510 extends. For example, at least a portion of the circuit board 510 may extend away from the heater 18 (e.g., in the opposite direction to the x-direction), and the heat diffuser 520 may extend together with the circuit board 510, at least a portion of which may extend away from the heater 18.

[0136] The body casing 111 may include a support portion 111c. The support portion 111c may project from one side of the heat diffuser 520 toward the heat diffuser 520 and be able to contact one side of the heat diffuser 520. For example, the support portion 111c may project downward toward the second part 522 of the heat diffuser 520 and be able to contact the upper side of the second part 522 to support the second part 522.

[0137] The TIM550 may be positioned on one side of the heat diffuser 520. One surface of the TIM550 may be in contact with the heat diffuser 520, and the other surface may be in contact with the body casing 111. For example, the TIM550 may be positioned above the second part 522 of the heat diffuser 520, with one surface in contact with the upper surface of the second part 522 and the other surface in contact with the body casing 111.

[0138] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the circuit board, heat diffuser, and TIM of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in a coupled state, and Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the circuit board, heat diffuser, and TIM of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in a separated state. Detailed explanations of the configurations in Figures 13 and 14 that overlap with the features disclosed in Figures 7 to 11 are omitted.

[0139] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, the circuit board 510 may include the first board 511 to the fourth board 514.

[0140] The circuit board 510 may have a curved shape in at least part of it. The first connecting portion 515 is positioned between the first board 511 and the second board 512 and can bend in one direction. The second connecting portion 516 is positioned between the second board 512 and the third board 513 and can bend in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first connecting portion 515 is curved. The third connecting portion 517 is positioned between the third board 514 and the fourth board 514 and can bend in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first connecting portion 515 is curved.

[0141] The first substrate 511 can be connected to a stick sensor 133. The stick sensor 133 can be mounted on one side of the first substrate 511. The side of the first substrate 511 on which the stick sensor 133 is mounted can face the insertion space 43. The second substrate 512 can be connected to a puff sensor 132. The puff sensor 132 can be mounted on one side of the second substrate 512. The side of the second substrate 512 on which the puff sensor 132 is mounted can face the inflow path P. The direction in which the side of the first substrate 511 on which the stick sensor 133 is mounted faces (e.g., the x-direction) and the direction in which the side of the second substrate 512 on which the puff sensor 132 is mounted faces (e.g., the opposite direction of the z-direction) may be different from each other.

[0142] The stick sensor 133 and the puff sensor 132 can be arranged on the same plane of the circuit board 510 with respect to the thickness direction of the circuit board 510. In other words, the surface on the first board 511 on which the stick sensing sensor 133 is mounted and the surface on the second board 512 on which the puff sensor 132 is mounted can form a single plane connected to each other via the first connecting portion 515.

[0143] The thermal diffuser 520 may include a first part 521, a second part 522, and a fourth part 524.

[0144] The first part 521 can be in contact with the first substrate 511. The second part 522 is connected to the first part 521 and can extend in the first direction in which the second substrate 512 extends. The second part 522 can be in contact with the second substrate 512. The first part 521 and the second part 522 may be a single, interconnected heat diffuser. The fourth part 524 may be positioned apart from the first part 521 and the second part 522. The fourth part 524 can be in contact with the fourth substrate 514.

[0145] The heat diffuser 520 may have a shape corresponding to at least a portion of the circuit board 510. For example, the first part 521 may have a shape corresponding to the first board 511. The second part 522 may have a shape corresponding to the second board 512. The fourth part 524 may have a shape corresponding to at least a portion of the fourth board 514.

[0146] The heat diffuser 520 can be in contact with the surface opposite to the surface on which the stick sensor 133 and puff sensor 132 are located. For example, the first part 521 can be in contact with the surface on the first substrate 511 opposite to the surface on which the stick sensing sensor 133 is mounted. The second part 522 can be in contact with the surface on the second substrate 512 opposite to the surface on which the puff sensor 132 is mounted.

[0147] The heat diffuser 520 can be bent to a shape that corresponds to the curved shape of the circuit board 510. For example, the first bent portion 525 can be bent to a shape that corresponds to the curved shape of the first connecting portion 515.

[0148] The TIM550 may be positioned on one side of the heat diffuser 520. The TIM550 may be positioned above the second part 522 of the heat diffuser 520, with one surface in contact with the upper surface of the second part 522 and the other surface in contact with the body casing 111.

[0149] The TIM550 may be provided with a groove 552. The groove 552 may be formed by an indentation on one side of the TIM550. The groove 552 may surround at least a portion of the support portion 111c. The support portion 111c may penetrate the groove 552 and support the heat diffuser 520 by contacting a portion of the heat diffuser 520 exposed on the underside of the groove 552.

[0150] Therefore, the heat diffuser 520 is firmly supported within the body casing 111, and the heat emitted from the heat diffuser 520 can be effectively transferred to other structures within the device via the TIM 550.

[0151] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the side. Figure 15 is a view of a cross-section of the body 10 along the CC line in Figure 3. In Figure 15, the body 10 is omitted. Detailed explanations of the features of Figure 15 that overlap with the features disclosed in Figures 7 to 11 are omitted.

[0152] Referring to Figure 15 together with Figure 12, the heat diffuser 520 may be positioned adjacent to the inflow channel P. For example, the first part 521 and the second part 522 of the heat diffuser 520 may be positioned above the first flow channel P1 and adjacent to the first flow channel P1.

[0153] When a user inhales an aerosol using the aerosol generator 1, the temperature of the air flowing through the first channel P1, into which outside air flows, may be lower than that of the second channel P2 and the third channel P3.

[0154] The first part 521 and the second part 522 are positioned adjacent to the first flow path P1 through which air at the relatively lowest temperature flows, thereby effectively cooling the heat diffuser 520.

[0155] When the user operates the aerosol generator 1 and does not inhale the air, a portion of the air heated by the heater 18 can flow into the inflow passage P through the inflow hole 2424. In this case as well, the temperature of the air flowing through the first flow path P1, which is relatively farther away from the inflow hole 2424, may be lower than that of the second flow path P2 and the third flow path P3.

[0156] The first part 521 and the second part 522 are positioned adjacent to the first flow path P1 through which the air at the relatively lowest temperature flows, thereby minimizing the influence of heated air in the inflow path P.

[0157] Figure 16 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0158] 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 16. 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 16 or the addition of new components.

[0159] 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.

[0160] Sensor 13 may include at least one of the following: temperature sensor 131, puff sensor 132, insertion sensor 133, reuse sensor 134, motion sensor 137, and humidity sensor 138.

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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.

[0164] The temperature sensor 131 is located inside the body 10 and can sense the internal temperature of the body 10.

[0165] The puff sensor 132 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 may be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generator. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1 may correspond to the pressure of the airflow through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 may be positioned in the aerosol generator 1 in a manner corresponding to the airflow through which the gas flows.

[0166] The stick sensing sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The stick sensing sensor can be described as an insertion sensing sensor. The insertion sensing sensor 133 can detect a signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion sensing sensor 133 may be provided around the insertion space. The insertion sensing sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick S by a change in dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 133 may be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0167] An induction sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the induction sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if the magnetic field changes around a coil through which current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0168] An inductive sensor can output a signal that corresponds to the characteristics of the current flowing through a coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal that corresponds to the inductance value of a coil.

[0169] A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor can output a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic properties, such as the capacitance around the conductor. For example, if a stick S including a metal wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the wrapper of the stick S may alter the electromagnetic properties around the conductor.

[0170] 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.

[0171] At least a portion of the wrapper constituting the stick S can change hue due to aerosols. The reuse sensing sensor 134 may be positioned corresponding to the location where at least a portion of the wrapper whose hue changes due to aerosols is located when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick S is used by the user, at least a portion of the wrapper may have a first hue. Here, as the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 1 passes through the stick S, at least a portion of the wrapper becomes wet with the aerosol, causing the hue of at least a portion of the wrapper to change to a second hue. On the other hand, after the hue of at least a portion of the wrapper has changed from the first hue to the second hue, it may be maintained at the second hue.

[0172] The motion sensor 137 can detect the movement of the aerosol generator. The motion sensor 137 can be implemented using at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

[0173] 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.

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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.

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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.

[0180] Although not shown in Figure 16, 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.

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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 16, 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.

[0183] 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 16, 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 16, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter may be a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter prevents high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13, such as the insertion sensing sensor 133.

[0184] 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 a heating element is arranged, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0185] 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.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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).

[0188] On the other hand, the input section 15 may include, but is not limited to, buttons, keypads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0189] 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.

[0190] 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.

[0191] The short-range wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth® communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee® communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and the like.

[0192] 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.

[0193] Although not shown in Figure 16, 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.

[0194] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 may include at least one processor. The processor can also be realized by an array of numerous logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by this microprocessor. It is also understandable to those with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it can be realized by other forms of hardware.

[0195] 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.

[0196] 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.

[0197] 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.

[0198] 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.

[0199] 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.

[0200] 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.

[0201] 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).

[0202] 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.

[0203] 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.

[0204] 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.

[0205] The control unit 12 can control the charging and discharging of the power supply 11. The control unit 12 can check the temperature of the power supply 11 in accordance with the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0206] 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.

[0207] 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.

[0208] 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.

[0209] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space using the insertion sensing sensor 133. The control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been inserted based on the output signal from the insertion sensing sensor 133. If it determines that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0210] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S has been removed from the insertion space using the insertion sensing sensor 133. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater 18 is above a limit temperature or if the temperature change gradient of the heater 18 is above a set gradient. If the control unit 12 determines that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space, it can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0211] The control unit 12 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater 18 based on the state of the stick S sensed by the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can check the level range that includes the level of the capacitance sensor signal based on a lookup table. The control unit 12 can determine the amount of moisture in the stick S based on the checked level range.

[0212] 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.

[0213] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space has been reused by the reuse sensing sensor 134. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor signal with a first reference range that includes a first hue, and if the sensing value falls within the first reference range, it can determine that the stick S has not been used. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor signal with a second reference range that includes a second hue, and if the sensing value falls within the second reference range, it can determine that the stick S has been used. If it is determined that the stick S has been used, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0214] 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.

[0215] The control unit 12 can make decisions regarding the user's inhalation based on the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether a puff has occurred based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor 132. If the number of puffs reaches a pre-set maximum number of puffs or if no puff is detected for a period of time longer than a pre-set time, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0216] The control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the results sensed by the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 132 reaches a pre-set number, the control unit 12 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 1 will immediately shut off via at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, and the acoustic output unit 143. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that there is no stick S in the insertion space, it can notify the user via the output unit 14. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that the cartridge 19 and / or upper case have not been installed, it can notify the user via the output unit 14. For example, the control unit 12 can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18 to the user via the output unit 14.

[0217] The control unit 12 can save and update a history of the event in the memory 17 when a predetermined event occurs. Events can include operations performed by the aerosol generator 1, such as detection of stick S insertion, start of stick S heating, puff detection, end of puffing, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, end of stick S heating, on / off of the aerosol generator 1, start of charging of the power supply 11, detection of overcharge of the power supply 11, and end of charging of the power supply 11. The history of an event can include the date and time the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of stick S insertion, the log data corresponding to the event can include data such as the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data such as the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18, and the current flowing through the cartridge heater 24 and / or heater 18.

[0218] 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.

[0219] 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.

[0220] 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.

[0221] 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.

[0222] 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.

[0223] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing a heat diffuser that contacts a circuit board connected to at least one sensor and extends away from the heater, the heat generated by the heater and transmitted to the sensor can be diffused, thereby minimizing the rise in the sensor's temperature.

[0224] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the structure of the heat diffuser can be simplified by arranging the heat diffuser so as to be in contact with the side of the circuit board opposite to the side on which the sensor is located.

[0225] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat diffuser has a curved shape corresponding to the curved shape of the circuit board, thereby increasing the contact area between the heat diffuser and the circuit board, and thus effectively transferring heat from the sensor to the heat diffuser.

[0226] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat diffuser extends below the heater, thereby transferring or diffusing the heat generated by the heater and transmitted to the sensor in a direction away from the heater and sensor.

[0227] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat diffuser can be cooled by the outside air flowing through the inflow channel by arranging the heat diffuser adjacent to the inflow channel.

[0228] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing at least one heat sink located outside the heat diffuser, the heat emitted from the heat diffuser can be effectively transferred to the outside of the device.

[0229] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing a TIM (Thermal Insulator) positioned between the heat diffuser and the body casing and in contact with the heat diffuser and the body casing, heat radiated from the heat diffuser can be effectively transferred to other structures within the apparatus.

[0230] Referring to Figures 1 to 16, an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a heater 18 for heating the insertion space 43, at least one sensor 132, 133 positioned adjacent to the insertion space 43, a circuit board 510 on which the at least one sensor 132, 133 is positioned, and a heat diffuser 520 in contact with the circuit board 510, wherein at least a portion of the heat diffuser 520 can extend in a direction away from the heater 18.

[0231] Furthermore, according to other aspects of the present disclosure, the at least one sensor 132, 133 includes a stick sensing sensor 133 for sensing a stick housed in the insertion space 43, and a puff sensor 132 communicating with the insertion space 43, wherein the stick sensing sensor 133 is positioned toward the insertion space 43, and the puff sensor 132 may be positioned toward a direction intersecting the direction toward which the stick sensing sensor 133 is positioned.

[0232] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the stick sensing sensor 133 and the puff sensor 132 are arranged on the same plane of the circuit board 510 with respect to the thickness direction of the circuit board 510, and the heat diffuser 520 can be in contact with the plane opposite to the plane on which the stick sensing sensor 133 and the puff sensor 132 are arranged.

[0233] Furthermore, according to other aspects of the present disclosure, the circuit board 510 includes a first connecting portion 515 that bends between the stick sensing sensor 133 and the puff sensor 132, and the heat diffuser 520 can be bent to a shape corresponding to the bent shape of the first connecting portion 515.

[0234] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the circuit board 510 includes a second connecting portion 516 that is separated from the first connecting portion 515 and curves in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first connecting portion 515 curves, and an extension portion 513 that extends elongated in one direction from the second connecting portion 516, and the heat diffuser 520 can bend to a shape corresponding to the curved shape of the second connecting portion 516 and extend elongated to a shape corresponding to the shape in which the extension portion 513 extends.

[0235] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the heat diffuser 520 can extend in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43 to a position below the heater 18.

[0236] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the heat diffuser 520 may be positioned adjacent to the inlet passage P, which is in communication with the insertion space 43 and through which outside air flows.

[0237] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the body 10 includes a body casing 111 in which the inlet passage P is formed, wherein the heat diffuser 520 is located within the body casing 111 and can be in contact with one side of the body casing 111.

[0238] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the body casing 111 may include at least one heat sink 300, 400 positioned radially within the insertion space 43 and outside the heat diffuser 520.

[0239] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the TIM 530, 550 may be included that extend in the direction in which the heat diffuser 520 extends and that contact the heat diffuser 520.

[0240] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a body casing 111 is provided inside the body 10 and supports the body 10, wherein one surface of the TIM 530, 550 may be in contact with the heat diffuser 520 and the other surface may be in contact with the body casing 111.

[0241] Furthermore, according to other aspects of the present disclosure, the body casing 111 includes a support portion 111c that protrudes toward the heat diffuser 520 and contacts one side of the heat diffuser 520, and the TIM 550 may include a groove 552 that is formed by curving on one side and surrounds at least a portion of the support portion 111c.

[0242] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the circuit board 510 may include an FPCB (flexible printed circuit board), and the heat diffuser 520 may be formed of a material with a higher thermal conductivity than the circuit board 510.

[0243] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the thermal diffuser 520 may include at least one of graphite, copper, gold, silver, nanocrystal, and aluminum.

[0244] 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.

[0245] 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.

[0246] 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 with one side open, A heater for heating the insertion space, At least one sensor positioned adjacent to the insertion space, A circuit board on which at least one of the aforementioned sensors is arranged, The circuit board includes a heat diffuser that contacts the circuit board, The heat diffuser extends in a direction away from the heater, at least a portion of which is an aerosol generating device.

2. The at least one of the sensors is A stick sensing sensor that senses the stick housed in the insertion space, Includes a puff sensor communicating with the insertion space, The stick sensing sensor is positioned toward the insertion space, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the puff sensor is arranged in a direction intersecting the direction toward the stick sensing sensor.

3. The stick sensing sensor and the puff sensor are arranged on the same plane of the circuit board with respect to the thickness direction of the circuit board. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the heat diffuser is in contact with the surface opposite to the surface on which the stick sensing sensor and the puff sensor are arranged.

4. The circuit board includes a first connecting portion that bends between the stick sensing sensor and the puff sensor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the heat diffuser is bent to a shape corresponding to the curved shape of the first connecting portion.

5. The aforementioned circuit board is A second connecting portion that is separated from the first connecting portion and bends in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first connecting portion bends, The present invention includes an extension portion that extends in one direction from the second connecting portion, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the heat diffuser is bent to a shape corresponding to the curved shape of the second connecting portion, and the extension portion extends to a length corresponding to the extended shape.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the heat diffuser extends in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space to a position below the heater.

7. It includes an inflow channel that communicates with the aforementioned insertion space and through which outside air flows in, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat diffuser is arranged adjacent to the inflow channel.

8. It includes a body casing that is located inside the body and has the inlet passage formed therein, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the heat diffuser is disposed within the body casing and in contact with one side of the body casing.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, comprising at least one heat dissipator disposed within the body casing and located outside the heat diffuser in the radial direction of the insertion space.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a TIM extending in the direction in which the heat diffuser extends and in contact with the heat diffuser.

11. The body includes a body casing that is located inside the body and supports the body, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein one side of the TIM is in contact with the heat diffuser and the other side is in contact with the body casing.

12. The body casing includes a support portion that protrudes toward the heat diffuser and contacts one side of the heat diffuser, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the TIM is formed with one side indented and includes a groove surrounding at least a portion of the support portion.

13. The circuit board includes an FPCB (flexible printed circuit board), The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat diffuser is formed of a material with higher thermal conductivity than the circuit board.

14. The allosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat diffuser comprises at least one of graphite, copper, gold, silver, nanocrystal, and aluminum.

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