Aerosol Generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is disclosed, which includes a pipe forming an insertion space, a heater for heating the insertion space, a substrate on which a sensor pattern for detecting electromagnetic changes in a surrounding area is mounted, and a connector for electrically connecting the heater and the substrate, the connector enabling the heater to detect electromagnetic changes in a surrounding area of ​​the heater.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] The aerosol generating device is for extracting a predetermined component from a medium or substance via an aerosol. The medium may contain a substance having a variety of components. The substance contained in the medium may be a flavoring substance having a variety of components. For example, the substance contained in the medium may contain a nicotine component, a herb component, and / or a coffee component. In recent years, much research has been conducted on such aerosol generating devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present disclosure is directed to solving the above-referenced problems and other problems.

[0004] Another object of the present disclosure is to extend the sensing area using a heater or induction coil without the need for additional sensor devices.

[0005] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to improve the efficiency of space utilization within a device.

[0006] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to improve efficiencies in device manufacturing processes or manufacturing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure to achieve the above-mentioned object, an aerosol generating device is provided, comprising: a pipe forming an insertion space; a heater for heating the insertion space; a substrate having a sensor pattern mounted thereon for sensing electromagnetic changes in the surrounding area; and a connector for electrically connecting the heater and the substrate, wherein the connector enables the heater to sense the electromagnetic changes in the surrounding area of ​​the heater. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the sensing area can be expanded using a heater or induction coil without the need for additional sensor devices.

[0009] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the efficiency of space utilization within a device can be improved.

[0010] At least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure can improve efficiency in the device manufacturing process or manufacturing costs.

[0011] Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8]FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are given to the same or similar components even if they are illustrated in different drawings, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0014] The suffixes "module" and "section" for components used in the following description are used only for ease of description of the specification. "Module" and "section" do not have different meanings or roles from each other.

[0015] In addition, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if a specific description of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings. Therefore, the attached drawings should be interpreted as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included in the idea and scope of the present disclosure.

[0016] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but it should be understood that the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0017] When an element is said to be "connected" to another element, it will be understood that there can be other elements in between, whereas when an element is said to be "directly connected" to another element, it will be understood that there are no other elements in between.

[0018] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0019] 1 and 2, the aerosol generating device 100 may include at least one of a battery 10, a control unit 20, and a heater 30. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a cartridge 400.

[0020] 1 and 2, the battery 10, the control unit 20, and the heater 30 may be arranged in a row. Referring to Fig. 3, the battery 10, the control unit 20, the heater 30, and the cartridge 40 may be arranged in a row. Referring to Fig. 4, the cartridge 40 and the heater 30 may be arranged side by side to face each other. The internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in the drawings.

[0021] The aerosol generating device 100 may provide an insertion space 54. The insertion space 54 may be open to the upper side of the aerosol generating device 100. The insertion space 54 may have a cylindrical shape. A stick 200 may be inserted into the insertion space 54.

[0022] The heater 30 may be disposed around the insertion space 54 or inside the insertion space 54. The heater 30 may heat the insertion space and / or the stick 200 inserted into the insertion space 54. The heater 30 may heat the stick 200 to generate an aerosol. The heater 30 may be an electric resistance heating heater. The heater 30 may be made of a conductive metal.

[0023] 1 and 2, the heater 30 may protrude upward from the bottom of the insertion space 54. The heater 30 may have a long rod shape. The heater 30 may be formed so that the upper end is pointed. When the stick 200 is inserted into the insertion space 54, the heater 30 may be inserted into the inside of the stick 200. Referring to FIG. 1, the heater 30 may receive current from the battery 10 to generate heat directly. Referring to FIG. 2, the induction coil 14 may surround the heater 30 and the insertion space 54. The induction coil 14 may be wound around the insertion space 54. The heater 30 may generate heat by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil 14. The magnetic field may pass through the heater 30 to generate eddy currents in the heater 30. The current may cause the heater 30 to generate heat.

[0024] 3 and 4, the heater 30 may surround the insertion space 54. The heater 30 may surround the lower part of the stick 200 inserted into the insertion space 54. The heater 30 may extend in a circumferential direction along the circumference of the insertion space 54. The heater 30 may be formed in a ring shape or a cylindrical shape. The heater 30 may directly generate heat by receiving a current from the battery 10. Although the heater 30 is shown as being included in the aerosol generating device 100 in FIGS. 3 and 4, the heater 30 may not be included in the aerosol generating device, if necessary.

[0025] The battery 10 can supply power to operate at least one of the control unit 20, the heater 30, and the cartridge 40. The battery 10 can supply power necessary for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0026] The control unit 20 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 100. The control unit 20 can control the operation of at least one of the battery 10, the heater 20, and the cartridge 40. The control unit 20 can control the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generation device 100. The control unit 20 can check the state of each component of the aerosol generation device 100 and determine whether the aerosol generation device 100 is in an operable state.

[0027] The cartridge 40 can store a liquid. The cartridge 40 can generate an aerosol from the stored liquid. The aerosol can be generated. The aerosol generated in the cartridge 40 can be delivered to a user through the stick 200 inserted into the aerosol generating device 100.

[0028] The lower end of the stick 200 may be inserted into the insertion space 54, and the upper end may be exposed to the outside from the insertion space 54. A user may hold the exposed upper end of the stick 200 in their mouth and inhale air. The air may be provided to the user together with the aerosol as it passes through the inside of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0029] 5, the cartridge 40 may be detachably coupled to the body 110. The cartridge 40 may be arranged parallel to the pipe 50 and / or the insertion space 54. A partition 111 may be arranged between the pipe 50 and the cartridge 40 to separate the pipe 50 from the cartridge 40. The partition 111 may extend long in the vertical direction. The cartridge 40 may be arranged parallel to the partition 111.

[0030] The cartridge 40 may comprise a first chamber C1. The liquid may be stored in the first chamber C1. The cartridge 40 may comprise a second chamber C2. The second chamber C2 may be separated from the first chamber C1. The second chamber C2 may be disposed below the first chamber C1.

[0031] The wick 451 may be disposed in the second chamber C2. The wick 451 may be coupled to the first chamber C1. The wick 451 may receive liquid from the first chamber C1. The heating coil 452 may be disposed in the second chamber C2. The heating coil 452 may be wound around the wick 451. The heating coil 452 may heat the wick 451. When the heating coil 452 heats the wick 451 that has received the liquid, an aerosol may be generated in the second chamber C2.

[0032] The cartridge 40 may include a first inlet 441. The first inlet 441 may be formed by opening an upper end of the cartridge 40. The first inlet 441 may be in communication with the outside of the cartridge 40. The cartridge 40 may include a second inlet 442. The second inlet 442 may be formed by opening one side of the second chamber C2 and may be in communication with the second chamber C2. The inlet passage 443 may be in communication with the first inlet 441 and the second inlet 442. The inlet passage 443 may be located between the first inlet 441 and the second inlet 442. The inlet passage 443 may extend vertically from the first inlet 441 to the second inlet 442. The inlet passage 443 may be formed parallel to the first chamber C1. The cartridge 40 may include an outlet 444. The outlet 444 is formed by opening the second chamber C2 and can communicate the outside of the cartridge 40 with the second chamber C2. The outlet 444 can be located on the opposite side of the second chamber C2 from the second inlet 442. When the cartridge 40 is coupled to the body 110, the outlet 444 can be connected to the connecting channel 53.

[0033] The pipe 50 may be coupled to the inside of the body 110. The pipe 50 may have a long insertion space 54 formed therein. The pipe 50 may surround the insertion space 54. The pipe 50 may extend long vertically. The pipe 50 may be arranged parallel to the partition wall 111. The pipe 50 may be arranged parallel to the cartridge 40.

[0034] The insertion space 54 may extend long in the vertical direction. The insertion space 54 may have a cylindrical shape. The upper end of the insertion space 54 may be open and communicate with the outside. The lower end of the insertion space 54 may communicate with the connecting passage 53. The connecting passage 53 may communicate between the outlet 444 and the lower end of the insertion space 54. The connecting passage 53 may be located below the insertion space 54. The connecting passage 53 may be located below the partition 111. The stick 200 may be inserted into the insertion space 54 and protrude to the outside of the aerosol generation device 100.

[0035] A user can inhale air by holding the stick 200 inserted into the insertion space 54 in his / her mouth. Air can flow into the cartridge 40 through the first inlet 441. The air can pass through the first inlet 441, the inlet passage 443, the second inlet 442, the second chamber C2, the outlet 444, and the connecting passage 53 in sequence, and can be supplied to the stick 200 inserted into the insertion space 54. The air can be accompanied by aerosol as it passes through the second chamber C2. The air and aerosol can pass through the stick 200 and be provided to the user.

[0036] The upper case 120 may cover the upper part of the body 110 so as to surround it. The upper case 120 may cover the cartridge 40. The upper case 120 may cover the pipe 50 and the insertion space 54. The upper case 120 may be detachably coupled to the body 110. The insertion port 124 may be formed by opening the upper part of the upper case 120. The insertion port 124 may be formed at a position corresponding to the opening of the insertion space 54. The insertion port 124 may be in communication with the insertion space 54. The cap 123 may be movably installed on the upper part of the upper case 120. The cap 123 may move to open and close the insertion port 124. This prevents foreign matter from entering the insertion space 54 from the outside, and protects the aerosol generating device 100.

[0037] 6, the pipe 50 may include a first pipe section 51 and a second pipe section 52. The first pipe section 51 and the second pipe section 52 may be coupled to each other. For example, the first pipe section 51 may be coupled to an upper side of the second pipe section 52. The first pipe section 51 may surround an upper portion of the insertion space 54. The first pipe section 51 may be open to the upper side. The second pipe section 52 may surround a lower portion of the insertion space 54. The connecting passage 53 may be formed inside the second pipe section 52.

[0038] The first couplers 513 and 523 may couple the first pipe part 51 and the second pipe part 52. The first couplers 513 and 523 may include a first coupling hole 513 and a first coupling protrusion 523. The first coupling protrusion 523 may be inserted into the first coupling hole 513 to couple the first pipe part 51 and the second pipe part 52. The first coupling protrusion 523 may be inseparably coupled to the first coupling hole 513 in a snap-fit ​​manner.

[0039] For example, the first coupling hole 513 may be formed in the first pipe portion 51, and the first coupling protrusion 523 may be formed in the second pipe portion 52. As another example, the first coupling hole 513 may be formed in the second pipe portion 52, and the first coupling protrusion 523 may be formed in the first pipe portion 51. A pair of the first coupling holes 513 and the first coupling protrusions 523 may be provided at positions corresponding to each other.

[0040] The heater 30 may surround the upper part of the insertion space 54. The heater 30 may have a cylindrical shape. The heater 30 may be fixed to the inside of the first pipe portion 51 of the pipe 50. The heater 30 may extend in a circumferential direction along the inner peripheral surface of the first pipe portion 51. The heater 30 may heat the upper part of the insertion space 54. The heater 30 may be located at a height corresponding to the medium contained inside the stick 200 inserted into the insertion space 54. The heater 30 may heat the medium inside the stick 200.

[0041] The lower end of the heater 30 may be supported by the second pipe part 52. The inner circumferential surface of the upper end of the first pipe part 51 may protrude inward to cover the upper end of the heater 30. The first pipe part 51 and the second pipe part 52 may be coupled to each other via first couplers 513 and 523. Therefore, the convenience of assembly may be improved and the heater 30 may be stably positioned.

[0042] The substrate 61 may cover one side outer wall of the pipe 50. The substrate 61 may face the insertion space 54. The substrate 61 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the lower part of the insertion space 54 and may face the lower part of the insertion space 54. When the stick 200 is inserted into the insertion space 54, the substrate 61 may face the lower part of the stick 200. The substrate 61 may be disposed below the heater 30. The substrate 61 may be bent to surround one side of the insertion space 54 with a predetermined curvature.

[0043] The substrate 61 may be adjacent to the partition 111 and / or the cartridge 40. The substrate 61 may face a lower portion of the partition 111. The substrate 61 may be disposed between the pipe 50 and the partition 111. The substrate 61 may be disposed between the pipe 50 and the cartridge 40. The substrate 61 may face a lower portion of the first chamber C1 of the cartridge 40. One surface of the substrate 61 may face the insertion space 54, and the other surface of the substrate 61 may face the cartridge 40.

[0044] The substrate 61 may include a sensor pattern 610 (see FIG. 9). The sensor pattern 610 (see FIG. 9) may be mounted on the substrate 61. The sensor pattern 610 (see FIG. 9) may sense surrounding electromagnetic changes. The electromagnetic changes may change according to changes in the state of objects around the substrate 61. The substrate 61 may sense the movement of a nearby object. The sensor pattern 610 may be electrically connected to the battery 10 (see FIGS. 1 to 4) to receive a current.

[0045] The substrate 61 can sense changes in the surroundings by sensing changes in capacitance. The substrate 61 can be called a capacitance sensor 61. The capacitance sensor 61 can be based on one of two sensor technologies: self-capacitance and mutual capacitance. When an object approaches the capacitance sensor 61, or when an object around the capacitance sensor 61 moves or changes its state, the capacitance sensor 61 can cause a change in self-capacitance or electrode force between separated electrodes. In the following, it is assumed that the substrate 61 is a capacitance sensor 61.

[0046] For example, in the case of the stick 200 inserted into the insertion space 54, the amount of moisture under the stick 200 may change depending on the degree of use, and therefore the capacitance sensed by the substrate 61 may change, so that the substrate 61 can sense the degree to which the stick 200 has been used or whether the stick 200 has been used at all.

[0047] For example, the capacitance sensed by the substrate 61 may be different when the stick 200 is inserted into the insertion space 54 and when it is not inserted into the insertion space 54. Thus, the substrate 61 can sense whether the stick 200 is inserted into the insertion space 54.

[0048] For example, the capacitance sensed by the substrate 61 may be different when the cartridge 40 is coupled to the body 110 and when it is not coupled to the body 110. Thus, the substrate 61 can sense whether the cartridge 40 is coupled to the body 110.

[0049] For example, the capacitance sensed by the substrate 61 may change depending on the remaining amount of liquid stored in the first chamber C1 of the cartridge 40. Thus, the substrate 61 can sense the remaining amount of liquid stored in the cartridge 40.

[0050] The functions of the substrate 61 are not limited to those described above, and can be used as long as it can determine the surrounding conditions through factors that cause changes in the surrounding capacitance. To this end, a lookup table indicating the capacitance values ​​sensed by the substrate 61 and the corresponding changes in the surrounding environment can be stored in memory.

[0051] Determining the surrounding state by capacitance change is merely an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As another method, the surrounding state can be determined by sensing electromagnetic changes.

[0052] 6 and 7 , the pipe 50 may have an insertion groove 524. The insertion groove 524 may be formed by an outer circumferential surface of one side of the pipe 50 being recessed or concave toward the insertion space 54. The insertion groove 524 may be formed on one side of the second pipe portion 52. The substrate 61 may be inserted into the insertion groove 524. The substrate 61 may be fixed to the insertion groove 524 of the pipe 50.

[0053] The substrate 61 may be embodied as a Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB) and may have a shape of a flexible film. The substrate 61 may cover one side of the outer periphery of the pipe 50 with a predetermined curvature. The substrate 61 may be disposed to cover the outer periphery of the second pipe portion 52. The substrate 61 may be bent with a predetermined curvature along the periphery of one side of the insertion space 54.

[0054] The insertion groove 524 may be bent at a predetermined curvature along an outer circumferential surface of the pipe 50 on one side of the pipe 50. The substrate 61 may extend in a shape corresponding to the insertion groove 524. The substrate 61 may be bent to surround an outer circumferential surface of one side of the pipe 50 with a predetermined curvature. The substrate 61 may surround a periphery of one side of the insertion space 54 with a predetermined curvature.

[0055] The elastic member 62 may cover the substrate 61. The elastic member 62 may seal the insertion groove 524. The elastic member 62 may be flexible. The elastic member 62 may be bent at a predetermined curvature to surround the outer circumferential surface of the pipe 50 and may be in close contact with the periphery of the insertion groove 524. For example, the elastic member 62 may be made of a rubber or silicone material and thus may have elasticity.

[0056] The frame portion 525 may be formed to surround the periphery of the substrate 61 inserted into the insertion groove 524. The frame portion 525 may protrude from the periphery of the insertion groove 524. An edge of one surface of the elastic member 62 may be in close contact with one surface of the frame portion 525. One surface of the substrate 61 may contact an outer circumferential surface of the pipe 50 at a position within the insertion groove 524, and the other surface of the substrate 61 may contact the elastic member 62.

[0057] The cover 63 may cover the substrate 61. The cover 63 may cover the insertion groove 524. The cover 63 may be in close contact with the elastic member 62. The elastic member 62 may be disposed between the substrate 61 and the cover 63. The elastic member 62 may be disposed between the insertion groove 524 and the cover 63. The elastic member 62 may be in close contact with the cover 63 and the frame portion 525 to seal the insertion groove 524.

[0058] The cover 63 may surround one side of the outer circumferential surface of the pipe 50 with a predetermined curvature. The cover 63 may have a shape curved with a predetermined curvature along the outer circumferential surface of one side of the pipe 50. The cover 63 may be curved to surround the outer circumferential surface of the pipe 50.

[0059] The cover 63 and the pipe 50 may be coupled by second couplers 527, 634. The second couplers 527, 634 may be formed in pairs at positions corresponding to both ends of the cover 63. The second couplers 527, 634 may include a second coupling hole 634 and a second coupling protrusion 527. The second coupling protrusion 527 may be inserted into the second coupling hole 634 to couple the cover 63 and the pipe 50. The second coupling protrusion 527 may be inseparably coupled to the second coupling hole 634 in a snap-fit ​​manner.

[0060] For example, the second coupling hole 634 may be formed in the cover 63, and the second coupling protrusions 527 may be formed in the pipe 50. As another example, the second coupling hole 634 may be formed in the pipe 50, and the second coupling protrusions 527 may be formed in the cover 63. The second coupling holes 634 and the second coupling protrusions 527 may be formed as a pair at positions corresponding to each other. The second coupling holes 634 may be formed on both ends of the cover 63. The pair of second coupling protrusions 527 may be formed at positions opposite to each other with respect to the insertion space 54.

[0061] Therefore, since the substrate 61 is disposed closer to the insertion space 54 or the sensing area is increased, the accuracy of the sensor can be improved. In addition, the efficiency of the space in which the substrate 61 is installed can be improved. In addition, the substrate 61 can be protected from external foreign objects and liquids, improving structural safety.

[0062] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the heater 30 is exposed by removing the first pipe portion 51 from the structure shown in FIG. 6, and the substrate 61 is exposed by removing the cover 63 and the elastic member 62.

[0063] 6 and 8, the heater 30 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The heater 30 may be formed by winding a metal plate into a cylindrical shape. The heater 30 may surround one side of the insertion space 54. The inner peripheral surface of the heater 30 may cover the outer peripheral surface of the insertion space 54. The heater 30 may be disposed on the upper side of the second pipe portion 52. The lower end of the heater 30 may be supported by the second pipe portion 52.

[0064] The second pipe part 52 may be located between the substrate 61 and the insertion space 54. The substrate 61 may be separated from the insertion space 54 by the second pipe part 52. The second pipe part 52 may surround a lower inner circumferential surface of the insertion space 54. The substrate 61 may surround one side outer circumferential surface of the second pipe part 52. The heater 30 may be in contact with the insertion space 54.

[0065] The substrate 61 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the lower part of the insertion space 54. The substrate 61 may surround one side of the lower part of the insertion space 54. The heater 30 may be disposed above the substrate 61. The heater 30 may be disposed at a position corresponding to a region from the middle to the upper part of the insertion space 54. The heater 30 may surround the periphery of the region from the middle to the upper part of the insertion space.

[0066] The connector 80 may electrically connect the heater 30 and the substrate 61. One end of the connector 80 may be connected to the heater 30. The other end of the connector 80 may be connected to the substrate 61. The connector 80 may have conductivity.

[0067] Thus, the connector 80 can extend the area for sensing electromagnetic changes from the periphery of the sensor to the periphery of the heater 30. This will be described later.

[0068] 9, the substrate 61 may be located at a height corresponding to the first region 541 of the insertion space 54. The heater 30 may be located at a height corresponding to the second region 542 of the insertion space 54. For example, the second region 542 may be adjacent to an upper portion of the insertion space 54, and the first region 541 may be adjacent to a lower portion of the insertion space 54. The second region 542 may be located above the first region 541. However, the first region 541 and the second region 542 are not limited to those described above.

[0069] The sensor pattern 610 printed on the substrate 61 may be made of a conductive metal. The sensor pattern 610 receives a current from the battery 10 (see FIGS. 1 to 4), and the current may flow through the sensor pattern. The substrate 61 may be a capacitance sensor 61 on which the sensor pattern 610 for sensing a change in capacitance is printed.

[0070] The connector 80 may electrically connect the heater 30 and the substrate 61. One end of the connector 80 may be connected to the heater 30. The other end of the connector 80 may be connected to the substrate 61. The connector 80 may electrically connect the heater 30 and the substrate 61, allowing the heater 30 to function as a sensor. That is, the heater 30 may function as an extension of the sensor pattern 610.

[0071] The connector 80 may connect the heater 30 and the substrate 61 through a channel different from the sensor pattern 610. Alternatively, the connector 80 may connect the heater 30 and the sensor pattern 610 mounted on the substrate 61. Here, one end of the connector 80 may be connected to the heater 30, and the other end of the connector 80 may be connected to the sensor pattern 610. The connector 80 may be a wire or a PCB formed of a conductor. The PCB may be, but is not limited to, an FPCB.

[0072] The heater 30 may be a resistive heater. The heater 30 may generate heat by receiving a current from the battery 10 (see FIGS. 1 to 4). The resistance and amount of heat generated by the sensor pattern 610 may be smaller than those of the heater 30. The connector 80 may be made of the same material as the sensor pattern 610.

[0073] The heater 30 may be made of a conductive metal. The heater 30 may be formed by rolling a metal plate into a cylindrical shape. For example, the heater 30 may be made of, but is not limited to, a stainless steel material. One end of the connector 80 may be soldered to the heater 30.

[0074] As another example, the heater 30 may be formed by printing a heating pattern on a PCB. In this case, the PCB may be, for example, an FPCB. In this case, the end of the connector 80 may be electrically connected to the heating pattern printed on the PCB.

[0075] Therefore, the connector 80 can extend the area for sensing electromagnetic changes from the periphery of the sensor pattern 610 mounted on the substrate 61 to the periphery of the heater 30. That is, the area for sensing electromagnetic changes can extend from the second area 542 to the first area 541.

[0076] Also, the sensing channels for sensing electromagnetic changes can be separated. For example, the substrate 61 can sense the humidity change at the bottom end of the stick 200 in the first region 541, and the heater 30 can sense whether the stick 200 has been inserted into the insertion space 54 in the second region 542. As another example, the amount of use of the stick 200 or whether the stick 200 has been used can be more precisely sensed based on the difference between the amount of moisture of the stick 200 sensed in the first region and the amount of moisture of the stick 200 sensed in the second region 542.

[0077] In addition, the heater 30 is disposed inside the pipe 50, so that the inner peripheral surface of the heater 30 can contact the outer peripheral surface of the insertion space 54. This not only improves the efficiency of heat transfer from the heater 30 to the stick 200, but also improves the sensing sensitivity since the heater 30 is located closer to the outer peripheral surface of the stick 200.

[0078] 2, a connector 80 can connect the substrate 61 to the induction coil 14 instead of the heater 30. In this case, the connector 80 can extend the sensing area to the area surrounded by the induction coil 14. This has been described above, so a detailed description is omitted here.

[0079] Referring to Figures 1 to 9, an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a pipe that forms an insertion space, a heater that heats the insertion space, a substrate on which a sensor pattern that detects electromagnetic changes in the surrounding area is mounted, and a connector that electrically connects the heater and the substrate.

[0080] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the connector may enable the heater to sense electromagnetic changes in an area surrounding the heater.

[0081] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater may have a cylindrical shape surrounding the insertion space.

[0082] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater may be located within the pipe so as to surround the insertion space.

[0083] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the substrate may be disposed on a portion of an exterior wall of the pipe.

[0084] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the substrate may be disposed at a position corresponding to a lower portion of the insertion space, and the heater may be disposed at a position corresponding to an upper portion of the insertion space.

[0085] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the pipe may include an insertion groove on an outer circumferential surface, and the substrate may be disposed in the insertion groove.

[0086] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater may be a resistive heater formed of metal.

[0087] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the connector may be a conductive wire or a Printed Circuit Board (PCB).

[0088] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor pattern mounted on the substrate may sense a change in capacitance around the substrate.

[0089] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may include a pipe forming an insertion space, a heater protruding from the bottom of the insertion space and heating a stick inserted into the insertion space, an induction coil wound around the insertion space at a position corresponding to the heater and causing the heater to generate heat, a substrate disposed on one side of the pipe and having a sensor mounted thereon for detecting electromagnetic changes in the surrounding area, and a connector electrically connecting the induction coil to the substrate and enabling the induction coil to detect electromagnetic changes in the surrounding area of ​​the induction coil.

[0090] The specific embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct, and the structure or function of any or all of the elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be combined with other elements or combined with each other.

[0091] For example, configuration A described in one embodiment of this disclosure and the drawings and configuration B described in another embodiment of this disclosure and the drawings can be combined with each other. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible unless it is described that the combination is not possible.

[0092] Although the embodiments have been described above according to a number of exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that many other variations and embodiments are possible for those skilled in the art that fall within the scope of the principles of the present disclosure. More specifically, various modifications and variations are possible in the components and / or arrangements of the subject combinations within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to the modifications and variations of the components and / or arrangements, other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A pipe forming an insertion space; A heater for heating the insertion space; A substrate having a sensor pattern mounted thereon for detecting electromagnetic changes in the surrounding area; a connector electrically connecting the heater and the substrate; An aerosol generating device, wherein the connector enables the heater to sense electromagnetic changes in the area surrounding the heater.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the heater has a cylindrical shape surrounding the insertion space.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 , wherein the heater is located within the pipe so as to surround the insertion space.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the substrate is disposed on a portion of an outer wall of the pipe.

5. The substrate is disposed at a position corresponding to a lower portion of the insertion space, The aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , wherein the heater is disposed at a position corresponding to an upper portion of the insertion space.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , wherein the pipe includes an insertion groove on an outer circumferential surface, and the substrate is disposed in the insertion groove.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the heater is a resistive heater made of metal.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the connector is a conductive wire or a PCB (Printed Circuit Board).

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor pattern mounted on the substrate senses a change in capacitance around the substrate.

10. A pipe forming an insertion space; a heater protruding from the bottom of the insertion space and heating the stick inserted into the insertion space; an induction coil wound around the insertion space at a position corresponding to the heater, to cause the heater to generate heat; A substrate on one side of the pipe, the substrate having a sensor mounted thereon for detecting electromagnetic changes in a surrounding area; a connector electrically connecting the induction coil to the substrate and enabling the induction coil to sense electromagnetic changes in an area surrounding the induction coil.

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