Aerosol generating device

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is provided, the aerosol generating device including a pipe formed to include an insertion space, a heater having a cylindrical shape surrounding the insertion space, and an induction coil positioned relative to the heater and configured to heat the heater by a current flow.

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 a substance through an aerosol. The medium can contain substances of various components. The substances contained in the medium can be flavor substances of various components. For example, the substances contained in the medium can include a nicotine component, a herb component, and / or a coffee component, etc. In recent years, many studies have been conducted on such aerosol generating devices.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-described problems and other problems.

[0004] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device introducing a new heating method.

[0005] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device having a structure that is easy to assemble.

[0006] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device having heat dissipation performance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to one aspect of the subject matter described in the present application, the aerosol generating device includes a pipe formed to include an insertion space, a heater having a cylindrical shape surrounding the insertion space, and an induction coil positioned with respect to the heater and causing the heater to generate heat by the flow of an electric current.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device introducing a new heating method can be provided.

[0009] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device having an easily assembled structure can be provided.

[0010] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device having heat dissipation performance can be provided.

[0011] The applicable additional scope of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be clearly understandable to those skilled in the art, so the detailed description and specific examples such as the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure should be understood as being given by way of illustration only.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brevity of the description with reference to the drawings, the same or similar components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0014] Suffixes “module” and “section” for components used in the following description are for ease of description in the specification only and do not have any special meaning or role.

[0015] In the present disclosure, what is well known to those skilled in the art is omitted for the sake of brevity. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are for enabling easy understanding of various technical features, and the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the present disclosure should be construed to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives in addition to what is specifically disclosed in the accompanying drawings.

[0016] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. can 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 for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0017] When referring to a certain component being “connected” to another component, it can be understood that other components may exist in the middle. On the other hand, when referring to a certain component being “directly connected” to another component, it can be understood that no other components exist in the middle.

[0018] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 can include a body 10. The aerosol generating device 100 can include a pipe 20. The aerosol generating device 100 can include at least one of a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater assembly 13. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the aerosol generating device 100 can further include a cartridge 14.

[0020] The battery 11 and the control unit 12 can be disposed inside the body 10. The heater assembly 13 can be disposed in the pipe 20. The cartridge 14 can be detachably coupled to the body 10. The pipe 20 can be coupled inside the body 10. The pipe 20 can be located at the upper part of the body 10.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater assembly 13 can be arranged in a row. Referring to FIG. 2, the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater assembly 13, and the cartridge 14 can be arranged in a row. Referring to FIG. 3, the cartridge 14 and the heater assembly 13 can be arranged parallel to each other so as to face each other. The internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in the figures.

[0022] The pipe 20 can define an insertion space S. The insertion space S can be open at the upper side. The insertion space S can be formed in a shape corresponding to one side of the stick 400. The insertion space S can have a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. One side of the stick 400 can be inserted into the insertion space S.

[0023] The heater assembly 13 can be disposed around the insertion space S. The heater assembly 13 can surround at least a part of the insertion space S. The heater assembly 13 can surround one side of the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space S. The heater assembly 13 can heat the medium in the insertion space and / or the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space S to generate an aerosol.

[0024] The battery 11 can supply power so that any one of the control unit 12, the heater assembly 13, and the cartridge 14 operates. The battery 11 can supply the power necessary for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0025] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. The control unit 12 can control the operation of at least one of the battery 11, the heater assembly 13, and the cartridge 14. The control unit 12 can control the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 100. The control unit 12 can check each state of the configuration of the aerosol generating device 100 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 100 is in an operable state.

[0026] The cartridge 14 can store a liquid. The cartridge 14 can generate an aerosol using the stored liquid. The aerosol generated by the cartridge 14 can be transmitted to the user through the stick 400 inserted into the aerosol generating device 100.

[0027] The cartridge 14 can include a liquid chamber for storing a liquid, and an atomization chamber for generating an aerosol and through which air passes. The cartridge 14 can include a wick disposed inside the atomization chamber and receiving the liquid from the liquid chamber. The cartridge 14 can include a heating coil for heating the wick to generate an aerosol. The air flowing into the inlet 141 (see FIG. 10) of the cartridge 14 can be discharged to the outlet of the cartridge 14 through the outlet 142 (see FIG. 10) of the cartridge 14 while accompanying the aerosol through the liquid chamber.

[0028] The aerosol generating device 100 may further include a capacitance sensor 15. The capacitance sensor 15 may include a metal foil 151 and a sensing circuit 152. The metal foil 151 and the sensing circuit 152 may be disposed at positions separated from each other.

[0029] The metal foil 151 may be disposed on the pipe 20. The metal foil 151 may face the insertion space S. The metal foil 151 may surround at least one side of the insertion space S. The metal foil 151 may be disposed below the heater 131. For example, the metal foil 151 may be formed of SUS stainless steel.

[0030] The sensing circuit 152 may be located inside the body 100. The sensing circuit 152 may be configured in such a way that it is printed or mounted on a substrate installed in the body. The sensing circuit 152 may be mounted on the substrate on which the control unit 12 is mounted or on a separate substrate. The sensing circuit 152 and the metal foil 151 may be electrically connected. The sensing circuit 152 is connected to the control unit 12 and can transmit and receive signals.

[0031] The capacitance sensor 15 may be based on one of self-capacitance and mutual capacitance sensor technologies. When the capacitance sensor 15 is of the self-capacitance type, the metal foil 151 may be formed as one piece. When the capacitance sensor 151 is of the mutual capacitance type, the metal foil 151 may be formed as a pair separated from each other by a predetermined distance. In this case, either one of the pair of metal foils 151 may be a transmitting electrode and the other may be a receiving electrode.

[0032] When an object approaches the periphery of the metal foil 151, or when an object around the metal foil 151 moves or changes state, the self-capacitance or mutual capacitance sensed by the sensing circuit 152 may change. Therefore, the capacitance sensor 15 can sense various information about the stick 200 in the insertion space S. The details of this will be described later.

[0033] The lower end of the stick 400 can be inserted into the insertion space S, and the upper end can be exposed to the outside from the insertion space S. The user can hold the upper end of the exposed stick 400 in the mouth and inhale air. The air can be provided to the user along with the aerosol while passing through the inside of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 4, the above-described stick 400 can include a medium part 410. The stick 400 can include a cooling part 420. The stick 400 can include a filter part 430. The cooling part 420 can be disposed between the medium part 410 and the filter part 430. The stick 400 can include a wrapper 440. The wrapper 440 can wrap the medium part 410. The wrapper 440 can wrap the cooling part 420. The wrapper 440 can wrap the filter part 430. The stick 400 can have a cylindrical shape.

[0035] The medium part 410 can include a medium 411. The medium part 410 can include a first medium cover 413. The medium part 410 can include a second medium cover 415. The medium 411 can be disposed between the first medium cover 413 and the second medium cover 415. The first medium cover 413 can be disposed at one end of the stick 400. The length of the medium part 410 can be 24 mm.

[0036] The medium 411 can contain substances with various components. The substances contained in the medium can be flavor substances with various components. The medium 411 can be composed of a plurality of granules. Each of the plurality of granules can have a size of 0.4 mm to 1.12 mm. The interior of the medium 411 can be filled with granules to about 70%. The length L2 of the medium 411 can be 10 mm. The first medium cover 413 can be made of acetate material. The second medium cover 415 can be made of acetate material. The first medium cover 413 can be made of paper material. The second medium cover 415 can be made of paper material. At least one of the first medium cover 413 and the second medium cover 415 is made of paper material, has a wrinkled shape, and a plurality of gaps for air to flow through can be formed therebetween. The gaps may be smaller than the size of each granule of the medium 411. The length L1 of the first medium cover 413 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L3 of the second medium cover 413 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L1 of the first medium cover 413 can be 7 mm. The length L2 of the second medium cover 413 can be 7 mm.

[0037] Therefore, each granule of the medium 411 cannot detach from the medium part 410 and the stick 400.

[0038] The cooling part 420 can have a cylinder shape. The cooling part 420 can have a hollow shape. The cooling part 420 can be arranged between the medium part 410 and the filter part 430. The cooling part 420 can be arranged between the second medium cover 415 and the filter part 430. The cooling part 420 can be formed in a tubular shape surrounding the internal cooling passage 424. The cooling part 420 may be thicker than the wrapper 440. The cooling part 420 can be made of a paper material thicker than the wrapper 440. The length L4 of the cooling part 420 can be the same as or approximately the same as the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L4 of the cooling part 420 and the cooling passage 424 can be 10 mm. When the stick 400 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, at least a part of the cooling part 420 can be exposed outside the aerosol generating device 100.

[0039] Therefore, the cooling unit 420 can support the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430, ensuring the rigidity of the stick 400. Also, the cooling unit 420 can support the wrapper 440 between the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430, securing a site where the wrapper 440 is adhered. Moreover, the heated air and aerosol can be cooled while passing through the cooling passage 424 inside the cooling unit 420.

[0040] The filter unit 430 can be composed of a filter made of acetate material. The filter unit 430 can be disposed at the other end of the stick 400. When the stick 400 is inserted into the aerosol generating device, the filter unit 430 can be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device. The user can inhale air by holding the filter unit 430 in the mouth. The length L5 of the filter unit 430 can be 14 mm.

[0041] The wrapper 440 can wrap or surround the medium unit 410, the cooling unit 420, and the filter unit 430. The wrapper 440 can form the outer shape of the stick 400. The wrapper 440 can be composed of paper material. The adhesive part 441 can be formed at one side end of the wrapper 440. The wrapper 440 can wrap the medium unit 410, the cooling unit 420, and the filter unit 430, and the adhesive part 441 formed at one side edge and the other side edge can be adhered to each other. The wrapper 440 that wraps the medium unit 410, the cooling unit 420, and the filter unit 430 does not have to cover one end and the other end of the stick 400.

[0042] Therefore, the wrapper 440 can fix the medium unit 410, the cooling unit 420, and the filter unit 430, preventing them from detaching from the stick 400.

[0043] The first thin film 443 can be disposed at a position corresponding to the first medium cover 413. The first thin film 443 can be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the first medium cover 413, or can be disposed outside the wrapper 440. The first thin film 443 can surround the first medium cover 413. The first thin film 443 can be made of a metallic material. The first thin film 443 can be made of an aluminum material. The first thin film 443 can be in close contact with or coated on the wrapper 440.

[0044] The second thin film 445 can be disposed at a position corresponding to the second medium cover 415. The second thin film 445 can be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the second medium cover 415, or can be disposed outside the wrapper 440. The second thin film 445 can be made of a metallic material. The second thin film 445 can be made of an aluminum material. The second thin film 445 can be in close contact with or coated on the wrapper 440.

[0045] Therefore, it is possible to sense whether the capacitance sensor 15 is inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the pipe 20 can be installed in the body 10 (see FIGS. 1 to 3). The pipe 20 can form an insertion space S extending vertically therein.

[0047] The pipe 20 can include an outer pipe 21 and an inner pipe 22. The outer pipe 21 can form the outer shape of the pipe 20. The outer pipe 21 can surround the insertion space S. The outer pipe 21 can have a shape extending vertically. The insertion space S can have a shape extending vertically inside the outer pipe 21.

[0048] The insertion space S can include a first insertion space S1 and a second insertion space S2. The first insertion space S1 and the second insertion space S2 can be arranged vertically. The first insertion space S1 can be located below the second insertion space S2. The first insertion space S1 can form the lower part of the insertion space S. The first insertion space S1 and the second insertion space S2 can communicate with each other.

[0049] The cap 23 opens to form an insertion port S3, and the insertion port S3 can be disposed above the second insertion space S2. The insertion port S3 can communicate with the second insertion space S2. The insertion port S3 can communicate with the outside of the pipe 20. The insertion port S3 can form the upper end of the insertion space S. The outer pipe 21 can surround the first insertion space S1, the second insertion space S2, and the insertion port S3.

[0050] The outer pipe 21 can form an inflow channel S4 that communicates with the lower end of the insertion space S or the first insertion space S1. The inflow channel S4 can include a section that extends downward from the lower end of the insertion space S or the first insertion space S1. The inflow channel S4 can communicate the outside of the pipe 20 with the insertion space S. For example, the inflow channel S4 can communicate the discharge port 142 of the cartridge 14 with the insertion space S via the inflow port 217 (see FIG. 10). For example, the air and / or aerosol discharged from the cartridge 14 can flow into the insertion space S through the inflow channel S4. The cartridge 14 and the inflow channel S4 are not provided (excluded), and the lower end of the insertion space S can be blocked.

[0051] The inner pipe 22 can be disposed inside the outer pipe 21. The inner circumferential surface of the inner pipe 22 can have a cylindrical shape that extends vertically. The second insertion space S2 can be formed at a position corresponding to the inner pipe 22. The inner pipe 22 can surround the second insertion space S2. The outer pipe 21 can surround the outer circumferential surface of the inner pipe 22. The outer pipe 21 can support the lower part of the inner pipe 22.

[0052] The metal foil 151 can be disposed below the inner pipe 22. The first insertion space S1 can be formed at a position corresponding to the metal foil 151. The metal foil 151 can surround the first insertion space S1. The cross section of the metal foil 151 can have a ring shape or a "C" shape. The outer pipe 21 can extend from above the inner pipe 22 to below the metal foil 151 to cover the inner pipe 22 and the metal foil 151.

[0053] The metal foil 151 can be coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the outer pipe 21 below the inner pipe 22. The metal foil 151 can contact the first insertion space S1. Alternatively, the surface of the metal foil 151 facing the first insertion space S1 can also be covered with a protective film. The metal foil 151 can be disposed below the inner pipe 22 and the heater 131. The metal foil 151 can be disposed below the rib 225. The upper end of the metal foil 151 can be supported by the rib 225. The lower end of the metal foil 151 can be supported by the stopper 213 that supports the lower end of the stick 400. The stopper 213 can project radially inward from the outer pipe 21 below the metal foil 151.

[0054] The side wall of the pipe 20 can extend along the longitudinal direction of the insertion space S. The lead hole 214 can be formed by the opening of the side wall of the pipe 20. The lead hole 214 can be formed by the opening of the side wall of the outer pipe 21. The lead hole 214 can be formed at a position corresponding to the metal foil 151. The metal foil 151 can include a portion disposed between the lead hole 214 and the first insertion space S1. The metal foil 151 can cover the lead hole 214.

[0055] The lead wire 153 can electrically connect the metal foil 151 and the sensing circuit 152 through the lead hole 214. The lead wire 153 can be soldered to the surface of the metal foil 151 exposed in the lead hole 214. The lead wire 153 can extend outside the pipe 20 from the metal foil 151 to the sensing circuit 152. The sensing circuit 152 can sense the change in the capacitance of the metal foil 151 via the lead wire 153.

[0056] Therefore, the metal foil 151 included in the capacitance sensor 15 and the sensing circuit 152 (see FIGS. 1 to 3) can be separately arranged. The metal foil 151 can be arranged inside the pipe 20, and the sensing circuit 152 can be arranged outside the pipe 20.

[0057] Also, the metal foil 151 can be integrally formed with the outer pipe 21. Here, although the metal foil 151 is integrally formed with the outer pipe 21, a boundary for separating the metal foil 151 from the outer pipe 21 can be formed. For example, the outer pipe 21 can be injection molded onto the metal foil 151. For example, after inserting the metal foil 151 into an injection mold in the shape of the outer pipe 21, the outer pipe 21 can be insert injection molded onto the metal foil 151 by solidifying the molten injection material in the injection mold.

[0058] Also, the distance between the stick 400 and the metal foil 151 can be minimized to improve the sensing reliability of the capacitance sensor 15. Also, the process of separately assembling the capacitance sensor 15 to the pipe 20 can be omitted, and the coupling process can be simplified.

[0059] The second insertion space S2 can be formed at a position corresponding to the heater assembly 13. The heater assembly 13 can surround the second insertion space S2. The inner pipe 22 can surround the periphery of the heater assembly 13. The inner pipe 22 can support the lower end of the heater assembly 13.

[0060] The heater assembly 13 can include a heater 131 and an induction coil 132. The heater 131 can be formed of a resistive metal. The heater 131 can be an induction heating heater that generates eddy currents and heats up due to a magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the induction coil 132. Alternatively, the heater 131 can be a heater that directly receives current and generates heat.

[0061] The heater 131 may have a cylindrical shape surrounding the second insertion space S2. The heater 131 can surround the outer peripheral surface of the second insertion space S2. The heater 131 can be in contact with the second insertion space S2. The lower end of the heater 131 can be supported by the rib 225 of the inner pipe 22. The upper end of the heater 131 can be supported by the cap 23. The heater 131 can be formed of a metal such as SUS stainless steel. When the heater 131 generates heat, the heat can be conducted to the second insertion space S2.

[0062] The induction coil 132 can be disposed between the inner pipe 22 and the outer pipe 21. The induction coil 132 can be wound around the outer peripheral surface of the inner pipe 22 and around the heater 131. The induction coil 132 can be formed at a height corresponding to the heater 131. The induction coil 132 can cause the heater 131 to generate heat.

[0063] The inner pipe 22 can surround the heater 131. The inner pipe 22 can be disposed between the heater 131 and the induction coil 132. The inner pipe 22 can be arranged side by side with the heater 131 and the induction coil 132. The inner pipe 22 can be formed at a height approximately corresponding to the heater 131 and the induction coil 132. Thus, the inner pipe 22 can prevent the heater 131 and the induction coil 132 from coming into electrical contact with each other.

[0064] The rib 225 of the inner pipe 22 can separate the metal foil 151 and the heater 131 from each other. The rib 225 can project radially inward from the lower part of the inner pipe 22. The rib 225 can extend in the circumferential direction along the periphery of the insertion space S. The heater 131 can be disposed above the rib 225. The lower end of the heater 131 can be supported by the upper surface of the rib 225. The metal foil 151 can be disposed below the rib 225. The upper end of the metal foil 151 can be supported by the lower surface of the rib 225. Thus, the inner pipe 22 can prevent the metal foil 151 and the heater 131 from coming into electrical contact with each other. This will be further explained later.

[0065] An air gap 24 can be disposed between the heater 131 and the inner pipe 22. The air gap 24 can be covered by the heater 131 and the inner pipe 22. The air gap 24 can surround the heater 131. The air gap 24 can be formed between the heater 131 and the induction coil 132. The air gap 24 can dissipate the heat generated from the heater 131.

[0066] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the heat generated from the heater 131 from being transmitted to the outside of the pipe 20. Also, it is possible to prevent the heat generated from the heater 131 from damaging the structure of the pipe 20. Also, it is possible to reduce the heat generated from the heater 131 from heating the induction coil 132.

[0067] The cap 23 can form the insertion port S3 by opening in the vertical direction. The cap 23 can be disposed at the upper end of the pipe 20. The cap 23 can be disposed inside the outer pipe 21. The periphery of the cap 23 can be surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the upper end of the outer pipe 21. The cap 23 can be coupled to the upper end portion of the outer pipe 21. The upper end of the cap 23 can face the upper side of the pipe 20. The lower end of the cap 23 can cover and support the upper end of the inner pipe 22. The lower end of the cap 23 can cover and support the upper end of the heater 131.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the stick 400 can be inserted into the insertion space S. The stick 400 can be sequentially inserted into the insertion port S3, the second insertion space S2, and the first insertion space S1. The lower end of the stick 400 or the first medium cover 413 of the stick 400 can be located at a position corresponding to the first insertion space S1. The lower end of the stick 400 can be supported by a stopper 213 formed at the lower end of the insertion space S. The medium 411 of the stick 400 can be located at a position corresponding to the second insertion space S2. Air and / or aerosol can flow into the interior of the pipe 20 through the inflow channel S4 and flow to the stick inserted into the insertion space S.

[0069] By the sensing circuit 152 connected to the metal foil 151 sensing a change in capacitance, the capacitance sensor 15 can sense various information about the insertion space S.

[0070] Depending on whether the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space S or not, the capacitance sensed by the sensing circuit 152 can change. Therefore, the capacitance sensor 15 can sense whether the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space S.

[0071] In the case of the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space S, the moisture content of the lower part of the stick 400 or the first medium cover 413 changes depending on the degree of use, and thus the capacitance sensed by the sensing circuit 152 can change. Therefore, the capacitance sensor 15 can sense the degree to which the stick 400 has been used or whether the stick 400 is to be reused.

[0072] The function of the capacitance sensor 15 is not limited to what has been described above, and any capacitance sensor 15 that can determine the surrounding state through an element that causes a change in capacitance can be used. For this purpose, a lookup-table indicating the capacitance value sensed by the capacitance sensor 15 and the change state of the surrounding environment corresponding thereto can be stored in the memory.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 9, the outer pipe 21 can include a first outer pipe body 211 and a second outer pipe body 212. The first outer pipe body 211 can be located above the second outer pipe body 212. The first outer pipe body 211 can extend upward from the upper end of the second outer pipe body 212. The second insertion space S2 and the insertion port S3 can be formed at positions corresponding to the first outer pipe body 211. The inner peripheral surface of the first outer pipe body 211 can be formed in a cylindrical shape. The first outer pipe body 211 can surround the inner pipe 22. The insertion port S3 and the inflow channel S4 can be formed at positions corresponding to the second outer pipe body 212. The second outer pipe body 212 can support the lower part of the inner pipe 22.

[0074] The inner pipe 22 can include an inner pipe body 221. The inner pipe body 221 can extend long in the vertical direction or the perpendicular direction and can have a cylindrical shape. The inner pipe body 221 can be formed alongside the first outer pipe body 211. The inner pipe body 221 can be separated from the first outer pipe body 211 in the radially inner direction to form a gap in which the induction coil 132 is disposed. The inner pipe body 221 can surround the second insertion space S2 and the heater 131.

[0075] The inner pipe 22 can include a first inner pipe bending portion 222. The first inner pipe bending portion 222 can be formed at the lower end of the inner pipe 22. The first inner pipe bending portion 222 can be bent in a radially outward direction from the lower end of the inner pipe body 221. The first inner pipe bending portion 222 can extend in the circumferential direction along the periphery of the inner pipe 22. The first inner pipe bending portion 222 can have a ring shape. The first inner pipe bending portion 222 can support the lower end of the induction coil 132. The first inner pipe bending portion 222 can be supported laterally in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the lower portion of the first outer pipe body 211. The first inner pipe bending portion 222 can be supported by the upper end of the second outer pipe body 212.

[0076] The inner pipe 22 can include a second inner pipe bending portion 223. The second inner pipe bending portion 223 can be formed at the upper end of the inner pipe 22. The second inner pipe bending portion 223 can be bent in a radially outward direction from the upper end of the inner pipe body 22. The second inner pipe bending portion 223 can extend in the circumferential direction along the periphery of the inner pipe 22. The second inner pipe bending portion 223 can be inclined upward along the radially outward direction. The second inner pipe bending portion 223 can be located above the induction coil 132. The second inner pipe bending portion 223 can cover the induction coil 132. The second inner pipe bending portion 223 can be supported by the cap 23. The second inner pipe bending portion 223 can be supported laterally in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the upper portion of the first outer pipe body 211.

[0077] The inner pipe 22 can include ribs 225. The ribs 225 can be formed at the lower portion of the inner pipe 22. The ribs 225 can project radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the lower portion of the inner pipe body 221. The ribs 225 can extend in the circumferential direction along the periphery of the insertion space S. The ribs 225 can have a ring shape.

[0078] The rib 225 can be disposed between the heater 131 and the metal foil 151. The rib 225 can separate the heater 131 and the metal foil 151 from each other. The rib 225 can be disposed below the heater 131. The rib 225 can support the lower end of the heater 131. The rib 225 can be supported by the upper end of the first outer pipe body 212. The rib 225 can be disposed above the metal foil 151. The rib 225 can cover and support the upper end of the metal foil 151. The metal foil 151 can be integrally formed on the inner surface of the inner pipe body 212. The metal foil 151 can be disposed so as to be aligned with the heater 131 below the heater 131. The first inner pipe bending portion 222 can support the lower end of the induction coil 132.

[0079] Therefore, since the heater assembly 13 and the metal foil 151 are separated from each other, contact therebetween can be prevented.

[0080] The inner pipe 22 can include an insertion portion 226. The insertion portion 226 can be formed at the lower end of the inner pipe 22. The insertion portion 226 can protrude downward from the first inner pipe bending portion 222. The insertion portion 226 can be inserted into and supported by an insertion groove 216 formed at the upper end portion of the second outer pipe body 212.

[0081] The heater 131 can include a heater body 1311. The heater body 1311 can have a cylindrical shape extending vertically. The inner peripheral surface of the heater body 1311 can surround the periphery of the second insertion space S2. The outer peripheral surface of the heater body 1311 can be surrounded by an air gap 24. The heater body 1311 can form an air gap 24 by being separated from the inner peripheral surface of the inner pipe body 221 in the radially inner direction.

[0082] The heater 131 can include a first heater bending portion 1312. The first heater bending portion 1312 can be formed at the lower end of the heater 131. The first heater bending portion 1312 can be bent in the radially outward direction from the lower end of the heater body 1311. The first heater bending portion 1312 can be inclined downward along the radially outward direction. The first heater bending portion 1312 can be supported by the rib 225. The first heater bending portion 1312 and the rib 225 can overlap in the vertical direction.

[0083] The heater 131 can include a second heater bending portion 1313. The second heater bending portion 1313 can be formed at the upper end of the heater 131. The second heater bending portion 1313 can be bent in the radially outward direction from the upper end of the heater body 1311. The second heater bending portion 1313 can be inclined upward along the radially outward direction. The second heater bending portion 1313 can be supported by the cap 23. The cap 131 and the second heater bending portion 1313 can overlap in the vertical direction.

[0084] The induction coil 132 can be formed between the inner pipe body 221, the first inner pipe bending portion 222, the second inner pipe bending portion 223, and the first outer pipe body 211. The induction coil 132 can be wound around the inner pipe body 221. The lower end of the induction coil 132 can be supported by the first inner pipe bending portion 222. The induction coil 132 can be covered by the second inner pipe bending portion 223. The first outer pipe body 211 can surround the induction coil 132. The induction coil 132 can be disposed at a position corresponding to the heater 131. The induction coil 132 can generate eddy currents in the heater 131 by an induction magnetic field to heat the heater 131.

[0085] The air gap 24 can be formed between the inner peripheral surfaces of the heater body 1311, the first heater bending portion 1312, the second heater bending portion 1313, and the inner pipe body 221. The air gap 24 can surround the outer peripheral surface of the heater 131. The air gap 24 is formed as an air layer and can dissipate the heat generated from the heater 131.

[0086] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the heat generated from the heater 131 from being transmitted to the outside of the pipe 20. Also, it is possible to prevent the heat generated from the heater 131 from damaging the structure of the pipe 20.

[0087] The cap 23 can be surrounded by the inner peripheral surface at the upper end of the first outer pipe body 211. The cap 23 can be disposed above the heater assembly 13 and the inner pipe 22. The inner peripheral surface of the cap 23 can surround the periphery of the insertion port S3. The cap 23 can be coupled to the upper end of the first outer pipe body 211. The cap 23 can be fixed to the first outer pipe body 211 to support the upper end of the inner pipe 22 or the second inner pipe bending portion 223. The cap 23 can be fixed to the first outer pipe body 211 to support the upper end of the heater 131 or the second inner pipe bending portion 1313. By fixing the positions of the heater 131, the induction coil 132, and the inner pipe 22, the cap 23 can prevent the heater 131, the induction coil 132, and the inner pipe 22 from detaching from the pipe 20.

[0088] Couplers 215 and 235 can couple the cap 23 and the outer pipe 21. The couplers 215 and 235 can be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cap 23 and the upper end of the first outer pipe body 211. The couplers 215 and 235 can include a coupling protrusion 235 and a coupling groove 215. For example, the coupling protrusion 235 can protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the cap 23. The coupling groove 215 can be formed by opening the upper end surface of the first outer pipe body 211. The coupling protrusion 235 and the coupling groove 215 can be coupled in a snap-fit manner.

[0089] The aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be manufactured in the following manner. First, the metal foil 151 and the outer pipe 21 can be coupled. Here, the metal foil 151 can be integrally formed with the outer pipe 21 by a method such as injection molding. Then, the inner pipe 22 surrounded by the induction coil 132 can be inserted inside the outer pipe 21. Then, the heater 131 can be inserted inside the inner pipe 22. The heater 131 and the inner pipe 22 can be inserted together inside the outer pipe 21. Then, by coupling the cap 23 to the outer pipe 21, the inner pipe 22, the heater 131, and the induction coil 132 can be fixed.

[0090] Therefore, the structure of the pipe 20 can be stably coupled without the need for a separate bonding operation.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 10, a cartridge 14 can be detachably coupled to one side of the body 10. The cartridge 14 can be arranged alongside the pipe 20. The cartridge 14 can be arranged in parallel with the pipe 20. The body 10 can include a partition wall 102. The partition wall 102 can be formed between the pipe 20 and the cartridge 14. The partition wall 102 can extend alongside the pipe 20. The partition wall 102 can extend in the vertical direction. One surface of the partition wall 102 can support one side of the pipe 20. The cartridge 14 can be coupled to the body 10 so as to face the other surface of the partition wall 102. The cartridge 14 can be coupled to the partition wall 102. The other surface of the partition wall 102 can support one side of the cartridge 14. The partition wall 102 can separate the pipe 20 and the cartridge 14 from each other.

[0092] The cartridge 14 can include an inlet 141 and an outlet 142. The inlet 141 can be formed on one side of the upper end of the cartridge 14. The inlet 141 can open upward. The outlet 142 can be formed on one side of the lower part of the cartridge 14. The outlet 142 can open toward the pipe 20 side. The inlet 141 and the outlet 142 can communicate with each other through a cartridge flow path 143 inside the cartridge 14. When the cartridge 14 is coupled to the body 10, the outlet 142 and the inflow channel S4 can communicate with each other. The air passing through the cartridge 14 can be discharged to the outlet 142 with aerosol inside the cartridge 14. Therefore, when the user holds the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space S in the mouth and inhales air, the air flows from the outside of the cartridge 14 into the inside of the cartridge 14 through the inlet 141, and then sequentially flows through the cartridge flow path 143, the outlet 142, and the inflow channel S4, and can pass through the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space S.

[0093] The cover 103 is coupled to the upper end of the body 10 and can cover the upper end of the pipe 20 or the cap 23. The cover 103 can support the pipe 20. The cover 103 can prevent the pipe 20 from detaching from the body 10. The cover 103 can form an opening corresponding to the insertion space S.

[0094] The body 10 can include an extension portion 105. The extension portion 105 can extend laterally from the upper end of the partition wall 102 so as to cover the upper end of the cartridge 14. The extension portion 105 can cover the inlet 141. The extension portion 105 can prevent foreign matter from the outside from flowing into the inlet 141. The extension portion 105 can be separated from the inlet 141 by a predetermined distance upward to form a gap through which air can flow into the inlet 141.

[0095] The aerosol generating device 100 can include a first sensor 106. The first sensor 106 can be disposed inside the first sensor extension portion 105. The first sensor 106 can face the cartridge 14. The first sensor 106 can sense whether the cartridge 14 is mounted on the body 10. For example, the first sensor 106 can be a proximity sensor. The first sensor 106 can be connected to the control unit 12 (see FIGS. 1 to 3). The first sensor 106 can transmit a signal to the control unit 12, and the control unit 12 can determine whether the cartridge 14 is mounted on the body 10 based on the signal received from the first sensor 106. When the cartridge 14 is not mounted on the body 10, the control unit 12 can control the aerosol generating device 100 not to operate. For example, when the cartridge 14 is not mounted on the body 10, the control unit 12 can control so that no current flows through the induction coil 132.

[0096] The aerosol generating device 100 can include a second sensor 107. The second sensor 107 can be arranged adjacent to the inlet 141. The second sensor 107 can face the inlet 141. The second sensor 107 can sense the flow of ambient air. For example, the second sensor 107 can be an air flow sensor or a pressure sensor. The second sensor 107 can sense the air flowing from the outside into the inlet 141. The second sensor 107 can be connected to the control unit 12 (see FIGS. 1 to 3). The second sensor 107 can transmit a signal to the control unit 12, and the control unit 12 can determine whether air flows into the inlet 141 based on the signal received from the second sensor 107. When air flows into the inlet 141, the control unit 12 can control the current to flow through the induction coil 132 so that the heater 131 generates heat. When air flows into the inlet 141, the control unit 12 can also cause the heater inside the cartridge 14 to generate heat, and generate an aerosol within the cartridge 14.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 10, an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure can include a pipe formed to include an insertion space, a heater having a cylindrical shape surrounding the insertion space, and an induction coil positioned with respect to the heater to heat the heater by the flow of an electric current.

[0098] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the pipe can include an inner pipe disposed between the heater and the induction coil and positioned to surround the outside of the heater, and an outer pipe positioned to surround the inner pipe and the induction coil.

[0099] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inner pipe may include an inner pipe body extending with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the outer pipe and having an inner side surrounded by the induction coil, a first inner pipe bending portion bent in a radially outer direction from a lower end of the inner pipe body and contacting the inner circumferential surface of the outer pipe to support a lower end of the induction coil, and a second inner pipe bending portion bent in a radially outer direction from an upper end of the inner pipe body and contacting the inner circumferential surface of the outer pipe to cover an upper end of the induction coil.

[0100] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the outer pipe can support a lower end of the inner pipe.

[0101] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inner pipe may include a rib protruding in a radially inner direction from a lower portion to support a lower end of the heater.

[0102] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a cap coupled to the outer pipe so as to contact an upper end of the heater and formed to define an insertion port communicating with the insertion space.

[0103] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cap may be coupled to an upper end of the inner pipe.

[0104] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a coupler connecting the cap and the outer pipe.

[0105] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the coupler may include a coupling protrusion protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the cap and a coupling groove formed by an opening in an upper end peripheral wall of the outer pipe, into which the coupling protrusion is inserted to couple the cap and the outer pipe to each other.

[0106] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater can be positioned relative to the inner pipe to form an air gap between the heater and the inner pipe.

[0107] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater includes a heater body having a cylindrical shape extending with respect to the inner pipe, a first heater bending portion bent in a radially outward direction from a lower end of the heater body and contacting a lower inner peripheral surface of the inner pipe, and a second heater bending portion bent in a radially outward direction from an upper end of the heater body and contacting an upper inner peripheral surface of the inner pipe. The air gap can be a region defined by the heater body, the first heater bending portion, the second heater bending portion, and the inner peripheral surface of the inner pipe.

[0108] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure can include a heater having a long shape defining an insertion space, an inner pipe positioned outside the heater, an induction coil positioned adjacent to the heater and relative to the inner pipe to heat the heater by an electric current flow, and an outer pipe formed to surround the inner pipe and the induction coil.

[0109] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inner pipe can include an inner pipe body extending with respect to a part of an inner peripheral surface of the outer pipe and having a part of the outer side surrounded by the induction coil, a first inner pipe bending portion bent in a radially outward direction from a lower end of the inner pipe body and contacting a part of the inner peripheral surface of the outer pipe to support a lower end of the induction coil, and a second inner pipe bending portion bent in a radially outward direction from an upper end of the inner pipe body and contacting a part of the inner peripheral surface of the outer pipe to cover an upper end of the induction coil.

[0110] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater is positioned relative to the inner pipe to form an air gap between the outside of the heater and the inside of the inner pipe, and the heater includes a heater body having a cylindrical shape extending with respect to the inner pipe, a first heater bending portion bent in a radially outward direction from the lower end of the heater body and contacting a part of the lower inner peripheral surface of the inner pipe, a first heater bending portion contacting the lower inner peripheral surface, a second heater bending portion bent in a radially outward direction from the upper end of the heater body and contacting a part of the upper inner peripheral surface of the inner pipe.

[0111] The specific embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinguishable from each other. Specific elements or all elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be combined in configuration or function with other elements or with each other.

[0112] For example, Configuration A described in one embodiment of the present disclosure and the drawings and Configuration B described in another embodiment of the present disclosure and the drawings can be combined with each other. That is, even if the combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except when it is described that the combination is impossible.

[0113] Although the embodiments have been described above with numerous exemplary examples, those skilled in the art in the technical field belonging to the scope of the principles of the present disclosure should understand that many other variations and embodiments are possible. More specifically, various modifications and variations are possible in the components and / or arrangements of the target 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 uses will also become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A pipe formed to include an insertion space, A heater having a cylindrical shape surrounding the insertion space, An induction coil positioned with respect to the heater and causing the heater to generate heat by the flow of an electric current, and includes: The pipe includes an inner pipe disposed between the heater and the induction coil and positioned so as to surround the outside of the heater, The inner pipe includes ribs protruding in a radially inner direction from a lower portion to support a lower end of the heater, an aerosol generating device.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the pipe further includes an outer pipe positioned so as to surround the inner pipe and the induction coil.

3. A pipe formed to include an insertion space, A heater having a cylindrical shape surrounding the insertion space, An induction coil positioned with respect to the heater and causing the heater to generate heat by the flow of an electric current, and includes: The pipe is An inner pipe disposed between the heater and the induction coil and positioned so as to surround the outside of the heater, and An outer pipe positioned so as to surround the inner pipe and the induction coil, and includes: The inner pipe is An inner pipe body extending with respect to an inner circumferential surface of the outer pipe and having an inner side surrounded by the induction coil, A first inner pipe bending portion bent in a radially outer direction from a lower end of the inner pipe body and contacting the inner circumferential surface of the outer pipe to support a lower end of the induction coil, A second inner pipe bending portion bent in a radially outer direction from an upper end of the inner pipe body and contacting the inner circumferential surface of the outer pipe to cover an upper end of the induction coil, an aerosol generating device.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the outer pipe supports a lower end of the inner pipe.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, further including a cap coupled to the outer pipe so as to contact an upper end of the heater, The cap is formed to define an insertion port communicating with the insertion space.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein the cap is coupled to an upper end of the inner pipe.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, further comprising a coupler that couples the cap and the outer pipe.

8. The coupler includes a coupling protrusion protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the cap, and a coupling groove formed by an opening in an upper end peripheral wall of the outer pipe, into which the coupling protrusion is inserted to couple the cap and the outer pipe to each other. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heater is positioned with respect to the inner pipe to form an air gap between the heater and the inner pipe.

10. A pipe formed to include an insertion space, a heater having a cylindrical shape surrounding the insertion space, and an induction coil positioned with respect to the heater to heat the heater by the flow of an electric current. The pipe includes an inner pipe disposed between the heater and the induction coil and positioned to surround an outer side of the heater, and an outer pipe positioned to surround the inner pipe and the induction coil. The heater is positioned with respect to the inner pipe to form an air gap between the heater and the inner pipe, The heater includes a heater body having a cylindrical shape extending with respect to the inner pipe, a first heater bending portion bent in a radially outer direction from a lower end of the heater body and contacting a lower inner peripheral surface of the inner pipe, and a second heater bending portion bent in a radially outer direction from an upper end of the heater body and contacting an upper inner peripheral surface of the inner pipe. The air gap is a region defined by the heater body, the first heater bending portion, the second heater bending portion, and an inner peripheral surface of the inner pipe. The aerosol generating device.

11. a heater having a long shape defining an insertion space, an inner pipe positioned outside the heater, and an induction coil positioned close to the heater with respect to the inner pipe to heat the heater by the flow of an electric current. The aerosol generating device includes an outer pipe formed to surround the inner pipe and the induction coil. The aerosol generating device, wherein the inner pipe includes ribs protruding in the radially inner direction from the lower part to support the lower end of the heater.

12. A heater having a long shape defining an insertion space, An inner pipe positioned outside the heater, An induction coil positioned adjacent to the heater with respect to the inner pipe and heating the heater by the flow of an electric current, An outer pipe formed to surround the inner pipe and the induction coil, and The inner pipe, An inner pipe body extending with respect to a part of the inner peripheral surface of the outer pipe and having a part of the outside surrounded by the induction coil, A first inner pipe bending part bent in the radially outer direction from the lower end of the inner pipe body and contacting a part of the inner peripheral surface of the outer pipe to support the lower end of the induction coil, A second inner pipe bending part bent in the radially outer direction from the upper end of the inner pipe body and contacting a part of the inner peripheral surface of the outer pipe to cover the upper end of the induction coil, the aerosol generating device comprising the same.

13. A heater having a long shape defining an insertion space, An inner pipe positioned outside the heater, An induction coil positioned adjacent to the heater with respect to the inner pipe and heating the heater by the flow of an electric current, An outer pipe formed to surround the inner pipe and the induction coil, and The heater is positioned with respect to the inner pipe to form an air gap between the outside of the heater and the inside of the inner pipe, The heater, A heater body having a cylindrical shape extending with respect to the inner pipe, A first heater bending part bent in the radially outer direction from the lower end of the heater body and contacting a part of the lower inner peripheral surface of the inner pipe, A first heater bending part contacting the lower inner peripheral surface, A second heater bending part bent in the radially outer direction from the upper end of the heater body and contacting a part of the upper inner peripheral surface of the inner pipe, the aerosol generating device comprising the same.

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