Aerosol generator

Abstract

The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure includes a body, a heater module configured to be detachably coupled to the body and to form a first insertion space with one end open, a heater coupled to the heater module, a memory coupled to the heater module and storing information particularly related to the heater, and a control unit coupled to the body, receiving the information from the memory, and controlling the operation of the heater based on the information.

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

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 accurately calculate the temperature of the heater.

[0005] Still another object of the present disclosure is to accurately control the heater and other components of the aerosol generating device.

[0006] Still another object of the present disclosure is to easily clean the heater module.

[0007] Still another object of the present disclosure is to easily replace the heater.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] According to one aspect of the subject matter described in this application, the application may include a body, a heater module configured to be detachably coupled to the body and to form a first insertion space, with one end open, a heater coupled to the heater module, a memory coupled to the heater module for storing information particularly related to the heater, and a control unit coupled to the body for receiving the information from the memory and controlling the operation of the heater based on the information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to at least one of the embodiments of this disclosure, the heater temperature can be accurately calculated.

[0010] According to at least one of the embodiments of this disclosure, the heater and other components of the aerosol generator can be precisely controlled.

[0011] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater module can be easily cleaned.

[0012] According to at least one of the embodiments of this disclosure, the heater can be easily replaced.

[0013] Any additional applicable scope of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of this disclosure, should be understood to be given only as examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3]This figure shows an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components will be given the same reference numerals even if they are shown in other drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0016] The suffixes "module" and "part" used in the following description are used solely for the sake of clarity in the description. "Module" and "part" do not have any distinct meaning or role from each other.

[0017] In addition, in the subsequent description of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if a detailed description of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. The accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the accompanying drawings should be construed to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] 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 such terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0019] 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.

[0020] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless otherwise indicated clearly in the context.

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the aerosol generating device can include at least one of a battery 101, a control unit 102, and a sensor 103. At least one of the battery 101, the control unit 102, and the sensor 103 can be housed inside the body 10 of the aerosol generating device. The body 10 can have a shape that extends vertically and is long. The control unit 102 and the sensor 103 can be mounted on a first substrate 104 disposed inside the body 10. The control unit 102 and the sensor 103 can be mounted together on one first substrate 104. Alternatively, the function of the sensor 103 can also be incorporated into the control unit 102.

[0022] The battery 101 can supply power to the components of the aerosol generator. The battery 101 can supply power to at least one of the control unit 102, sensor 103, heater 25, and memory 27. The battery 101 can supply the power necessary for various components installed in the aerosol generator, such as induction coils (not shown) and user interfaces, to operate.

[0023] The control unit 102 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator. The control unit 102 can control the operation of at least one of the following: the battery 101, the sensor 103, the heater 25, and the memory 27. The control unit 102 can receive information from the sensor 103. The control unit 102 can control the operation of induction coils (not shown), user interfaces, etc., installed in the aerosol generator. The control unit 102 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator and determine whether the aerosol generator is operational.

[0024] The heater module 20 can be detachably coupled to the upper side of the body 10. For example, the heater module 20 can be coupled to the body 10 by magnetic force, or by a snap-fit ​​or screw-type coupling. The heater module 20 may have a first insertion space 24 that opens to the upper side. The first insertion space 24 may have a long, cylindrical shape. The body 10 may have a second insertion space 14 into which the heater module 20 is detachably inserted. The second insertion space 14 is formed in the upper part of the body 10 and can open to the upper side.

[0025] The heater module 20 may include a heater 25. The heater 25 can heat the first insertion space 24. For example, the heater 25 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the bottom of the first insertion space 24 toward the opening of the first insertion space 24. As another example, the heater 25 may have a cylindrical shape that surrounds the first insertion space 24.

[0026] The stick S can be inserted into a first insertion space 24 formed in the heater module 20. The stick S may have a long, cylindrical shape. The lower end of the stick S is inserted into the first insertion space 24, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude from the first insertion space 24 to the outside of the aerosol generator. When the stick S is inserted into the first insertion space 24, the heater 25 can be inserted into the stick S. The user can inhale air by putting the exposed upper end of the stick S in their mouth. The heater 25 can heat the stick S inserted into the first insertion space 24. When the heater 25 heats the stick S to a predetermined temperature, an aerosol can be generated from the stick S.

[0027] The heater 25 may be a resistive heater. The heater 25 may include a variable resistive metal. The heater 25 can generate heat by receiving power from the battery 101. As another example, the heater 25 can generate heat by eddy currents generated by a magnetic field produced by an induction coil (not shown) surrounding the heater 25.

[0028] The heater 25 may have unique information. This unique information of the heater 25 is a parameter related to the heater 25's inherent characteristics and may be a parameter for determining the voltage applied to the heater 25. For example, the unique information of the heater 25 may include parameters related to the heater 25's inherent characteristics that affect its heating operation, such as its inherent resistance, temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR; hereinafter referred to as the TCR value), impedance value, and capacitance value. The resistance of the heater 25 may change with temperature. When the heater 25 generates heat and its temperature rises, its resistance may increase. The heater 25's inherent resistance and TCR value may cause its resistance to change at specific temperatures.

[0029] The sensor 103 can detect values ​​related to the temperature of the heater 25, or values ​​related to the resistance of the heater 25. For example, the sensor 103 can detect the voltage applied to the heater 25. For example, the sensor 103 can detect the current flowing through the heater 25.

[0030] The control unit 102 can receive values ​​detected by the sensor 103. Based on the values ​​received from the sensor 103, the control unit 102 can estimate the temperature of the heater 25. For example, since the resistance of the heater 25 changes with temperature, the control unit 102 can calculate the resistance of the heater 25 from the current value received from the sensor 103 and determine the temperature of the heater 25. As another example, the control unit 102 can receive the temperature value of the heater 25 detected by the sensor 103 and determine the temperature of the heater 25.

[0031] The unique properties of heater 25 vary depending on the material of heater 25 itself, but can also change subtly due to errors in shape and dimensions, such as the length and thickness of the heating element, which may occur during manufacturing. Another example is that errors in the proportion of components that make up the alloy of heater 25, which may occur during manufacturing, can also affect the unique properties of heater 25. This is merely an example, and the factors that affect the unique properties of heater 25 are not limited to those mentioned above. As a result, a difference may occur between the estimated temperature of heater 25 and the actual temperature of heater 25, leading to inaccurate control.

[0032] Figure 3 is a graph showing the relationship between resistance and temperature for heaters having different TCR values. For example, referring to Figure 3, the first heater 25A and the second heater 25B, made from the same material, may have slightly different resistivity and TCR values ​​due to errors in the alloy ratio that occurred during manufacturing. As another example, if foreign matter comes into contact with the heating element, lead wires 259, or the first substrate 104 on which the control unit 102 is mounted, or due to internal or external noise, the TCR value of the second heater 25B may be judged as the TCR value of the third heater 25B'.

[0033] Therefore, the resistance values ​​of the heater 25 at a given temperature may differ for the first heater 25A, the second heater 25B, and the third heater 25B'. Consequently, an error may occur in the resistance value calculated by the control unit 102, which may lead to an error in calculating the temperature of the heater 25.

[0034] To solve this problem, the heater module 20 may include a memory 27. The memory 27 can be mounted on a second substrate 26 installed inside the heater module 20. The second substrate 26 can be referred to as the second substrate 26. The memory 27 can store unique information about the heater 25 included in the heater module 20.

[0035] For example, memory 27 can store the resistivity or TCR value of the heater 25 included in the heater module 20. During the manufacturing of the heater module 20, the precise intrinsic parameters of each manufactured heater 25 can be measured using an external measuring instrument and stored in memory 27. For the reasons described above, the resistivity values ​​of the heaters 25 stored in each of the memories 27 included in each of the multiple heater modules 20 may differ from those stored in the other.

[0036] The control unit 102 can store information corresponding to multiple heater parameters. For example, the control unit 102 can store temperature (T)-resistance (R) curve information for each heater parameter (see Figure 3). For example, the control unit 102 can store information corresponding to multiple heater parameters in the form of a look-up table. The control unit 102 can receive unique information about the heater 25 from the memory 27 included in the heater module 20 and match the unique information about the heater 25 with one of the stored heater parameters. For example, the control unit 102 can match the received unique information about the heater 25 with a specific heater parameter on the temperature (T)-resistance (R) curve.

[0037] Referring to Figure 4, when the heater module 20 is coupled to the body 10, the heater 25 can be electrically connected to at least one of the battery 101, the control unit 102, and the sensor 103 (see step S1 in Figure 4). When the heater module 20 is coupled to the body 10, the memory 27 can be electrically connected to at least one of the battery 101 and the control unit 102 (see step S1 in Figure 4). When the heater module 20 is separated from the body 10, the heater 25 can be separated from the battery 101, the control unit 102, and the sensor 103. When the heater module 20 is separated from the body 10, the memory 27 can be separated from the battery 101 and the control unit 102.

[0038] The control unit 102 can receive unique information about the heater 25 from the memory 27 (see step S2 in Figure 4). For example, the control unit 102 can receive the unique resistivity value of the heater 25 from the memory 27. For example, the control unit 102 can receive the unique TCR value of the heater 25 from the memory 27. This is merely an example and is not limited to those described above; the control unit 102 can receive a variety of unique information about the heater 25 for estimating its temperature.

[0039] The control unit 102 can calculate the temperature of the heater 25 based on the unique information of the heater 25 (see step S3 in Figure 4). For example, referring to Figure 3, the control unit 102 can receive the TCR value of the heater 25 corresponding to the first heater 25A from the memory 27 and the current value flowing through the heater 25 from the sensor 103 to determine the current resistance value of the heater 25. Therefore, the current temperature of the heater 25 corresponding to the first heater 25A can be estimated.

[0040] Therefore, the control unit 102 can calculate the exact temperature of the heater 25. By determining the exact temperature of the heater 25, the control unit 102 can perform more precise control over various configurations (see stage S4 in Figure 4).

[0041] For example, the control unit 102 can control the temperature of the heater 25 based on its calculated temperature. The control unit 102 can adjust the temperature of the heater 25 to a target temperature by controlling the voltage applied to the heater 25 to increase or decrease its heating temperature. As another example, the control unit 102 can determine whether the liquid stored in the cartridge (not shown) has been consumed based on the current temperature of the heater 25. As yet another example, the control unit 102 can control the user interface to provide the user with information about the current temperature of the heater 25.

[0042] Memory 27 can store identification information to determine whether the heater module 20 is a normal product. When the heater module 20 is coupled to the body 10, the control unit 102 can receive the identification information stored in memory 27 and determine whether the heater module 20 is a normal product. For example, the control unit 102 can compare the stored information with the identification information to determine whether the heater module 20 is a normal product. For example, memory 27 can store the identification information about the heater module 20 in encrypted code form, and the control unit 20 can decrypt this to determine whether it is a normal product.

[0043] For example, if the heater module 20 is counterfeit, the control unit 102 will limit the power supply to the heater 25, and if the heater module 20 is genuine, the control unit 102 will be able to supply power to the heater 25. The control unit 102 can control the user interface to provide the user with information on whether the heater module 20 is genuine.

[0044] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the heater module 20 may include a first insertion space 24 that opens upward. The heater module 20 may include a heater 25. The heater 25 may be fixed to the heater module 20. The heater 25 can heat the first insertion space 24. The first insertion space 24 may have a cylindrical shape that extends vertically.

[0045] The side wall 21 of the heater module 20 can surround the perimeter of the side of the first insertion space 24. The side wall 21 of the heater module 20 can have a cylindrical shape that extends vertically. The side wall 21 of the heater module 20 can be called a pipe section 21.

[0046] The heater module 20 may include a mount 22. The mount 22 may be formed at the lower end of the heater module 20. The mount 22 may close the lower end of the first insertion space 24. The mount 22 may be connected to the lower end of the pipe portion 21. The mount 22 may have a disc-shaped circumference.

[0047] The heater module 20 may include an extension 23. The extension 23 may extend outward from the upper end of the pipe portion 21. The extension 23 may cover at least a portion of the upper end of the body 10 from the pipe portion 21. The extension 23 can be called a rim portion 23.

[0048] The heater module 20 may include a heater rod 251. The heater rod 251 is fixed to a mount 22 and can protrude into a first insertion space 24. The heater 25 can be inserted inside the heater rod 251. The heater rod 51 may have a hollow opening on the lower side. The heater rod 251 may surround the heater 25. The heater rod 251 may have a cylindrical shape. The upper end of the heater rod 251 may be formed to be pointed upwards. The heater rod 251 may have high thermal expandability, excellent thermal insulation, and low thermal conductivity. The heater rod 251 may have high rigidity. For example, the heater rod 251 may be made of zirconia. However, the material of the heater rod 51 is not limited thereto. Heat generated from the heater 25 can be transferred to the outside through the heater rod 251. When the stick S is inserted into the first insertion space 24, the heater rod 251 and the heater 25 may be positioned inside the stick S.

[0049] The lead wire 259 can extend from the heater 25 through the lower opening of the heater rod 251 to the outside of the heater rod 251. One end of the lead wire 259 may be connected to the heater 25, and the other end may be connected to the second substrate 26. The lead wire 259 can electrically connect the heater 25 and the second substrate 26. For example, the lead wire 259 may be connected to the heater 25 and the second substrate 26 by a welding process such as soldering or ultrasonic welding. The lead wire 259 can be electrically connected to the battery 101, the control unit 102, and the sensor 103 via a circuit pattern printed on the second substrate 26.

[0050] Therefore, the heater 25 can receive power via the lead wire 259 and generate heat. The sensor 103 can also detect a value related to the temperature of the heater 25 or a value related to the resistance of the heater 25 via the lead wire 259. The control unit 102 can receive the value detected by the sensor 103. This has been explained previously, so a further explanation is omitted.

[0051] The lower end of the heater rod 251 can be embedded inside the mount 22. The heater rod 251 can protrude upward from the mount 22 toward the first insertion space 24. The heater module 20 can be formed on the heater rod 251 by an insert injection molding method. Here, after inserting the heater rod 251 into the injection mold, the heater module 20 can be injected by injecting polymer resin. With the heater 25 and lead wire 259 positioned inside the heater rod 251, the polymer resin can be injected with the heater rod 251 inserted into the injection mold.

[0052] The body 10 may have a second insertion space 14 that opens upward. The inner wall 111 of the body 10 may surround the sides of the second insertion space 14. The inner wall 111 of the body 10 may have a cylindrical shape that extends vertically. The lower wall 12 of the body 10 may cover the bottom of the second insertion space 14. The lower wall 12 of the body 10 may be connected to the lower end of the inner wall 111 of the body 10. The upper wall 13 of the body 10 may extend outward from the upper end of the inner wall 111. The upper wall 13 of the body 10 may connect the upper end of the inner wall 111 and the upper end of the outer wall 112.

[0053] The pipe section 21 and mount 22 of the heater module 20 can be detachably inserted into the second insertion space 14. The pipe section 21 of the heater module 20 can be surrounded by the inner wall 111 of the body 10. The mount 22 can cover the lower wall 12 of the body 10. The extension 23 of the heater module 20 can cover the upper wall 13 of the body 10. The user can grasp the extension 23 and separate the heater module 20 from the body 10. The user can separate the heater module 20 from the body 10 to make cleaning easier. The heater module 20 is replaceable.

[0054] The extension sealer 33 can seal the space between the heater module 20 and the body 10. The extension sealer 33 is positioned between the extension 23 and the upper wall 13 of the body 10, and can seal the space between the extension 23 and the upper wall 13 of the body 10. When the heater module 20 is coupled to the body 10, the extension 23 can press the extension sealer 33 toward the upper wall 13 of the body 10. The extension sealer 33 can prevent foreign matter from flowing into the second insertion space 14 from the outside through the gap between the body 10 and the heater module 20. The extension sealer 33 may be made of an elastic material. For example, the extension sealer 33 may be made of a material such as rubber or silicone. The extension sealer 33 can be called an external sealer 33.

[0055] Therefore, it is possible to prevent foreign substances such as liquids from flowing into the second substrate 26 inside the mount 22.

[0056] The first terminal 18 can be coupled to the body 10. The first terminal 18 can be exposed to the second insertion space 14. For example, the first terminal 18 can protrude upward from the lower wall 12 of the body 10 toward the second insertion space 14. The first terminal 18 can be electrically connected to the first substrate 104 on which the control unit 102 is mounted. The first substrate 104 can be installed inside the body 10.

[0057] The heater module 20 may include a second substrate 26 on which a memory 27 (see Figure 1) is mounted. The second substrate 26 may be installed inside the mount 22. The heater module 20 may include a second terminal 28 electrically connected to the second substrate 26. The second terminal 28 may be exposed to the outside from the mount 22. For example, the second terminal 28 may be exposed on the bottom. The second terminal 28 may be located within a terminal groove 2224 formed in the mount 22. The terminal groove 2224 may open on the bottom side of the mount 22.

[0058] When the heater module 20 is coupled to the body 10, the second terminal 28 can make contact with the first terminal 18. The first terminal 18 is inserted into the terminal groove 2224 and can make contact with the second terminal 28. When the second terminal 28 and the first terminal 18 make contact with each other, the memory 27 and the control unit 102 can be electrically connected to each other. When the second terminal 28 and the first terminal 18 make contact with each other, the memory 27 and the battery 101 can be electrically connected to each other. When the second terminal 28 and the first terminal 18 make contact with each other, the heater 25 and the control unit 102 can be electrically connected to each other. When the second terminal 28 and the first terminal 18 make contact with each other, the heater 25 and the sensor 103 can be electrically connected to each other. When the second terminal 28 and the first terminal 18 make contact with each other, the heater 25 and the battery 101 can be electrically connected to each other.

[0059] The second terminal 28 may have an inverted U-shape due to being recessed upwards. The second terminal 28 may have a shape that opens downwards. The sides of the second terminal 28 may extend downwards from both ends of the second terminal 28. The sides of the second terminal 28 may be elastic so as to pivot inward and outward from the second substrate 26. The sides of the second terminal 28 may have a shape that protrudes inward. Thus, the first terminal 18 can be pushed into the interior of the second terminal 28.

[0060] Therefore, the heater module 20 can be aligned or fixed in position relative to the body 10. Furthermore, the heater module 20 can be detached from the body 10 only when a force exceeding a certain load is applied. Thus, when the user uses the aerosol generator, it is possible to prevent the heater module 20 from shaking relative to the body 10, thereby improving structural safety. In addition, it is possible to prevent foreign matter such as liquid from coming into contact with the second terminal 28 of the heater module 20.

[0061] The first terminal 18 and the second terminal 28 can electrically connect the memory 27 and the control unit 102. The first terminal 18 and the second terminal 28 can electrically connect the heater 25 and the battery 101. The first terminal 18 and the second terminal 28 can electrically connect the heater 25 and the sensor 103.

[0062] The first terminal 18 may include a first memory terminal 181. The first memory terminal 181 may be formed in a pair. The first memory terminal 181 may be installed on the first board 104 on which the control unit 102 is mounted and connected to the control unit 102. The second terminal 28 may include a second memory terminal 281. The second memory terminal 281 may be formed in a pair. The second memory terminal 282 may be installed on the second board 26 on which the memory 27 is mounted and connected to the memory 27 (see Figure 11). The first memory terminal 181 and the second memory terminal 281 may be electrically connected by contact with each other. Thus, the memory 27 and the control unit 102 are electrically connected, and the control unit 102 can receive unique information of the heater 25 from the memory 27.

[0063] The first terminal 18 may include a first heater terminal 182. The first heater terminal 182 may be formed in pairs. The first heater terminal 182 may be connected to the battery 101 side. The first heater terminal 182 may be installed on the first substrate 104 and connected to a power supply circuit pattern mounted on the first substrate 104. The second terminal 28 may include a second heater terminal 282. The second heater terminal 282 may be formed in pairs. The second heater terminal 282 may be connected to the heater 25 and lead wire 259 side. The second heater terminal 282 may be installed on the second substrate 26 and connected to a power supply circuit pattern mounted on the second substrate 26. The first heater terminal 182 and the second heater terminal 282 can be electrically connected by contact with each other. Thus, the heater 25 can receive power from the battery 101 and generate heat.

[0064] Referring to Figures 7 and 8 in addition to Figure 6, the first terminal 18 and the second terminal 28 can have various shapes. The first terminal 18 can protrude upward from the lower wall 12 of the body 10 toward the first insertion space 14. The second terminal 28 can open downward. The first terminal 18 can be detachably inserted into and make contact with the second terminal 28. The first terminal 18 can be pushed into the second terminal 28.

[0065] As an example, the first terminal 18 may include a first terminal head 18a, a first terminal recess 18b, and a first terminal body 18c. The first terminal head 18a may be formed at the upper end of the first terminal 18. The first terminal head 18a may bulge outward or have a rounded shape. The first terminal recess 18b may be formed between the first terminal head 18a and the first terminal body 18c. The first terminal recess 18b may be concavely recessed radially inward from the first terminal head 18a and the first terminal body 18c. The first terminal body 18c may extend downward from the first terminal recess 18b. The first terminal body 18c may have a cylindrical shape. The first terminal body 18c may be fixed to the lower wall 12 of the body 10.

[0066] As an example, the second terminal 28 may include a second terminal body 28a and a second terminal wing 28b. The second terminal body 28a may be concave on the upper side or have a rounded shape. The second terminal body 28a may have a curvature corresponding to the first terminal head 18a.

[0067] Referring to Figure 7, the second terminal wings 28b may be formed as a plurality. The plurality of second terminal wings 28b may be spaced apart from each other and extend downward from the ends of the second terminal body 28a. A pair of second terminal wings 28b may extend downward from both ends of the second terminal body 28a. A pair of second terminal wings 28b may be positioned opposite each other with respect to the terminal insertion portion 28d. As another example, referring to Figure 8, the second terminal wings 28b may extend downward along the perimeter of the second terminal body 28a, or at least one side may be cut out to be longer vertically. The second terminal wings 28b may surround the perimeter of the terminal insertion portion 28d.

[0068] The terminal insertion portion 28d can be defined by a second terminal body 28a and a second terminal wing 28b. The terminal insertion portion 28d can open downwards. The second terminal wing 28b can be formed to bulge inward toward the terminal insertion portion 28d. The second terminal wing 28b can have a curvature corresponding to the second terminal recess 18b. The lower part of the second terminal wing 28b can have a shape that widens outward.

[0069] The first terminal 18 can be inserted into the terminal insertion section 28d. The second terminal wing 28b can tilt inward and outward around the second terminal body 28a. When the first terminal 18 is inserted into the terminal insertion section 28d, the first terminal head 18a can contact the lower inner surface of the second terminal wing 28b. The first terminal head 18a can push the second terminal wing 28b and spread it outward. Subsequently, the first terminal head 18a can be inserted into the terminal insertion section 28d and surrounded by the second terminal body 28a. The second terminal wing 28b can tilt inward around the second terminal body 28a to return to its original position and be inserted into the first terminal recess 18b and engage. When the first terminal 18 is released from the terminal insertion section 28d, the first terminal head 18a can release from the terminal insertion section 28d while pushing the second terminal wing 28b and spreading it outward. The second terminal wing 28d can tilt outward only when subjected to a force greater than a predetermined amount from the first terminal 18.

[0070] Therefore, the first terminal 18 can be pushed into the second terminal 28 and stably coupled with the second terminal 28.

[0071] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the mount 22 may include a first mount 221 and a second mount 222. The first mount 221 may be connected to the lower end of the pipe section 21. The first mount 221 may be formed integrally with the pipe section 21. The first mount 221 may have a disc shape. The first mount 221 may close the lower part of the first insertion space 24.

[0072] The first mount 221 may be formed by insert injection molding onto the lower end of the heater rod 251. The outer circumferential surface of the lower end of the heater rod 251 may include a flange portion 253 that protrudes radially outward. The first mount 221 may surround the flange portion 253. The flange portion 253 may be fixed to the first mount 221. The flange portion 253 may be supported vertically by the first mount 221. The flange portion 253 can prevent the heater rod 251 from detaching vertically from the first mount 221. The flange portion 253 has a non-circular cross-section and can interlock with the first mount 221 in the circumferential direction. The flange portion 253 can prevent the heater rod 251 from rotating circumferentially relative to the heater module 20. The central portion of the first mount 221 to which the flange portion 253 is coupled may protrude downward. The lead wire 259 can pass from inside the heater rod 251 through an opening formed in the center of the first mount 221 and be connected to the second substrate 26 located below the first mount 221.

[0073] The second mount 222 can be coupled to the underside of the first mount 221. The second mount 222 can cover the lower part of the first mount 221. The second mount 222 may include a bottom portion 2221 and a peripheral portion 2222. The peripheral portion 2222 may extend upward from the periphery of the bottom portion 2221. The peripheral portion 2222 may have a ring shape extending in the circumferential direction. The periphery of the peripheral portion 2222 may correspond vertically to the periphery of the pipe portion 21.

[0074] The second mount 222 and the first mount 221 can be joined in a snap-fit ​​manner. For example, the second mount 222 may include a coupling hook 2227, and the first mount 221 may include a coupling groove 2217 into which the coupling hook 2227 is fastened. The coupling hook 2227 may be formed on the periphery 2222 of the second mount 222. The coupling groove 2217 may be formed adjacent to the periphery of the first mount 221. A pair of coupling hooks 2227 and coupling grooves 2217 may be provided on each side of the mount 22 in corresponding positions. As another example, the coupling hook 2227 may be formed on the first mount 221 and the coupling groove 2217 may be formed on the second mount 222.

[0075] The second substrate 26 may be placed inside the mount 22. The second substrate 26 may be placed between the first mount 221 and the second mount 222. The second substrate 26 may be surrounded by the first mount 221 and the second mount 222.

[0076] The second mount 222 may include terminal grooves 2224. The terminal grooves 2224 may open on the underside of the second mount 222. Multiple terminal grooves 2224 may be provided, corresponding to the number of second terminals 28. For example, if the second terminals 28 include a pair of memory terminals 281 and a pair of heater terminals 282, there may be four terminal grooves 2224. The second terminals 28 can be exposed to the outside of the mount 22 through the terminal grooves 2224. Multiple second terminals 28 and multiple terminal grooves 2224 can be arranged spaced apart in the circumferential direction (see Figure 9). The second substrate 26 may cover the terminal grooves 2224.

[0077] The first mount sealer 31 can seal the space between the first mount 221 and the second mount 222. For example, the first mount sealer 31 can seal the space between the periphery of the second mount 222 and the periphery of the first mount 221. The first mount sealer 31 may have a ring shape that extends circumferentially along the periphery of the mount 22. The first mount sealer 31 may be positioned above the periphery 2222 of the second mount 222. The first mount sealer 31 may be made of an elastic material. For example, the first mount sealer 31 may be made of a material such as rubber or silicone. When the first mount 221 and the second mount 222 are joined, the second mount 222 can press the first mount sealer 31 toward the first mount 221.

[0078] For example, the second mount sealer 32 can seal the space between the terminal groove 2224 and the second terminal 28. For example, the second mount sealer 32 can seal the space between the terminal groove 2224 and the second substrate 26. The second mount sealer 32 can seal the gap around the second terminal 28. The second mount sealer 32 can have a shape corresponding to the periphery of the terminal groove 2224. For example, the second mount sealer 32 can have a ring shape. One side of the second mount sealer 32 can contact the second substrate 26, and the other side of the second mount sealer 32 can contact the second mount 222 around the terminal groove 2224. The second mount sealer 32 can be made of an elastic material. For example, the second mount sealer 32 can be made of a material such as rubber or silicone.

[0079] Therefore, since the second substrate 26 is positioned inside the mount 22, the second substrate 26 and the lead wires 259 can be protected from external impacts. In addition, it is possible to prevent foreign matter such as liquid from entering the inside of the mount 22. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent malfunctions or sensing noise caused by foreign matter coming into contact with the lead wires 259 and the second substrate 26.

[0080] Furthermore, the user can easily clean the heater module 20 by separating it from the body 10. Also, since liquid is prevented from flowing into the inside of the heater module 20, the user can clean the heater module 20 with water.

[0081] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the second substrate 26 can be disc-shaped or disk-shaped. A hole 264 may be formed in the center of the second substrate 26. The center of the first mount 221 can pass through the hole 264 in the second substrate 26. The second substrate 26 can surround the center of the first mount 221. A second terminal 28 can be coupled to the second substrate 26. The second terminal 28 may include a pair of memory terminals 281 and a pair of heater terminals 282. The memory terminal 281 can be electrically connected to a memory 27 mounted on the second substrate 26. The memory terminal 281 can contact a first terminal 18 which is connected to the control unit 102. Lead wires 259 extending from the heater 25 can be coupled to the second substrate 26. The lead wires 259 can be soldered to the second substrate 26. The heater terminals 282 can be electrically connected to the lead wires 259 coupled to the second substrate 26. The heater terminal 282 can make contact with the first terminal 18, which is connected to the battery 101. Circuits for electrically connecting the second terminal 28 to various components can be printed on the second circuit board 26.

[0082] Referring to Figures 1 to 18, an aerosol generating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a body, a heater module configured to be detachably coupled to the body and configured to form a first insertion space and having an open end, a heater coupled to the heater module, a memory coupled to the heater module for storing information particularly related to the heater, and a control unit coupled to the body for receiving the information from the memory and controlling the operation of the heater based on the information.

[0083] According to other aspects of this disclosure, the aerosol generator may further include a sensor for detecting information relating to the temperature of the heater. The control unit can calculate the temperature of the heater based on the information received from the memory and the information relating to the temperature of the heater received from the sensor, and can control the temperature of the heater based on the calculated temperature of the heater.

[0084] According to other aspects of this disclosure, the heater module may include a pipe portion forming a side of the first insertion space and a mount forming a portion of the other end of the first insertion space. The memory may be located inside the mount.

[0085] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the mount includes a first portion coupled to the lower end of the pipe portion and a second portion coupled to the lower side of the first portion. The memory may be located between the first portion and the second portion.

[0086] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus may further include a first sealer for sealing the gap between the periphery of the first portion and the periphery of the second portion.

[0087] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the mount may include a coupling groove formed in either the first or second portion, and a coupling hook provided in the other of the first or second portion and positioned to engage with the coupling groove.

[0088] According to other aspects of this disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus includes a plurality of first terminals attached to the heater module, and first terminal elements coupled to the memory and the heater, The system may further include a plurality of second terminals attached to the body and coupled to the control unit, and a second terminal element that contacts the first terminal element to electrically connect the control unit and the memory and the control unit and the heater.

[0089] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the mount may have a terminal groove located on the underside of the mount and having a size for accommodating the first terminal element on its interior.

[0090] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the first terminal element is configured to form a recess, and the second terminal element protrudes upward from the body and can be pushed into the first terminal through the terminal groove.

[0091] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus may further include a second mount sealer for sealing the gap between the terminal groove and the first terminal element.

[0092] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the body may form a second insertion space that opens to one side and is sized to be detachably coupled to the heater module.

[0093] According to other aspects of this disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus may further include an external sealer for sealing the interface between the body and the heater module.

[0094] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the heater module may include a rim portion extending horizontally outward from one end of the pipe portion and overlapping one end of the body. The external sealer can seal the gap between the rim portion and one end of the body.

[0095] According to other aspects of this disclosure, information particularly relating to the heater may include parameters relating to the intrinsic characteristics of the heater that affect the operation of the heater.

[0096] The specific or other embodiments of the above-mentioned embodiments of the present disclosure are not mutually exclusive or distinguishable. The specific or all elements of the above-mentioned embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined with or combined with other elements in terms of configuration or function.

[0097] For example, configuration A described in one embodiment of this disclosure and drawings and configuration B described in another embodiment of this disclosure and drawings can be combined with each other. That is, even if combinations between configurations are not directly described, such combinations are possible unless otherwise stated as impossible.

[0098] While the embodiments have been described above with reference to numerous exemplary examples, those skilled in the art in the field relating to the principles of this disclosure should understand that many other modifications and embodiments are possible. More specifically, a variety of modifications and variations are possible in the components and / or arrangements of the subject combinations within the scope of this disclosure, drawings, and appended claims. In addition to the modifications and variations of the components and / or arrangements, other applications will also become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. The body and, A heater module configured to be detachably coupled to the body, configured to form a first insertion space, and having one end open, A heater coupled to the aforementioned heater module, A memory coupled to the heater module, which stores information particularly related to the heater, The heater module includes a plurality of first terminals attached thereto, and the first terminal elements are coupled to the memory and the heater, A control unit coupled to the body, which receives the information from the memory and controls the operation of the heater based on the information, Includes, The heater module includes a terminal groove recessed from one side of the heater module facing the body in the direction from the body toward the heater module, The aerosol generating apparatus wherein the first terminal is located within the terminal groove and is separated from the one surface of the heater module.

2. The system further includes a sensor that detects information related to the temperature of the heater, The control unit, Based on the information received from the memory and the information related to the heater temperature received from the sensor, the temperature of the heater is calculated. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the temperature of the heater is controlled based on the calculated temperature of the heater.

3. The heater module is The pipe portion forming the side of the first insertion space, Includes a mount that forms part of the other end of the first insertion space, The terminal groove is formed in the mount, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the memory is located inside the mount.

4. The aforementioned mount is A first portion that connects to the lower end of the pipe section, A second part that is attached to the lower side of the first part, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the memory is disposed between the first part and the second part.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a first sealer for sealing the gap between the periphery of the first portion and the periphery of the second portion.

6. The aforementioned mount is A coupling groove formed in either the first portion or the second portion, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, comprising: a coupling hook provided to the other of the first and second parts and positioned to be coupled to the coupling groove.

7. A second terminal element comprising a plurality of second terminals attached to the body and coupled to the control unit, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second terminal element is in contact with the first terminal element to electrically connect the control unit and the memory and the control unit and the heater.

8. The first terminal element is configured to form a recessed portion, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second terminal element protrudes upward from the body and is pushed into the first terminal through the terminal groove.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a second mount sealer for sealing the gap between the terminal groove and the first terminal element.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the body has an opening on one side and forms a second insertion space having a size that allows it to be detachably coupled to the heater module.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising an external sealer for sealing the interface between the body and the heater module.

12. The heater module includes a rim portion that extends horizontally outward from one end of the pipe portion and overlaps with one end of the body. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the external sealer seals the gap between the rim portion and one end of the body.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information particularly related to the heater includes parameters related to the intrinsic characteristics of the heater that affect the operation of the heater.

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