Aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is disclosed that includes a body including a first opening to a first insertion space, a heater module detachably inserted into the first insertion space, a heater holder including a second opening to a second insertion space in which a heater is disposed, a frame coupled to the heater holder, and a substrate coupled to the frame and on which a memory for storing unique information about the heater is mounted, and a controller disposed in the body and configured to control operation of the heater when the unique information about the heater is received from the memory.

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-mentioned 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 configuration including the heater of the aerosol generating device.

[0006] <00.com Still another object of the present disclosure is to easily clean the heater module.

[0007] Comment: There is an extra "com" in the original text at this position, which may be a typo. I translated it as it is for now. If it's incorrect, please correct the original text. 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 aerosol generating apparatus includes a body including a first opening to a first insertion space, a heater module detachably inserted into the first insertion space, the heater module including a heater holder including a second opening to a second insertion space in which a heater is disposed, a frame coupled to the heater holder, and a substrate coupled to the frame and on which a memory for storing unique information about the heater is mounted, and a control unit disposed in the body that controls the operation of the heater when it receives unique information about the heater from the memory. [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 configuration of the aerosol generator, including the heater, 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] A diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] A diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] A diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] A diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] A diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] A diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] A diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] A diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] A diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] A diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] A diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar components are given the same reference numerals even if they are illustrated in other drawings, and redundant explanations thereof are omitted.

[0016] Suffixes “module” and “section” for components used in the following description are used only for the ease of description in the specification. “Module” and “section” do not have distinct meanings or roles from each other.

[0017] Also, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, when a detailed description of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof is omitted. Also, 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 the 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 between. 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 between.

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

[0021] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the aerosol generator may include at least one of the following: a body 10, an outer cover 20, a heater module 30, and an inner cover 40. The body 10 may house at least one of the following: a battery 101, a control unit 102, and a sensor 103. The body 10 may have a first insertion space 14 that opens upward. The first insertion space 14 may be formed in the upper part of the body 10.

[0022] The heater module 30 can be detachably inserted into the first insertion space 14. The heater module 30 may have a second insertion space 34 that opens upwards. The second insertion space 34 may extend vertically. The heater 35 can be fixed to the heater module 30. The heater 35 may protrude upwards from the bottom of the second insertion space 34. The heater 35 can heat the area around the second insertion space 34.

[0023] The outer cover 20 can be detachably attached to the upper side of the body 10. The outer cover 20 can cover the upper part of the body 10 and the heater module 30. The outer cover 20 may include an extractor 21. The extractor 21 may have a third insertion space 24 that opens to the upper side. The extractor 21 and the third insertion space 34 may have a shape that extends vertically. The extractor 21 can be inserted into a second insertion space 34 inside the heater module 30. When the extractor 21 is inserted into the second insertion space 34, the heater 35 can be exposed to the third insertion space 24 by passing through a through hole 24a that opens to the lower part of the extractor 21. The cap 25 is movably attached to the outer cover 20 and can open and close the opening of the third insertion space 34.

[0024] The first magnet 26 may be positioned inside the outer cover 20. The first magnet 26 exerts an attractive force on the second magnet 46 positioned inside the inner cover 40, thereby detachably connecting the outer cover 20 to the upper side of the inner cover 40.

[0025] The stick S can be inserted into the third insertion space 24 and supported by the extractor 21. The heater 35 can be inserted inside the stick S inserted into the third insertion space 24. The heater 35 can heat the third insertion space 24 and the stick S to generate an aerosol. When the outer cover 20 is separated from the body 10, the stick S inside the extractor 21 can also be separated from the body and extracted together. Thus, the stick S can be easily separated.

[0026] The inner cover 40 can be positioned between the body 10 and the outer cover 20. The inner cover 40 can be detachably coupled to the body 10. The inner cover 40 can cover the upper part of the body 10 and the heater module 30. The inner cover 40 can be detachably coupled to the upper part of the heater module 30. When the inner cover 40 is separated from the body 10, the heater module 30 can be separated from the first insertion space 14. Thus, the heater module 30 can be easily separated from the body 10, and the heater module 30 can be replaced more easily.

[0027] Referring to Figures 4 and 6, the aerosol generator may include at least one of the battery 101, the control unit 102, and the 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 generator. The body 10 may have a shape that extends vertically. The control unit 102 and the sensor 103 can be mounted on a first circuit board 104 located inside the body 10. The control unit 102 and the sensor 103 can be mounted together on a single first circuit board 104. Alternatively, the function of the sensor 103 can be integrated into the control unit 102.

[0028] The battery 101 can supply power to enable the components of the aerosol generator to operate. The battery 101 can supply power to at least one of the control unit 102, sensor 103, heater 35, and memory 37. 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.

[0029] 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 35, and the memory 37. 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.

[0030] The heater module 30 can be detachably coupled to the upper side of the body 10. For example, the heater module 30 can be coupled to the body 10 by magnetic force, or by a snap-fit ​​or screw-type coupling. The heater module 30 may have a second insertion space 34 that opens to the upper side. The second insertion space 34 may have a long, cylindrical shape. The body 10 may have a first insertion space 14 into which the heater module 30 is detachably inserted. The first insertion space 14 is formed in the upper part of the body 10 and can open to the upper side.

[0031] The heater module 30 may include a heater 35. The heater 35 can heat the second insertion space 34. For example, the heater 35 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the bottom of the second insertion space 34 toward the opening of the second insertion space 34. As another example, the heater 35 may have a cylindrical shape that surrounds the second insertion space 34.

[0032] The stick S can be inserted into a second insertion space 34 formed in the heater module 30. The stick S may have a long, cylindrical shape. The lower end of the stick S is inserted into the second insertion space 34, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude from the second insertion space 34 to the outside of the aerosol generator. When the stick S is inserted into the second insertion space 34, the heater 35 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 35 can heat the stick S inserted into the second insertion space 34. When the heater 35 heats the stick S to a predetermined temperature, an aerosol can be generated from the stick S.

[0033] The heater 35 may be a resistive heater. The heater 35 may include a variable resistive metal. The heater 35 can generate heat by receiving power from the battery 101. As another example, the heater 35 can generate heat by eddy currents generated by a magnetic field produced by an induction coil (not shown) surrounding the heater 35.

[0034] The heater 35 may have unique information. This unique information of the heater 35 consists of parameters related to its inherent characteristics and may be parameters for determining the voltage applied to the heater 35. For example, the unique information of the heater 35 may include parameters related to its inherent characteristics that affect the heating operation of the heater 35, such as its inherent resistance, temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR; hereinafter referred to as TCR value), impedance value, and capacitance value. The resistance of the heater 35 may change with temperature. When the heater 35 generates heat and its temperature rises, its resistance may increase. The inherent resistance and TCR value of the heater 35 allow the resistance to change at specific temperatures.

[0035] The sensor 103 can detect values ​​related to the temperature of the heater 35, or values ​​related to the resistance of the heater 35. For example, the sensor 103 can detect the voltage applied to the heater 35. For example, the sensor 103 can detect the current flowing through the heater 35.

[0036] 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 35. For example, since the resistance of the heater 35 changes with temperature, the control unit 102 can calculate the resistance of the heater 35 from the current value received from the sensor 103 and determine the temperature of the heater 35. As another example, the control unit 102 can receive the temperature value of the heater 35 detected by the sensor 103 and determine the temperature of the heater 35.

[0037] The unique properties of heater 35 vary depending on the material of heater 35 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 constituent elements of the alloy of heater 35, which may occur during manufacturing, can also affect the unique properties of heater 35. This is merely an example, and the factors affecting the unique properties of heater 35 are not limited to those mentioned above. As a result, a difference may occur between the estimated temperature of heater 35 and the actual temperature of heater 35, leading to inaccurate control.

[0038] Figure 6 is a graph showing the relationship between resistance and temperature for heaters having different TCR values. For example, referring to Figure 6, the first heater 35A and the second heater 35B, made from the same material, can 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 wire 359, 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 35B may be judged as the TCR value of the third heater 35B'.

[0039] Therefore, the resistance values ​​of the heater 35 at a given temperature may differ for the first heater 35A, the second heater 35B, and the third heater 35B'. 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 35.

[0040] To solve this problem, the heater module 30 may include a memory 37. The memory 37 can be mounted on a second circuit board 36 installed inside the heater module 30. The second circuit board 36 can be referred to as the second circuit board 36. The memory 37 can store unique information about the heater 35 included in the heater module 30.

[0041] For example, memory 37 can store the resistivity or TCR value of the heater 35 included in the heater module 30. During the manufacturing of the heater module 30, the precise intrinsic parameters of each manufactured heater 35 can be measured using an external measuring instrument and stored in memory 37. For the reasons described above, the resistivity values ​​of the heaters 35 stored in each memory 37 included in each of the multiple heater modules 30 may differ from those stored in the other.

[0042] 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 6). 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 35 from the memory 37 included in the heater module 30 and match the unique information about the heater 35 with one of the stored heater parameters. For example, the control unit 102 can match the received unique information about the heater 35 with a specific heater parameter on the temperature (T)-resistance (R) curve.

[0043] Referring to Figure 7, when the heater module 30 is coupled to the body 10, the heater 35 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 7). When the heater module 30 is coupled to the body 10, the memory 37 can be electrically connected to at least one of the battery 101 and the control unit 102 (see step S1 in Figure 7). When the heater module 30 is separated from the body 10, the heater 35 can be separated from the battery 101, the control unit 102, and the sensor 103. When the heater module 30 is separated from the body 10, the memory 37 can be separated from the battery 101 and the control unit 102.

[0044] The control unit 102 can receive unique information about the heater 35 from the memory 37 (see step S2 in Figure 7). For example, the control unit 102 can receive the unique resistivity value of the heater 35 from the memory 37. For example, the control unit 102 can receive the unique TCR value of the heater 35 from the memory 37. 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 35 for estimating its temperature.

[0045] The control unit 102 can calculate the temperature of the heater 35 based on the unique information of the heater 35 (see step S3 in Figure 7). For example, referring to Figure 6, the control unit 102 can receive the TCR value of the heater 35 corresponding to the first heater 35A from the memory 37 and the current value flowing through the heater 35 from the sensor 103 to determine the current resistance value of the heater 35. Therefore, the current temperature of the heater 35 corresponding to the first heater 35A can be estimated.

[0046] Therefore, the control unit 102 can calculate the precise temperature of the heater 35. By determining the precise temperature of the heater 35, the control unit 102 can perform more precise control over various configurations (see stage S4 in Figure 7).

[0047] For example, the control unit 102 can control the temperature of the heater 35 based on its calculated temperature. The control unit 102 can adjust the temperature of the heater 35 to a target temperature by controlling the voltage applied to the heater 35 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 35. 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 35.

[0048] Memory 37 can store identification information to determine whether the heater module 30 is a normal product. When the heater module 30 is coupled to the body 10, the control unit 102 can receive the identification information stored in memory 37 and determine whether the heater module 30 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 30 is a normal product. For example, memory 37 can store the identification information about the heater module 30 in encrypted code form, and the control unit 102 can decrypt this to determine whether it is a normal product.

[0049] For example, if the heater module 30 is counterfeit, the control unit 102 will limit the power supply to the heater 35, and if the heater module 30 is genuine, the control unit 102 will be able to supply power to the heater 35. The control unit 102 can control the user interface to provide the user with information on whether the heater module 30 is genuine.

[0050] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the heater module 30 can be detachably inserted into a first insertion space 14 that opens upward at the top of the body 10. The heater module 30 can be separated from the first insertion space 14 by separating the inner cover 40 from the body 10. The user can separate the heater module 30 from the inner cover 40, attach the new heater module 30 to the inner cover 40, and then attach the inner cover 40 to the body 10 to seat the heater module 30 in the first insertion space 14. Thus, the separation, replacement, and assembly of the heater module 30 are made easy.

[0051] Referring to Figures 9 to 11, the heater module 30 may include a heater holder 31. The heater holder 31 may have a pipe shape that extends vertically. The heater holder 31 may have a second insertion space 34 that opens upwards. The second insertion space 34 may be formed in a cylindrical shape that extends vertically. The heater 35 may be fixed to the heater holder 31 (see Figure 12).

[0052] The heater module 30 may include a frame 32. The frame 32 can be coupled to the heater holder 31. The lateral wall 321 of the frame 32 may cover one side wall 311 of the heater holder 31. The lateral wall 321 of the frame 32 may extend vertically. The lateral wall 321 of the frame 32 may have a "U"-shaped curve. The lower part 322 of the frame 32 may cover the lower part 312 of the heater holder 31.

[0053] The mounting wall 321a can extend upward from around the lower part 322 of the frame 32. The mounting wall 321a can be connected to the side wall 321 of the frame 32. The mounting wall 321a can be connected to the side wall 321 of the frame 321. The mounting wall 321a can surround one side of the lower part 312 of the heater holder 31.

[0054] The memory 37 can be mounted on the second substrate 36. The second substrate 36 can be positioned between the heater holder 31 and the frame 32. The second substrate 36 can be coupled to or fixed to the frame 32. For example, the second substrate 36 may have a flat plate shape, as shown in the figure.

[0055] The second substrate 36 may be positioned between the side wall 311 of the heater holder 31 and the side wall 321 of the frame 32. The second substrate 36 may be positioned parallel to the vertical direction. The second substrate 36 may be positioned parallel to the side wall 311 of the heater holder 31 and the side wall 321 of the frame 32.

[0056] The frame 32 may have a slot 328. The second substrate 36 can be inserted into the slot 328. The slot 328 may be formed in the side wall 321 of the frame 32. The slot 328 may extend in the vertical direction. The slot 328 may open upwards. The second substrate 36 may be positioned vertically elongated in the slot 328. The second substrate 36 can be inserted downwards into the slot 328.

[0057] The insertion guide surface 327 may be formed obliquely toward the slot 328 around the opening of the slot 328. For example, if the slot 328 opens upward, the insertion guide surface 327 may be formed obliquely downward toward the slot 328. The insertion guide surface 327 may be formed on the upper end surface of the side wall 321 of the frame 32. The insertion guide surface 327 can guide the insertion of the second substrate 36 into the slot 328. For example, even if the second substrate 36 collides with the side wall 321 of the frame 32 around the opening of the slot 328 while being inserted, it can still slide into the slot 238 by contacting the insertion guide surface 327.

[0058] The rear surface and both side edges of the second substrate 36 can be supported by the side walls 321 of the frame 32 in slots 328. The front surface of the second substrate 36 can face the side wall 311 of the heater holder 31 in slots 328.

[0059] The second substrate 36 may include the first module terminal 361. The first module terminal 361 may be formed on the front surface of the second substrate 36. One end of the lead wire 359 may be connected to the heater 35, and the other end of the lead wire 359 may be connected to the first module terminal 361. The lead wire 359 and the first module terminal 361 may be formed in multiple units. For example, the first module terminal 361 and the lead wire 359 may each be formed in two units. The lead wire 359 may be positioned between the heater holder 31 and the frame 32.

[0060] The second substrate 36 may include second module terminals 362. The second module terminals 362 may be formed on the rear surface of the second substrate 36. The second module terminals 362 may be formed at the lower end of the second substrate 36. Multiple second module terminals 362 may be formed. For example, four second module terminals 362 may be formed, with any two of them electrically connected to the heater 35 and the other two electrically connected to the memory 37.

[0061] The frame 32 may be provided with terminal holes 324. The terminal holes 324 may be formed by opening one side of the frame 32. For example, the terminal holes 324 may be formed by opening the side wall 321 of the frame 32 that supports the rear surface of the second substrate 36. Alternatively, the terminal holes 324 may be formed by opening the lower corner of the side wall 321 of the frame 32. The terminal holes 324 can communicate with the slot 328. Multiple terminal holes 324 may be formed. The terminal holes 324 may correspond to the second module terminals 362. Each of the multiple module terminals 362 can be exposed to the outside of the heater module 30 through each of the multiple terminal holes 324.

[0062] The frame 32 may have supporters 326. The supporters 326 may protrude from the side walls 321 of the frame 32. The supporters 326 may extend vertically. The supporters 326 may support the front surface of the second substrate 36. The supporters 326 may be formed in pairs and may support both side corners of the front surface of the second substrate 36. The supporters 326 may define a slot 328 together with the side walls 321 of the frame 32.

[0063] The frame 32 can be connected to the heater holder 31 in a snap-fit ​​manner. The frame 32 can be connected to the heater holder 31 in a way that makes it impossible to separate (or remove). One of the heater holder 31 and the frame 32 may include a first coupling hook 315, and the other may have a first coupling groove 325 into which the first coupling hook 315 is fastened. For example, the first coupling hook 315 may protrude laterally from the heater holder 31, and the first coupling groove 325 may be formed in the side wall 321 of the frame 32 at a position corresponding to the first coupling hook 315.

[0064] The second substrate 36 may be provided with a positioning groove 364 that opens upward. The positioning groove 364 may extend vertically. The heater holder 31 may include a positioning projection 316. The positioning projection 316 may extend vertically and project laterally from the side wall 311 of the heater holder 31. The positioning projection 316 may have a shape corresponding to the positioning groove 364. The positioning projection 316 can be inserted into the positioning groove 364 to align or fix the position of the second substrate 36 relative to the heater holder 31.

[0065] The first sealer 33 can be coupled to the heater module 30. The first sealer 33 may have a ring shape. The first sealer 33 can surround the upper part of the heater holder 31. The first rim portion 313 can be formed by the radial inward recession of the upper part of the heater holder 31. The first sealer 33 can be fitted and fixed to the first rim portion 313. The first sealer 33 can be made of an elastic material. For example, the first sealer 33 can be made of a material such as rubber or silicone.

[0066] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the heater module 30 may include a heater rod 351. The heater rod 351 is fixed to the lower part of the heater holder 31 and can protrude into the second insertion space 34. The heater 35 can be inserted inside the heater rod 351. The heater rod 351 may have a hollow opening on the lower side. The heater rod 351 may surround the heater 35. The heater rod 351 may have a cylindrical shape. The upper end of the heater rod 351 may be formed to be pointed upwards. The heater rod 351 may have high thermal expandability, excellent thermal insulation, and low thermal conductivity. The heater rod 351 may have high rigidity. For example, the heater rod 351 may be made of zirconia. However, the material of the heater rod 351 is not limited thereto. Heat generated from the heater 35 can be transferred to the outside through the heater rod 351. When the stick S is inserted into the second insertion space 34, the heater rod 351 and the heater 35 may be positioned inside the stick S.

[0067] The lead wire 359 can extend from the heater 35 through the lower opening of the heater rod 351 to the outside of the heater holder 31 of the heater rod 351. One end of the lead wire 359 may be connected to the heater 35, and the other end may be connected to the second substrate 36. The lead wire 359 can electrically connect the heater 35 and the second substrate 36. For example, the lead wire 359 may be connected to the heater 35 and the second substrate 36 by a welding process such as soldering or ultrasonic welding. The lead wire 359 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 36.

[0068] Therefore, the heater 35 can receive power via the lead wire 359 and generate heat. The sensor 103 can also detect a value related to the temperature of the heater 35 or a value related to the resistance of the heater 35 via the lead wire 359. The control unit 102 can receive the value detected by the sensor 103. This has been explained previously, so a further explanation is omitted.

[0069] The heater rod 351 can be embedded in the lower part of the heater holder 31. The heater rod 351 can protrude upward from the lower part of the heater holder 31 toward the second insertion space 34. The heater holder 31 can be formed on the heater rod 351 by an insert injection molding method. Here, after inserting the heater rod 351 into the injection mold, the heater holder 31 can be injected by injecting polymer resin. With the heater 35 and lead wire 359 positioned inside the heater rod 351, the polymer resin can be injected with the heater rod 351 inserted into the injection mold.

[0070] The lower part 312 of the heater holder 31 can be separated upward from the lower part 322 of the frame 32 to form a wire housing space 354. The lead wire 359 can be housed in the wire housing space 354. For example, the wire housing space 354 can be defined by the lower part of the heater holder 31, the lower part 322 of the frame 32, and the mounting wall 321a. One end of the lead wire 359 housed in the wire housing space 354 can be connected to the lower side of the heater holder 31, and the other end can be connected to the second substrate 36.

[0071] The mounting wall 321a may include an engaging projection 329. The heater holder 31 may have a recess 319 around its lower portion 312. The recess 319 is supported by the engaging projection 329, and the lower position of the heater holder 31 can be fixed relative to the frame 32.

[0072] Referring to Figure 14, the heater module 30 can be detachably inserted into the first insertion space 14. The body terminal 162 can protrude from the lower corner of the first insertion space 14. The body terminal 162 may be formed in a position corresponding to the module terminal 362. When the heater module 30 is inserted into the first insertion space 14, the second module terminal 362 of the heater module 30 can be electrically connected by contacting the body terminal 162. The cross-sectional shape of the first insertion space 14 and the cross-sectional shape of the frame 32 may have corresponding non-circular shapes.

[0073] Therefore, when the heater module 30 is inserted into the first insertion space 14, it can be inserted in a position where the module terminals 362 and the body terminals 162 are in contact with each other.

[0074] Furthermore, since the terminals are electrically connected to each other by side contact rather than bottom contact, the heater module 30 is not subjected to external force that would cause it to move away from the body terminals 162 and the first insertion space 14, so that the heater module 30 can be stably positioned in the first insertion space 14.

[0075] When the module terminal 362 and the body terminal 162 come into contact with each other, the memory 37 and the control unit 102 can be electrically connected to each other. When the module terminal 362 and the body terminal 162 come into contact with each other, the memory 37 and the battery 101 can be electrically connected to each other. When the module terminal 362 and the body terminal 162 come into contact with each other, the heater 35 and the control unit 102 can be electrically connected to each other. When the module terminal 362 and the body terminal 162 come into contact with each other, the heater 35 and the sensor 103 can be electrically connected to each other. When the module terminal 362 and the body terminal 162 come into contact with each other, the heater 35 and the battery 101 can be electrically connected to each other.

[0076] Referring to Figures 15 and 16, the inner cover 40 may include an inner cover body 41. The inner cover 40 may include an inner cover head 42. The inner cover head 42 may be positioned above the inner cover body 41 and may surround the inner cover body 41.

[0077] The inner cover head 42 may include a head plate 421 and wings 422. The head plate 421 may cover the upper part 411 of the inner cover body 41. A pair of wings 422 may extend downward from both sides of the head plate 421. A pair of wings 422 may cover the sides 412 of the inner cover body 41.

[0078] The head plate 421 and the upper part 411 of the inner cover body 41 may be provided with an inner cover hole 44 that communicates with the opening of the second insertion space 34 of the heater holder 31. The second magnet 46 may be positioned between the upper part 411 of the inner cover body 41 and the head plate 421.

[0079] The wing 422 may be equipped with a second coupling hook 425. The second coupling hook 425 may protrude outward from the wing 422. The second coupling hook 425 may be formed on the lower part of the wing 422. The second coupling hook 425 can be fastened to a second coupling groove 15 formed in the body 10 to connect the inner cover 40 and the body 10 (see Figure 19).

[0080] The wing 422 may be provided with a third coupling groove 424. The third coupling groove 424 may be formed above the second coupling hook 425. The third coupling groove 424 may be formed by the wing 422 opening inward or by opening inward and outward. The third coupling hook 415, protruding from the side portion 412 of the inner cover body 41, can be fastened to the third coupling groove 424 to connect the inner cover head 42 to the inner cover body 41.

[0081] The second sealer 43 can be coupled to the inner cover 40. The second sealer 43 may have a ring shape. The second sealer 43 can surround the lower part of the inner cover body 41. The second rim portion 413 can be formed by the radial inward recession of the lower part of the inner cover body 41. The second sealer 43 can be fitted and secured to the second rim portion 413. The second sealer 43 can be made of an elastic material. For example, the second sealer 43 can be made of a material such as rubber or silicone.

[0082] Referring to Figures 16 and 17, the first collar 418 may be formed on the upper part 411 of the inner cover body 41. The second collar 428 may be formed on the head plate 421. The second collar 428 may surround the inner cover hole 44. The second collar 428 may extend downward from the head plate 421. The second collar 428 may be inserted into the space surrounded by the first collar 418. The first collar 418 may surround the second collar 428. The first collar 418 may be radially separated outward from the periphery of the second collar 428. The holder groove 48 may be defined by the first collar 418, the second collar 428 and the head plate 421. The holder groove 48 may be formed between the first collar 418 and the second collar 428. The holder groove 48 may open downward.

[0083] Referring to Figure 18, the upper end of the heater holder 31 can be inserted into and fitted into the holder groove 48. The upper outer circumferential surface of the heater holder 31 is supported by the first collar 418 in the holder groove 48, and the upper inner circumferential surface of the heater holder 31 can be supported by the second collar 428 in the holder groove 48. The upper end of the heater holder 31 can be fitted into the holder groove 48 and detachably coupled to the inner cover 40.

[0084] The first sealer 33 can seal the space between the heater holder 31 and the inner cover 40. The first sealer 33 can seal the space between the first rim portion 313 and the second collar 418 by making close contact with them in the holder groove 48. The first sealer 33 can use its elasticity to detachably connect the heater holder 31 to the inner cover 40.

[0085] The second sealer 43 can seal the space between the body 10 and the inner cover 40. The side wall 11 of the body 10 extends upward and can cover the lower side of the inner cover body 41 and the lower part of the wing 422. The second sealer 43 adheres closely to the second rim portion 413 and the inner surface of the side wall 11 of the body 10, and can seal the space between the second rim portion 413 and the side wall 11 of the body 10.

[0086] Therefore, it is possible to prevent external foreign matter such as liquid from flowing into the heater module 30 from the third insertion space 24 and the second insertion space 34, and coming into contact with the second substrate 36 or lead wires 359, thereby causing a malfunction.

[0087] Referring to Figures 18 and 19, the second coupling groove 15 may be formed to open inward from the side wall 11 of the body 10. The second coupling hook 425 can be fastened to the second coupling groove 15 to connect the inner cover 40 and the body 10.

[0088] The wing 422 can pivot inward and outward around the head plate 421. By separating the wing 422 from the side portion 412 of the inner cover body 41, a pivot space 45 can be formed in which the wing 422 can pivot. The wing 422 can pivot toward or away from the side portion 412 of the inner cover body 41. The user can pivot the pair of wings 422 by pressing them inward with one hand. When released, the wing 422 can pivot back to its original position.

[0089] Therefore, by pressing the wing 422 inward and pivoting it, the user can easily separate or connect the second coupling hook 425 to the second coupling groove 15, thereby easily separating or connecting the inner cover 40 to the body 10 (see Figure 20). In addition, the user can easily separate or replace the heater module 30 (see Figure 20).

[0090] The second connecting hook 425 may be formed at an upward angle so as it gradually protrudes outward towards the top. The upper end of the second connecting hook 425 may be formed horizontally.

[0091] Therefore, by pushing the inner cover 40 downward toward the body 10, the second connecting hook 425 slides against the side wall 11 of the body 10, and the wing 422 can pivot inward, making it easier to connect the inner cover 40 to the body 10, thus improving ease of assembly. In addition, since the inner cover 40 will not separate from the body 10 unless the wing 422 is pivoted, structural safety can be ensured.

[0092] The third connecting hook 415 may be formed at an angle downwards, gradually protruding outwards towards the bottom. The lower end of the third connecting hook 415 may be formed horizontally.

[0093] Therefore, by pushing the inner cover head 42 to the underside of the inner cover body 41, the lower end of the wing 422 slides down onto the third coupling hook 415, and the third coupling hook 415 is inserted into the third coupling groove 424, thus improving ease of assembly. In addition, since the inner cover head 42 is not separated upward from the inner cover body 41, structural safety can be ensured.

[0094] Referring to Figures 1 to 20, an aerosol generating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a body including a first opening to a first insertion space, a heater module detachably inserted into the first insertion space, the heater module including a heater holder including a second opening to a second insertion space in which a heater is disposed, a frame coupled to the heater holder, and a substrate coupled to the frame and on which a memory for storing unique information about the heater is mounted, and a control unit disposed in the body that controls the operation of the heater when it receives unique information about the heater from the memory.

[0095] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the frame may include slots into which the substrate is inserted.

[0096] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the slot is formed in the side of the frame covering the side of the heater holder, and the substrate can be inserted at the upper end of the slot and face the side of the heater holder.

[0097] Furthermore, according to other aspects of the present disclosure, the frame may include an insertion-safe inner surface formed around the opening of the slot and having an inclined surface that guides the substrate into the slot.

[0098] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the slot may be defined by a supporter extending between the heater holder and the side of the frame to secure the substrate.

[0099] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus further includes lead wires for electrically connecting the heater and the substrate, the lead wires may be positioned between the heater holder and the frame.

[0100] Furthermore, according to other aspects of the present disclosure, the frame includes a lower portion that supports the lower portion of the heater holder, and the lead wires can be housed between the lower portion of the heater holder and the lower portion of the frame.

[0101] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the substrate may include a recessed positioning groove at the upper end of the substrate, and the heater holder may include a positioning projection that is inserted into the positioning groove to align the position of the substrate.

[0102] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus further includes a terminal hole formed at the lower end of the side of the frame, exposing a module provided on the substrate, and a lead wire having one end connected to the heater and the other end connected to a second surface of the substrate, wherein a body terminal located at the bottom of the first insertion space can contact the module terminal exposed through the terminal hole when the heater module is inserted into the first insertion space.

[0103] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the module terminal may include a first module terminal connected to the heater and a second module terminal connected to the memory.

[0104] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the first opening may have a non-circular shape, and the frame may be inserted into the first opening in accordance with the cross-sectional shape of the frame.

[0105] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus may further include a first coupling groove formed in either the heater holder or the frame, and a first coupling hook formed in the other of the heater holder or the frame, which is fastened to the first coupling groove to fix the heater holder and the frame together.

[0106] Furthermore, according to other aspects of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus further includes an inner cover detachably coupled to the upper part of the body and covering the upper part of the body and the heater holder, the inner cover having an insertion opening corresponding to the second insertion space, and the heater holder can be detachably coupled to the inner body.

[0107] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus may further include a first sealer for sealing the space between the heater holder and the inner cover, and a second sealer for sealing the space between the inner cover and the body.

[0108] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inner cover is provided with a holder groove into which the upper end of the heater holder is inserted, and the first sealer extends along the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the heater holder to seal between the heater holder and the inner cover inserted into the holder groove.

[0109] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the inner cover may include a head plate that covers the upper part of the body and the upper part of the heater holder and has the insertion opening formed therein, and a pair of wings that extend downward from both sides of the head plate and cover each side of the upper part of the body and each side of the heater holder, and are detachably coupled to the body.

[0110] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the upper part of the body includes a pair of second coupling grooves formed in the side wall facing inward, and each of the pair of wings includes a second coupling hook that protrudes outward and is fastened to the corresponding second coupling groove, and the pair of wings can pivot inward around the inner cover head to separate the second coupling hook from the second coupling groove.

[0111] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the outer surface of each of the second coupling hooks can be inclined inward with respect to the outward direction.

[0112] Furthermore, according to other aspects of the present disclosure, the wings may include a pair of third coupling grooves, each formed above the second coupling hooks, the inner cover may include an inner cover body positioned below the inner cover head and covered by the wings, and the inner cover may include a pair of third coupling hooks, each projecting outward from the sides of the inner cover body and fastened to the third coupling grooves.

[0113] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus may further include a second sealer for sealing between the inner cover and the inner cover body.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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. A body including a first opening to a first insertion space, A heater module that is detachably inserted into the first insertion space, comprising a heater holder extending in one direction and including a second opening to a second insertion space in which a heater is disposed, a frame coupled to the heater holder, and a substrate coupled to the frame and on which a memory for storing unique information about the heater is mounted, The body includes a control unit which, when it receives unique information about the heater from the memory, controls the operation of the heater, The substrate is positioned facing the side of the heater holder and spaced apart from the second insertion space in a direction intersecting the direction in which the second insertion space extends, in an aerosol generating apparatus.

2. A body including a first opening to a first insertion space, A heater module that is detachably inserted into the first insertion space, comprising a heater holder including a second opening to a second insertion space in which a heater is arranged, a frame coupled to the heater holder, and a substrate coupled to the frame and on which a memory for storing unique information about the heater is mounted, The body includes a control unit which, when it receives unique information about the heater from the memory, controls the operation of the heater, The frame includes a slot into which the substrate is inserted, and is an aerosol generating apparatus.

3. The slot is formed on the side of the frame that covers the side of the heater holder. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the substrate is inserted at the upper end of the slot and faces the side of the heater holder.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the frame includes an insertion guide surface formed around the opening of the slot and having an inclined surface that guides the substrate into the slot.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the slot is defined by a supporter that extends between the heater holder and the side of the frame and secures the substrate.

6. The heater and the substrate further include lead wires that electrically connect them to each other. The lead wire is positioned between the heater holder and the frame. The frame includes a lower part that supports the lower part of the heater holder, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the lead wire is housed between the lower part of the heater holder and the lower part of the frame.

7. The substrate includes a positioning groove recessed at the upper end of the substrate, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the heater holder includes a positioning projection that is inserted into the positioning groove to align the position of the substrate.

8. A body including a first opening to a first insertion space, A heater module that is detachably inserted into the first insertion space, comprising a heater holder including a second opening to a second insertion space in which a heater is arranged, a frame coupled to the heater holder, and a substrate coupled to the frame and on which a memory for storing unique information about the heater is mounted, A control unit, which is arranged in the body and controls the operation of the heater when it receives unique information about the heater from the memory, A terminal hole is formed at the lower end of the side of the frame, exposing the module terminals provided on the substrate, Includes a lead wire, one end of which is connected to the heater and the other end of which is connected to the second surface of the substrate, Aerosol generating device wherein body terminals located at the lower part of the first insertion space contact the module terminals exposed through the terminal holes when the heater module is inserted into the first insertion space.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first opening has a non-circular shape, and the frame is inserted into the first opening in accordance with the cross-sectional shape of the frame.

10. A body including a first opening to a first insertion space, A heater module that is detachably inserted into the first insertion space, comprising a heater holder including a second opening to a second insertion space in which a heater is arranged, a frame coupled to the heater holder, and a substrate coupled to the frame and on which a memory for storing unique information about the heater is mounted, A control unit, which is arranged in the body and controls the operation of the heater when it receives unique information about the heater from the memory, A first coupling groove formed in either the heater holder or the frame, an aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a first coupling hook formed on the other of the heater holder or the frame, fastened to the first coupling groove, and fixing the heater holder and the frame together.

11. A body including a first opening to a first insertion space, A heater module that is detachably inserted into the first insertion space, comprising a heater holder including a second opening to a second insertion space in which a heater is arranged, a frame coupled to the heater holder, and a substrate coupled to the frame and on which a memory for storing unique information about the heater is mounted, A control unit, which is arranged in the body and controls the operation of the heater when it receives unique information about the heater from the memory, It includes an inner cover that is detachably attached to the upper part of the body and covers the upper part of the body and the heater holder, The inner cover includes an insertion opening corresponding to the second insertion space, The heater holder is detachably coupled to the inner cover, forming an aerosol generating device.

12. A first sealer that seals the space between the heater holder and the inner cover, The present invention further includes a second sealer that seals the space between the inner cover and the body, The inner cover includes a holder groove into which the upper end of the heater holder is inserted. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first sealer extends along the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the heater holder and seals the space between the heater holder inserted into the holder groove and the inner cover.

13. The inner cover includes an inner cover head, The inner cover head is A head plate covering the upper part of the body and the upper part of the heater holder, with the insertion opening formed therein, It includes a pair of wings that extend downward from both sides of the head plate and cover each side of the upper part of the body and each side of the heater holder, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the pair of wings are detachably coupled to the body.

14. The upper part of the body includes a pair of second coupling grooves formed in the side wall facing inward, Each of the pair of wings includes a second coupling hook that protrudes outward and is fastened to a corresponding second coupling groove. The pair of wings pivot inward around the head plate to separate the second coupling hook from the second coupling groove. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the outer surface of each of the second bonding hooks is inclined inward with respect to the outward direction.

15. The wings include a pair of third coupling grooves, each formed above the second coupling hook, The inner cover includes an inner cover body positioned below the inner cover head and covered by the wing, The inner cover includes a pair of third coupling hooks that protrude outward from the side of the inner cover body and are fastened to the third coupling groove, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a second sealer for sealing the space between the inner cover and the body.

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