Heater module for aerosol generator and aerosol generator containing the same

Abstract

A heater module for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a module body including a heater accommodating groove for accommodating a heater that is detachably coupled to a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material, and a PCB accommodating groove for accommodating a PCB unit electrically connected to the aerosol generating device; heater terminals disposed in the module body and electrically connected to the heater so as to transmit power from a battery included in the aerosol generating device to the heater; and recognition terminals disposed spaced apart from the heater terminals in the module body and electrically connected to the PCB unit and the cartridge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a heater module for an aerosol generating device with reduced usage cost and improved productivity, and an aerosol generating device including the same.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, the demand for technologies to replace the method of supplying aerosols by burning conventional cigarettes has been increasing. For example, research has been conducted on methods such as generating aerosols from aerosol product substances in a liquid state or a solid state, or generating vapor from an aerosol product substance in a liquid state and then passing the generated vapor through a solid perfume medium to supply a flavored aerosol.

[0003] Particularly, in the case of an aerosol generating device using an aerosol product substance in a liquid state, compared to an aerosol generating device using an aerosol product substance in a solid state, it has the advantages of a smaller device size, convenient portability, no generation of smoking by-products, and convenient use, and the interest in aerosol generating devices that generate aerosols using an aerosol product substance in a liquid state has been gradually increasing.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An aerosol generating device that heats an aerosol product substance in a liquid state to generate an aerosol may include a cartridge that holds the aerosol product substance and a heater module that heats the aerosol product substance. The heater module connected to the cartridge may include a heater that heats the aerosol product substance, a heater terminal that supplies the power of the battery to the heater, and a recognition terminal that is electrically connected to the cartridge.

[0005] In related technologies, when the aerosol-generating material in a cartridge was depleted and the cartridge needed to be replaced, the heater also had to be replaced when the cartridge was replaced, even if the heater still had remaining product life. Consequently, there was a problem of increased overall operating costs for the aerosol generator.

[0006] Furthermore, conventionally, the structure of heater modules, including heater terminals and recognition terminals, was relatively complex, resulting in a complex manufacturing process for heater modules. This, combined with the problem of reduced productivity in aerosol generators, necessitated the development of heater modules with simpler manufacturing methods.

[0007] A new structure is needed that can reduce the operating costs of aerosol generators and improve their productivity. For example, a heater module for aerosol generators is needed that allows only the cartridge to be replaced (i.e., without replacing the heater) and features a simplified manufacturing method.

[0008] The problems that the embodiments aim to solve are not limited to those described above, and any problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A heater module for an aerosol generator according to one embodiment may include a module body comprising a heater housing groove for housing a heater configured to be detachably coupled to a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance, and a PCB housing groove for housing a PCB unit electrically connected to the aerosol generator; a heater terminal disposed on the module body and electrically connected to the heater, configured to supply power to the heater from a battery included in the aerosol generator; and a recognition terminal located spaced apart from the heater terminal within the module body and configured to electrically connect to the PCB unit and the cartridge. At least one of the heater terminal or the recognition terminal may be insert-injected into the module body.

[0010] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment may include the heater module described above; a cartridge coupled to one side of the heater module and having a storage tank for containing the aerosol generating material; and an aerosol generating apparatus body coupled to the other side of the heater module and having a battery for transmitting power to the heater. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] Heater modules for aerosol generators and aerosol generators including them, according to various embodiments of this disclosure, can reduce the overall operating cost.

[0012] Furthermore, since the heater modules for aerosol generators and aerosol generators containing them according to the various embodiments of this disclosure can be manufactured through a simple manufacturing method, productivity can be improved.

[0013] The effects of the technical ideas presented herein are not limited to those described above, and any other effects not mentioned herein should be clearly understood by a person of ordinary skill from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1]Perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0015] [Figure 2] Exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0016] [Figure 3] Perspective view of a heater module for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0017] [Figure 4] Cross-sectional perspective view of a heater module for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, cut along line A-A' of FIG. 3.

[0018] [Figure 5] Side cross-sectional view of a heater module for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, cut along line B-B' of FIG. 3.

[0019] [Figure 6] View of the shape of a heater module for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, as seen from above, before the heater is assembled to the module body.

[0020] [Figure 7] Front cross-sectional view of a heater module according to an embodiment, taken along line C-C' of FIG. 6.

[0021] [Figure 8] Side cross-sectional view of a heater module according to an embodiment, shown with reference to line D-D' of FIG. 6.

[0022] [Figure 9] View of the shape of a heater module according to an embodiment, as seen from below, before the PCB unit is assembled to the module body.

[0023] [Figure 10] Schematic side cross-sectional view of a heater module according to an embodiment.

[0024] [Figure 11A] This is a diagram illustrating the process by which a heater is inserted into a heater housing groove according to one embodiment. [Figure 11B] This is a diagram illustrating the process by which a heater is inserted into a heater housing groove according to one embodiment. [Figure 11C] This is a diagram illustrating the process by which a heater is inserted into a heater housing groove according to one embodiment.

[0025] [Figure 12] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a heater module according to another embodiment.

[0026] [Figure 13A] This is a diagram illustrating the process by which a heater according to another embodiment is inserted into the heater housing groove. [Figure 13B] This is a diagram illustrating the process by which a heater according to another embodiment is inserted into the heater housing groove. [Figure 13C] This is a diagram illustrating the process by which a heater according to another embodiment is inserted into the heater housing groove.

[0027] [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing the configuration in which the recognition terminal is arranged inside a heater module according to one embodiment.

[0028] [Figure 15] Figure 14 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a heater module according to one embodiment, taken along the line E-E'.

[0029] [Figure 16] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heater module according to one embodiment, taken along the line F-F'.

[0030] [Figure 17] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] A heater module for an aerosol generator according to one embodiment may include a module body comprising a heater housing groove for housing a heater configured to be detachably coupled to a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance, and a PCB housing groove for housing a PCB unit electrically connected to the aerosol generator; a heater terminal disposed on the module body and electrically connected to the heater, configured to supply power to the heater from a battery included in the aerosol generator; and a recognition terminal located spaced apart from the heater terminal within the module body and configured to electrically connect to the PCB unit and the cartridge. At least one of the heater terminal or the recognition terminal may be insert-injected into the module body.

[0032] The module body may include a recognition terminal housing section for housing the recognition terminals, and a waterproof partition separating the heater housing groove from the recognition terminal housing section.

[0033] A portion of the heater terminal is electrically connected to the heater by being placed on a chamber where an aerosol is generated and connected to the heater housing groove, while the other portion of the heater terminal may be electrically connected to the battery by passing through the module body.

[0034] The heater terminal may include a first heater terminal member that contacts the heater, a second heater terminal member connected to the first heater terminal member, and a third heater terminal member connected to the second heater terminal member and coupled to the module body.

[0035] A portion of at least one of the first heater terminal member or the second heater terminal member may include a curved surface.

[0036] The first heater terminal member may be connected to the second heater terminal member so as to be elastically movable.

[0037] A portion of the second heater terminal member that faces the heater housing groove is also inclined with respect to the direction in which the third heater terminal member extends.

[0038] The third heater terminal member may be positioned so as to be separated from the inner surface of the module body.

[0039] The heater terminal may further include a fourth heater terminal member connected to the third heater terminal member and extending in a direction that crosses the extension direction of the third heater terminal member.

[0040] The first heater terminal member may protrude into the heater housing groove.

[0041] The recognition terminal may include a cartridge contact member configured to contact the cartridge when the heater module is coupled to the cartridge; a recognition terminal body configured to be connected to the cartridge contact member when the heater module is coupled to the cartridge; and a PCB contact member connected to the recognition terminal body and the PCB unit.

[0042] The cartridge contact member may be arranged to surround a portion of the recognition terminal body.

[0043] The PCB contact member may include a portion that protrudes toward the PCB unit.

[0044] The PCB unit includes a PCB substrate to which the recognition terminals are in contact, and a memory chip disposed on the PCB substrate, and the PCB housing groove may include a first housing groove for housing the PCB substrate and a second housing groove for housing the memory chip.

[0045] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment may include: a heater module for the aerosol generating apparatus; a cartridge coupled to one side of the heater module for the aerosol generating apparatus and having a storage tank for containing the aerosol generating material; and a battery coupled to the other side of the heater module for the aerosol generating apparatus and configured to transmit power to the heater; and an aerosol generating apparatus body.

[0046] The terminology used in the embodiments has been selected, as far as possible, to be widely used and general terms, taking into account the function of the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intent of the articulators in the field, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In certain cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected some terms, in which case their meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention are not merely names of terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0047] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a component, it means, unless otherwise specified, that it does not exclude other components, but rather that it may include other components. Furthermore, terms such as "...part" or "...module" used in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be embodied by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0048] As used herein, when an expression such as “at least one of the listed components” precedes a list of components, it modifies the entire group of components, not each of the listed components. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” must be interpreted as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0049] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in an internal space.

[0050] The aerosol generator may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater is also an electrical resistive heater. For example, the heater includes a conductive track, and the heater can be heated when an electric current flows through the conductive track.

[0051] The heater includes tubular heating elements, plate-shaped heating elements, needle-shaped heating elements, and rod-shaped heating elements, and can heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating elements.

[0052] A cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod can be made in sheet form or strand form, and can also be made from finely cut tobacco sheets. The tobacco rod may also be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

[0053] The filter rod is also a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may consist of at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering out a predetermined component contained in the aerosol.

[0054] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates aerosols using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance.

[0055] An aerosol generator may include a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substance and a main body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may, but is not limited to, be detachably coupled to the main body. The cartridge may be integrally formed with the main body or assembled and fixed so as not to be detached by the user. The cartridge may be mounted on the main body with the aerosol-generating substance contained inside, but is not limited to this; the aerosol-generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the main body.

[0056] The cartridge may contain an aerosol-generating substance that exists in one of several states, such as liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0057] The cartridge can perform the function of generating an aerosol by converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge to a gas phase, through operation by electrical or wireless signals transmitted from the main unit. An aerosol can refer to a gaseous state in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material and air are mixed.

[0058] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generator heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can then be delivered to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition moves along an airflow passage in the aerosol generator, and the airflow passage can be configured so that the aerosol is delivered to the user through a cigarette.

[0059] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates aerosols from aerosol-generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method may mean a method of generating aerosols by atomizing the aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a transducer.

[0060] The aerosol generator includes a transducer, which generates short-period vibrations to atomize aerosol-generating materials. The vibrations generated by the transducer are ultrasonic vibrations, and while the frequency range of ultrasonic vibrations is approximately 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz, it is not limited to this range.

[0061] The aerosol generator may further include a core that absorbs the aerosol-generating material. For example, the core may be positioned to surround at least one region of the oscillator, or to be in contact with at least one region of the oscillator.

[0062] When a voltage (e.g., AC voltage) is applied to the transducer, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the transducer, and these heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations can be transmitted to the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core. The aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core is converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the transducer, and as a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0063] For example, aerosols can be generated when the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the core decreases due to the heat generated from the transducer, and the aerosol-generating material with reduced viscosity is further atomized by the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the transducer, but this is not the only way in which aerosols can be generated.

[0064] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generator is also a device that generates aerosols by heating the aerosol product contained within the aerosol generator using induction heating.

[0065] The aerosol generator may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil can apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. By supplying power to the coil from the aerosol generator, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is also a magnetic material that generates heat in response to an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied, it generates heat, which can heat the aerosol product. Alternatively, the susceptor may be selectively located within the aerosol product.

[0066] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

[0067] The aerosol generator can be configured with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can charge the aerosol generator's battery. Alternatively, the heater can be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generator are coupled together.

[0068] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, so as to be easily implemented by a person skilled in the art. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be embodied in the aerosol generating apparatus of the various embodiments described herein, or in a variety of different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0069] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0070] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0071] Referring to Figure 1, an aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generator heater module 10, a cartridge 20, and an aerosol generator body 30.

[0072] The heater module 10 for the aerosol generator is located between the cartridge 20 and the main body 30 of the aerosol generator, and can perform the function of converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material to the gas phase to generate an aerosol. The heater module 10 for the aerosol generator can generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge 20.

[0073] For example, the heater module 10 for the aerosol generator heats the aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge 20 to generate vapor from the aerosol-generating material, and the generated vapor can be mixed with outside air that flows into the heater module 10 from outside the heater module 10. This can generate an aerosol. In this disclosure, "aerosol" may mean particles generated when the vapor generated by heating the aerosol-generating material is mixed with air.

[0074] The cartridge 20 stores an aerosol-generating substance, which can be supplied to a heater module 10 for the aerosol generator located at the lower end of the cartridge 20 (for example, the part facing in the -z direction).

[0075] In one embodiment, the cartridge 20 may include a mouthpiece 20m for supplying aerosol to the user. For example, the mouthpiece 20m provides a fluid connection between the inside of the heater module 10 and the outside of the aerosol generator 1, and the aerosol generated inside the heater module 10 can be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generator 1 via the mouthpiece 20m. In this case, the user can contact their mouth with the mouthpiece 20m and inhale the aerosol being discharged to the outside of the aerosol generator 1.

[0076] The aerosol generator body 30 is located at the lower end of the heater module 10 for the aerosol generator (for example, the portion facing the -z direction) and can support the heater module 10 for the aerosol generator. Components for the operation of the aerosol generator 1 may be arranged inside the aerosol generator body 30. For example, a battery (not shown) and a processor (not shown) may be arranged inside the aerosol generator body 30. However, the battery and processor are merely examples of components that may be arranged inside the aerosol generator body 30, and other components (for example, a user interface, sensors, etc.) may be arranged inside the aerosol generator body 30 in addition to the components described above.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a cover 31 for protecting the components of the aerosol generator 1.

[0078] The cover 31 is positioned to at least partially surround the heater module 10, cartridge 20, and aerosol generator body 30, thereby fixing the positions of the heater module 10, cartridge 20, and aerosol generator body 30 and protecting them from external impacts or the ingress of foreign matter.

[0079] In one embodiment, the cover 31 may be formed integrally with the aerosol generating device body 30, but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the cover 31 may be detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device body 30.

[0080] The following will provide a detailed explanation of the coupling relationship between the heater module 10, the cartridge 20, and the aerosol generator main body 30, with reference to Figure 2.

[0081] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating apparatus shown in Figure 1.

[0082] Referring to Figure 2, one embodiment of the aerosol generator 1 may include a heater module 10, a cartridge 20, an aerosol generator body 30, and a cover 31. At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 1, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0083] Furthermore, the components of the aerosol generator 1 are not limited to those described above, and depending on the embodiment, at least one component (for example, the cover 31) may be omitted or other components may be added.

[0084] The heater module 10 is detachably coupled to the lower end surface of the cartridge 20 (for example, the surface facing the z direction) and can generate aerosols by heating the aerosol-generating material supplied from the storage tank 21 of the cartridge 20.

[0085] For example, the heater module 10 can be detachably coupled to the cartridge 20 by coupling or uncoupling a first coupling member (not shown) located in a region of the heater module 10 facing the cartridge 20 with a second coupling member (not shown) located on the lower end surface of the cartridge 20. However, the coupling method between the cartridge 20 and the heater module 10 is not limited to this.

[0086] If the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 21 of the cartridge 20 is depleted, the user can continue smoking by replacing the existing cartridge 20 with a new one. As another example, if the performance of a component of the heater module 10 (e.g., the heater or wick) deteriorates and a sufficient amount of aerosol is not generated, the user can replace the existing heater module 10 with a new one to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol.

[0087] If the aerosol generating material stored in the storage tank 21 of the cartridge 20 is consumed and the cartridge 20 needs to be replaced, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment can be designed so that only the cartridge 20 is replaced and the heater module 10 can be reused. That is, since the heater module 10 according to the embodiment can be detachably coupled to the cartridge 20, it can be reused without replacing the cartridge 20 even when the cartridge 20 needs to be replaced. Therefore, the overall operating cost of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment can be reduced.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the heater module 10 may include an aerosol generating material inlet 11 connecting the inside of the heater module 10 and the inside of the storage tank 21, an air inlet 12 for external air to flow into the inside of the heater module 10, and an air outlet 13 for discharging aerosols generated inside the heater module 10 to the outside.

[0089] The aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 21 of the cartridge 20 flows into the heater module 10 via the aerosol-generating material inlet 11, and the heater located inside the heater module 10 can heat the aerosol-generating material supplied from the storage tank 21. A specific description of the components located inside the heater module 10 will be given later.

[0090] External air flows into the heater module 10 through the air inlet 12, and inside the heater module 10, the incoming external air mixes with the vapor generated by the heating of the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol.

[0091] The aerosol generated inside the heater module 10 flows from the heater module 10 into the cartridge 20 via an air outlet 13 located in one area of ​​the heater module 10 toward the cartridge 20, and can then be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generator 1 via the mouthpiece 20m. For example, by inhaling through the mouthpiece 20m, the pressure inside the cartridge 20 decreases, causing air and / or aerosol inside the heater module 10 to move from the heater module 10 into the cartridge 20, and the user can inhale the air and / or aerosol that has moved into the cartridge 20.

[0092] The cartridge 20 may include a storage tank 21 in which the aerosol-generating substance is stored.

[0093] When the cartridge 20 and the heater module 10 are coupled, the storage tank 21 is connected or fluidly connected to the internal space of the heater module 10, and as a result, the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 21 may flow into the internal space of the heater module 10.

[0094] In this case, the aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage tank 21 may contain a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid composition that includes a non-tobacco substance.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the liquid composition may contain one of the following components, or a mixture thereof: water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring agent, and vitamin mixture. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. The flavoring agent may include components that provide the user with a variety of flavors or aromas. The vitamin mixture may also be, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E. The liquid composition may also contain aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0096] For example, the liquid composition may contain a glycerin and propylene glycol solution in any weight ratio to which a nicotine salt has been added. The liquid composition may contain two or more nicotine salts. The nicotine salt may be formed by adding a suitable acid, including an organic or inorganic acid, to nicotine. The nicotine may be naturally occurring or synthetic nicotine, and may have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0097] The acid for forming the nicotine salt can be appropriately selected considering the rate of nicotine absorption in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generator 1, flavor or aroma, solubility, etc. For example, the acid for forming the nicotine salt may be a single acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid, or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group, but is not limited to these.

[0098] The aerosol generator body 30 can be detachably coupled to the lower end surface of the heater module 10 (for example, the surface facing the z direction) to support the heater module 10. For example, at least one region of the aerosol generator body 30 can be inserted into an insertion groove formed on the lower end surface of the heater module 10, thereby detachably coupling the aerosol generator body 30 to the heater module 10. However, the coupling method between the heater module 10 and the aerosol generator body 30 is not limited to this.

[0099] According to one embodiment, components for the operation of the aerosol generator 1 may be arranged inside the aerosol generator body 30. For example, a battery (not shown) for power supply and a processor (not shown) for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator 1 may be arranged inside the aerosol generator body 30.

[0100] The battery can supply the power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. For example, the battery can be electrically connected to the heater module 10 and supply power to heat the heater module 10. As another example, the battery can supply the power required to operate other components of the aerosol generator 1 (e.g., a processor).

[0101] The processor can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. The processor is embodied as an array of numerous logic gates and is embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored.

[0102] In one embodiment, the processor can control the power supplied to the heater of the heater module 10 by the battery. For example, the processor can control the amount of power supplied to the heater by the battery and the duration of power supply so that the heater of the heater module 10 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains a specified temperature.

[0103] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 has a structure in which the cartridge 20 and the heater module 10 are detachably connected, and the heater module 10 and the aerosol generator body 30 are detachably connected, thereby enabling the replacement of the cartridge 20 and / or the heater module 10.

[0104] The components of the heater module 10 according to the embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0105] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a heater module for an aerosol generator according to one embodiment.

[0106] The heater module 10 shown in Figure 3 is also an embodiment of the heater module 10 of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0107] Referring to Figure 3, the heater module 10 according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating material inlet 11, an air inlet 12, and an air outlet 13.

[0108] The aerosol-generating material inlet 11 can perform the role of allowing the aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge 20 to flow into the heater module 10. For example, the aerosol-generating material inlet 11 is located in a region of the heater module 10 that is coupled to the cartridge 20 (for example, a region facing the +z direction), and the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 21 of the cartridge 20 can flow into the heater module 10 by passing through the aerosol-generating material inlet 11.

[0109] The air inlet 12 can perform the role of allowing outside air (hereinafter referred to as "external air") to flow into the heater module 10. For example, the air inlet 12 may be located in another area of ​​the heater module 10 (e.g., on the side of the heater module 10) at a position separated from the aerosol generating material inlet 11, and the external air may flow into the heater module 10 by passing through the air inlet 12.

[0110] The external air that flows into the heater module 10 moves or flows along the airflow passages located inside the heater module 10 to a chamber where aerosols are generated, and a detailed explanation of this will be given later.

[0111] The air outlet 13 can perform the role of discharging aerosols and / or air generated inside the heater module 10 to the outside of the heater module 10 or to the cartridge 20. For example, the air outlet 13 may be located in a region of the heater module 10 that is coupled to the cartridge 20, and separated from the aerosol-generating material inlet 11. Aerosols and / or air inside the heater module 10 can be discharged to the outside of the heater module 10 through the air outlet 13.

[0112] With the cartridge 20 coupled to the heater module 10, aerosols and / or air discharged to the outside of the heater module 10 via the air outlet 13 may flow into the cartridge 20 and then be discharged to the outside of the cartridge via the mouthpiece 20m by the user's inhalation action.

[0113] In one example, a portion of the heater module 10 may be inserted into the cartridge 20, thereby connecting a first coupling member (not shown) of the heater module 10 with a second coupling member (not shown) of the cartridge 20. In another example, if a force is applied to the cartridge 20 in a direction away from the heater module 10 while the heater module 10 and cartridge 20 are coupled, the coupling between the first coupling member (not shown) and the second coupling member (not shown) may be released, allowing the cartridge 20 to be detached from the heater module 10.

[0114] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a heater module for an aerosol generator according to one embodiment, cut along the line A-A' in Figure 3. The thick arrows shown in Figure 4 indicate the direction of air (or "external air") movement.

[0115] Referring to Figure 4, the heater module 10 according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating material inlet 11, an air inlet 12, an air outlet 13, a chamber 14, and an airflow passage 15. At least one of the components of the heater module 10 according to one embodiment is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the heater module 10 shown in Figure 3, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0116] Chamber 14 (or "aerosol generation chamber") may be formed in the internal space of the heater module 10. In chamber 14, aerosol-generating material flowing in from the storage tank 21 of the cartridge 20 may be heated to generate an aerosol.

[0117] Chamber 14 is in fluid communication with the storage tank 21 of the cartridge 20 via the aerosol-generating material inlet 11, and the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 21 of the cartridge 20 can flow into the interior of Chamber 14 through the aerosol-generating material inlet 11.

[0118] The airflow passage 15 can perform the function of allowing air flowing in through the air inlet 12 to flow into the interior of the heater module 10. One region of the airflow passage 15 extends along the edge of the heater module 10 inside the heater module 10, and the outside air flowing into the interior of the heater module 10 through the air inlet 12 can reach the interior of the chamber 14 along the region of the airflow passage 15.

[0119] The vapor generated when the aerosol-generating material is heated by the heater 100 mixes with the outside air that flows into the chamber 14 along the airflow passage 15, and as a result, an aerosol may be generated in one area adjacent to the side of the wick 110 located inside the chamber 14. The generated aerosol and / or outside air may be discharged to the outside of the heater module 10 through the air outlet 13.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the heater module 10 may include an insertion groove 10h into which at least a portion of the aerosol generating device body 30 is inserted.

[0121] The insertion groove 10h may be formed in a region of the heater module 10 that is coupled to the aerosol generator body 30 (for example, a region facing the -z direction). The heater module 10 and the aerosol generator body 30 can be coupled by inserting at least a portion of the aerosol generator body 30 into the insertion groove 10h. For example, the heater module 10 and the aerosol generator body 30 can be coupled by fitting at least a portion of the aerosol generator body 30 into the insertion groove 10h by a crimping mechanism, but the coupling method is not limited to this.

[0122] Referring to Figure 4, the heater module 10 according to one embodiment may further include a heater 100, a module body 200, heater terminals 300, recognition terminals 400, a PCB unit 500, and an upper cover 600. However, the components of the heater module 10 according to the embodiment are not limited thereto, and components according to the embodiment may be added or at least one component may be omitted.

[0123] The heater 100 is located inside the module body 200 and heats the aerosol-generating material that flows in through the aerosol-generating material inlet 11 to generate an aerosol. In one embodiment, the heater module 10 is detachably coupled to the cartridge 20, and the heater 100 can also be detachably coupled to the cartridge 20. Therefore, as described above, in one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 can be implemented in a structure in which, if the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 21 of the cartridge 20 is depleted, only the cartridge 20 is replaced, and the heater module 10 including the heater 100 can be reused.

[0124] The heater 100 may include a wick 110 and a heating element 120.

[0125] The core 110 is positioned in a region adjacent to the aerosol-generating material inlet 11 inside the chamber 14, and is capable of absorbing the aerosol-generating material that flows into the chamber 14 after passing through the aerosol-generating material inlet 11.

[0126] For example, at least one region of the core 110 is positioned to face the aerosol-generating material inlet 11 and can absorb the aerosol-generating material that passes through the aerosol-generating material inlet 11 and flows into the chamber 14.

[0127] In one embodiment, the core 110 may include ceramic fibers or porous ceramics for absorbing aerosol-generating substances. That is, the core 110 is also a ceramic core. However, the core 110 is not limited to the embodiment described above, and depending on the embodiment, the core 110 may be formed from other materials (e.g., cotton or glass).

[0128] A heater module 10 according to one embodiment may further include a support member positioned inside the chamber 14. The support member can fix the position of the wick 110 inside the chamber 14. This allows the wick 110 to stably absorb the aerosol-generating material even if the heater module 10 tilts or shakes during the operation of the aerosol generator 1.

[0129] The heating unit 120 is positioned on one side of the core 110 (for example, the side facing the +y direction) and can heat the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the core 110. For example, the heating unit 120 can heat the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the core 110 using power supplied from the battery of the aerosol generator main body 30.

[0130] The heating element 120 may include a metal material that generates heat through electrical resistance. For example, the heating element 120 may include stainless steel to prevent corrosion by aerosol-generating substances absorbed into the core 110, but the metal material of the heating element 120 is not limited to stainless steel. In other examples, the heating element 120 may include metal materials such as copper, nickel, and tungsten.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the heating section 120 may include a conductive pattern printed on one side of the core 110. For example, the heating section 120 may be formed by printing a metal material (e.g., stainless steel) on the side of the core 110 facing the +y direction in a predetermined pattern shape, but is not limited to this.

[0132] In other embodiments, the heating section 120 may include a conductive pattern inserted into one side of the core 110 by insert injection. For example, the heating section 120 may be formed by insert injection of a metal material (e.g., stainless steel) into a predetermined pattern shape onto the side of the core 110 facing the +y direction, but the method of forming the heating section 120 or the shape of the heating section 120 is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0133] Although not shown in the drawings, in other embodiments, the heating section 120 may include a conductive plate positioned on one side of the core 110.

[0134] By positioning the heating element 120 on the side of the core 110, vapor can be generated in a region of the chamber 14 adjacent to the side of the core 110 by heating the aerosol-generating material. The vapor generated from the aerosol-generating material can be mixed with air that flows into the chamber 14 through the air inlet 12.

[0135] In this process, external air flows into the heater module 10 via the air inlet 12, then flows along the airflow passage 15, and can move into the chamber 14. The airflow passage 15 connects the air inlet 12 and the air outlet 13, forming a flow path through which external air and / or aerosols move.

[0136] The module body 200 is located inside the heater module 10 according to one embodiment and houses the heater 100, heater terminals 300, recognition terminals 400, and PCB unit 500. The module body 200 performs the function of supporting the heater 100, heater terminals 300, recognition terminals 400, and PCB unit 500, and can function as the main body of the heater module 10 according to one embodiment. The module body 200 includes grooves for housing the heater 100, heater terminals 300, recognition terminals 400, and PCB unit 500, which will be described in detail later.

[0137] The module body 200 may include a first module body 210 and a second module body 220.

[0138] The first module body 210 is also part of the module body 200 that surrounds the side of the heater 100. An aerosol generating material inlet 11 and an air outlet 13 may be formed in the first module body 210.

[0139] The second module body 220 is also part of the module body 200 that supports the lower surface of the heater 100 (for example, the surface facing -z). The chamber 14 described above may be formed in the upper part of the second module body 220 (for example, the part facing in the +z direction) and inside the first module body 210. Although not shown in Figure 4, the second module body 220 may have through holes through which the heater terminal 300 and the recognition terminal 400 pass. In one embodiment, the second module body 220 may be formed integrally with the first module body 210 or may be detachably coupled to the first module body 210.

[0140] The heater terminal 300 is located on the module body 200 and transmits power generated from the battery contained in the aerosol generator 1 to the heater 100. For this purpose, the heater terminal 300 may be electrically connected to the heating element 120 of the heater 100 and the battery. The heater terminal 300 may include a metal material (e.g., copper), but is not limited to that material.

[0141] One side of the heater terminal 300 may be in contact with the heating portion 120 of the heater 100. Although not shown in Figure 4, one side of the heater terminal 300 may be positioned inside the chamber 14 on one side of the heater 100 (for example, the side facing the +y direction) and in contact with the heating portion 120. One side of the heater terminal 300 may extend upward from one side of the second module body 220 (for example, the side facing the +z direction).

[0142] The other end of the heater terminal 300 may be electrically connected to the battery of the aerosol generator 1. For example, the other end of the heater terminal 300 may be directly connected to the battery or indirectly connected to the battery through a connecting contact (not shown) connected to the battery. This allows the heater terminal 300 to transmit power generated from the battery to the heating unit 120. The other end of the heater terminal 300 may extend downward from the lower surface of the second module body 220 (for example, the surface facing the -z direction) and be positioned at a distance from the PCB unit 500.

[0143] The recognition terminal 400 is located on the module body 200 at a position separate from the heater terminal 300 and is electrically connected to the PCB unit 500 and the cartridge 20. For this purpose, the recognition terminal 400 may be in direct contact with the PCB unit 500 and the cartridge 20, but the method of contact is not limited to this. The recognition terminal 400 may also include a metallic material (e.g., copper), but the material is not limited to this.

[0144] In one embodiment, the recognition terminal 400 can perform the function of recognizing whether or not the cartridge 20 is connected to the heater module 10 according to one embodiment. For example, if the cartridge 20 is connected to the heater module 10, the recognition terminal 400 can transmit connection information to the aerosol generator 1 (for example, the memory or control unit of the aerosol generator 1).

[0145] In other embodiments, the recognition terminal 400 can perform the function of maintaining the coupling state of the cartridge 20 to the heater module 10 according to one embodiment. That is, the recognition terminal 400 can act as the first coupling member described above.

[0146] One side of the recognition terminal 400 is in contact with the cartridge 20 and may extend upward from the upper surface of the second module body 220 (for example, the surface facing the +z direction).

[0147] The other end of the recognition terminal 400 is in contact with the PCB unit 500 and may extend downward from the lower surface of the second module body 220 (for example, the surface facing the -z direction).

[0148] The PCB unit 500 is positioned on the module body 200 at a distance from the heater 100. In one embodiment, if the heater 100 is positioned on one side of the module body 200 (for example, in the region in the +z direction of the second module body 220), the PCB unit 500 may be positioned on the opposite side of the module body 200 (for example, in the region in the -z direction from the second module body 220).

[0149] According to one embodiment, the PCB unit 500 can function as an intermediate medium for electrical connection (e.g., information communication transmission) between the cartridge 20 and the aerosol generator body 30. That is, the cartridge 20 is electrically connected to the PCB unit 500 via the recognition terminal 400, and the PCB unit 500 is electrically connected to a connecting contact (not shown) in the aerosol generator body 30, thereby electrically connecting the cartridge 20 and the aerosol generator body 30.

[0150] The upper cover 600 is coupled to the upper part of the module body 200. The upper cover 600 may be detachably coupled to the module body 200 or may be integrally formed with the module body 200. The upper cover 600 may have the aerosol generating material inlet 11 and air outlet 13 described above.

[0151] Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a heater module for an aerosol generator according to one embodiment, cut along the line B-B' in Figure 3.

[0152] Referring to Figure 5, one embodiment of the heater module 10 may include a chamber 14, an airflow passage 15, a heater 100, a module body 200, heater terminals 300, and a PCB unit 500. The heater module 10 shown in Figure 5 is substantially identical or similar to the heater module 10 shown in Figure 4, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0153] On one side of the chamber 14 (for example, in the -y direction region), a core 110 for absorbing aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge 20 and a heating section 120 for heating the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the core 110 may be arranged.

[0154] The core 110 is positioned such that at least one region faces the aerosol-generating material inlet 11, and is capable of absorbing the aerosol-generating material that flows into the chamber 14 through the aerosol-generating material inlet 11.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the core 110 may include a first surface 111 (or "upper end surface") facing the aerosol generating substance inlet 11, a second surface 112 (or "lower end surface") opposite to the first surface 111, and a side surface 113 surrounding the space between the first surface 111 and the second surface 112.

[0156] The first surface 111 of the core 110 is positioned to face the storage tank 21 of the cartridge 20 when the heater module 10 and the cartridge 20 are coupled, and can absorb aerosol-generating material that flows into the chamber 14 through the aerosol-generating material inlet 11 in the storage tank 21.

[0157] The second surface 112 of the core 110 may be positioned opposite to the first surface 111 and facing the bottom surface 14b of the chamber 14. In one embodiment, the second surface 112 of the core 110 may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the bottom surface 14b of the chamber 14.

[0158] For example, if the second surface 112 of the core 110 comes into contact with the bottom surface 14b of the chamber 14, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the core 110 may leak along the bottom surface 14b of the chamber 14 into the internal space of the heater module 10 or the body of the aerosol generator 30. As a result, the leakage of the aerosol-generating material may cause the components or body of the heater module 10 to malfunction or be damaged.

[0159] In connection with this, the heater module 10 according to one embodiment can prevent the leakage of aerosol-generating material to the outside of the chamber 14 through a structure in which the second surface 112 of the core 110 and the bottom surface 14b of the chamber 14 are separated.

[0160] The side surface 113 of the core 110 is positioned to surround the space between the first surface 111 and the second surface 112, and a heater 100 may be placed in at least one region of the side surface 113 of the core 110.

[0161] The heating unit 120 can be electrically connected to a battery located inside the aerosol generator body 30 via a heater terminal 300 while the heater module 10 and the aerosol generator body 30 are coupled together. For example, the heating unit 120 and the aerosol generator body 30 can be electrically connected by one side of the heater terminal 300 contacting one area of ​​the heating unit 120 and the other side of the heater terminal 300 contacting at least one area of ​​the aerosol generator body 30 inserted into the insertion groove 10h. The battery located inside the aerosol generator body 30 supplies power to the heating unit 120 using the above-described electrical connection, and the heating unit 120 can generate heat from the power supplied by the battery to heat the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the core 110.

[0162] Because the heating unit 120 is positioned on the side surface 113 of the wick 110, the vapor generated by heating the aerosol-generating material can be generated in a region of the chamber 14 adjacent to the side surface 113 of the wick 110. The generated vapor can move along the airflow passage 15 extending along the edge of the heater module 10 and mix with the outside air that flows into the chamber 14. As a result, an aerosol can be generated in a region of the chamber 14 adjacent to the side surface 113 of the wick 110.

[0163] At least a portion of the aerosol generated inside the chamber 14 is cooled and liquefied by contact with outside air flowing into the chamber 14 through the airflow passage 15, and the liquefied aerosol (or "droplet") falls to the bottom surface 14b of the chamber 14 and accumulates or piles up on the bottom surface 14b of the chamber 14.

[0164] At least a portion of the core 110 adjacent to the bottom surface 14b of the chamber 14 can absorb the liquefied aerosol accumulated on the bottom surface 14b, thereby preventing the accumulation of liquefied aerosol inside the chamber 14.

[0165] Figure 6 is a top view of the heater module for an aerosol generator according to one embodiment, showing the shape of the heater 100 before it is assembled to the module body 200. The coupling structure between the heater 100 and the module body 200 will be described below with reference to Figure 6.

[0166] Referring to Figure 6, one embodiment of the heater module 10 may include a heater 100, a module body 200, a heater terminal 300, and a recognition terminal 400. The heater module 10 shown in Figure 6 is substantially identical or similar to the heater module 10 shown in Figure 4, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0167] The module body 200 may include a heater housing groove 230, a recognition terminal housing section 250, and a waterproof partition wall 260.

[0168] A heater 100 can be housed in the heater housing groove 230. The heater housing groove 230 is also part of the chamber 14 and is a space formed on one side of the chamber 14 (for example, in the -y direction region). As an example, by housing the heater 100 in the heater housing groove 230, the heater 100 can be coupled to the module body 200 and electrically connected to the heater terminal 300, because the heater terminal 300 is located on the heater housing groove 230 within the chamber 14. As another example, by separating the heater 100 from the heater housing groove 230, the heater 100 can be separated from the module body 200 and its electrical connection to the heater terminal 300 can be released.

[0169] The heater housing groove 230 may be formed on one side of the module body 200. For example, the heater housing groove 230 is also part of the space formed inside the first module body 210 and above the second module body 220 (for example, in the +z direction from the second module body 220).

[0170] The recognition terminal housing 250 may house the recognition terminal 400. The recognition terminal housing 250 may be formed in the module body 200 at a position spatially separated from the heater housing groove 230. The recognition terminal housing 250 is a space formed inside the first module body 210, separated from the heater housing groove 230 by a waterproof partition wall 260, and may be located in the upper part (for example, the part facing the +z direction) and lower part (for example, the part facing the -z direction) of the second module body 220.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the waterproof partition 260 can perform the function of spatially separating the chamber 14 and the recognition terminal housing 250. The waterproof partition 260 is located between the chamber 14 and the recognition terminal housing 250 and can prevent aerosol droplets formed inside the chamber 14 from entering the recognition terminal housing 250. As a result, the waterproof partition 260 can prevent aerosol droplets from flowing into the recognition terminal housing 250 and causing malfunction or damage to the recognition terminal 400.

[0172] In other embodiments, the waterproof partition 260 can perform the function of supporting the heater 100 located inside the chamber 14. In that case, the waterproof partition 260 can perform the role of the support member described above.

[0173] The waterproof bulkhead 260 extends inward from the first module body 210 and may extend to the upper part of the second module body 220 (for example, the end in the +z direction). The waterproof bulkhead 260 may be formed integrally with the module body 200.

[0174] The waterproof bulkhead 260 may include a first waterproof bulkhead 261 and a second waterproof bulkhead 262.

[0175] The first waterproof partition 261 may extend from the inner surface of the module body 200. The first waterproof partition 261 may be located on one side of the recognition terminal housing 250 (for example, the side facing the +x direction). The first waterproof partition 261 may prevent aerosol droplets formed inside the chamber 14 from entering the recognition terminal housing 250.

[0176] The second waterproof partition 262 may extend from the inner surface of the module body 200 and be connected to the second waterproof partition 262. The second waterproof partition 262 may be located on the other side of the recognition terminal housing 250 (for example, the side facing the +y direction). The second waterproof partition 262 can prevent aerosol droplets formed inside the chamber 14 from entering the recognition terminal housing 250. The second waterproof partition 262 may be formed integrally with the first waterproof partition 261.

[0177] The heater terminal 300 may be in contact with the heater 100 housed in the heater housing groove 230. One side of the heater terminal 300 may be positioned inside the chamber 14 on one side of the heater 100 (for example, the side facing the +y direction) and in contact with the heating portion 120 of the heater 100 housed in the heater housing groove 230.

[0178] The heater terminals 300 can be insert-injected (or insert-molded) into the module body 200. In other words, according to one embodiment, the module body 200 and the heater terminals 300 can be manufactured together through a simple manufacturing method such as insert injection. Therefore, the productivity of the heater module 10 can be improved.

[0179] In one embodiment of the heater module 10, the heater terminal 300 may include a first heater terminal 300a and a second heater terminal 300b. The first heater terminal 300a and the second heater terminal 300b differ only in their placement on the module body 200 and have the same function and structure; therefore, the following description will be based on one heater terminal.

[0180] The recognition terminal 400, while housed in the recognition terminal housing 250, may be in contact with the cartridge 20 coupled to the heater module 10. In one embodiment, the recognition terminal 400 may be in contact with the second coupling member of the cartridge 20 described above. One side of the recognition terminal 400 is in contact with the cartridge 20 and extends upward from one surface of the second module body 220 (for example, the surface facing the +z direction).

[0181] The recognition terminal 400 can be insert-injected (or insert-molded) into the module body 200. In other words, according to one embodiment, both the module body 200 and the recognition terminal 400 can be manufactured together through a simple manufacturing method such as insert injection. Therefore, the productivity of the heater module 10 can be improved.

[0182] According to the heater module 10, the recognition terminal 400 may include a first recognition terminal 400a and a second recognition terminal 400b. The first recognition terminal 400a and the second recognition terminal 400b differ only in their position on the module body 200 and have the same function and structure; therefore, the following description will be based on one of the recognition terminals.

[0183] The following describes a structure that prevents aerosol droplets generated in the chamber 14 from entering the recognition terminal housing 250 via the waterproof partition 260.

[0184] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a heater module according to an embodiment taken along the line C-C' in Figure 6.

[0185] Referring to Figure 7, one embodiment of the heater module 10 may include an air outlet 13, a chamber 14, a heater 100, a module body 200, a recognition terminal 400, and an upper cover 600. The heater module 10 shown in Figure 7 is substantially identical or similar to the heater module 10 shown in Figure 6, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0186] At least a portion of the aerosol generated by the heater 100 inside the chamber 14 can be cooled and liquefied by contact with outside air flowing into the chamber 14. The liquefied aerosol droplets inside the chamber 14 can flow within the chamber 14, as illustrated by the arrows in Figure 7.

[0187] In the comparative example where the chamber 14 and the recognition terminal housing 250 are connected, droplets generated inside the chamber 14 flow into the recognition terminal housing 250 and come into contact with the recognition terminal 400 located within the recognition terminal housing 250. As a result, in the comparative example, the recognition terminal 400 is damaged or malfunctions due to the droplets, leading to a significant decrease in the lifespan of the heater module.

[0188] However, in one embodiment, the heater module 10 has a structure in which the first waterproof partition 261 of the waterproof partition 260 is positioned next to the recognition terminals 400a and 400b, spatially separating the chamber 14 and the recognition terminal housing 250. As a result, droplets generated inside the chamber 14 cannot enter the recognition terminal housing 250, thus reducing the possibility of the recognition terminals 400a and 400b being damaged or malfunctioning due to droplets.

[0189] Furthermore, since the upper cover 600 is attached to the upper part of the module body 200 (for example, the part facing the +z direction), the heater module 10 has a structure that can completely seal the chamber 14 and the recognition terminal housing 250 via the waterproof partition 260 and the upper cover 600. As a result, the possibility of droplets generated inside the chamber 14 flowing into the recognition terminal housing 250 can be significantly reduced, and the lifespan of the heater module 10 in one embodiment can be increased.

[0190] Figure 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a heater module according to one embodiment, with reference to the line D-D' in Figure 6.

[0191] Referring to Figure 8, the heater module 10 may include a module body 200, recognition terminals 400, and an upper cover 600. The heater module 10 shown in Figure 8 is substantially identical or similar to the heater module 10 shown in Figure 6, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0192] The chamber 14 in Figure 8 is a diagram showing one side of the chamber 14 shown in Figure 7 (for example, the side facing the -x direction). The aerosol droplets liquefied inside the chamber 14 can flow within the chamber 14 as shown by the arrows in Figure 8.

[0193] In the comparative example where the chamber 14 and the recognition terminal housing 250 are connected, droplets generated inside the chamber 14 flow into the recognition terminal housing 250 and come into contact with the recognition terminal 400 located within the recognition terminal housing 250. As a result, in the comparative example, the recognition terminal 400 is damaged or malfunctions due to the droplets, leading to a significant decrease in the lifespan of the heater module.

[0194] However, in one embodiment, the heater module 10 has a structure in which the second waterproof partition 262 of the waterproof partition 260 is positioned next to the recognition terminal 400, spatially separating the chamber 14 and the recognition terminal housing 250. As a result, droplets generated inside the chamber 14 cannot enter the recognition terminal housing 250, thus reducing the possibility of the recognition terminals 400a and 400b being damaged or malfunctioning due to droplets.

[0195] Furthermore, since the upper cover 600 is attached to the upper part of the module body 200 (for example, the part facing the +z direction), the heater module 10 according to one embodiment has a structure that can completely seal the chamber 14 and the recognition terminal housing 250 via the waterproof partition 260 and the upper cover 600. As a result, the possibility of droplets generated inside the chamber 14 flowing into the recognition terminal housing 250 can be significantly reduced, and the lifespan of the heater module 10 according to one embodiment can be increased.

[0196] In other words, as described above, the heater module 10 according to one embodiment is embodied as a structure that surrounds the entire outside of the recognition terminal housing 250 via the module body 200, the first waterproof partition 261, the second waterproof partition 262, and the upper cover 600. As a result, the sealing force that seals the space of the recognition terminal housing 250 is improved, and the possibility of damage to the recognition terminal 400 by droplets generated inside the chamber 14 can be significantly reduced.

[0197] Figure 9 is a view from below of a heater module according to one embodiment, showing the shape of the PCB unit before it is assembled to the module body. The coupling structure between the module body 200 and the PCB unit 500 will be described below with reference to Figure 9.

[0198] Referring to Figure 9, the heater module 10 may include a module body 200, heater terminals 300, recognition terminals 400, and a PCB unit 500. The heater module 10 shown in Figure 9 is substantially identical or similar to the heater module 10 shown in Figure 6, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0199] The module body 200 may have PCB housing grooves 240 and connecting grooves 270 formed therein.

[0200] A PCB unit 500 can be inserted into the PCB housing groove 240. For example, when the PCB unit 500 is inserted into the PCB housing groove 240, the recognition terminal 400 can be electrically connected to the PCB unit 500. That is, the side of the recognition terminal 400 is positioned in the PCB housing groove 240, and thus the recognition terminal 400 can be electrically connected to the PCB unit 500. In this case, the heater terminal 300 may not be in contact with the PCB unit 500 and may be positioned separately from the PCB unit 500. Also, when the PCB unit 500 is separated from the PCB housing groove 240, the PCB unit 500 is separated from the module body 200, and thus the electrical connection between the PCB unit 500 and the recognition terminal 400 can be released.

[0201] The PCB housing groove 240 may be formed on the other side of the module body 200. For example, the PCB housing groove 240 is also part of the space formed inside the first module body 210 and below the second module body 220 (e.g., a part in the -z direction). The PCB housing groove 240 may be located below the heater housing groove 230 (e.g., in the -z direction from the heater housing groove 230). The PCB housing groove 240 may be in communication with the connecting groove 270 and the insertion groove 10h.

[0202] The PCB accommodating groove 240 may include a first PCB accommodating groove 241 and a second PCB accommodating groove 242.

[0203] A PCB substrate 510 of a PCB unit 500 can be inserted into the first PCB housing groove 241. Heater terminals 300 and recognition terminals 400 are arranged on one side of the first PCB housing groove 241 (for example, the side in the -y direction), and a second PCB housing groove 242 may be arranged on the other side of the first PCB housing groove 241 (for example, the side in the +y direction). The first PCB housing groove 241 can communicate with the second PCB housing groove 242 and the connecting groove 270. The PCB substrate 510 to be housed in the first PCB housing groove 241 will be described later.

[0204] The memory chip 520 of the PCB unit 500 can be inserted into the second PCB groove 242. The second PCB groove 242 may be smaller in size than the first PCB groove 241. The memory chip 520 to be housed in the second PCB groove 242 will be described later.

[0205] The connecting groove 270 is located above the insertion groove 10h (for example, in the +z direction from the insertion groove 10h) and may communicate with the insertion groove 10h and the PCB housing groove 240. The side of the heater terminal 300 is positioned in the connecting groove 270, and although not shown, at least a part of the aerosol generator body 30 may be inserted into it. As an example, the connecting contact (not shown) described above may be positioned in the connecting groove 270.

[0206] The PCB unit 500 may include a PCB substrate 510, a memory chip 520, and a PCB contact portion 530.

[0207] The recognition terminal 400 can be in contact with the PCB substrate 510. The PCB substrate 510 supports the memory chip 520 and the PCB contact portion 530 and can be housed in the first PCB housing groove 241. As a result, the PCB substrate 510 is connected to the recognition terminal 400 and the aerosol generator body 30, and consequently, the cartridge 20 and the aerosol generator body 30 can be electrically connected.

[0208] The memory chip 520 is placed on the PCB substrate 510. For example, the memory chip 520 may be placed on one side of the PCB substrate 510 (for example, the side facing the +y direction). The memory chip 520 is hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol generator 1, and can store data processed and data to be processed by the control unit. The memory chip 520 may include at least one type of recording medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory chip 520 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0209] According to one embodiment, the memory chip 520 can count the number of puffs taken by the user and determine the remaining usage amount of the pre-set heater. For example, if the set lifespan of the heater 100 is 500 puffs, the memory chip 520 can count the number of puffs taken by the user as usual, determine the remaining usage amount of the heater 100, and display the remaining usage amount of the heater 100 on the display of the aerosol generator 1.

[0210] The PCB contact portion 530 is a terminal for electrical connection between the recognition terminal 400 and the aerosol generating device body 30, and may be located on the PCB substrate 510. The PCB contact portion 530 may be located on the other side of the PCB substrate 510 (for example, the side facing the -y direction).

[0211] In one embodiment, the PCB contact area 530 is also a conductive pattern printed on the PCB substrate 510. For example, the PCB contact area 530 may be formed by printing a metal material (e.g., stainless steel) on the other side of the PCB substrate 510 (e.g., the side facing the -y direction), but is not limited to this.

[0212] The PCB contact portion 530 may include a first PCB contact portion 531 to which the recognition terminal 400 is made contact, and a second PCB contact portion 532 to which the connecting contact (not shown) of the aerosol generator 1 is made contact. When the recognition terminal 400 is made contact with the first PCB contact portion 531, the cartridge 20 and the PCB unit 500 are electrically connected, and when the second PCB contact portion 532 is made contact with the connecting contact (not shown), the PCB unit 500 and the aerosol generator body 30 are electrically connected.

[0213] The PCB contact portion 530 may include the same number of first PCB contact portions 531 as the recognition terminals 400, and the same number of second PCB contact portions 532 as the connecting contacts (not shown). Figure 9 shows two first PCB contact portions 531 and two second PCB contact portions 532, but the number of first PCB contact portions 531 and second PCB contact portions 532 is not limited to that.

[0214] The following describes in detail one structure of a heater terminal 300 according to one embodiment, based on the attached drawings.

[0215] Figure 10 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a heater module according to one embodiment.

[0216] Referring to Figure 10, one embodiment of the heater module 10 may include a heater 100, a module body 200, heater terminals 300, and a PCB unit 500. The heater module 10 shown in Figure 10 is substantially identical or similar to the heater module 10 shown in Figure 6, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0217] The heater terminal 300 may include a first heater terminal member 310, a second heater terminal member 320, and a third heater terminal member 330.

[0218] The first heater terminal member 310 is in contact with the heater 100 housed in the heater housing groove 230. For this purpose, the protruding portion a1 of the first heater terminal member 310 may protrude toward the heater housing groove 230. The first heater terminal member 310 may also be in contact with the heating portion 120 of the heater 100 housed in the heater housing groove 230.

[0219] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first heater terminal member 310 may include a curved surface. This allows the heater 100 to be inserted smoothly into the heater housing groove 230 without damage, even if the heating portion 120 of the heater 100 comes into contact with the first heater terminal member 310 while the heater 100 is being inserted into the heater housing groove 230.

[0220] In one embodiment, the first heater terminal member 310 may be connected to the second heater terminal member 320 so as to be elastically movable. This allows the heater 100 to be easily inserted into the heater housing groove 230 while the first heater terminal member 310 is pushed toward the inner surface 200a of the module body 200 (for example, in the +y direction).

[0221] The second heater terminal member 320 is connected to the first heater terminal member 310. The second heater terminal member 320 is connected to the first heater terminal member 310 and the third heater terminal member 330, respectively, and may be located in the chamber 14, which is inside the module body 200. The second heater terminal member 320 may be formed in an overall overturned "U" shape, but may be formed in other shapes as long as it can be connected to the first heater terminal member 310.

[0222] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the second heater terminal member 320 may include a curved surface. This allows the heater 100 to be inserted smoothly into the heater housing groove 230 without being damaged, even if the heating portion 120 of the heater 100 comes into contact with the second heater terminal member 320 while the heater 100 is being inserted into the heater housing groove 230.

[0223] In one embodiment, a portion of the second heater terminal member 320 facing the heater housing groove 230 may be formed at an inclination. That is, the second heater terminal member 320 may include an inclined portion that is inclined with respect to the direction in which the heater 100 is inserted into the heater housing groove 230 (i.e., the extension direction of the third heater terminal member 330 - the z-axis direction in Figure 10). As a result, even if the heater 100 is pushed toward a position offset from the heater housing groove 230 (for example, a position offset from the heater housing groove 230 in the +y direction), the heater 100 can be guided toward the heater housing groove 230 along the inclined surface of the second heater terminal member 320. Therefore, the heater module 10 for an aerosol generator according to one embodiment can improve the ease of assembly of the heater 100 and the module body 200.

[0224] The third heater terminal member 330 can be connected to the second heater terminal member 320 and coupled to the second module body 220. For example, one side of the third heater terminal member 330 can be connected to the second heater terminal member 320, and the other side of the third heater terminal member 330 can be connected to the fourth heater terminal member 340 while coupled to the second module body 220. Since the third heater terminal member 330 is coupled to the second module body 220, the first heater terminal member 310 and the second heater terminal member 320 can be supported by the third heater terminal member 330.

[0225] The third heater terminal member 330 is coupled to the second module body 220 and may extend upward (for example, in the +z direction) from the upper surface of the second module body 220, at a distance from the inner surface 200a of the module body 200. This may form a separation space 200b between the third heater terminal member 330 and the inner surface 200a of the module body 200. The separation space 200b is also a space included in the chamber 14.

[0226] In one embodiment, the third heater terminal member 330 can be coupled to the second module body 220 so as to be elastically movable. This allows the heater 100 to be easily inserted into the heater housing groove 230 while the third heater terminal member 330, together with the first heater terminal member 310 and the second heater terminal member 320, is pushed into the separation space 200b.

[0227] Referring to Figure 10, the heater terminal 300 may further include a fourth heater terminal member 340 and a fifth heater terminal member 350.

[0228] The fourth heater terminal member 340 is connected to the third heater terminal member 330. The fourth heater terminal member 340 can be placed on the second module body 220 while connected to the third heater terminal member 330 and the fifth heater terminal member 350, respectively.

[0229] The fourth heater terminal member 340 may extend along a direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) that intersects the extension direction of the third heater terminal member 330. For example, the fourth heater terminal member 340 may extend perpendicular to the direction in which the third heater terminal member 330 extends and parallel to the direction in which the second module body 220 extends. This allows for the formation of an empty space (e.g., a connecting groove 270) below (e.g., in the -z direction from the fourth heater terminal member 340) and for a component of the aerosol generator body 30 (e.g., a connecting contact) to be placed in the empty space. Thus, the heater module 10 according to one embodiment may have a structure in which the module body 200 has space for arranging the aerosol generator body 30.

[0230] The fifth heater terminal member 350 can be connected to the fourth heater terminal member 340 and coupled to the second module body 220. For example, one side of the fifth heater terminal member 350 may be positioned on the second module body 220 and connected to the fourth heater terminal member 340, while the other side of the fifth heater terminal member 350 may be positioned in the connecting groove 270.

[0231] The fifth heater terminal member 350 is coupled to the second module body 220 while being separated from the PCB unit 500, and may extend downward (for example, in the -z direction) from the lower surface of the second module body 220.

[0232] In one embodiment, the first heater terminal member 310, the second heater terminal member 320, the third heater terminal member 330, the fourth heater terminal member 340, and the fifth heater terminal member 350 may be formed integrally.

[0233] Figures 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating the process by which a heater according to one embodiment is inserted into the heater housing groove. The heater module 10 shown in Figures 11A to 11C is substantially identical or similar to the heater module 10 shown in Figure 10, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0234] First, referring to Figure 11A, the heater 100 is not coupled to the module body 200 and begins to move toward the module body 200 for coupling. At this point, due to negligence on the part of the worker assembling the heater module 10 or a malfunction of the assembly process unit, the heater 100 may be pushed to a position shifted in the direction toward the heater terminal 300 from the heater housing groove 230 (for example, in the +y direction).

[0235] Next, referring to Figure 11B, the heater 100 is inserted into the heater housing groove 230. In this case, since a portion of at least one of the first heater terminal member 310 or the second heater terminal member 320 includes a curved surface, even if the heating portion 120 of the heater 100 comes into contact with the heater terminal 300, it will not be damaged and can be smoothly inserted into the heater housing groove 230.

[0236] Furthermore, during the process of inserting the heater 100 into the heater housing groove 230, the first to third heater terminal members 310, 320, and 330 are all pushed into the separation space 200b, allowing the heater 100 to be easily inserted into the heater housing groove 230. This is because the first heater terminal member 310 is connected to the second heater terminal member 320 so as to be elastically movable, and the third heater terminal member 330 is connected to the second module body 220 so as to be elastically movable.

[0237] Furthermore, even if the heater 100 is pushed out of the heater housing groove 230 in the direction of the heater terminal 300 (for example, the +y direction), the heater 100 can be guided along the inclined surface of the second heater terminal member 320 in the direction of the heater housing groove 230 (for example, the -y direction). This is because the second heater terminal member 320 includes an inclined surface that is tilted with respect to the direction in which the heater 100 is inserted into the heater housing groove 230.

[0238] As described above, the heater terminal 300 may have a structure that facilitates the insertion of the heater 100 into the heater housing groove 230 and prevents damage to the heating portion 120 of the heater 100 during the process of insertion of the heater 100 into the heater housing groove 230. Therefore, the heater module 10 according to one embodiment can improve the ease of assembly between the heater 100 and the module body 200.

[0239] Next, referring to Figure 11C, the heater 100 is inserted into the heater housing groove 230. During the process of the heater 100 being inserted into the heater housing groove 230, the first to third heater terminal members 310, 320, and 330, which moved in one direction (e.g., the +y direction), can come into contact with the heating portion 120 of the heater 100 and pressurize the heating portion 120 in the opposite direction (e.g., the -y direction). In this case, the first to third heater terminal members 310, 320, and 330 pressurize the heating portion 120 of the heater 100 by the restoring force due to elastic force, which can improve the contact reliability between the heating portion 120 and the heater terminal 300.

[0240] The other structures of the heater terminal 300 will be described in detail below based on the attached drawings.

[0241] Figure 12 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a heater module according to another embodiment.

[0242] Referring to Figure 12, one embodiment of the heater module 10 may include a heater 100, a module body 200, heater terminals 300, and a PCB unit 500. The heater module 10 shown in Figure 12 is substantially identical or similar to the heater module 10 shown in Figure 10, and redundant explanations will be omitted below, with the focus being on the differences.

[0243] According to this embodiment, the first heater terminal member 310 can protrude further toward the heater housing groove 230 than in the embodiment shown in Figure 10.

[0244] In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the protrusion a1 of the first heater terminal member 310 may be located within the heater housing groove 230. In one embodiment, when the heater 100 is not housed in the heater housing groove 230, the protrusion a1 of the first heater terminal member 310 may be located between one side of the heater housing groove 230 (for example, the side in the +y direction) and the middle portion of the heater housing groove 230. In another embodiment, when the heater 100 is not housed in the heater housing groove 230, the protrusion a1 of the first heater terminal member 310 may be located in the middle portion of the heater housing groove 230.

[0245] In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the protruding portion a1 of the first heater terminal member 310 can be separated from the inner surface 200a of the module body 200 in the direction of the heater housing groove 230.

[0246] In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the separation distance between the protrusion a1 of the first heater terminal member 310 and the inner surface 200a of the module body 200 can be further increased in the embodiment shown in Figure 10. That is, the separation distance between the protrusion a1 of the first heater terminal member 310 and the third heater terminal member 330 can be further increased in the embodiment shown in Figure 10.

[0247] In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the angle between the first heater terminal member 310 and the third heater terminal member 330 is larger than the angle between the first heater terminal member 310 and the third heater terminal member 330 in the embodiment shown in Figure 10. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the angle between the first heater terminal member 310 and the third heater terminal member 330 is 60° or more.

[0248] As a result, compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 10, in the heater module 10 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the first heater terminal member 310 protrudes further toward the heater housing groove 230, allowing the heater 100 housed in the heater housing groove 230 to be pressed with a greater force. Therefore, the contact reliability between the heating portion 120 of the heater 100 and the first heater terminal member 310 can be further improved.

[0249] Furthermore, compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the projection a1 of the first heater terminal member 310 is positioned closer to the heater housing groove 230, thus shortening the distance between the projection a1 of the first heater terminal member 310 and the end a2 of the fifth heater terminal member 350, which is positioned below the heater housing groove 230 (for example, in the -z direction from the heater housing groove 230). The heating unit 120 is in contact with the projection a1 of the first heater terminal member 310, and the battery of the aerosol generator 1 can be connected to the end a2 of the fifth heater terminal member 350.

[0250] Figures 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating the process of inserting a heater into the heater housing groove according to another embodiment. The process of inserting the heater 100 into the heater housing groove 230 will be described below based on the attached diagrams. The heater module 10 according to one embodiment shown in Figures 13A to 13C is substantially identical or similar to the heater module 10 shown in Figure 12, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0251] First, referring to Figure 13A, the heater 100 begins to move toward the module body 200 while separated from it. At this point, due to negligence on the part of the worker assembling the heater module 10 or a malfunction of the assembly process unit, the heater 100 may be pushed out of the heater housing groove 230 toward the heater terminal 300 (for example, in the +y direction).

[0252] Next, referring to Figure 13B, the heater 100 is inserted into the heater housing groove 230. In this case, since a portion of at least one of the first heater terminal member 310 or the second heater terminal member 320 includes a curved surface, even if the heating portion 120 of the heater 100 comes into contact with the heater terminal 300, it will not be damaged and can be smoothly inserted into the heater housing groove 230.

[0253] Furthermore, during the process of inserting the heater 100 into the heater housing groove 230, the first to third heater terminal members 310, 320, and 330 are all pushed into the separation space 200b, allowing the heater 100 to be easily inserted into the heater housing groove 230. This is because the first heater terminal member 310 is connected to the second heater terminal member 320 so as to be elastically movable, and the third heater terminal member 330 is connected to the second module body 220 so as to be elastically movable.

[0254] In that case, compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the first heater terminal member 310 protrudes further toward the heater housing groove 230, and the first to third heater terminal members 310, 320, and 330 can come into contact with the inner surface 200a of the module body 200 as they are pushed toward the separation space 200b.

[0255] Furthermore, even if the heater 100 is pushed away from the heater housing groove 230 in the direction of the heater terminal 300 (for example, in the +y direction), the heater 100 can be guided toward the heater housing groove 230 (for example, in the -y direction) along the inclined surface of the second heater terminal member 320. That is, the second heater terminal member 320 includes an inclined surface that is tilted with respect to the direction in which the heater 100 is inserted into the heater housing groove 230, and thus the heater 100 can be easily inserted into the heater housing groove 230.

[0256] As described above, the heater terminal 300 may have a structure that facilitates the insertion of the heater 100 into the heater housing groove 230 and prevents damage to the heating portion 120 of the heater 100 during the process of insertion of the heater 100 into the heater housing groove 230. Therefore, the heater module 10 according to one embodiment can improve the ease of assembly between the heater 100 and the module body 200.

[0257] Next, referring to Figure 13C, the heater 100 is inserted into the heater housing groove 230. During the process of the heater 100 being inserted into the heater housing groove 230, the first to third heater terminal members 310, 320, and 330, which have moved in one direction (e.g., the +y direction), can come into contact with the heating portion 120 of the heater 100 and pressurize the heating portion 120 in the opposite direction (e.g., the -y direction). In this case, the first to third heater terminal members 310, 320, and 330 pressurize the heating portion 120 of the heater 100 by the restoring force due to elastic force, which can improve the contact reliability between the heating portion 120 and the heater terminals 300.

[0258] In the heater module 10 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 13C, compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the first heater terminal member 310 protrudes further toward the heater housing groove 230, so that the first to third heater terminal members 310, 320, and 330 can come into contact with the inner surface 200a of the module body 200 as they are pushed toward the separation space 200b. As a result, the first to third heater terminal members 310, 320, and 330 come into contact with the heating portion 120 of the heater 100 while being supported by the inner surface 200a of the module body 200, and thus the heater 100 housed in the heater housing groove 230 can be pressed with an even greater force.

[0259] Furthermore, in the heater module 10 according to this embodiment, compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the first heater terminal member 310 protrudes further toward the heater housing groove 230, so that the heating portion 120 of the heater 100 can be pressurized with an even greater restoring force due to elastic force.

[0260] Therefore, the heater module 10 according to one embodiment can further improve the contact reliability between the heating portion 120 of the heater 100 and the first heater terminal member 310 compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 10.

[0261] The structure of the recognition terminal 400 will be described in detail below based on the attached drawings.

[0262] Figure 14 is a diagram showing the configuration in which the recognition terminal is arranged inside a heater module according to one embodiment. The heater module 10 shown in Figure 14 is substantially identical or similar to the heater module 10 shown in Figure 6, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0263] Referring to Figure 14, the recognition terminal 400 is located in the recognition terminal housing 250 inside the heater module 10 and can be electrically connected to the PCB unit 500 and the cartridge 20. The recognition terminal 400 includes a first recognition terminal 400a and a second recognition terminal 400b, the first recognition terminal 400a and the second recognition terminal 400b may have the same or similar function and shape as each other.

[0264] The recognition terminal 400 may include a recognition terminal body 410, a cartridge contact member 420, and a PCB contact member 430. The specific structure of the recognition terminal 400 will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16.

[0265] Figure 15 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a heater module according to one embodiment, taken along the line E-E' in Figure 14.

[0266] Referring to Figure 15, the heater module 10 may include a module body 200, recognition terminals 400, and a PCB unit 500. The heater module 10 shown in Figure 15 is substantially identical or similar to the heater module 10 shown in Figure 14, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0267] The recognition terminal housing section 250 formed on the module body 200 may include a first recognition terminal housing section 251 and a second recognition terminal housing section 252.

[0268] At least a portion of the recognition terminal 400 can be housed in the first recognition terminal housing 251. In one example, the upper part of the recognition terminal body 410 (for example, the portion facing the +z direction) and the cartridge contact member 420 can be housed in the first recognition terminal housing 251. The first recognition terminal housing 251 is also a space formed inside the first module body 210 and above the second module body 220 (for example, in the +z direction).

[0269] At least a portion of the recognition terminal 400 can be housed in the second recognition terminal housing 252. In one example, the lower part of the recognition terminal body 410 (for example, the portion facing the -z direction) and the PCB contact member 430 can be housed in the second recognition terminal housing 250. The second recognition terminal housing 250 is also a space formed inside the first module body 210 and below the second module body 220 (for example, from the second module body 220 in the -z direction), and can communicate with the PCB housing groove 240 in which the PCB unit 500 is housed.

[0270] The recognition terminal body 410 can be connected to the cartridge contact member 420 and the PCB contact member 430. One side of the recognition terminal body 410 is electrically connected to the cartridge contact member 420 while housed in the first recognition terminal housing 251, and the other side of the recognition terminal body 410 is connected to the PCB contact member 430 while housed in the second recognition terminal housing 252. In other words, the recognition terminal body 410 can perform the function of connecting the cartridge contact member 420 connected to the cartridge 20 to the PCB contact member 430 connected to the PCB unit 500.

[0271] The recognition terminal body 410 may penetrate the second module body 220 while housed in the recognition terminal housing 250. The recognition terminal body 410 may extend along the direction in which the aerosol generator 1 extends (for example, the z-axis direction).

[0272] The cartridge contact member 420 is electrically connected to the cartridge 20. The cartridge contact member 420 can contact the cartridge 20 which is coupled to the upper part of the module body 200 (for example, the end portion in the +z direction). A portion of the cartridge contact member 420 is electrically connected to the cartridge 20 while positioned at the upper end of the first recognition terminal housing 251, and the other portion of the cartridge contact member 420 is electrically connected to the recognition terminal body 410 while positioned at the lower end of the first recognition terminal housing 251. In other words, the cartridge contact member 420 can perform the function of connecting the cartridge 20 to the recognition terminal body 410.

[0273] The cartridge contact member 420 may include a cartridge contact portion 421, a terminal housing portion 422, and a rounded portion 423.

[0274] The cartridge contact portion 421 can be connected to the cartridge 20. The cartridge contact portion 421 can be electrically connected to the cartridge 20 and the terminal recognition body 410 when positioned above the terminal housing portion 422 (for example, in the +z direction from the terminal housing portion 422).

[0275] The terminal housing portion 422 is connected to the cartridge contact portion 421 and may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the recognition terminal body 410. By arranging the terminal housing portion 422 to surround at least a portion of the recognition terminal body 410, a first contact terminal housing portion 422a may be formed inside the terminal housing portion 422.

[0276] As an example, the terminal housing section 422 may be arranged to surround the upper portion (for example, the portion facing the +z direction) of the recognition terminal body 410 housed in the first recognition terminal housing section 251. The recognition terminal body 410 may be connected to the cartridge contact member 420 while housed in the first contact terminal housing section 422a.

[0277] The round portion 423 can be connected to the terminal accommodating portion 422. The round portion 423 can be arranged so as to surround at least a part of the terminal accommodating portion 422 and at least a part of the recognition terminal body 410. The round portion 423 can include a curved surface bent toward the cartridge contact portion 421.

[0278] By arranging the round portion 423 so as to surround at least a part of the terminal accommodating portion 422 and at least a part of the recognition terminal body 410, a second contact terminal accommodating portion 423a can be formed inside the round portion 423. As an example, in a state where the end portion 411 of the recognition terminal body 410 is inserted into the second contact terminal accommodating portion 423a, the recognition terminal body 410 can be connected to the cartridge contact member 420.

[0279] In one embodiment, the recognition terminal body 410, the terminal accommodating portion 422, and the round portion 423 can be integrally formed.

[0280] The PCB contact member 430 is connected to the recognition terminal body 410. The PCB contact member 430 can be brought into contact with the PCB contact portion 530 of the PCB unit 500 accommodated in the PCB accommodating groove 240. The PCB contact member 430 can be accommodated in the second recognition terminal accommodating portion 252 and can include a portion protruding toward the PCB contact portion 530. In an example, the PCB contact member 430 can be integrally formed with the recognition terminal body 410.

[0281] FIG. 16 is a schematic front cross-sectional view of a heater module according to an embodiment taken along the line F-F' of FIG. 14.

[0282] Referring to FIG. 16, a heater module 10 according to an embodiment can include a module body 200 and a recognition terminal 400. The heater module 10 illustrated in FIG. 16 is substantially the same or similar to the heater module 10 illustrated in FIG. 15, and thus redundant descriptions are omitted below.

[0283] The recognition terminal body 410 can be connected to the cartridge contact member 420 and the PCB contact member 430. The recognition terminal body 410 can penetrate the second module body 220 while being accommodated in the recognition terminal accommodation part 250.

[0284] The cartridge contact member 420 can include a cartridge contact portion 421, a terminal accommodation portion 422, and a round portion 423.

[0285] The cartridge contact portion 421 can be connected to the cartridge 20. The cartridge contact portion 421 can be electrically connected to the cartridge 20 and the recognition terminal body 410 while being disposed above the terminal accommodation portion 422 (for example, in the +z direction from the terminal accommodation portion 422).

[0286] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the shape of the cartridge contact portion 421 of the first recognition terminal 400a and the shape of the cartridge contact portion 421 of the second recognition terminal 400b are partially different. For example, the cartridge contact portion 421 of the second recognition terminal 400b can extend in one direction (for example, the z-axis direction), but the cartridge contact portion 421 of the first recognition terminal 400a can include a portion extending in another direction (for example, the x-axis direction) crossing the one direction.

[0287] Except for such a partial difference in shape, the first recognition terminal 400a and the second recognition terminal 400b can be similarly implemented.

[0288] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0289] The aerosol generator 1 may include a control unit 1000, a sensing unit 2000, an output unit 3000, a battery 4000, a heater 5000, a user input unit 6000, a memory 7000, and a communication unit 8000. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to that shown in Figure 17. In other words, a person with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment will understand that some of the components shown in Figure 17 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1.

[0290] The sensing unit 2000 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 1 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 1 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 1000. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1000 can control the aerosol generator 1 so that various functions can be performed, such as controlling the operation of the heater 5000, restricting smoking, determining whether or not an aerosol product (e.g., cigarettes, cartridges, etc.) has been inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0291] The sensing unit 2000 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the temperature sensor 2100, the insertion sensing sensor 2200, and the puff sensor 2300.

[0292] The temperature sensor 2100 can sense the temperature at which the heater 5000 (or the aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 5000, or the heater 5000 itself may perform the role of a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 2100 may also be positioned around the battery 4000 to monitor its temperature.

[0293] The insertion sensing sensor 2200 can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 2200 includes at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products.

[0294] The puff sensor 2300 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 2300 can detect a user's puff based on any one of the following: temperature changes, flow rate changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0295] In addition to the aforementioned sensors (temperature sensor 2100, insertion sensing sensor 2200, and puff sensor 2300), the sensing unit 2000 may further include at least one of the following: a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an average engineer from its name, so a detailed explanation may be omitted.

[0296] The output unit 3000 may output and provide to the user information relating to the state of the aerosol generator 1. The output unit 3000 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the display unit 3100, the haptic unit 3200, and the acoustic output unit 3300. If the display unit 3100 and the touchpad form a layered structure and constitute a touchscreen, the display unit 3100 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0297] The display unit 3100 can visually provide the user with information related to the aerosol generator 1. For example, information related to the aerosol generator 1 can include various types of information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 4000 of the aerosol generator 1, the preheating status of the heater 5000, the insertion / removal status of aerosol products, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 1 is restricted (e.g., detection of abnormal items), and the display unit 3100 can output this information to the outside. The display unit 3100 can also be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display unit 3100 can also be in the form of an LED light-emitting element.

[0298] The haptic unit 3200 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to provide the user with tactile information related to the aerosol generator 1. For example, the haptic unit 3200 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0299] The acoustic output unit 3300 can provide the user with auditory information related to the aerosol generator 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 3300 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0300] The battery 4000 may supply the power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. The battery 4000 may supply power to heat the heater 5000. The battery 4000 may also supply the power necessary for the operation of other components within the aerosol generator 1 (e.g., the sensing unit 2000, the output unit 3000, the user input unit 6000, the memory 7000, and the communication unit 8000). The battery 4000 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 4000 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to that.

[0301] The heater 5000 can be powered by the battery 4000 to heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Figure 17, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the battery 4000 and supplies it to the heater 5000. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 1 generates aerosols using an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 4000 into an AC power supply.

[0302] The control unit 1000, the sensing unit 2000, the output unit 3000, the user input unit 6000, the memory 7000, and the communication unit 8000 can be powered by the battery 4000 to perform their functions. Although not shown in FIG. 17, it may further include a power conversion circuit that converts the power of the battery 4000 and supplies it to each component, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit.

[0303] In one embodiment, the heater 5000 can be made of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Also, the heater 5000 can be embodied by a metal wire, a metal hot plate with conductive tracks disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0304] In other embodiments, the heater 5000 is also an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 5000 can include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol product substance.

[0305] The user input unit 6000 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 6000 may include, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (contact-type capacitive type, pressure-type resistive type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Although not shown in Figure 17, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via such a connection interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 4000.

[0306] Memory 7000 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1, and can store data processed by the control unit 1000 and data being processed. Memory 7000 may include at least one type of recording medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 7000 may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

[0307] The communication unit 8000 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 8000 may include a short-range communication unit 8100 and a wireless communication unit 8200.

[0308] The short-range wireless communication unit (short-range wireless communication unit) 8100 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0309] The wireless communication unit 8200 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit. The wireless communication unit 8200 can verify and authenticate the aerosol generator 1 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0310] The control unit 1000 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 1000 may include at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates and may be embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. It will also be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0311] The control unit 1000 can control the temperature of the heater 5000 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 4000 to the heater 5000. For example, the control unit 1000 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 4000 and the heater 5000. As another example, the control unit 1000 can control the power supply to the heater 5000 by a control command from the direct heating circuit.

[0312] The control unit 1000 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000 and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000, the control unit 1000 can control the power supplied to the heater 5000 so that the operation of the heater 5000 starts or stops. As another example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000, the control unit 1000 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 5000 and the duration of power supply so that the heater 5000 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0313] The control unit 1000 can control the output unit 3000 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000. For example, if the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 2300 reaches a pre-set number, the control unit 1000 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 1 will immediately shut down through at least one of the display unit 3100, the haptic unit 3200, and the acoustic output unit 3300.

[0314] One embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer-readable media are also any available media that can be accessed by a computer, and include both volatile and non-volatile media, and isolated and non-isolated media. Furthermore, computer-readable media may include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, isolated and non-isolated media embodied by any method or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data such as modulated data signals, or other transmission mechanisms, and include any information transmission medium.

[0315] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative examples, and any person with ordinary skill in the art will understand that a variety of modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention must be determined by the claims, and all differences that are equivalent to those described in the claims must be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims

1. In a heater module for an aerosol generator, A module body including a heater housing groove for housing a heater configured to be detachably coupled to a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance, and a PCB housing groove for housing a PCB unit electrically connected to an aerosol generating device, A heater terminal is located on the module body, electrically connected to the heater, and configured to supply power to the heater from a battery included in the aerosol generator, A recognition terminal is located at a distance from the heater terminal within the module body and is configured to be electrically connected to the PCB unit and the cartridge, and includes a recognition terminal that recognizes whether or not the cartridge is connected to the heater module for the aerosol generator, A heater module for an aerosol generator, wherein at least one of the heater terminal or the recognition terminal is insert-injected with the module body.

2. The module body is, A recognition terminal housing section that houses the aforementioned recognition terminal, A heater module for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a waterproof partition separating the heater housing groove and the recognition terminal housing portion.

3. A portion of the heater terminals is electrically connected to the heater, and is located on a chamber where an aerosol is generated and connected to the heater housing groove. The heater module for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the other part of the heater terminal is electrically connected to the battery by passing through the module body.

4. The heater terminals are, A first heater terminal member that contacts the heater, A second heater terminal member connected to the first heater terminal member, A heater module for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a third heater terminal member connected to the second heater terminal member and coupled to the module body.

5. The heater module for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a portion of at least one of the first heater terminal member or the second heater terminal member includes a curved surface.

6. The heater module for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first heater terminal member is connected to the second heater terminal member so as to be elastically movable.

7. A portion of the second heater terminal member facing the heater housing groove is inclined with respect to the direction in which the third heater terminal member extends, as described in claim 4, for a heater module for an aerosol generating apparatus.

8. The heater module for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the third heater terminal member is arranged to be separated from the inner surface of the module body.

9. The heater terminals are, The heater module for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a fourth heater terminal member connected to the third heater terminal member and extending in a direction transverse to the extension direction of the third heater terminal member.

10. The heater module for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first heater terminal member protrudes into the heater housing groove.

11. The aforementioned recognition terminal is When the heater module is coupled to the cartridge, a cartridge contact member is configured to contact the cartridge, When the heater module is coupled to the cartridge, a recognition terminal body is configured to be connected to the cartridge contact member, A heater module for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, comprising the recognition terminal body and a PCB contact member connected to the PCB unit.

12. The heater module for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the cartridge contact member is arranged to surround a part of the recognition terminal body.

13. The heater module for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the PCB contact member includes a portion that protrudes toward the PCB unit.

14. The PCB unit includes a PCB board to which the recognition terminals are in contact, and a memory chip disposed on the PCB board. The heater module for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the PCB housing groove includes a first housing groove for housing the PCB substrate and a second housing groove for housing the memory chip.

15. A heater module according to claim 1, The cartridge, which is coupled to one side of the heater module and has a storage tank for containing the aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating apparatus comprising: an aerosol generating apparatus body having the battery coupled to the other side of the heater module and configured to transmit power to the heater; and an aerosol generating apparatus.

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