Aerosol generator
The aerosol generating device employs a cylindrical heater and induction coil with a capacitance sensor for efficient heating and easy assembly, addressing heat dissipation issues in existing devices.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KT&G CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing aerosol generating devices lack efficient heating methods, assembly ease, and heat dissipation performance.
An aerosol generating device with a cylindrical heater surrounded by an induction coil and a capacitance sensor, featuring a novel heating method and easy assembly design, including a pipe with integrated components for heat dissipation.
Provides a novel heating method with improved assembly ease and heat dissipation, enhancing the functionality and reliability of the aerosol generating device.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.
Background Art
[0002] An aerosol generating device is for extracting a predetermined component from a medium or a substance through an aerosol. The medium can contain substances with various components. The substances contained in the medium can be flavor substances with various components. For example, the substances contained in the medium can include a nicotine component, a herb component, and / or a coffee component, etc. In recent years, many studies have been conducted on such aerosol generating devices.
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0003] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and other problems.
[0004] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device introducing a new heating method.
[0005] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device having a structure that is easy to assemble.
[0006] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device having heat dissipation performance.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0007] According to one aspect of the subject matter described in the present application, an aerosol generating device includes a pipe formed to include an insertion space, a heater having a cylindrical shape surrounding the insertion space, and an induction coil positioned with respect to the heater and causing the heater to generate heat by the flow of an electric current.
Effects of the Invention
[0008] According to at least one of the embodiments of this disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus incorporating a novel heating method can be provided.
[0009] According to at least one of the embodiments of this disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus having an easily assembled structure can be provided.
[0010] According to at least one of the embodiments of this disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus having heat dissipation performance can be provided.
[0011] Any additional applicable scope of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of this disclosure, should be understood to be given only as examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0012] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10]It is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brevity of the description referring to the drawings, the same or similar components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0014] The suffixes “module” and “section” for components used in the following description are for the sole purpose of facilitating the description in the specification and do not have any special meaning or role.
[0015] In the present disclosure, those well known to those skilled in the art are omitted for the sake of brevity. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are for the purpose of enabling easy understanding of various technical features, and the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the present disclosure should be construed as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives in addition to those specifically disclosed in the accompanying drawings.
[0016] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. can be used to describe various components, but it should be understood that the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.
[0017] When referring to a certain component being “connected” to another component, it can be understood that other components may exist in the middle. On the other hand, when referring to a certain component being “directly connected” to another component, it can be understood that no other components exist in the middle.
[0018] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 can include a body 10. The aerosol generating device 100 can include a pipe 20. The aerosol generating device 100 can include at least one of a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater assembly 13. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the aerosol generating device 100 can further include a cartridge 14.
[0020] The battery 11 and the control unit 12 can be disposed inside the body 10. The heater assembly 13 can be disposed in the pipe 20. The cartridge 14 can be detachably coupled to the body 10. The pipe 20 can be coupled inside the body 10. The pipe 20 can be located at the upper part of the body 10.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater assembly 13 can be arranged in a row. Referring to FIG. 2, the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater assembly 13, and the cartridge 14 can be arranged in a row. Referring to FIG. 3, the cartridge 14 and the heater assembly 13 can be arranged in parallel so as to face each other. The internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown.
[0022] The pipe 20 can define an insertion space S. The insertion space S can be open at the upper side. The insertion space S can be formed in a shape corresponding to one side of the stick 400. The insertion space S can have a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. One side of the stick 400 can be inserted into the insertion space S. [[ID=I3]]
[0023] The heater assembly 13 can be disposed around the insertion space S. The heater assembly 13 can surround at least a part of the insertion space S. The heater assembly 13 can surround one side of the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space S. The heater assembly 13 can heat the medium in the insertion space and / or the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space S to generate an aerosol.
[0024] The battery 11 can supply power to operate any one of the control unit 12, heater assembly 13, and cartridge 14. The battery 11 can also supply the power necessary for the display, sensors, motors, etc. installed in the aerosol generator 100 to operate.
[0025] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 100. The control unit 12 can control the operation of at least one of the battery 11, heater assembly 13, and cartridge 14. The control unit 12 can control the operation of displays, sensors, motors, etc., installed in the aerosol generator 100. The control unit 12 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 100 and determine whether the aerosol generator 100 is operational.
[0026] Cartridge 14 can store liquid. Cartridge 14 can generate an aerosol using the stored liquid. The aerosol generated in cartridge 14 can be transmitted to the user by passing through a stick 400 inserted into the aerosol generator 100.
[0027] The cartridge 14 may include a liquid chamber for storing liquid and an atomizing chamber through which air passes and which generates an aerosol. The cartridge 14 may include a wick positioned inside the atomizing chamber to receive liquid from the liquid chamber. The cartridge 14 may include a heating coil that heats the wick to generate an aerosol. Air flowing into the inlet 141 of the cartridge 14 (see Figure 10) can pass through the liquid chamber accompanied by an aerosol and be discharged to the outlet of the cartridge 14 through the outlet 142 of the cartridge 14 (see Figure 10).
[0028] The aerosol generator 100 may further include a capacitance sensor 15. The capacitance sensor 15 may include a metal foil 151 and a sensing circuit 152. The metal foil 151 and the sensing circuit 152 may be arranged in positions separated from each other.
[0029] The metal foil 151 may be placed on the pipe 20. The metal foil 151 may face the insertion space S. The metal foil 151 may surround at least one side of the insertion space S. The metal foil 151 may be placed below the heater 131. For example, the metal foil 151 may be made of SUS stainless steel.
[0030] The sensing circuit 152 may be located inside the body 100. The sensing circuit 152 may be configured to be printed on or mounted on a substrate installed in the body. The sensing circuit 152 may be mounted on the same substrate as the control unit 12 or on a separate substrate. The sensing circuit 152 and the metal foil 151 may be electrically connected. The sensing circuit 152 is connected to the control unit 12 and can transmit and receive signals.
[0031] The capacitance sensor 15 may be based on either self-capacitance or mutual capacitance sensor technology. If the capacitance sensor 15 is of the self-capacitance type, the metal foil 151 may be formed as a single unit. If the capacitance sensor 151 is of the mutual capacitance type, the metal foils 151 may be formed as a pair separated by a predetermined distance from each other. In this case, one of the pair of metal foils 151 may be the transmitting electrode and the other may be the receiving electrode.
[0032] When an object approaches the metal foil 151, or when an object around the metal foil 151 moves or changes state, the self-capacitance or mutual capacitance sensed by the sensing circuit 152 may change. Therefore, the capacitance sensor 15 can sense a variety of information about the stick 200 in the insertion space S. This will be explained in more detail later.
[0033] The lower end of the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space S, and the upper end can be exposed to the outside from the insertion space S. The user can hold the exposed upper end of the stick 400 in their mouth and inhale air. The air, accompanied by an aerosol, can be provided to the user as it passes through the inside of the aerosol generator 100.
[0034] Referring to Figure 4, the aforementioned stick 400 may include a medium section 410. The stick 400 may include a cooling section 420. The stick 400 may include a filter section 430. The cooling section 420 may be positioned between the medium section 410 and the filter section 430. The stick 400 may include a wrapper 440. The wrapper 440 may enclose the medium section 410. The wrapper 440 may enclose the cooling section 420. The wrapper 440 may enclose the filter section 430. The stick 400 may have a cylindrical shape.
[0035] The medium section 410 may include a medium 411. The medium section 410 may include a first medium cover 413. The medium section 410 may include a second medium cover 415. The medium 411 may be positioned between the first medium cover 413 and the second medium cover 415. The first medium cover 413 may be positioned at one end of the stick 400. The length of the medium section 410 may be 24 mm.
[0036] The medium 411 can contain substances with diverse components. The substances contained in the medium may be flavor substances with diverse components. The medium 411 may be composed of a plurality of granules. Each of the plurality of granules may have a size of 0.4 mm to 1.12 mm. The inside of the medium 411 may be filled to about 70% with granules. The length L2 of the medium 411 may be 10 mm. The first medium cover 413 may be made of acetate material. The second medium cover 415 may be made of acetate material. The first medium cover 413 may be made of paper material. The second medium cover 415 may be made of paper material. At least one of the first medium cover 413 and the second medium cover 415 may be made of paper material and have a wrinkled shape, and a plurality of gaps may be formed between them for air to flow. The gaps may be smaller than the size of each granule of the medium 411. The length L1 of the first medium cover 413 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L3 of the second medium cover 413 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L1 of the first medium cover 413 may be 7 mm. The length L2 of the second medium cover 413 may be 7 mm.
[0037] Therefore, each granule of the medium 411 cannot detach from the medium portion 410 and the stick 400.
[0038] The cooling section 420 may have a cylindrical shape. The cooling section 420 may have a hollow shape. The cooling section 420 may be positioned between the medium section 410 and the filter section 430. The cooling section 420 may be positioned between the second medium cover 415 and the filter section 430. The cooling section 420 may be formed in a tubular shape surrounding the internal cooling passage 424. The cooling section 420 may be thicker than the wrapper 440. The cooling section 420 may be made of a paper material thicker than the wrapper 440. The length L4 of the cooling section 420 may be the same as or approximately the same as the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L4 of the cooling section 420 and the cooling passage 424 may be 10 mm. When the stick 400 is inserted into the aerosol generator 100, at least a portion of the cooling section 420 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generator 100.
[0039] Therefore, the cooling unit 420 supports the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430, ensuring the rigidity of the stick 400. Furthermore, the cooling unit 420 supports the wrapper 440 between the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430, ensuring the area where the wrapper 440 is bonded. Additionally, heated air and aerosols can be cooled as they pass through the cooling passage 424 inside the cooling unit 420.
[0040] The filter section 430 may be composed of an acetate filter. The filter section 430 may be positioned at the other end of the stick 400. When the stick 400 is inserted into the aerosol generator, the filter section 430 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generator. The user can inhale air by holding the filter section 430 in their mouth. The length L5 of the filter section 430 may be 14 mm.
[0041] The wrapper 440 can wrap around or surround the medium portion 410, the cooling portion 420, and the filter portion 430. The wrapper 440 can form the outer shape of the stick 400. The wrapper 440 may be made of paper material. An adhesive portion 441 may be formed on one end of the wrapper 440. The wrapper 440 wraps around the medium portion 410, the cooling portion 420, and the filter portion 430, and the adhesive portion 441 formed on one side edge may be bonded to the other side edge. The wrapper 440 that wraps around the medium portion 410, the cooling portion 420, and the filter portion 430 does not have to cover one end and the other end of the stick 400.
[0042] Therefore, the wrapper 440 can fix the medium section 410, the cooling section 420, and the filter section 430, and prevent them from detaching from the stick 400.
[0043] The first thin film 443 may be positioned in a location corresponding to the first medium cover 413. The first thin film 443 may be positioned between the wrapper 440 and the first medium cover 413, or outside the wrapper 440. The first thin film 443 may surround the first medium cover 413. The first thin film 443 may be made of a metallic material. The first thin film 443 may be made of an aluminum material. The first thin film 443 may be in contact with or coated on the wrapper 440.
[0044] The second thin film 445 may be positioned in a location corresponding to the second medium cover 415. The second thin film 445 may be positioned between the wrapper 440 and the second medium cover 415, or outside the wrapper 440. The second thin film 445 may be made of a metallic material. The second thin film 445 may be made of an aluminum material. The second thin film 445 may be in close contact with or coated on the wrapper 440.
[0045] Therefore, it is possible to detect whether the capacitance sensor 15 has been inserted into the aerosol generator.
[0046] Referring to Figures 5 to 7, the pipe 20 can be installed in the body 10 (see Figures 1 to 3). The pipe 20 can form an insertion space S that extends vertically inside.
[0047] The pipe 20 may include an outer pipe 21 and an inner pipe 22. The outer pipe 21 may form the outer shape of the pipe 20. The outer pipe 21 may surround the insertion space S. The outer pipe 21 may have a shape that extends vertically. The insertion space S may have a shape that extends vertically inside the outer pipe 21.
[0048] The insertion space S may include a first insertion space S1 and a second insertion space S2. The first insertion space S1 and the second insertion space S2 may be arranged vertically. The first insertion space S1 may be located below the second insertion space S2. The first insertion space S1 may form the lower part of the insertion space S. The first insertion space S1 and the second insertion space S2 may be in communication with each other.
[0049] The cap 23 opens to form an insertion port S3, which may be positioned on the second insertion space S2. The insertion port S3 can communicate with the second insertion space S2. The insertion port S3 can communicate with the outside of the pipe 20. The insertion port S3 can form the upper end of the insertion space S. The outer pipe 21 can surround the first insertion space S1, the second insertion space S2, and the insertion port S3.
[0050] The outer pipe 21 can form an inflow channel S4 that communicates with the lower end of the insertion space S or the first insertion space S1. The inflow channel S4 may include a section extending downward from the lower end of the insertion space S or the first insertion space S1. The inflow channel S4 can communicate the outside of the pipe 20 with the insertion space S. For example, the inflow channel S4 can communicate the outlet 142 of the cartridge 14 with the insertion space S via the inflow port 217 (see Figure 10). For example, air and / or aerosols discharged from the cartridge 14 can flow into the insertion space S through the inflow channel S4. The cartridge 14 and the inflow channel S4 may not be provided (removed), and the lower end of the insertion space S may be blocked.
[0051] The inner pipe 22 may be positioned inside the outer pipe 21. The inner circumferential surface of the inner pipe 22 may have a cylindrical shape extending vertically. The second insertion space S2 may be formed at a position corresponding to the inner pipe 22. The inner pipe 22 may surround the second insertion space S2. The outer pipe 21 may surround the outer circumferential surface of the inner pipe 22. The outer pipe 21 may support the lower part of the inner pipe 22.
[0052] The metal foil 151 may be positioned below the inner pipe 22. The first insertion space S1 may be formed at a position corresponding to the metal foil 151. The metal foil 151 may surround the first insertion space S1. The cross-section of the metal foil 151 may have a ring shape or a "C" shape. The outer pipe 21 may extend from above the inner pipe 22 to below the metal foil 151, covering both the inner pipe 22 and the metal foil 151.
[0053] The metal foil 151 can be bonded to the inner circumferential surface of the outer pipe 21 below the inner pipe 22. The metal foil 151 can be in contact with the first insertion space S1. Alternatively, the surface of the metal foil 151 facing the first insertion space S1 can be covered with a protective film. The metal foil 151 can be positioned below the inner pipe 22 and the heater 131. The metal foil 151 can be positioned below the rib 225. The upper end of the metal foil 151 can be supported by the rib 225. The lower end of the metal foil 151 can be supported by a stopper 213 that supports the lower end of the stick 400. The stopper 213 can be positioned below the metal foil 151, with the outer pipe 21 projecting radially inward.
[0054] The side wall of pipe 20 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the insertion space S. The lead hole 214 may be formed by opening the side wall of pipe 20. The lead hole 214 may be formed by opening the side wall of outer pipe 21. The lead hole 214 may be formed at a position corresponding to the metal foil 151. The metal foil 151 may include a portion that is positioned between the lead hole 214 and the first insertion space S1. The metal foil 151 may cover the lead hole 214.
[0055] The lead wire 153 can electrically connect the metal foil 151 and the sensing circuit 152 through the lead hole 214. The lead wire 153 can be soldered to the surface of the metal foil 151 exposed at the lead hole 214. The lead wire 153 can extend outside the pipe 20 from the metal foil 151 to the sensing circuit 152. The sensing circuit 152 can sense changes in the capacitance of the metal foil 151 via the lead wire 153.
[0056] Therefore, the metal foil 151 and the sensing circuit 152 (see Figures 1 to 3) included in the capacitance sensor 15 can be arranged separately from each other. The metal foil 151 can be placed inside the pipe 20, and the sensing circuit 152 can be placed outside the pipe 20.
[0057] Furthermore, the metal foil 151 may be formed integrally with the outer pipe 21. Here, although the metal foil 151 is formed integrally with the outer pipe 21, a boundary may be formed to separate the metal foil 151 from the outer pipe 21. For example, the outer pipe 21 may be injection molded into the metal foil 151. For example, the outer pipe 21 can be insert-injected into the metal foil 151 by inserting the metal foil 151 into an injection mold shaped like the outer pipe 21 and then solidifying the molten injection material inside the injection mold.
[0058] Furthermore, minimizing the distance between the stick 400 and the metal foil 151 improves the sensing reliability of the capacitance sensor 15. Additionally, the process of separately assembling the capacitance sensor 15 onto the pipe 20 can be omitted, simplifying the assembly process.
[0059] The second insertion space S2 may be formed at a position corresponding to the heater assembly 13. The heater assembly 13 may surround the second insertion space S2. The inner pipe 22 may surround the heater assembly 13. The inner pipe 22 may support the lower end of the heater assembly 13.
[0060] The heater assembly 13 may include a heater 131 and an induction coil 132. The heater 131 may be made of a resistive metal. The heater 131 may be an induction heater that generates heat by eddy currents caused by a magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the induction coil 132. Alternatively, the heater 131 may be a heater that generates heat by directly receiving an electric current.
[0061] The heater 131 may have a cylindrical shape that surrounds the second insertion space S2. The heater 131 may surround the outer circumferential surface of the second insertion space S2. The heater 131 may be in contact with the second insertion space S2. The lower end of the heater 131 may be supported by the rib 225 of the inner pipe 22. The upper end of the heater 131 may be supported by the cap 23. The heater 131 may be made of a metal such as SUS stainless steel. When the heater 131 generates heat, the heat can be conducted to the second insertion space S2.
[0062] The induction coil 132 may be positioned between the inner pipe 22 and the outer pipe 21. The induction coil 132 may be wound around the outer surface of the inner pipe 22 and around the heater 131. The induction coil 132 may be formed to a height corresponding to the heater 131. The induction coil 132 can cause the heater 131 to generate heat.
[0063] The inner pipe 22 can surround the heater 131. The inner pipe 22 can be positioned between the heater 131 and the induction coil 132. The inner pipe 22 can be positioned alongside the heater 131 and the induction coil 132. The inner pipe 22 can be formed to a height approximately corresponding to the heater 131 and the induction coil 132. Thus, the inner pipe 22 can prevent the heater 131 and the induction coil 132 from making electrical contact with each other.
[0064] The ribs 225 of the inner pipe 22 can separate the metal foil 151 and the heater 131 from each other. The ribs 225 may project radially inward from the bottom of the inner pipe 22. The ribs 225 may extend circumferentially along the perimeter of the insertion space S. The heater 131 may be positioned above the ribs 225. The lower end of the heater 131 can be supported by the upper surface of the ribs 225. The metal foil 151 may be positioned below the ribs 225. The upper end of the metal foil 151 can be supported by the lower surface of the ribs 225. Thus, the inner pipe 22 can prevent the metal foil 151 and the heater 131 from making electrical contact with each other. This will be explained further later.
[0065] An air gap 24 may be placed between the heater 131 and the inner pipe 22. The air gap 24 may be covered by the heater 131 and the inner pipe 22. The air gap 24 may surround the heater 131. The air gap 24 may be formed between the heater 131 and the induction coil 132. The air gap 24 can dissipate the heat generated from the heater 131.
[0066] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the heat generated from the heater 131 from being transferred to the outside of the pipe 20. It is also possible to prevent the heat generated from the heater 131 from damaging the structure of the pipe 20. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the amount of heat generated from the heater 131 that heats the induction coil 132.
[0067] The cap 23 can form an insertion opening S3 by opening in the vertical direction. The cap 23 may be positioned at the upper end of the pipe 20. The cap 23 may be positioned inside the outer pipe 21. The cap 23 may be surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the upper end of the outer pipe 21. The cap 23 may be coupled to the upper end of the outer pipe 21. The upper end of the cap 23 may face the upper side of the pipe 20. The lower end of the cap 23 may cover and support the upper end of the inner pipe 22. The lower end of the cap 23 may cover and support the upper end of the heater 131.
[0068] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the stick 400 can be inserted into the insertion space S. The stick 400 can be sequentially inserted into the insertion port S3, the second insertion space S2, and the first insertion space S1. The lower end of the stick 400 or the first medium cover 413 of the stick 400 may be located in a position corresponding to the first insertion space S1. The lower end of the stick 400 can be supported by a stopper 213 formed at the lower end of the insertion space S. The medium 411 of the stick 400 may be located in a position corresponding to the second insertion space S2. Air and / or aerosol can flow into the inside of the pipe 20 through the inflow channel S4 and flow into the stick inserted into the insertion space S.
[0069] The sensing circuit 152, which is connected to the metal foil 151, detects changes in capacitance, allowing the capacitance sensor 15 to sense various information from the insertion space S.
[0070] The capacitance sensed by the sensing circuit 152 may change depending on whether the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space S or not. Therefore, the capacitance sensor 15 can detect whether the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space S.
[0071] In the case of a stick 400 inserted into the insertion space S, the amount of moisture in the lower part of the stick 400 or the first medium cover 413 changes depending on the degree of use, and therefore the capacitance sensed by the sensing circuit 152 may change. Thus, the capacitance sensor 15 can sense the degree to which the stick 400 has been used, or whether the stick 400 will be reused.
[0072] The functions of the capacitance sensor 15 are not limited to those described above; any capacitance sensor 15 that can determine the surrounding conditions through elements that cause changes in capacitance can be used. For this purpose, the capacitance value sensed by the capacitance sensor 15 and a lookup table indicating the corresponding changes in the surrounding environment can be stored in memory.
[0073] Referring to Figure 9, the outer pipe 21 may include a first outer pipe body 211 and a second outer pipe body 212. The first outer pipe body 211 may be located above the second outer pipe body 212. The first outer pipe body 211 may extend upward from the upper end of the second outer pipe body 212. The second insertion space S2 and insertion port S3 may be formed at positions corresponding to the first outer pipe body 211. The inner circumferential surface of the first outer pipe body 211 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The first outer pipe body 211 may surround the inner pipe 22. The insertion port S3 and inflow channel S4 may be formed at positions corresponding to the second outer pipe body 212. The second outer pipe body 212 may support the lower part of the inner pipe 22.
[0074] The inner pipe 22 may include an inner pipe body 221. The inner pipe body 221 may extend long in the vertical or vertical direction and have a cylindrical shape. The inner pipe body 221 may be formed alongside the first outer pipe body 211. The inner pipe body 221 may be spaced radially inward from the first outer pipe body 211 to form a gap in which the induction coil 132 is positioned. The inner pipe body 221 may surround the second insertion space S2 and the heater 131.
[0075] The inner pipe 22 may include a first inner pipe bending portion 222. The first inner pipe bending portion 222 may be formed at the lower end of the inner pipe 22. The first inner pipe bending portion 222 may be bent radially outward from the lower end of the inner pipe body 221. The first inner pipe bending portion 222 may extend circumferentially along the circumference of the inner pipe 22. The first inner pipe bending portion 222 may have a ring shape. The first inner pipe bending portion 222 may support the lower end of the induction coil 132. The first inner pipe bending portion 222 may be supported laterally by contacting the lower inner circumferential surface of the first outer pipe body 211. The first inner pipe bending portion 222 may be supported by the upper end of the second outer pipe body 212.
[0076] The inner pipe 22 may include a second inner pipe bending portion 223. The second inner pipe bending portion 223 may be formed at the upper end of the inner pipe 22. The second inner pipe bending portion 223 may be bent radially outward from the upper end of the inner pipe body 22. The second inner pipe bending portion 223 may extend circumferentially along the circumference of the inner pipe 22. The second inner pipe bending portion 223 may be inclined upward along the radially outward direction. The second inner pipe bending portion 223 may be located above the induction coil 132. The second inner pipe bending portion 223 may cover the induction coil 132. The second inner pipe bending portion 223 may be supported by a cap 23. The second inner pipe bending portion 223 may be supported laterally in contact with the upper inner circumferential surface of the first outer pipe body 211.
[0077] The inner pipe 22 may include a rib 225. The rib 225 may be formed on the lower part of the inner pipe 22. The rib 225 may project radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the lower part of the inner pipe body 221. The rib 225 may extend circumferentially along the periphery of the insertion space S. The rib 225 may have a ring shape.
[0078] The rib 225 may be positioned between the heater 131 and the metal foil 151. The rib 225 can separate the heater 131 and the metal foil 151 from each other. The rib 225 may be positioned below the heater 131. The rib 225 can support the lower end of the heater 131. The rib 225 can be supported by the upper end of the first outer pipe body 212. The rib 225 may be positioned above the metal foil 151. The rib 225 can cover and support the upper end of the metal foil 151. The metal foil 151 may be integrally formed with the inner surface of the inner pipe body 212. The metal foil 151 may be positioned below the heater 131 so as to be aligned with the heater 131. The first inner pipe bending section 222 can support the lower end of the induction coil 132.
[0079] Therefore, the heater assembly 13 and the metal foil 151 are separated from each other, preventing contact between them.
[0080] The inner pipe 22 may include an insertion portion 226. The insertion portion 226 may be formed at the lower end of the inner pipe 22. The insertion portion 226 may protrude downward from the first inner pipe bending portion 222. The insertion portion 226 may be inserted into and supported by an insertion groove 216 formed at the upper end of the second outer pipe body 212.
[0081] The heater 131 may include a heater body 1311. The heater body 1311 may have a cylindrical shape extending vertically. The inner circumferential surface of the heater body 1311 may surround the periphery of the second insertion space S2. The outer circumferential surface of the heater body 1311 may be surrounded by an air gap 24. The heater body 1311 may form the air gap 24 radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the inner pipe body 221.
[0082] The heater 131 may include a first heater bending portion 1312. The first heater bending portion 1312 may be formed at the lower end of the heater 131. The first heater bending portion 1312 may be bent radially outward from the lower end of the heater body 1311. The first heater bending portion 1312 may be inclined downward along the radially outward direction. The first heater bending portion 1312 may be supported by a rib 225. The first heater bending portion 1312 and the rib 225 may overlap in the vertical direction.
[0083] The heater 131 may include a second heater bending portion 1313. The second heater bending portion 1313 may be formed at the upper end of the heater 131. The second heater bending portion 1313 may be bent radially outward from the upper end of the heater body 1311. The second heater bending portion 1313 may be inclined upward along the radially outward direction. The second heater bending portion 1313 may be supported by a cap 23. The cap 131 and the second heater bending portion 1313 may overlap in the vertical direction.
[0084] The induction coil 132 may be formed between the inner pipe body 221, the first inner pipe bending section 222, the second inner pipe bending section 223, and the first outer pipe body 211. The induction coil 132 may be wound around the inner pipe body 221. The lower end of the induction coil 132 may be supported by the first inner pipe bending section 222. The induction coil 132 may be covered by the second inner pipe bending section 223. The first outer pipe body 211 may surround the induction coil 132. The induction coil 132 may be positioned in a location corresponding to the heater 131. The induction coil 132 can generate eddy currents in the heater 131 by inducing a magnetic field, thereby causing the heater 131 to heat up.
[0085] The air gap 24 may be formed between the heater body 1311, the first heater bending portion 1312, the second heater bending portion 1313, and the inner circumferential surface of the inner pipe body 221. The air gap 24 can surround the outer circumferential surface of the heater 131. The air gap 24 is formed as an air layer and can dissipate the heat generated from the heater 131.
[0086] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the heat generated from the heater 131 from being transferred to the outside of the pipe 20. In addition, it is possible to prevent the heat generated from the heater 131 from damaging the structure of the pipe 20.
[0087] The cap 23 may be surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the upper end of the first outer pipe body 211. The cap 23 may be positioned above the heater assembly 13 and the inner pipe 22. The inner circumferential surface of the cap 23 may surround the periphery of the insertion opening S3. The cap 23 may be coupled to the upper end of the first outer pipe body 211. The cap 23 may be fixed to the first outer pipe body 211 to support the upper end of the inner pipe 22 or the second inner pipe bending portion 223. The cap 23 may be fixed to the first outer pipe body 211 to support the upper end of the heater 131 or the second inner pipe bending portion 1313. By fixing the positions of the heater 131, the induction coil 132 and the inner pipe 22, the cap 23 can prevent the heater 131, the induction coil 132 and the inner pipe 22 from detaching from the pipe 20.
[0088] Couplers 215 and 235 can connect the cap 23 and the outer pipe 21. Couplers 215 and 235 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cap 23 and the upper end of the first outer pipe body 211. Couplers 215 and 235 may include a coupling projection 235 and a coupling groove 215. For example, the coupling projection 235 may protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the cap 23. The coupling groove 215 may be formed by opening the upper end surface of the first outer pipe body 211. The coupling projection 235 and the coupling groove 215 can be connected in a snap-fit manner.
[0089] An aerosol generating apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be manufactured by the following method. First, the metal foil 151 and the outer pipe 21 can be joined together. Here, the metal foil 151 can be integrally formed with the outer pipe 21 by methods such as injection molding. Then, the inner pipe 22 surrounded by the induction coil 132 can be inserted into the interior of the outer pipe 21. Then, the heater 131 can be inserted inside the inner pipe 22. The heater 131 and the inner pipe 22 can be inserted together into the interior of the outer pipe 21. Then, by joining the cap 23 to the outer pipe 21, the inner pipe 22, heater 131 and induction coil 132 can be fixed in place.
[0090] Therefore, the structure of the pipe 20 can be stably joined without the need for separate bonding work.
[0091] Referring to Figure 10, a cartridge 14 can be detachably coupled to one side of the body 10. The cartridge 14 may be positioned alongside the pipe 20. The cartridge 14 may be positioned parallel to the pipe 20. The body 10 may include a partition wall 102. The partition wall 102 may be formed between the pipe 20 and the cartridge 14. The partition wall 102 may extend alongside the pipe 20. The partition wall 102 may extend vertically. One side of the partition wall 102 may support one side of the pipe 20. The cartridge 14 can be coupled to the body 10 so as to face the other side of the partition wall 102. The cartridge 14 can be coupled to the partition wall 102. The other side of the partition wall 102 may support one side of the cartridge 14. The partition wall 102 can separate the pipe 20 and the cartridge 14 from each other.
[0092] The cartridge 14 may be equipped with an inlet 141 and an outlet 142. The inlet 141 may be formed on one side of the upper end of the cartridge 14. The inlet 141 may open upwards. The outlet 142 may be formed on one side of the lower part of the cartridge 14. The outlet 142 may open toward the pipe 20. The inlet 141 and the outlet 142 can communicate with each other via a cartridge flow path 143 inside the cartridge 14. When the cartridge 14 is coupled to the body 10, the outlet 142 and the inflow flow path S4 can communicate with each other. Air passing through the cartridge 14 can be discharged to the outlet 142 with an aerosol inside the cartridge 14. Therefore, when a user puts the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space S in their mouth and inhales air, the air flows from outside the cartridge 14 into the cartridge 14 through the inlet 141, then flows sequentially through the cartridge flow path 143, the outlet 142, and the inflow flow path S4, and can pass through the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space S.
[0093] The cover 103 is attached to the upper end of the body 10 and can cover the upper end of the pipe 20 or the cap 23. The cover 103 can support the pipe 20. The cover 103 can prevent the pipe 20 from detaching from the body 10. The cover 103 can form an opening corresponding to the insertion space S.
[0094] The body 10 may include an extension 105. The extension 105 may extend laterally from the upper end of the partition wall 102 so as to cover the upper end of the cartridge 14. The extension 105 may cover the inlet 141. The extension 105 can prevent external foreign matter from flowing into the inlet 141. The extension 105 may be spaced a predetermined distance above the inlet 141 to form a gap through which air can flow into the inlet 141.
[0095] The aerosol generator 100 may include a first sensor 106. The first sensor 106 may be located inside a first sensor extension 105. The first sensor 106 may be directed toward the cartridge 14. The first sensor 106 can sense whether the cartridge 14 is mounted on the body 10. For example, the first sensor 106 may be a proximity sensor. The first sensor 106 may be connected to a control unit 12 (see Figures 1 to 3). The first sensor 106 can transmit a signal to the control unit 12, which can determine whether the cartridge 14 is mounted on the body 10 based on the signal received from the first sensor 106. If the cartridge 14 is not mounted on the body 10, the control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 100 so that it does not operate. For example, if the cartridge 14 is not mounted on the body 10, the control unit 12 can control the induction coil 132 so that no current flows.
[0096] The aerosol generator 100 may include a second sensor 107. The second sensor 107 may be positioned adjacent to the inlet 141. The second sensor 107 may face the inlet 141. The second sensor 107 can sense the flow of ambient air. For example, the second sensor 107 may be an airflow sensor or a pressure sensor. The second sensor 107 can sense air flowing from the outside into the inlet 141. The second sensor 107 may be connected to a control unit 12 (see Figures 1 to 3). The second sensor 107 can transmit a signal to the control unit 12, which can determine whether air is flowing into the inlet 141 based on the signal received from the second sensor 107. If air is flowing into the inlet 141, the control unit 12 can control the induction coil 132 to flow current and the heater 131 to generate heat. When air flows into the inlet 141, the control unit 12 also heats the heater inside the cartridge 14, causing an aerosol to be generated inside the cartridge 14.
[0097] Referring to Figures 1 to 10, an aerosol generating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a pipe formed to include an insertion space, a cylindrical heater surrounding the insertion space, and an induction coil positioned relative to the heater and causing the heater to generate heat through the flow of an electric current.
[0098] According to other aspects of this disclosure, the pipe may include an inner pipe positioned between the heater and the induction coil and surrounding the outside of the heater, and an outer pipe positioned surrounding the inner pipe and the induction coil.
[0099] In other aspects of the present disclosure, the inner pipe may include: an inner pipe body extending with respect to the inner surface of the outer pipe and having its interior surrounded by the induction coil; a first inner pipe bending portion bending radially outward from the lower end of the inner pipe body and in contact with the inner surface of the outer pipe to support the lower end of the induction coil; and a second inner pipe bending portion bending radially outward from the upper end of the inner pipe body and in contact with the inner surface of the outer pipe to cover the upper end of the induction coil.
[0100] According to other aspects of this disclosure, the outer pipe can support the lower end of the inner pipe.
[0101] According to other aspects of this disclosure, the inner pipe may include ribs projecting radially inward from the bottom to support the lower end of the heater.
[0102] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus may further include a cap coupled to the outer pipe so as to be in contact with the upper end of the heater and formed to define an inlet that communicates with the insertion space.
[0103] According to other aspects of this disclosure, the cap may be coupled to the upper end of the inner pipe.
[0104] According to other aspects of this disclosure, the aerosol generating apparatus may further include a coupler connecting the cap and the outer pipe.
[0105] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the coupler may include a coupling projection protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the cap and a coupling groove formed by an opening in the upper end circumferential wall of the outer pipe into which the coupling projection is inserted to connect the cap and the outer pipe to each other.
[0106] According to other aspects of this disclosure, the heater may be positioned relative to the inner pipe to form an air gap between the heater and the inner pipe.
[0107] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the heater includes a heater body having a cylindrical shape extending with respect to the inner pipe, a first heater bending portion that is bent radially outward from the lower end of the heater body and in contact with the lower inner surface of the inner pipe, and a second heater bending portion that is bent radially outward from the upper end of the heater body and in contact with the upper inner surface of the inner pipe, wherein the air gap may be a region defined by the heater body, the first heater bending portion, the second heater bending portion, and the inner surface of the inner pipe.
[0108] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a heater having a long shape that defines an insertion space; an inner pipe located outside the heater; an induction coil located adjacent to the heater and relative to the inner pipe, which generates heat in the heater by the flow of an electric current; and an outer pipe formed to surround the inner pipe and the induction coil.
[0109] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the inner pipe may include: an inner pipe body extending toward a portion of the inner surface of the outer pipe, with a portion of its outer surface surrounded by the induction coil; a first inner pipe bending portion bending radially outward from the lower end of the inner pipe body and in contact with a portion of the inner surface of the outer pipe to support the lower end of the induction coil; and a second inner pipe bending portion bending radially outward from the upper end of the inner pipe body and in contact with a portion of the inner surface of the outer pipe to cover the upper end of the induction coil.
[0110] In other aspects of the present disclosure, the heater is positioned relative to the inner pipe and forms an air gap between the outside of the heater and the inside of the inner pipe, and the heater may include a heater body having a cylindrical shape extending relative to the inner pipe, a first heater bending portion that is bent radially outward from the lower end of the heater body and contacts a portion of the lower inner surface of the inner pipe, a second heater bending portion that is bent radially outward from the upper end of the heater body and contacts a portion of the upper inner surface of the inner pipe.
[0111] The specific or other embodiments of the above-mentioned embodiments of the present disclosure are not mutually exclusive or distinguishable. The specific or all elements of the above-mentioned embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined with or combined with other elements in terms of configuration or function.
[0112] For example, configuration A described in one embodiment of this disclosure and drawings and configuration B described in another embodiment of this disclosure and drawings can be combined with each other. That is, even if combinations between configurations are not directly described, such combinations are possible unless otherwise stated as impossible.
[0113] While the embodiments have been described above with reference to numerous exemplary examples, those skilled in the art in the field relating to the principles of this disclosure should understand that many other modifications and embodiments are possible. More specifically, a variety of modifications and variations are possible in the components and / or arrangements of the subject combinations within the scope of this disclosure, drawings, and appended claims. In addition to the modifications and variations of the components and / or arrangements, other applications will also become apparent to those skilled in the art.
Claims
1. The body is formed in a long, extended shape, A pipe is placed inside the body and forms an insertion space, A heater, which is cylindrical in shape and surrounds the insertion space, provides heat to the insertion space, The aforementioned heater is A cylindrical heater body extending alongside the aforementioned pipe, A first heater bending section is bent radially from one end of the heater body and supported by the pipe, It includes a second heater bending section that is bent radially from the other end of the heater body and supported by the pipe, An air gap is formed between the heater body and the pipe. The aforementioned pipe is It includes an inflow channel that extends along the longitudinal direction of the body and connects the insertion space with the outside of the pipe, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the heater, The aforementioned inflow channel is A first channel connected to the aforementioned insertion space, The first flow path and a second flow path connecting the outside of the pipe are included, An aerosol generating apparatus in which the diameter of the first channel is smaller than the diameter of the second channel.
2. The system further includes a third channel connecting the second channel and the outside of the body, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the third channel is smaller than the diameter of the second channel.
3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the third channel directly connects the outside of the body to the pipe.
4. A first wire wound adjacent to the outer surface of the heater, A battery built into the body provides current to the first wire, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that adjusts the current supplied from the battery to the first wire.
5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sensing circuit including a sensor located adjacent to the first heater bending portion, surrounding the insertion space, and electrically connected to the second wire.
6. The present invention further includes a cap that connects the insertion space to the outside of the body and forms an insertion opening that is connected to one end of the pipe, The aforementioned cap is cylindrical in shape, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the cap corresponds to the inner diameter of the heater.
7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the inner diameter of the cap is the same as the inner diameter of the heater, and the inner circumferential surface of the cap and the inner circumferential surface of the heater are aligned side by side.
8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the outer diameter of the first heater bending portion is larger than the inner diameter of the cap.
9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the outer diameter of the second heater bending portion corresponds to the outer diameter of the first heater bending portion.