Heater and aerosol generation device comprising same

Abstract

A heater of the present disclosure comprises: a thin film-shaped sheet which is flexible and includes a heating area; a heating element which is disposed in the heating area and receives power to generate heat; and an electrode which is electrically connected to the heating element and supplies power to the heating element, wherein the heating element may comprise a first heating wire disposed along at least a portion of the edges of the heating area and a second heating wire disposed in the region surrounded by the first heating wire.

Description

Heater and aerosol generating device including same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heater and an aerosol generating device including the same, and more particularly, to a heater including an electrical resistive heating element that generates heat by receiving power, and an aerosol generating device including the same.

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for technologies that replace the conventional method of producing aerosols by burning cigarettes. For example, research is underway into methods for producing aerosols from liquid or solid aerosol-generating substances, or for producing vapor from liquid aerosol-generating substances and then passing the vapor through a solid flavoring medium to produce a flavored aerosol.

[0003] Recently, aerosol generating devices capable of generating aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating material have been proposed as an alternative to the method of supplying aerosol by burning cigarettes. For example, an aerosol generating device may refer to a device capable of generating aerosol by heating a liquid or solid aerosol-generating material to a predetermined temperature via a heater.

[0004] An electrical resistance heater may be used as a heater for electrically heating an aerosol-generating material. The electrical resistance heater includes an electrical resistance heating element, and can heat the aerosol-generating material as current flows, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0005] An electric resistance heater includes an electrically conductive heating wire, and can be heated by the flow of current through the heating wire. However, resistance heaters containing heating wires suffer from reduced power consumption and heat generation efficiency due to overheating, and their durability is inadequate.

[0006] The problem to be solved through various embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a heater having excellent power consumption efficiency and heat generation efficiency and an aerosol generating device including the same.

[0007] Another problem to be solved through various embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a heater that prevents overheating and has improved durability, and an aerosol generating device including the same.

[0008] The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0009] A heater according to one embodiment includes a heating region, a flexible thin film-shaped sheet, a heating element disposed in the heating region and supplied with power to generate heat, and an electrode electrically connected to the heating element and supplying power to the heating element, wherein the heating element may include a first heating wire disposed along at least a portion of an edge of the heating region and a second heating wire disposed in an area surrounded by the first heating wire.

[0010] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a heater, a power source for supplying power to the heater, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the power source and the heater.

[0011] The heater and the aerosol generating device including the heater according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the power consumption efficiency and heat generation efficiency of the heater by providing a shape of a heating element in which heat generation distribution can be evenly formed.

[0012] The heater and the aerosol generating device including the same according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent overheating and improve the durability of the heater by providing a shape of the heating element that can prevent a heat bottleneck and an electronic bottleneck.

[0013] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an electrically conductive heater according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an electrically conductive heater according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an electrically conductive heater according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an electrically conductive heater according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 5 is experimental data on the heat distribution and maximum temperature according to the shape of the heating wire placed on the heater.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electrically conductive heater according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a stick heater of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0022] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a time-temperature graph according to heating of an electrically conductive heater according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] The terms used in the examples have been selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of the present invention. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on their meaning and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply their names.

[0026] When a part of the specification is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather implies the inclusion of other components, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, terms such as "-unit" and "-module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0027] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0029] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0030] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0032] Regardless of the drawing symbol, identical or similar components are given the same reference number and duplicate descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0033] An electric resistance heater includes an electrically conductive heating wire, which can be heated by the flow of current through the heating wire. However, resistance heaters that include heating wires have problems such as a shortened heater lifespan and reduced power efficiency due to overheating.

[0034] The present disclosure provides a heater and an aerosol generating device including the same, which can avoid a heat bottleneck phenomenon that may occur in an electric resistance heating wire used in an electric resistance heater and optimize power consumption by having excellent heat generation efficiency.

[0035] Fig. 1 is a drawing illustrating an electrically conductive heater according to a first embodiment. Referring to Fig. 1, the electrically conductive heater according to the first embodiment is described as follows.

[0036] According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater (10) may include a sheet (11) in the shape of a thin film including a flexible material. The sheet (11) may include an electrically insulating material. The sheet (11) may include a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may include, but is not limited to, a ceramic including alumina or zirconia, an anodized metal, a coated metal, polyimide (PI), etc.

[0037] The sheet (11) can be divided into regions. For example, some regions of the sheet (11) can be heating regions (111).

[0038] The heater (10) may include a heating element (12). The heating element (12) includes an electrically conductive resistor, and the heater (10) may be heated as current flows through the heating element (12). The heating element (12) may be supplied with power to generate heat. The heating element (12) may be electrically connected to a power source that supplies power. The heating element (12) may be supplied with power from the power source. As current flows through the heating element (12), the temperature of the heater (10) may increase, and the temperature of the heating area may increase.

[0039] The heating temperature of the heating element (12) can be determined according to the power consumption of the resistance of the heating element (12). In addition, the resistance value of the heating element (12) can be set based on the power consumption of the resistance of the heating element (12). The resistance value of the heating element (12) can be set by the constituent material, length, width, thickness, and pattern of the heating element (12). The heating element (12) can have an internal resistance that increases as the temperature increases according to the resistance temperature coefficient characteristic. For example, the temperature and the resistance value of the heating element (12) can be proportional in a predetermined temperature range.

[0040] For example, the heating element (12) may include tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the heating element (12) may be doped with a suitable doping agent and may include an alloy.

[0041] The heating element (12) may include one or more heating wires. The plurality of heating wires may be separately arranged on both sides of the sheet (11) or may be arranged together on one side. The plurality of heating wires may be arranged in different heating areas of the sheet (11) to heat the sheet (11).

[0042] The heat ray density can be defined as the area occupied by the heating element (12) within the heating area.

[0043] The heating element (12) can be electrically connected to a power source and supplied with power. Each heating element (12) can independently receive power from the power source. By independently controlling power for multiple heating elements (12), the power consumption of the heating elements (12) can be efficiently controlled.

[0044] In general, the electrically conductive heating element (12) has a lifespan, and the lifespan of the heater (10) can be determined accordingly.

[0045] As current flows through the heating element (12), the temperature of the sheet (11) may rise.

[0046] The heating temperature of the heating element (12) can be determined based on the power consumption of the resistance of the heating element (12). In addition, the resistance value of the heating element (12) can be set based on the power consumption of the resistance of the heating element (12). At this time, the resistance value of the heating element (12) can be set based on the constituent material, length, width, thickness, and pattern of the heating element (12).

[0047] The heating element (12) may include an electrically resistive material. As an example, the heating element (12) may be made of a metallic material. As another example, the heating element (12) may be made of an electrically conductive ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite material of a ceramic material and a metal.

[0048] The heating element (12) can be connected to a printed circuit board (not shown) via one or more electrodes (13). The heating element (12) can be connected to a power source (not shown) via the electrodes (13) to receive power.

[0049] Each of the plurality of heating wires included in the heating element (12) may be selectively manufactured from the same group of materials, for example, tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium, or a combination thereof. For example, the heating element (12) may include an alloy of copper and nickel. The alloy of copper and nickel may be constantan.

[0050] At least a portion of the heating element (12) may include a pattern area in which the extending direction is regularly changed.

[0051] The heating element (12) can generate heat when power is supplied and heat the sheet (11).

[0052] The sheet (11) may be a green sheet composed of a ceramic composite material. In this case, the ceramic may include compounds such as alumina and zirconia, but is not limited thereto.

[0053] The heating element (12) of the heater (10) of the first embodiment of the present disclosure can be changed so that the extending direction is close to a right angle.

[0054] The analysis of the heat generation distribution and maximum temperature of the heater (10) of the first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 5 below after describing other embodiments.

[0055] Fig. 2 is a drawing illustrating an electrically conductive heater according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 2, the electrically conductive heater according to the second embodiment is described as follows.

[0056] To avoid repetitive description, descriptions of the sheet (11), heating element (12) and electrode (13) of the heater (10) may be omitted to the extent that they overlap with the description of the first embodiment referring to FIG. 1.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 2, the heating element (12) of the heater (10) of the second embodiment may include a curved area in which the extending direction changes at a predetermined curvature.

[0058] The sheet (11) of the heater (10) of the second embodiment may have a rectangular shape in which the length in the horizontal direction (±x direction) is longer than the length in the vertical direction (±y direction) based on the state shown in FIG. 2, and the heating area (111) may also have a rectangular shape in which the length in the horizontal direction is longer than the length in the vertical direction.

[0059] The heating element (12) of the second embodiment may include a pattern region whose extension direction regularly changes. Specifically, the heating element (12) may include a pattern region that extends in a direction parallel to the vertical length of the heating region (111), but whose extension direction periodically changes by 180°. That is, the heating element (12) may include a pattern region whose extension direction changes alternately in the +y direction and the -y direction. The pattern region and the curved region may overlap. For example, when the extension direction of the heating element (12) changes from the +y direction to the -y direction, the extension direction may change while forming a predetermined curvature.

[0060] The analysis of the heat generation distribution and maximum temperature of the heater (10) of the second embodiment will be explained in more detail below by comparing it with other embodiments with reference to FIG. 5 below after explaining other embodiments.

[0061] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an electrically conductive heater according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 3, the electrically conductive heater according to the third embodiment is described as follows.

[0062] To avoid repetitive description, descriptions of the sheet (11), heating element (12) and electrode (13) of the heater (10) may be omitted to the extent that they overlap with the descriptions referring to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0063] The heating element (12) may include a first heating wire (12a) and a second heating wire (12b).

[0064] The heating element (12) of the third embodiment may, like the heating element (12) of the second embodiment, include a curved region in which the extending direction changes at a predetermined curvature. The heating element (12) of the third embodiment may include a first heating wire (12a) arranged along at least a portion of the edge of the heating region (111), and a second heating wire (12b) arranged in an area surrounded by the first heating wire (12a). Furthermore, the heating element (12) may further include one or more heating wires arranged in an area surrounded by the second heating wire (12b).

[0065] Compared to the first or second embodiment, the heating element (12) may be formed so that the area where the heating wire extends straight is relatively larger and the number of times the heating wire is bent is relatively smaller. To this end, the first heating wire (12a) of the heating element (12) may be arranged along the edge of the heating area (111). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, when the heating area (111) is a square, the first heating wire (12a) may also extend to form a part of the square. In an embodiment where the heating area (111) is a square, the first heating wire (12a) may extend corresponding to the boundary of the square forming the heating area (111).

[0066] The heating wires forming the heating element (12) of the third embodiment can form a curve with a predetermined curvature when the direction of extension changes, as in the second embodiment. The second heating wire (12b) arranged inside the first heating wire (12a) can also extend inside the first heating wire (12a) to form a portion of an imaginary square.

[0067] The second heating wire (12b) arranged inside the first heating wire (12a) of the third embodiment may be arranged similarly to the first heating wire (12a). At least a portion of the second heating wire (12b) may be spaced apart from at least a portion of the first heating wire (12a) by a certain distance and may extend in the same direction as the direction in which the first heating wire (12a) extends.

[0068] Specifically, in the left and right areas of the heating region (111) where the first heating wire (12a) extends in the vertical direction (±y) based on FIG. 3, the second heating wire (12b) is spaced apart from the first heating wire (12a) by a constant interval and can extend in the vertical direction (±y) parallel to the first heating wire (12a). And in the upper area of ​​the heating region (111) where the first heating wire (12a) extends in the horizontal direction (±x) based on FIG. 3, the second heating wire (12b) is spaced apart from the first heating wire (12a) by a constant interval and can extend in the horizontal direction (±x) parallel to the first heating wire (12a).

[0069] The sheet (11) of the heater (10) of the third embodiment may have a rectangular shape in which the length in the horizontal direction (±x) is longer than the length in the vertical direction (±y), and the heating area (111) may also have a rectangular shape in which the length in the horizontal direction is longer than the length in the vertical direction.

[0070] The heating element (12) of the third embodiment may include a pattern region in which the extending direction regularly changes. Specifically, the second heating wire (12b) of the third embodiment may include a pattern region that extends in a direction parallel to the length of the horizontal direction (±x) of the heating region (111), but in which the extending direction periodically changes by 180°. That is, the heating element (12) may include a pattern region in which the extending direction changes alternately in the +x direction and the -x direction. The pattern region and the curved region may overlap. For example, when the extending direction of the heating element (12) changes from the +x direction to the -x direction, the extending direction may change while forming a predetermined curvature.

[0071]

[0072] The length of the heating wires forming the heating element (12) of the third embodiment may be relatively longer than the length of the heating wires parallel to the horizontal direction (±x) of the rectangular heating area (111).

[0073] The analysis of the heat generation distribution and maximum temperature of the heater (10) of the third embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 5 below after describing other embodiments.

[0074] Fig. 4 is a drawing illustrating an electrically conductive heater according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The electrically conductive heater according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4 as follows.

[0075] To avoid repetitive description, descriptions of the sheet (11), heating element (12) and electrode (13) of the heater (10) are omitted to the extent that they overlap with the description of the fourth embodiment with reference to FIG. 4.

[0076] The heating element (12) of the fourth embodiment may also, like the third embodiment, include a first heating wire (12a) arranged along at least a portion of the edge of the heating area (111), and a second heating wire (12b) arranged in an area surrounded by the first heating wire (12a). Furthermore, the heating element (12) may further include one or more heating wires arranged in an area surrounded by the second heating wire (12b).

[0077] The heating element (12) of the fourth embodiment may include a first heating wire (12a) arranged along at least a portion of the edge of the heating area (111) to alleviate heat concentration. The first heating wire (12a) of the heating element (12) of the fourth embodiment may be arranged along the edge of the heating area (111).

[0078] For example, if the heating area (111) is a square, the first heating wire (12a) may also extend to form a part of the square. If the heating area (111) is a square, the first heating wire (12a) may extend to correspond to the boundary of the square forming the heating area (111).

[0079] As another example, even if the heating area (111) is a polygon other than a square, the first heating wire (12a) may extend to form a portion of the polygon. When the heating area (111) is a polygon, the first heating wire (12a) may extend to correspond to the boundary of the polygon forming the heating area (111).

[0080] As another example, if the heating area (111) is an ellipse, the first heating wire (12a) may also extend to form a portion of the ellipse. If the heating area (111) is an ellipse, the first heating wire (12a) may extend to correspond to the boundary of the ellipse forming the heating area (111).

[0081] At least a portion of the second heating wire (12b) arranged inside the first heating wire (12a) of the fourth embodiment may be similar to the arrangement of the first heating wire (12a). At least a portion of the second heating wire (12b) may be spaced apart from at least a portion of the first heating wire (12a) by a certain distance and may extend in the same direction as the direction in which the first heating wire (12a) extends.

[0082] Specifically, referring to FIG. 4, in the left and right areas of the heating region (111) where the first heating wire (12a) extends in the vertical direction (±y), a portion of the second heating wire (12b) may be spaced apart from the first heating wire (12a) by a constant interval and may extend in the vertical direction (±y) parallel to the first heating wire (12a). However, the arrangement of the first heating wire (12a) and the second heating wire (12b) is not limited thereto.

[0083] The heating element (12) of the fourth embodiment can form a curved region with a predetermined curvature when the extending direction is changed, similar to the second and third embodiments.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 4, the second heating wire (12b) arranged inside the first heating wire (12a) of the fourth embodiment may be similar to the arrangement of the heating wire of the heating element (12) of the second embodiment (see FIG. 2).

[0085] The sheet (11) of the heater (10) of the fourth embodiment may have a rectangular shape in which the length in the horizontal direction (±x) is longer than the length in the vertical direction (±y), and the heating area (111) may also have a rectangular shape in which the length in the horizontal direction is longer than the length in the vertical direction.

[0086] The heating element (12) of the fourth embodiment may include a pattern region in which the extending direction regularly changes. Specifically, the second heating wire (12b) of the fourth embodiment may include a pattern region that extends in a direction parallel to the length of the vertical direction (±y) of the heating region (111) and in which the extending direction periodically changes by 180°. That is, the heating element (12) may include a pattern region in which the extending direction alternately changes in the +y direction and the -y direction.

[0087] The second heating wire (12b) of the fourth embodiment may also include a simple straight line region in addition to the pattern region.

[0088] The pattern region and the curved region can overlap. For example, when the extension direction of the heating element (12) changes from the +y direction to the -y direction, the extension direction can change while forming a predetermined curvature. In this respect, the second heating wire of the fourth embodiment differs from the second heating wire of the third embodiment. The fourth embodiment can be viewed as an intermediate form between the second and third embodiments.

[0089] Figure 5 shows experimental data regarding the heat distribution (thermal image) and maximum temperature (°C) according to the shape of the heating wires placed on the heater. Below, with reference to Figure 5, based on the experimental results, it is explained that heating efficiency can be improved according to the electrically conductive heaters of various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0090] The thermal image (thermal image) in Fig. 5 is a photograph that visualizes infrared rays emitted by a subject using a thermal imaging camera capable of detecting infrared rays. The heat distribution (thermal image) in the table represents the relative temperature highs and lows. Specifically, the heat distribution (thermal image) is expressed in the order of purple (lowest temperature), blue, sky blue, green, yellow, orange, red, and white (highest temperature) as the temperature increases. That is, in the heat distribution (thermal image), purple and blue represent areas with relatively low temperatures, and red and white represent areas with relatively high temperatures. The highest temperature refers to the temperature of the point with the highest temperature in the white area of ​​the heat distribution (thermal image).

[0091] Through Fig. 5, the heat distribution and maximum temperature of the heating element according to the shape of each embodiment described above in Figs. 1 to 4 can be known. The shape of the heating element of the first embodiment of Fig. 5 is the shape of the heating element according to the embodiment described above with reference to Fig. 1, the shape of the heating element of the second embodiment is the shape of the heating element according to the embodiment described above with reference to Fig. 2, the shape of the heating element of the third embodiment is the shape of the heating element according to the embodiment described above with reference to Fig. 3, and the shape of the heating element of the fourth embodiment is the shape of the heating element according to the embodiment described above with reference to Fig. 4.

[0092] The heater may include a flexible, thin-film sheet having a heating area. A heating element that receives power and generates heat may be disposed in the heating area of ​​the sheet. The heating element may have a fixed shape. The heating element may include one or more heating wires, and the heating wires may have a fixed shape.

[0093] To avoid redundant descriptions below, the description of the heater of each embodiment may be replaced with the description of the heater of the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0094] In measuring the heat distribution and maximum temperature of each embodiment, all conditions other than the shape of the heating element are the same. That is, the conditions such as the material of the heating element of each embodiment, the magnitude of the current applied to the heating element, the resistance value of the heating element, the time for which the current is applied to the heating element, the area of ​​the sheet, and the thickness of the sheet are the same in all embodiments.

[0095] Below, the heat generation distribution (thermal image) and maximum temperature (°C) of each embodiment of Fig. 5 are described with reference to this. The maximum temperature (°C) is the temperature of the white area of ​​the heat generation distribution (thermal image). In the heat generation distribution of Fig. 5, when the temperature exceeds approximately 300°C, it is indicated by a white area.

[0096] According to the heat distribution of the experimental results of Example 1, the heating element according to the shape of Example 1 experiences the greatest heat concentration in the central portion of the heating element, reaching a maximum temperature of 352°C. Overall, it can be confirmed that the temperature increases toward the central portion.

[0097] In other areas, heat is generated in response to the shape of the heating element, but it can be confirmed that heat is particularly generated in areas where the direction of extension of the heating element changes, that is, areas where the heating element bends. This is because when the heating element bends, it does not form a curve, but rather changes direction abruptly, showing a shape close to a right angle. Therefore, it can be seen that electronic bottlenecks and thermal bottlenecks occur in the heating element at the bend, causing it to overheat.

[0098] In particular, in the heating element of the first embodiment, four areas where the heating element is bent at right angles are gathered in the +-shaped area in the center, and it can be confirmed that the heating concentration occurs severely in the +-shaped area in the center of the heating distribution.

[0099] Referring to the heat generation distribution and maximum temperature of the first embodiment, it can be confirmed that the more the central region where the extension direction of the heating element changes, the more heat is generated, and the less heat is generated in the region where the extension direction of the heating element does not change and continues in a straight line. Therefore, it can be seen that the closer the heating element has a shape that is bent to a right angle, the more heat is concentrated due to electronic bottlenecks and thermal bottlenecks, and the higher the possibility of overheating.

[0100] Furthermore, the heating element of the first embodiment has a relatively narrow gap between the vertically extending heating wires arranged on the left and right sides, and a small white area indicating a heat concentration can be observed in the center of the left and right sides of the heat distribution. This confirms that even in a region where the heating element extends in a straight line without changing the direction in which it extends, the narrower the gap between the heating wires forming the heating element, the higher the likelihood of excessive heat concentration.

[0101] According to the heat distribution of the experimental results of the second embodiment, it can be confirmed that the heating element according to the shape of the second embodiment, like the first embodiment, has a relatively large heat concentration in the central part of the heating element compared to other areas. However, it can be confirmed that the heating element of the second embodiment has a wider white area where heat concentration occurs compared to the heating element of the first embodiment, and the maximum temperature reaches 331°C, which is a lower temperature than the first embodiment.

[0102] The heating element of the second embodiment includes a curved region whose extension direction changes at a predetermined curvature. Referring to the heat generation distribution and maximum temperature of the second embodiment, it can be seen that when the heating element extends at a curvature, i.e., when the heating element has a curved shape, the heat generation concentration area due to the electronic bottleneck and the thermal bottleneck phenomenon is expanded, thereby alleviating the heat generation concentration, lowering the maximum temperature, and preventing overheating.

[0103] The heater sheet of the second embodiment has a rectangular shape in which the horizontal length is longer than the vertical length, and the heating region also has a rectangular shape in which the horizontal length is longer than the vertical length. The heating element of the second embodiment may include a pattern region whose extension direction regularly changes. Specifically, the heating element of the second embodiment may include a pattern region that extends in a direction parallel to the vertical length of the heating region, but whose extension direction periodically changes by 180°.

[0104] The resistance values ​​of the heating elements of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the voltage applied to each heating element are the same, the amount of current flowing to each heating element is also the same, and the total heat generation amount of each heating element is also the same. Nevertheless, the heating element of the second embodiment has a maximum temperature that is approximately 20°C lower than that of the heating element of the first embodiment. In other words, it can be seen that the heating element of the second embodiment provides the same heating performance as the heating element of the first embodiment, while the heat generation distribution is formed more evenly than that of the heating element of the first embodiment.

[0105] According to the heat generation distribution of the experimental results of the third embodiment, it can be confirmed that the heating element according to the shape of the second embodiment has the most heat generation concentrated in the central part of the heating element, similar to the first and second embodiments. However, the heating element according to the shape of the third embodiment has a wider white area where heat generation is concentrated than the heating element of the second embodiment, and reaches a maximum temperature of 313°C, which is lower than not only the first embodiment but also the second embodiment. According to the experimental results of the third embodiment, as the heat generation is concentrated in a wider area, the maximum temperature may decrease.

[0106] The heating element of the third embodiment, like the heating element of the second embodiment, includes a curved region whose extending direction changes at a predetermined curvature. As described above with reference to FIG. 3 , the heating element of the third embodiment may include a first heating wire arranged along at least a portion of an edge of a heating region, and a second heating wire arranged in an area surrounded by the first heating wire. Furthermore, the heating element may further include one or more heating wires arranged in an area surrounded by the second heating wire.

[0107] The heating element of the third embodiment has a relatively larger area in which the heating wires extend straight, and a relatively smaller number of times the heating wires are bent, compared to the first or second embodiment. To this end, the first heating wire of the heating element of the third embodiment is arranged along the edge of the heating area. If the heating area is rectangular, as in the third embodiment, the first heating wire also extends to form a part of the rectangle. In an embodiment in which the heating area is rectangular, the first heating wire may extend to correspond to the boundary of the rectangle forming the heating area. The heating wires forming the heating element of the third embodiment, like the second embodiment, form a curve with a predetermined curvature when the direction in which they extend is changed. The second heating wire inside the first heating wire also extends to form a part of the rectangle inside the first heating wire.

[0108] The second heating wire arranged inside the first heating wire of the third embodiment is similar to the arrangement of the first heating wire. The sheet of the heater of the third embodiment has a rectangular shape in which the horizontal length is longer than the vertical length, and the heating region also has a rectangular shape in which the horizontal length is longer than the vertical length. The heating element of the third embodiment may include a pattern region in which the extending direction is regularly changed. Specifically, the second heating wire of the third embodiment may include a pattern region that extends in a direction parallel to the horizontal length of the heating region, but in which the extending direction is periodically changed by 180°.

[0109] The length of the heating wires forming the heating element of the third embodiment is relatively longer than the length of the heating wires parallel to the horizontal direction in the rectangular heating region. Therefore, in the third embodiment, there is a high possibility that heat concentration will be formed between the heating wires in the horizontal direction. Since the heating region of the third embodiment has a longer horizontal length than a longer vertical length, and the proportion of the long straight heating wires parallel to the horizontal direction is large, the direction in which the heating wires extend can be changed, so that electronic bottlenecks and heating bottlenecks can occur relatively less, and overheating can be prevented.

[0110] It can be confirmed that the maximum temperature of the heat concentration area is greatly reduced to 313°C by having the heating element of the third embodiment having the above shape.

[0111] Furthermore, referring to the heat distribution, the white area, which is the heat concentration area by the heating element of the third embodiment, is formed wider than that of the first or second embodiment.

[0112] The resistance values ​​and voltages applied to the heating elements of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment are the same, the amount of current flowing to each heating element is also the same, and the total heat generation amount of each heating element is also the same. Nevertheless, the heating element of the third embodiment has a maximum temperature that is approximately 20°C lower than that of the heating element of the second embodiment. In other words, the heating element of the third embodiment can be seen to have a lower maximum temperature and alleviated heat generation concentration compared to the heating elements of the first and second embodiments while providing the same heating performance as the heating elements of the first and second embodiments.

[0113] In summary, the heating element of the third embodiment has the same total heat generation amount as the heating element of the first or second embodiment, but the heat generation concentration is alleviated by increasing the area of ​​heat generation concentration, and thus the maximum temperature is lowered.

[0114] Meanwhile, according to the heat generation distribution of the heating element according to the third embodiment, it can be confirmed that the area marked in orange is wider compared to the first or second embodiment. This heat generation distribution of the heating element of the third embodiment means that not only the maximum temperature in the center is lowered, but also the temperature of the edge area where the heating wires are formed in a straight line is lowered.

[0115] According to the experimental results of the fourth embodiment, the heating element according to the shape of the fourth embodiment reaches a maximum temperature of 298°C, which is lower than that of the third embodiment.

[0116] The heating element of the fourth embodiment may also include, similarly to the third embodiment, a first heating wire positioned along at least a portion of the edge of the heating region, and a second heating wire positioned in an area surrounded by the first heating wire. Furthermore, the heating element may further include one or more heating wires positioned in an area surrounded by the second heating wire.

[0117] The heating element of the fourth embodiment, like the third embodiment, has its first heating wire positioned along the edge of the heating area. If the heating area is rectangular like the third embodiment, the first heating wire also extends to form part of the rectangle.

[0118] According to the fourth embodiment, the heating element may include a first heating wire positioned along at least a portion of the edge of the heating area to alleviate heat concentration. In an embodiment in which the heating area is rectangular, the first heating wire may extend corresponding to the boundary of the rectangle forming the heating area.

[0119] The heating wire of the fourth embodiment forms a curved area with a predetermined curvature when the direction of extension is changed, similar to the second and third embodiments.

[0120] The second heating wire arranged inside the first heating wire of the fourth embodiment may be similar to the arrangement of the heating wires of the heating element of the second embodiment. The sheet of the heater of the fourth embodiment has a rectangular shape in which the horizontal length is longer than the vertical length, and the heating region also has a rectangular shape in which the horizontal length is longer than the vertical length. The heating element of the fourth embodiment may include a pattern region in which the extending direction is regularly changed. Specifically, the second heating wire of the fourth embodiment may include a pattern region that extends in a direction parallel to the vertical length of the heating region, but in which the extending direction is periodically changed by 180°. In this respect, the second heating wire of the fourth embodiment differs from the second heating wire of the third embodiment. The fourth embodiment can be viewed as an intermediate form between the second and third embodiments.

[0121] In summary, the heating element of the fourth embodiment has the same total heat generation amount as the heating element of the first, second or third embodiments, but the area of ​​the heat generation concentration region is expanded, so that the heat generation concentration is alleviated, and accordingly, the maximum temperature is lowered.

[0122] Meanwhile, according to the heat generation distribution of the heating element according to the fourth embodiment, it can be confirmed that the area marked in orange is narrower and the area marked in red is relatively wider compared to the third embodiment. This heat generation distribution of the heating element of the 34th embodiment means that the maximum temperature of the center where the vertically extending pattern is formed is lowered, but the temperature of the overall heating part is appropriately maintained as necessary for heating. That is, according to the fourth embodiment, compared to the third embodiment, the heating performance for the edge area is sufficiently maintained while the maximum temperature of the center is lowered, and the heat generation temperature of the entire area can be appropriately distributed.

[0123] In summary, the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and the fourth embodiment of FIG. 5 are all the same conditions except for the shape of the heating element. The heating element according to the shape of the first embodiment has the narrowest heating concentration area and records the highest maximum temperature, and the heating element according to the shape of the fourth embodiment has a relatively wide heating concentration area and the lowest maximum temperature compared to the other embodiments, but the heating temperature can be appropriately distributed.

[0124] Meanwhile, the heating elements of the second, third, and fourth embodiments are illustrated as having a predetermined curvature in all areas where the direction of extension changes. However, the heating elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited to this shape. According to the present disclosure, if some areas where the direction of extension of the heating element changes as needed have a predetermined curvature, and other areas change in a direction that is close to a right angle, they may also be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0125] For example, some areas of a heating element placed in an area where excessive heat concentration occurs may have a curved shape extending in a curvature, while conversely, some areas of a heating element placed in an area where heating is insufficient may have their extension direction changed to a right angle to secure the necessary heat generation. Such a design may be achieved through experimentation. A design method for such a heating element may also be included within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0126] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electrically conductive heater according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 6, the electrically conductive heater according to one embodiment is described as follows.

[0127] The sheet (11) may include a structure in which two components are laminated. For example, the sheet (11) may include a structure in which a first sheet (11a) and a second sheet (11b) in a thin film shape are laminated.

[0128] The heater (10) may include a heating element (12). The heating element (12) may be arranged inside the sheet (11). The heater (10) may include a structure in which a first sheet (11a), a heating element (12), and a second sheet (11b) are laminated. For example, the heating element (12) may be arranged in the space between the first sheet (11a) and the second sheet (11b) of the sheet (11), but the arrangement of the heating element (12) and the sheet (11) is not limited thereto.

[0129] The sheet (11) can protect the heating element (12) placed inside the sheet (11) from external impact. The sheet (11) can be coated with glaze to improve durability. For example, a coating layer (14) can be applied to at least a portion of the sheet (11).

[0130] The coating layer (14) may include a heat-resistant composition. For example, the coating layer (14) may include, but is not limited to, a single coating layer of a glass film coating layer, a Teflon coating layer, and a Dermolon coating layer. In addition, the coating layer (14) may include, but is not limited to, a composite coating layer composed of a combination of two or more of a glass film coating layer, a Teflon coating layer, and a Dermolon coating layer.

[0131] The coating layer (14) can increase the durability and rigidity of the sheet (11). As the coating layer (14) is provided, the stepped surface formed by the laminated structure including the first sheet (11a), the heating element (12), and the second sheet (11b) can be flattened.

[0132] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment is described as follows.

[0133] The aerosol generating device (100) may include a heater (10), a power source (20), and a control unit (30). The heater (10) may be the heater (10) described above, including with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 , but is not limited thereto. The power source (20) may supply power to components of the aerosol generating device (100), such as the heater (10). The control unit (30) may control the operation of components of the aerosol generating device (100), such as the heater (10), and the power source (20).

[0134] An aerosol generating article (200) can be detachably coupled to an aerosol generating device (100). The aerosol generating article (200) includes an aerosol generating material, and when the aerosol generating material is heated by a heater (10), an aerosol can be generated.

[0135] The heater (10) may be electrically connected to a power source (20). The heater (10) may receive power from the power source (20). As current flows through the heater (10), the temperature of the aerosol generating article (200) may rise, and an aerosol may be generated. The heater for heating the aerosol generating article (200) may be referred to as a stick heater (10a).

[0136] An aerosol generating device (100) may be detachably coupled to a cartridge (300). The cartridge (300) may include an aerosol generating substance. The aerosol generating substance may be stored in a storage tank (310). The heater (10) may be configured to heat the aerosol generating substance contained in the cartridge (300). The heater (10) for heating the cartridge (300) may be referred to as a cartridge heater (10b).

[0137] The aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge (300) may be a liquid. The aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge (300) may be absorbed by a liquid delivery means (not shown) and heated by a cartridge heater (10b). The liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0138] The cartridge heater (10b) may be formed as a coil-shaped structure that winds around the liquid delivery means or as a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means. When the liquid delivery means is heated by the cartridge heater (10b), an aerosol may be generated. Specifically, the sheet of the cartridge heater (10b) may contact at least a portion of the outer surface of the liquid delivery means.

[0139] Fig. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a stick heater of the aerosol generating device illustrated in Fig. 7. Referring to Fig. 8, a stick heater according to one embodiment is described as follows.

[0140] The stick heater (10a) may be similar to the heater (10) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. Therefore, to avoid repetitive description, the description of the sheet (11), heating element (12), and electrode (13) of the stick heater (10a) may be omitted to the extent that it overlaps with the description with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0141] A flexible thin film sheet (11) can be bent. A heating element (12) disposed on the sheet (11) can also be bent. That is, the stick heater (10a) can be bent as a whole. The sheet (11) can form a curved surface. A space for heating can be formed inside the sheet (11).

[0142] At least a portion of an aerosol generating article (200) can be accommodated on the inner side of a curved surface formed of a sheet (11). The stick heater (10a) can be configured to transfer heat to the aerosol generating article (200). For example, the sheet (11) can receive heat from a heating element (12) and transfer it to the aerosol generating article (200). The stick heater (10a) bent into a curved shape can surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (200) and heat the outer side of the aerosol generating article (200). The heated aerosol generating article (200) can generate an aerosol. In FIG. 8, the direction in which the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating article (200) by the stick heater (10a) is generated is illustrated by several arrows. However, this is merely exemplary, and the direction in which the aerosol is generated is not limited thereto.

[0143] The heating element (12) may have an internal resistance that increases as the temperature increases, depending on its resistance temperature coefficient characteristics. For example, the temperature and resistance of the heating element (12) may be proportional within a given temperature range. In other words, the heating element (12) may be a type of variable resistor whose resistance changes depending on the temperature. Accordingly, the heating element (12) may function as a temperature sensor that provides information about temperature.

[0144] For example, a predetermined voltage may be applied to the heating element (12), and the current flowing through the heating element (12) may be measured through a current detector. In addition, the resistance of the heating element (12) may be calculated through the ratio of the measured current and the applied voltage. Based on the calculated resistance, the temperature of the heating element (12) or the sheet (11) may be estimated according to the resistance temperature coefficient characteristics of the heating element (12).

[0145] The heating element (12) may include a first heating wire and a second heating wire. According to the present disclosure, either the first heating wire or the second heating wire may be utilized as a temperature sensor. For example, when heating the sheet (11) with the first heating wire, the second heating wire may be utilized as a temperature sensor. As another example, when heating the sheet (11) with the second heating wire, the first heating wire may be utilized as a temperature sensor. The control unit may calculate information regarding temperature based on the amount of current flowing in the first heating wire and / or the second heating wire. The control unit may control the overall operation of the configuration of the aerosol generating device based on the information regarding temperature as described above.

[0146] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 9, the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment is described as follows.

[0147] To avoid repetitive description, the description of the aerosol generating device (100) may be omitted to the extent that it overlaps with the description referring to FIG. 6.

[0148] The aerosol generating device (100) may include a heater (10), a power source (20), and a control unit (30). The heater (10) may be the heater (10) described above, including with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 , but is not limited thereto. The power source (20) may supply power to components of the aerosol generating device (100), such as the heater (10). The control unit (30) may control the operation of components of the aerosol generating device (100), such as the heater (10), and the power source (20).

[0149] An aerosol generating article (200) can be detachably coupled to an aerosol generating device (100). The aerosol generating article (200) includes an aerosol generating material, and when the aerosol generating material is heated by a heater (10), an aerosol can be generated.

[0150] The heater (10) can be electrically connected to a power source (20). The heater (10) can be supplied with power from the power source (20). As current flows through the heater (10), the temperature of the aerosol generating article (200) can rise, and an aerosol can be generated.

[0151] The heater (10) may include a heating portion (15). The heating portion (15) may include a base portion and a needle attachment portion. For example, the base portion of the heating portion (15) may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the needle attachment portion may be formed in a conical shape, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the needle attachment portion of the heating portion (15) may be formed at one end of the base portion to facilitate insertion into the aerosol generating article (200). In this case, the base portion and the needle attachment portion may be formed as one piece. Alternatively, the base portion and the needle attachment portion may be manufactured separately and then joined.

[0152] The heating element (15) may include a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may include, but is not limited to, ceramics including alumina or zirconia, anodized metals, coated metals, polyimide (PI), etc.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the sheet (11) of the heater (10) can surround at least a portion of the heating portion (15). For example, the sheet (11) can surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the base of the heating portion (15). The sheet (11) can form a curved surface surrounding the outer surface of the heating portion (15).

[0154] When the aerosol generating article (200) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (100), a portion of the aerosol generating article (200) may be placed on the outside of a curved surface formed of a sheet (11) surrounding a heating portion (15). The sheet (11) may be inserted into at least a portion of the inside of the aerosol generating article (200) to heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (200) to generate an aerosol.

[0155] Fig. 10 is a time-temperature graph according to heating of an electrically conductive heater according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 10, an electrically conductive heater according to one embodiment is described as follows.

[0156] The time-temperature graph of Fig. 10 may be a time-temperature graph according to heating of one of the heaters described with reference to Figs. 1 to 9. It may be a time-temperature graph according to heating of a specific region of the heating element of one of the heaters described with reference to Figs. 1 to 9.

[0157] The critical temperature represents the temperature at which the durability of the heater may be compromised.

[0158] For example, T1 may be, but is not limited to, a modification of a time-temperature graph according to heating of a heater described with reference to FIG. 1. And T2 may be, but is not limited to, a modification of a time-temperature graph according to heating of any one of the heaters described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0159] If the heating element exhibits a change in the time-temperature graph, such as T1, as it heats, significant problems with the heater's durability may arise. For example, the critical temperature may be the temperature at which the sheet begins to melt (the melting point). Another example may be the temperature at which the sheet begins to burn. Another example may be the temperature at which the battery begins to overheat.

[0160] For example, if the sheet of the heating element is a material that melts at 300°C, the critical temperature may be 300°C.

[0161] As experimentally described with reference to Fig. 5 above, the first, second, and third embodiments can represent the modification of T1, and the fourth embodiment can represent the modification of T2. Therefore, when the sheet of the heating element is melted at 300°C, the durability of the heater can be improved by using the heater of the fourth embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0162] As another example, if the sheet of the heating element is a material that melts at 320°C, the critical temperature may be 320°C.

[0163] As experimentally described with reference to Fig. 5 above, the first and second embodiments can represent the modification of T1, and the third and fourth embodiments can represent the modification of T2. Therefore, when the sheet of the heating element is melted at 320°C, the durability of the heater can be improved by using the heater of the third embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3 or the heater of the fourth embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0164] When the same power is applied to a heating element for the same period of time, the total heat generation amount may be the same when the heating element is heated to form a temperature-time profile of T1 and when the heating element forms a temperature-time profile of T2. However, the highest temperature of the heating element when the heating element is heated to form a temperature-time profile of T2 may be lower than the highest temperature of the heating element when the heating element forms a temperature-time profile of T1. In other words, a heating element when the heating element forms a temperature-time profile of T2 has an advantage over a heating element when the heating element forms a temperature-time profile of T1 in that it can be heated below the melting point of the sheet while maintaining the heat generation amount.

[0165] Fig. 11 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0166] The aerosol generating device (100) may include a heater (10), a power source (20), a control unit (30), a sensor (50), an output unit (60), an input unit (70), a communication unit (80), and a memory (90). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (100) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 11. That is, a person skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that some of the components illustrated in FIG. 11 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (100).

[0167] The sensor (50) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (100) or the status around the aerosol generating device (100) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (30). Based on the detected information, the control unit (30) can control the aerosol generating device (100) so that various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater (10), restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating product and / or cartridge is inserted, and displaying a notification are performed.

[0168] The sensor (50) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (51), a puff sensor (52), an insertion detection sensor (53), a reuse detection sensor (54), a cartridge detection sensor (55), a cap detection sensor (56), and a movement detection sensor (57).

[0169] The temperature sensor (51) can detect the temperature at which the heater (10) is heated. The aerosol generating device (100) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater (10), or the heater (10) itself may serve as a temperature sensor.

[0170] The temperature sensor (51) can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the heater (10). For example, the temperature sensor (51) can include a resistance element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in the temperature of the heater (10). The resistance element can be implemented by a thermistor, which is an element that uses the property of changing resistance depending on temperature. At this time, the temperature sensor (51) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the heater (10). For example, the temperature sensor (51) can be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater (10). At this time, the temperature sensor (51) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater (10) as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the heater (10).

[0171] A temperature sensor (51) may be placed around the power source (20) to monitor the temperature of the power source (20). The temperature sensor (51) may be placed adjacent to the power source (20). For example, the temperature sensor (51) may be attached to one side of a battery, which is the power source (20). For example, the temperature sensor (51) may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0172] A temperature sensor (51) is placed inside the body and can detect the internal temperature of the body.

[0173] The puff sensor (52) can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor (52) can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor (52) can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor (52) can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (100) can correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor (52) can be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device (100).

[0174] The insertion detection sensor (53) can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor (53) can detect a signal change according to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor (53) can be installed around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor (53) can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article according to a change in the permittivity inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor (53) can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0175] An inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be positioned adjacent to an insertion space. For example, when a magnetic field changes around a current-flowing coil, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0176] An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0177] A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic properties of the surroundings, for example, the electrostatic capacitance around the conductor. For example, when an aerosol-generating article including a metallic wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic properties around the conductor may be changed by the wrapper of the aerosol-generating article.

[0178] A reuse detection sensor (54) can detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused. The reuse detection sensor (54) may be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the aerosol-generating article. The color sensor can detect the color of a portion of a wrapper that wraps the outside of the aerosol-generating article. The color sensor can detect a value for an optical characteristic corresponding to the color of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic may be a wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a single component with the proximity sensor, or may be implemented as a separate component distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0179] At least some of the wrappers constituting the aerosol-generating article may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor (54) may be positioned in response to a position where at least some of the wrappers that change color due to the aerosol are disposed when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be a first color. At this time, as at least some of the wrappers are wetted by the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device (100) while passing through the aerosol-generating article, the color of at least some of the wrappers may change to a second color. Meanwhile, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be maintained at the second color after changing from the first color to the second color.

[0180] The cartridge detection sensor (55) can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cartridge. The cartridge detection sensor (55) can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

[0181] The cap detection sensor (56) can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. If the cap is separated from the body, the cartridge and part of the body covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor (56) can be implemented by a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0182] A motion detection sensor (57) can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device. The motion detection sensor (57) can be implemented with at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0183] In addition to the sensors described above, the sensor (50) may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0184] The output unit (60) can output information on the status of the aerosol generating device (100) and provide it to the user. The output unit (60) may include at least one of a display (61), a haptic unit (62), and an audio output unit (63), but is not limited thereto. When the display (61) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display (61) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0185] The display (61) can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (100) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (100) can mean various information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply (20) of the aerosol generating device (100), the preheating status of the heater (10), the insertion / removal status of the aerosol generating product and / or cartridge, the mounting / removal status of the cap, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (100) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal product), and the display (61) can output the above information to the outside. For example, the display (61) can be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display (61) can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0186] The haptic unit (62) can provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device (100) to the user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, the haptic unit (62) can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of the initial preheating when initial power is supplied to the heater (10) for a set period of time. The haptic unit (62) can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0187] The acoustic output unit (63) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (100) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (63) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0188] The power source (20) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (100). The power source (20) can supply power so that the heater (10) can be heated. In addition, the power source (20) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device (100), such as a sensor (50), an output unit (60), an input unit (70), a communication unit (80), and a memory (90). The power source (20) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (20) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0189] Although not shown in FIG. 11, the aerosol generating device (100) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power source (20) and include a switching element.

[0190] The power protection circuit can block the power supply (20) according to certain conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (20) when the voltage level of the power supply (20) is higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (20) when the voltage level of the power supply (20) is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.

[0191] The heater (10) can receive power from the power source (20) to heat the medium or aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating article. Although not illustrated in FIG. 11, the aerosol generating device (100) may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the power source (20) and supplies it to the heater (10). In addition, when the aerosol generating device (100) generates the aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device (100) may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the direct current power of the power source (20) into alternating current power.

[0192] The control unit (30), sensor (50), output unit (60), input unit (70), communication unit (80), and memory (90) can receive power from the power source (20) and perform their functions. Although not illustrated in FIG. 11, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the power source (20) and supplies it to each component. In addition, although not illustrated in FIG. 11, a noise filter may be provided between the power source (20) and the heater (10). The noise filter may be a low pass filter. The low pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high frequency switching current applied from the power source (20) to the heater (10). The low pass filter can prevent high frequency noise components from being applied to a sensor (50), such as an insertion detection sensor (53).

[0193] In one embodiment, the heater (10) may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like. In addition, the heater (10) may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, and the like.

[0194] The input unit (70) can receive information input from a user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit (70) can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor that detects touch. For example, the touch sensor can include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc.

[0195] The display (61) and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display (61) (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added-on to the display (61) panel.

[0196] Meanwhile, the input unit (70) may include, but is not limited to, buttons, key pads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0197] The memory (90) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (100), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (30). The memory (90) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory (90) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (100), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0198] The communication unit (80) may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit (80) may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0199] The short-range wireless communication unit 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, an UWB (ultra-wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0200] The wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0201] Although not shown in FIG. 11, the aerosol generating device (100) further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can transmit and receive information or charge a power source (20) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface such as a USB interface.

[0202] The control unit (30) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (100). In one embodiment, the control unit (30) can include at least one processor. The processor can be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that the processor can be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0203] The control unit (30) can control the temperature of the heater (10) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (20) to the heater (10). The control unit (30) can control the temperature of the heater (10) based on the temperature of the heater (10) sensed by the temperature sensor (51). The control unit (30) can adjust the power supplied to the heater (10) based on the temperature of the heater (10). For example, the control unit (30) can determine a target temperature for the heater (10) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (90).

[0204] The aerosol generating device (100) may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply (20) between the power supply (20) and the heater (10). The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the heater (10). The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit (30) may control the power supply circuit.

[0205] The control unit (30) can control power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts direct current power output from the power source (20) into alternating current power. For example, the inverter may be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

[0206] The control unit (30) can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied to the heater (10) from the power source (20). The control unit (30) can turn off the switching element so that power supply to the heater (10) is cut off. The control unit (30) can control the current supplied from the power source (20) by controlling the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0207] The control unit (30) can control the voltage output from the power source (20) by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power source (20). For example, the power conversion circuit can include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power source (20). For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a zener diode, etc.

[0208] The control unit (30) can control the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. When the on state of the switching element continues, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power source (20). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power source (20) to the voltage output from the power source. As the duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The heater (10) can be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0209] The control unit (30) can control power to be supplied to the heater (10) using at least one of the pulse width modulation (PWM) method and the proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0210] For example, the control unit (30) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (10) using the PWM method. The control unit (30) can control the power supplied to the heater (10) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0211] For example, the control unit (30) can determine a target temperature that is the target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (30) can control the power supplied to the heater (10) by using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the heater (10) and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0212] The control unit (30) can prevent the heater (10) from overheating. For example, the control unit (30) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the supply of power to the heater (10) is cut off based on the temperature of the heater (10) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (30) can reduce the amount of power supplied to the heater (10) by a certain percentage based on the temperature of the heater (10) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (30) can determine that the aerosol generating substance contained in the cartridge is exhausted based on the temperature of the heater (10) exceeding the limit temperature, and can cut off the supply of power to the heater (10).

[0213] The control unit (30) can control the charging and discharging of the power source (20). The control unit (30) can check the temperature of the power source (20) based on the output signal of the temperature sensor (51).

[0214] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device (100), the control unit (30) can check whether the temperature of the power source (20) is equal to or higher than the first limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking charging of the power source (20). When the temperature of the power source (20) is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit (30) can control the power source (20) to be charged based on a preset charging current. When the temperature of the power source (20) is equal to or higher than the first limit temperature, the control unit (30) can block charging of the power source (20).

[0215] When the power of the aerosol generating device (100) is turned on, the control unit (30) can check whether the temperature of the power source (20) is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking discharge of the power source (20). If the temperature of the power source (20) is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit (30) can control to use the power stored in the power source (20). If the temperature of the power source (20) is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature, the control unit (30) can stop using the power stored in the power source (20).

[0216] The control unit (30) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (20). For example, the control unit (30) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (20) based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (20).

[0217] The control unit (30) can determine whether an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (53). The control unit (30) can determine that an aerosol-generating article is inserted based on an output signal of the insertion detection sensor (53). If it is determined that an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit (30) can control the heater (10) to supply power. For example, the control unit (30) can supply power to the heater (10) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (90).

[0218] The control unit (30) can determine whether an aerosol-generating article is removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit (30) can determine whether an aerosol-generating article is removed from the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (53). For example, the control unit (30) can determine that an aerosol-generating article is removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (10) is higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater (10) is higher than a set slope. When it is determined that an aerosol-generating article is removed from the insertion space, the control unit (30) can cut off the power supply to the heater (10).

[0219] The control unit (30) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (10) according to the state of the aerosol-generating article detected by the sensor (50). The control unit (30) can identify a level range within which the signal level of the capacitance sensor is included based on a lookup table. The control unit (30) can determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article according to the identified level range.

[0220] When the aerosol generating article is in a hyper-humidified state, the control unit (30) can control the power supply time to the heater (10) to increase the preheating time of the aerosol generating article compared to the normal state.

[0221] The control unit (30) can determine whether an aerosol-generating article inserted into an insertion space has been reused through a reuse detection sensor (54). For example, the control unit (30) can compare a sensing value of a signal of the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range that includes a first color, and if the sensing value is included in the first reference range, it can determine that the aerosol-generating article has not been used. For example, the control unit (30) can compare a sensing value of a signal of the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range that includes a second color, and if the sensing value is included in the second reference range, it can determine that the aerosol-generating article has been used. If it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been used, the control unit (30) can cut off the supply of power to the heater (10).

[0222] The control unit (30) can determine whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed through the cartridge detection sensor (55). For example, the control unit (30) can determine whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

[0223] The control unit (30) can determine whether the aerosol generating substance in the cartridge is exhausted. For example, the control unit (30) can preheat the heater (10) by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the heater (10) exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the heater (10) exceeds the limit temperature, the control unit (30) can determine that the aerosol generating substance in the cartridge is exhausted. If the control unit (30) determines that the aerosol generating substance in the cartridge is exhausted, the control unit (30) can cut off the power supply to the heater (10).

[0224] The control unit (30) can determine whether the cartridge is usable. For example, the control unit (30) can determine that the cartridge is unusable if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge based on data stored in the memory (90). For example, the control unit (30) can determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time that the heater (10) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater (10) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power.

[0225] The control unit (30) can make a judgment regarding the user's inhalation through the puff sensor (52). For example, the control unit (30) can determine whether a puff has been generated based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor. For example, the control unit (30) can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor (52). If the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or if no puffs are detected for a preset time or longer, the control unit (30) can cut off the power supply to the heater (10).

[0226] The control unit (30) can determine whether the cap is engaged and / or removed through the cap detection sensor (56). For example, the control unit (30) can determine whether the cap is engaged and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

[0227] The control unit (30) can control the output unit (60) based on the result detected by the sensor (50). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (52) reaches a preset number, the control unit (30) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (100) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display (61), the haptic unit (62), and the audio output unit (63). For example, the control unit (30) can notify the user through the output unit (60) based on a determination that no aerosol generating product exists in the insertion space. For example, the control unit (30) can notify the user through the output unit (60) based on a determination that a cartridge and / or cap is not mounted. For example, the control unit (30) can transmit information about the temperature of the heater (10) to the user through the output unit (60).

[0228] The control unit (30) can store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory (90) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The event may include operations performed in the aerosol generating device (100), such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating article, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the heater (10), detection of overvoltage application to the heater (10), termination of heating of the aerosol generating article, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (100), initiation of charging of the power source (20), detection of overcharge of the power source (20), termination of charging of the power source (20), etc. The history of the event may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on a sensing value of the insertion detection sensor (53), etc. For example, if a given event is overheating detection of a heater (10), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the heater (10), the voltage applied to the heater (10), the current flowing through the heater (10), etc.

[0229] The control unit (30) can control to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving data regarding authentication from the external device through the communication link, the control unit (30) can release restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (100). Here, the data regarding authentication can include data indicating completion of user authentication for a user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, etc., and can receive data regarding the use authority of the aerosol generating device (100) from an external server. The external device can transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generating device (100) based on the data regarding the use authority. When the user authentication is completed, the control unit (30) can release restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (100). For example, the control unit (30) can release the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater (10) when user authentication is completed.

[0230] The control unit (30) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (100) to the external device through a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the power supply (20) of the aerosol generating device (100), the operation mode, etc. through the display of the external device.

[0231] An external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generating device (100) based on an input that initiates location search of the aerosol generating device (100). When receiving a location search request from the external device, the control unit (30) may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, in response to the location search request, the haptic unit (62) may generate vibration. For example, in response to the location search request, the display (61) may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0232] The control unit (30) can control to perform a firmware update when receiving firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device (100) and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. When an input requesting firmware download is received, the external device can receive a new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generating device (100). The control unit (30) can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generating device (100) upon receiving a new version of the firmware data.

[0233] The control unit (30) can transmit data on the sensing value of at least one sensor (50) to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit (80), and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. The control unit (30) can perform an operation of determining a user's inhalation pattern, an operation of generating a temperature profile, etc. using the learning model received from the server. The control unit (30) can store, in the memory (90), the sensing value data of at least one sensor (50) and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN). For example, the memory (90) can store a database for each component provided in the aerosol generating device (100) for learning an artificial neural network (ANN), and weights and biases forming an artificial neural network (ANN) structure. The control unit (30) can learn data on the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor (50), the user's suction pattern, the temperature profile, etc. stored in the memory (90), and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's suction pattern, generating the temperature profile, etc.

[0234] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0235] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0236] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sheet having a thin film shape and flexibility, including a heating area; A heating element placed in the above heating area and supplied with power to generate heat; and An electrode electrically connected to the heating element and supplying power to the heating element; A heater, wherein the heating element comprises a first heating wire arranged along at least a portion of an edge of the heating area and a second heating wire arranged in an area surrounded by the first heating wire.

2. In paragraph 1, A heater wherein the heating element further includes a curved region in which the extending direction changes at a predetermined curvature.

3. In paragraph 1, The above heating area forms a square, A heater wherein the first heating wire extends corresponding to the boundary of the square of the heating area.

4. In paragraph 1, A heater wherein at least a portion of the second heating wire is spaced apart from at least a portion of the first heating wire by a constant interval and extends in the same direction as the direction in which the first heating wire extends.

5. In paragraph 1, A heater, wherein the heating element further includes one or more heating wires arranged in an area surrounded by the second heating wires.

6. In paragraph 1, A heater wherein the heating element further includes a pattern region in which the extending direction is regularly changed.

7. In paragraph 1, The above sheet includes a first sheet and a second sheet in the shape of a thin film, The above heating element is a heater that is placed in the space between the first sheet and the second sheet.

8. In paragraph 1, A heater further comprising a coating layer applied to at least a portion of the sheet.

9. In paragraph 1, The above sheet is a heater having a curved surface and a space for heating formed inside.

10. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a liquid delivery means capable of absorbing liquid; A heater in which the sheet contacts at least a portion of the outer surface of the liquid transfer means.

11. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a heating unit including a cylindrical base and a cone-shaped needle tip disposed at one end of the base; The above sheet is a heater that wraps at least a portion of the outer surface of the heating part.

12. In paragraph 1, A heater wherein the above heating element further comprises an alloy of copper and nickel.

13. In paragraph 1, The above sheet is a heater comprising an electrically insulating material.

14. A heater according to any one of the preceding clauses; A power source supplying power to the above heater; and An aerosol generating device, comprising a control unit that controls the operation of the power source and the heater.

15. In paragraph 14, An aerosol generating device wherein the control unit calculates information about temperature based on the amount of current flowing in the first heating wire or the second heating wire.

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