Heater module and aerosol-generating device comprising same

Abstract

The present invention can provide a heater module for heating an aerosol-generating material, the heater module comprising: a heater body; a heater which is disposed inside the heater body, and which is for heating the aerosol-generating material transferred from a cartridge; and a heater upper sealing-member disposed at the upper side of the heater body, wherein a portion of the heater is exposed to the upper side of the heater upper sealing-member.

Description

Heater module and aerosol generating device including the same

[0001] It relates to a heater module and an aerosol generating device including the same.

[0002] The aerosol generator comprises a cartridge containing a liquid reservoir containing an aerosol-generating substance and a heater. The cartridge is detachably connected to the aerosol generator. Power is transmitted from the aerosol generator to the cartridge. The aerosol-generating substance contained in the cartridge is then heated by the heater.

[0003] Once the aerosol-generating agent stored in the cartridge is exhausted, the cartridge can be replaced. However, since the heater's lifespan typically exceeds the aerosol-generating agent's lifespan, the heater may be replaced unnecessarily despite remaining usable.

[0004] Accordingly, the present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problem, and its purpose is to provide a heater module capable of promoting reuse of the heater by separating the heater from the cartridge, and an aerosol generating device including the same.

[0005] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0006] A heater module for heating an aerosol generating material, comprising a heater body, a heater disposed inside the heater body and for heating the aerosol generating material delivered from a cartridge, and a heater upper sealing member disposed on an upper side of the heater body, wherein a part of the heater is exposed to an upper side of the heater upper sealing member, can be provided.

[0007] The heater control unit may further include a counting unit for counting the number of puffs.

[0008] The heater control unit further includes a switch that is turned on and off by an external force, and a portion of the terminal portion of the switch can be exposed to the outside of the heater body.

[0009] The terminal portion of the switch includes a first terminal connected to the heater control unit, a second terminal connected to the heater control unit but spaced apart from the first terminal, and a switching terminal connected to the first terminal, wherein one end of the switching terminal is connected to the first terminal and the other end is spaced apart from the second terminal, and the other end can be positioned to come into contact with the second terminal by being elastically deformed by an external force.

[0010] The above switching terminal may include a receiving portion that is arranged horizontally and receives external force in the vertical direction.

[0011] The heater upper sealing member may include a side wall forming an accommodation space on the inside, a through hole arranged on the inside of the side wall to connect the upper and lower sides of the heater upper sealing member, and a first conduit arranged on the inside of the side wall to connect the upper and lower sides of the heater upper sealing member.

[0012] The heater further includes a heater control unit, wherein the heater control unit includes a switch that is turned on and off by an external force, a part of a terminal portion of the switch is exposed to the outside of the heater body, and the heater upper sealing member includes a switch hole that is arranged on the outside of the side wall, and the switch hole can be aligned with the terminal portion of the switch.

[0013] A first heater holder and a second heater holder are disposed with the heater interposed therebetween, and the first heater holder includes a through hole connecting the upper and lower sides of the first heater holder, and a second conduit connecting the upper and lower sides of the first heater holder, and the through hole of the upper sealing member of the heater and the through hole of the first heater holder are arranged in alignment, and the first conduit and the second conduit can be arranged in alignment.

[0014] The second holder includes a receiving groove for receiving the heater, and is made of an elastically deformable material and can surround the heater.

[0015] The heater further includes a heater housing disposed inside the heater body and disposed outside the first heater holder and the second heater holder, and a heater cover coupled to the upper side of the heater body, wherein the heater upper sealing member is disposed to surround the upper part of the heater housing so as to seal a space between the heater cover and the heater housing.

[0016] The heater further includes a lower sealing member arranged to surround the lower portion of the heater housing, and the lower sealing member can seal between the main body and the heater housing.

[0017] An embodiment may provide an aerosol generating device including a main body, a heater module detachably coupled to the main body and including a heater for heating an aerosol generating substance, and a cartridge detachably coupled to the main body and containing the aerosol generating substance to be delivered to the heater, wherein the heater module includes a heater main body and a heater disposed inside the heater main body for heating the aerosol generating substance delivered from the cartridge, and a heater upper sealing member disposed on an upper side of the heater main body, wherein a portion of the heater is exposed to an upper side of the heater upper sealing member.

[0018] The cartridge includes a desiccant, and a portion of the heater exposed to the upper side of the heater upper sealing member can come into contact with the desiccant.

[0019] The cartridge may include a protruding recognition protrusion, the heater module may further include a heater control unit, and the heater control unit may include a switch that is turned on and off by contact with the recognition protrusion.

[0020] The above heater upper sealing member can contact the cartridge to form a space that receives an aerosol generating substance supplied from the cartridge and seal the formed space.

[0021] The heater module includes a side cover detachably coupled to the main body, and the main body includes a passage connected to a suction sensor disposed inside the main body, and a gap is formed between the main body and the side cover in the vertical direction, and when the heater module is assembled to the main body, the gap and the passage can be communicated.

[0022] The above heater module can form a space in the lower part of the heater module into which a part of the main body and a connector of the main body are inserted.

[0023] The heater module includes a connection terminal connected to the heater control unit, the connection terminal is exposed to a part of the main body and a space into which a connector of the main body is inserted, and when the heater module is assembled to the main body, the connection terminal can make electrical contact with the connector.

[0024] According to an embodiment, there is an advantage in that by separating the cartridge and the heater module, reuse of the heater module can be promoted.

[0025] According to an embodiment, there is an advantage in that the connection of the cartridge can be recognized in the heater module.

[0026] According to an embodiment, there is an advantage in that the sealing member prevents leakage of the aerosol product from the cartridge.

[0027] According to an embodiment, when the cartridge is assembled with the heater module, there is an advantage in preventing leakage of the aerosol product.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of an aerosol generating device including a heater module according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment based on AA of FIG. 2.

[0031] Figure 4 is an exploded view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating a heater module.

[0033] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the heater module illustrated in Figure 5.

[0034] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a heater upper sealing member.

[0035] Fig. 8 is a drawing illustrating a first heater holder.

[0036] Fig. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a heater.

[0037] Figure 10 is a drawing showing a structure for supplying electricity to a heater.

[0038] Figure 11 is a drawing showing the direction of airflow and the direction of aerosol in the heater.

[0039] Fig. 12 is a side cross-section of the heater module based on BB of Fig. 5.

[0040] Figure 13 is a block diagram illustrating a heater control unit.

[0041] Figure 14 is a drawing showing a cartridge including a recognition protrusion;

[0042] Fig. 15 is a drawing showing the structure of a heater module into which the recognition protrusion of the cartridge shown in Fig. 14 is inserted.

[0043] Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a switch;

[0044] Figure 17 is an exploded view of the cartridge.

[0045] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional side view of the area around the heater when the cartridge is connected to the heater module.

[0046] Figure 19 is a drawing showing a connection terminal connected to the main body.

[0047] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional side view showing a suction sensor placed on the main body and a path of outside air communicating with the suction sensor.

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components are given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0049] The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing specifications, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0054] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of an aerosol generating device including a heater module according to one embodiment.

[0055] Hereinafter, in the drawing, the x-axis represents the width direction (x) of the aerosol generator (1) including the heater module (20), the y-axis represents the thickness direction of the aerosol generator (1) including the heater module (20), and the z-axis represents the length direction of the aerosol generator (1) including the heater module (20).

[0056] Hereinafter, “upper / lower direction”, “upper side”, “top”, “lower side”, “bottom”, “top”, and “bottom” refer to the z-axis in the drawing.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a main body (10), a heater module (20), and a cartridge (30).

[0058] The main body (10) may include at least one of a power source (11), a control unit (12), and a sensor (13). A cartridge (30) may be mounted on the main body (10).

[0059] The power source (11) can supply power to operate the components of the aerosol generator (1). The power source (11) can be referred to as a battery. The power source (11) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (12), the sensor (13), and the heater module (20).

[0060] The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator (1). The control unit (12) can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit (12) can control the operation of at least one of the power supply (11), the sensor (13), and the cartridge (30). The control unit (12) can control the operation of the display, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generator (1). The control unit (12) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator (1) to determine whether the aerosol generator (1) is in an operable state.

[0061] The control unit (12) can analyze the results detected by the sensor (13) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater module (20) so that the operation of the heater module (20) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensor (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater module (20) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater module (20) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor (13).

[0062] The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and a movement detection sensor. For example, the sensor (13) may sense at least one of the temperature of the heater module (20), the temperature of the power source (11), and the temperature inside and outside the main body (10). For example, the sensor (13) may sense the user's puff. For example, the sensor (13) may sense whether the cartridge (30) is mounted. For example, the sensor (13) may sense the movement of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0063] The heater module (20) can be detachably mounted on the main body (10). The heater module (20) is located between the cartridge (30) and the main body (10) and can generate an aerosol by converting the phase of an aerosol generating material into a gas phase. The heater module (20) can generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material supplied from the cartridge (30).

[0064] For example, the heater module (20) may heat an aerosol generating substance supplied from a cartridge (30) to generate vapor from the aerosol generating substance. The generated vapor may be mixed with external air introduced from the outside of the heater module (20) into the inside of the heater module (20) to generate an aerosol. In an embodiment, 'aerosol' may mean particles generated by mixing air with vapor generated by heating an aerosol generating substance, and the expression may be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

[0065] The cartridge (30) can be detachably mounted on the main body (10). The cartridge (30) can be located on the upper side of the heater module (20). The cartridge (30) has an aerosol generating substance stored therein. The aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge (30) is supplied to the heater module (20). The cartridge (30) can include a mouthpiece (30a). When a user sucks on the mouthpiece (30a) with his / her mouth, the user can inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0066] The outside air introduced into the main body (10) can pass through the cartridge (30) and flow into the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel (CN).

[0067] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment taken along line AA of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include a main body (10), a heater module (20), and a cartridge (30).

[0069] The main body (10) is located at the bottom of the heater module (20) and can support the heater module (20). A power source (11) and a control unit (12) for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) can be placed inside the main body (10). The main body (10) may also be provided with a user interface and a display means for visually indicating the operating status or battery status. A mouthpiece (31C) may protrude from the upper end of the main body (10).

[0070] The heater module (20) may be positioned on the upper side of the main body (10). The heater module (20) may be detachably coupled to the main body (10). A heater module (20) that has exceeded its target number of uses may be replaced with a new one. Such a heater module may include a heater (e.g., heater 22 of FIG. 6).

[0071] The cartridge (30) can be placed on the upper side of the heater module (20). The cartridge (30) can be detachably coupled to the main body (10) with the heater module (20) interposed therebetween.

[0072] An aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may further include a cover (11a). The cover (11a) may form a space on the inside to accommodate a main body (10), a heater module (20), and a cartridge (30). The cover (11a) may be formed to surround at least a portion of the main body (10), the heater module (20), and the cartridge (30). The cover (11a) determines the positions of the main body (10), the heater module (20), and the cartridge (30), respectively. In addition, the cover (11a) may serve to protect the main body (10), the heater module (20), and the cartridge (30), respectively, from external impact or the inflow of foreign substances.

[0073] The cover (11a) may be formed integrally with the main body (10), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0074] Hereinafter, the heater module (20) will be examined in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 12.

[0075] Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a heater module (20), and Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the heater module (20) illustrated in Fig. 5.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the heater module (20) may include a heater body (21), a heater (22), and a side cover (23).

[0077] The heater body (21) may have a structure for fixing the heater (22). In addition, the heater body (21) may include a terminal connected to the heater (22), a flow path structure through which an aerosol generating substance supplied from a cartridge moves, etc. The upper part of the heater body (21) may include a connection structure for connection to the cartridge. The lower part of the heater body (21) may include a receiving structure for receiving a connector of the body (10) (e.g., a connector (CT) of FIG. 4).

[0078] The specific configuration of the heater body (21) is as follows.

[0079] The heater body (21) may include a heater module housing (21a), a heater cover (21b), a heater upper sealing member (21c), a first heater holder (21d), a second heater holder (21e), a heater housing (21f), and a heater lower sealing member (21g).

[0080] The heater module housing (21a) can form the exterior of the heater module (20). The heater cover (21b) can be coupled to the upper end of the heater module housing (21a). The heater upper sealing member (21c) can be fixed to the heater cover (21b). The heater upper sealing member (21c) can be located on the inside of the heater cover (21b). The first heater holder (21d) can fix the heater (22) and form a passage through which an aerosol passes. The first heater holder (21d) can be in contact with the heater upper sealing member (21c). In addition, the first heater holder (21d) can be coupled to the heater housing (21f). The second heater holder (21e) can serve to surround the lower end of the heater (22). The second heater holder (21e) can be made of an elastically deformable material. The heater housing (21f) can provide a space for fixing a terminal connected to the heater (22) and accommodating a switch that recognizes the cartridge (30). In addition, the heater housing (21f) can serve to fix the heater (22). The heater lower sealing member (21g) can be arranged between the heater module housing (21a) and the heater housing (21f) to prevent leakage due to liquefaction of the remaining aerosol. A substrate (24) is located inside the heater module housing (21a).

[0081] Figure 7 is a drawing showing the heater upper sealing member (21c).

[0082] Referring to Fig. 7, the heater upper sealing member (21c) can serve to seal the open upper portion of the heater body (21). The heater upper sealing member (21c) can form a space for receiving aerosol and seal the heater body (21) so that the received aerosol does not leak.

[0083] And the heater upper sealing member (21c) can be in contact with the cartridge (30). The heater upper sealing member (21c) can form a structure that receives an aerosol generating substance supplied from the cartridge (30). The heater upper sealing member (21c) can include a first conduit (21ca). The first conduit (21ca) can be arranged at the center of the heater upper sealing member (21c). This first conduit (21ca) can be connected to an airflow channel (CN) arranged in the cartridge (30). And the heater upper sealing member (21c) can include a through hole (21cb). For example, two through holes (21cb) can be arranged with the first conduit (21ca) interposed therebetween. A part of the heater (22) can be exposed to the outside of the heater module (20) through the through hole (21cb).

[0084] The heater upper sealing member (21c) may include a side wall (21cd). The side wall (21cd) may be arranged on the outer side of the through hole (21cb) and the first conduit (21ca). The side wall (21cd) may be arranged to surround the through hole (21cb) and the first conduit (21ca). This side wall (21cd) may serve to seal the inner space of the side wall (21cd) by contacting the lower surface of the second case (32) when the cartridge (30) is connected to the heater module (20).

[0085] Meanwhile, the heater upper sealing member (21c) may include a switch hole (21ce). The switch hole (21ce) may be positioned on the outside of the side wall (21cd). The recognition protrusion (32g in FIG. 14) of the cartridge (30) may penetrate the switch hole (21ce).

[0086] Figure 8 is a drawing showing the first heater holder (21d).

[0087] Referring to Fig. 8, the first heater holder (21d) may include a second conduit (21da). The second conduit (21da) may be in contact with the first conduit (21ca) of the heater upper sealing member (21c). In addition, the first heater holder (21d) may include a through hole (21db). For example, two through holes (21db) may be arranged with the second conduit (21da) therebetween. The through hole (21db) of the first heater holder (21d) may be arranged to be aligned with the through hole (21cb) of the heater upper sealing member (21c). The first heater holder (21d) may include a hook-shaped fastening portion (21dc). The fastening portion (21dc) may be arranged at an edge of the first heater holder (21d). The first heater holder (21d) can be coupled to the second heater holder (21e) through a fastening portion (21dc).

[0088] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a heater (22).

[0089] The heater (22) can be fixed to the heater body (21) so that a portion of the heater (22) is exposed to the outside of the heater module (20). The exposed portion of the heater (22) can come into contact with the absorbent (34) of the cartridge (30).

[0090] The specific configuration of the heater (22) is as follows.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 9, the heater (22) may include a heater body (22a) having a hexahedral shape and side wall portions (22b) that protrude vertically upward from each end of the heater body (22a). For example, the heater body (22a) and the side wall portions (22b) may be arranged to have a “ㄷ” shape when viewed from the front. The end portions of the side wall portions (22b) may protrude beyond the heater upper sealing member (21c) by penetrating through the through hole (21db) of the first heater holder (21d) and the through hole (22db) of the heater upper sealing member (21c). The end portions of the protruding side wall portions (22b) may come into contact with the absorbent (34) of the cartridge (30).

[0092] The heater (22) may be formed of any electrically resistive material. For example, the electrically resistive material may be a metal or metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc., but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the heater (22) may include at least one of a coil heater combined with a silica wick and a porous ceramic heater.

[0093] As illustrated in Fig. 6, the side cover (23) can be detachably coupled to one side of the heater body (21). The side cover (23) can include a groove to facilitate the user's grip and manipulation. In addition, the side cover (23) can form an internal space to guide outside air so that the outside air can flow into the heater body (21). A coupling structure for coupling with the side cover (23) can be provided on the side of the heater body (21). The gap between the heater body (21) and the side cover (23) can be utilized as an inflow path for outside air.

[0094] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a structure for supplying electricity to a heater (22).

[0095] Referring to FIG. 10, the heater module (20) may include an electrode pattern (25). The electrode pattern (25) may be formed on the lower surface of the heater body (22a) of the heater (22). In addition, the heater module (20) may include a heater terminal (26) that makes connection contact with the electrode pattern (25). The heater terminal (26) may be electrically connected to a connector of the main body (CT of FIG. 4). When electricity is transmitted to the heater (22) through the heater terminal (26) and the electrode pattern (25), the heater (22) may generate heat, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0096] Figure 11 is a drawing showing the direction of airflow and the direction of aerosol in the heater (22).

[0097] Referring to Fig. 11, the heater (22) may be arranged so that the side wall portion (22b) faces upward, and the heater body (22a) may be arranged horizontally. The outside air introduced into the heater module (20) may be introduced so as to face the lower surface of the heater body (22a), as shown in P1 of Fig. 11. Accordingly, the outside air introduced into the heater module (20) collides with the lower surface of the heater body (22a). Since the air current does not flow along the outer surface of the heater (22) but collides with the outer surface of the heater (22), the generation of sludge can be significantly reduced.

[0098] As in P2 of Fig. 11, when an aerosol product is supplied to the heater (22) through the side wall portion (22b), and the heater (22) is heated, an aerosol airflow path can be formed toward the center based on the width direction (x) of the heater (22), as in P3 of Fig. 11. In this way, the aerosol generated by the heat generation of the heater (22) can be guided to the second conduit (21da) of the first heater holder (21d of Fig. 8).

[0099] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of a heater module (20) based on BB of Fig. 5.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 12 together, the heater module (20) may include a substrate (24). The substrate (24) may be electrically connected to a switch (SW). The switch (SW) is a component for recognizing a cartridge (30). In addition, a device for counting the number of puffs and a heater resistance memory may be mounted on the substrate (24).

[0101] Meanwhile, the heater module housing (21a) can form a space (SP) in the lower part into which a part of the main body (10) and a connector (CT of FIG. 4) are inserted. The connector (CT) of the main body (10) can be electrically connected to the substrate (24) of the heater module (20). When the main body (10) and the heater module (20) are assembled, the control unit (12) of the main body (10) and the substrate (24) of the heater module (20) can be electrically connected.

[0102] Below, the specific configuration of the heater control unit composed of the components on the substrate (24) is described.

[0103] Figure 13 is a block diagram illustrating a heater control unit (HC).

[0104] Referring to FIG. 13, the heater control unit (HC) may include a counting unit (CW), a switch (SW), and a memory (MO).

[0105] The counting unit (CW) can count the number of puffs of the user. The counting unit (CW) is connected to the suction sensor (SS) of the main body (10) to receive information about the user's puffs. The user's puffs detected by the suction sensor (SS) can be transmitted to the counting unit (CW) through the connector (CT) and connection terminal (27) of the main body (10). The number of puffs of the user counted by the counting unit (CW) can be stored in the memory (MO). The memory (MO) can store the maximum allowable number of puffs that determines the lifespan of the heater module (20) and the current number of puffs, etc.

[0106] When the number of puffs counted by the counting unit (CW) reaches the maximum allowable number of puffs, the heater control unit (HC) can send a signal to the control unit (12) of the main body (10) to notify the user through a display device disposed in the main body (10). A heater module (20) that has reached the maximum allowable number of puffs can be replaced with a new heater module (20).

[0107] The switch (SW) can be turned on and off by an external force applied by the recognition protrusion (32g) of the cartridge (30) and generate an electrical signal corresponding to whether the cartridge (30) is mounted.

[0108] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a cartridge (30) including a recognition protrusion (32g).

[0109] Referring to FIG. 14, the cartridge (30) may include a first case (31) and a second case (32). The second case (32) is in contact with the heater module (20).

[0110] The second case (32) may include a recognition protrusion (32g). The recognition protrusion (32g) may protrude from the lower surface of the second case (32). The recognition protrusion (32g) may be configured to physically press a switch (SW) disposed in the heater module (20). By pressing the switch (SW) disposed in the heater module (20) with the recognition protrusion (32g), the control unit (12) of the main body (10) may recognize that the cartridge (30) is connected to the heater module (20).

[0111] Fig. 15 is a drawing showing the structure of a heater module (20) into which the recognition protrusion (32g) of the cartridge (30) shown in Fig. 14 is inserted.

[0112] Referring to Fig. 15, the heater module (20) may be provided with a structure in which a recognition protrusion (32g) is inserted to contact a switch (SW) when the cartridge (30) is coupled to the heater module (20). Specifically, the heater cover (21b) may include a hole (21ba) aligned with a switch hole (21ce) of the heater upper sealing member (21c).

[0113] In the direction indicated by IW in Fig. 15, the recognition protrusion (32g) of the cartridge (30) can be inserted. The recognition protrusion (32g) can penetrate the hole (21ba) of the heater cover (21b) and the switch hole (21ce) of the heater upper sealing member (21c) to reach the switch (SW) located inside the heater module (20).

[0114] The specific configuration for the switch (SW) is as follows.

[0115] Figure 16 is a perspective view illustrating a switch (SW).

[0116] Referring to FIG. 16, the switch (SW) may include a first terminal (Z1), a second terminal (Z2), and a switching terminal (Z3). The lower end of the first terminal (Z1) may be connected to a substrate (24). The upper end of the first terminal (Z1) may be connected to a switching terminal (Z3). And the lower end of the second terminal (Z2) may be connected to the substrate (24).

[0117] The switching terminal (Z3) may be arranged so that one end is connected to the first terminal (Z1) and the other end is spaced apart from the second terminal (Z2). The switching terminal (Z3) may be elastically deformed by the recognition protrusion (32g), so that the other end of the switching terminal (Z3) may be positioned so as to come into contact with the second terminal (Z2).

[0118] Meanwhile, the switching terminal (Z3) may include a receiving portion (Z3a). The receiving portion (Z3a) may have a flat plate shape. The receiving portion (Z3a) is arranged horizontally and is in contact with the recognition protrusion (32g) of the cartridge (30). As indicated by the arrow in Fig. 16, the recognition protrusion (32g) moves downward and pushes the receiving portion (Z3a). As the receiving portion (Z3a) moves, the other end of the switching terminal (Z3) moves downward and comes into contact with the second terminal (Z2), thereby allowing the switch (SW) to be switched from an OFF state to an ON state.

[0119] When the switch (SW) is turned on, the control unit (12) of the main body (10) can recognize that the cartridge (30) is mounted on the heater module (20). When the switch (SW) is turned on, the control unit (12) of the main body (10) can be implemented so that the user can recognize it visually or audibly through a separate display device or audio device provided in the main body (10).

[0120] When the cartridge (30) is detached from the heater module (20), the recognition protrusion (32g) that was pressing the receiving portion (Z3a) is detached from the receiving portion (Z3a), and the other end of the switching terminal (Z3) is separated from the second terminal (Z2), so that the switch (SW) can be switched from an ON state to an OFF state.

[0121] Figure 17 is an exploded view of the cartridge (30).

[0122] Referring to FIG. 17, the cartridge (30) may include a case, a sealing member (33), and a moisture absorbent (34). The case may include a first case (31) and a second case (32). The sealing member (33) is placed between the first case (31) and the second case (32). The moisture absorbent (34) is mounted on the second case (32) and placed on the lower side of the sealing member (33).

[0123] Here, the absorbent (34) serves to impregnate (contain) the aerosol generating material stored in the storage unit (31a) and transfer it to the heater (22). The absorbent (34) comes into contact with the aerosol generating material contained in the storage unit (31a). The upper end of the absorbent (34) comes into contact with the aerosol generating material, and the lower end of the absorbent (34) comes into contact with the heater (22) to transfer the aerosol generating material to the heater (22). The absorbent (34) may be made of a material such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. Meanwhile, two absorbents (34) may be arranged. The two absorbents (34) may have the same shape and size.

[0124] Figure 18 is a side cross-sectional view of the area around the heater (22) when the cartridge (30) is connected to the heater module (20).

[0125] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 18, when the cartridge (30) is mounted on the heater module (20), the absorbent (34) and the heater (22) come into contact with each other, and the side wall (32f) of the second case (32) of the cartridge (30) presses and comes into contact with the heater upper sealing member (21c). Accordingly, the inner space (AP) formed by the side wall (32f) of the second case (32) and the heater upper sealing member (21c) is sealed, thereby preventing the aerosol generating substance supplied from the absorbent (34) to the heater (22) from leaking. That is, the heater module (20) can prevent the aerosol generating substance from leaking between the cartridges (30).

[0126] The aerosol generating material of the absorbent (34) is transferred to the heater (22). The aerosol generating material can be heated in the heater (22) and generated into an aerosol.

[0127] Fig. 19 is a drawing showing a connection terminal (27) connected to the main body (10).

[0128] Referring to FIG. 12 and FIG. 19, the heater module (20) may include a connection terminal (27) connected to the substrate (24). When the heater module (20) is mounted on the main body (10), the connection terminal (27) may be electrically connected to a connector (CT) of the main body (10). This connection terminal (27) may be exposed to a portion of the main body (10) and a lower space (SP) of the heater module (20) into which the connector (CT) of the main body (10) is inserted.

[0129] Fig. 20 is a side cross-sectional view showing a suction sensor (SS) placed on the main body (10) and a path of outside air communicating with the suction sensor (SS).

[0130] Referring to Fig. 20, a gap (G) may be formed between the main body (10) and the lower end of the side cover (23) in the vertical direction. The gap (G) may be in communication with the interior of the side cover (23). Air introduced through the gap (G) passes through the interior of the side cover (23) and is introduced into the interior of the heater module (20).

[0131] Meanwhile, the main body (10) may include a flow path (U) connected to a suction sensor (SS). When the heater module (20) is assembled to the main body (10), the flow path (U) may be in communication with the interior of the heater module (20).

[0132] Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function.

[0133] For example, it means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible (For example, a configuration “A” described in one embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings and a configuration “B” described in another embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible).

[0134] The above detailed description is to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes coming within the equivalent range of the present invention are intended to be embraced therein. (Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and / or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and / or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.)

Claims

1. A heater module for heating an aerosol generating material, Heater body; A heater disposed inside the heater body and for heating the aerosol generating material delivered from the cartridge; and Includes a heater upper sealing member arranged on the upper side of the heater body, A heater module in which a portion of the heater is exposed to the upper side of the heater upper sealing member.

2. In paragraph 1, Further including a heater control unit, The above heater control unit is a heater module including a counting unit that counts the number of puffs.

3. In paragraph 1, Further including a heater control unit, The above heater control unit includes a switch that is turned on and off by external force, A heater module in which some of the terminal portions of the above switch are exposed to the outside of the heater body.

4. In paragraph 3, The terminal portion of the switch includes a first terminal connected to the heater control unit, a second terminal connected to the heater control unit but spaced apart from the first terminal, and a switching terminal connected to the first terminal. A heater module in which the switching terminal is positioned so that one end is connected to the first terminal and the other end is spaced apart from the second terminal, and the other end is elastically deformed by an external force so that it comes into contact with the second terminal.

5. In paragraph 4, A heater module including a receiving portion that receives external force in an up-and-down direction and has the switching terminal arranged horizontally.

6. In paragraph 1, The above heater upper sealing member is, A side wall forming a receiving space on the inside, A through hole arranged on the inner side of the side wall to connect the upper and lower sides of the heater upper sealing member, A heater module including a first conduit arranged on the inner side of the side wall and connecting the upper and lower sides of the heater upper sealing member.

7. In paragraph 1, Further including a heater control unit, The above heater control unit includes a switch that is turned on and off by external force, Some of the terminals of the above switch are exposed to the outside of the heater body, The above heater upper sealing member includes a switch hole arranged on the outside of the side wall, The above switch hole is a heater module aligned with the terminal portion of the above switch.

8. In paragraph 6, A first heater holder and a second heater holder are disposed with the heater in between to fix the heater, The first heater holder includes a through hole connecting the upper and lower sides of the first heater holder and a second pipe connecting the upper and lower sides of the first heater holder, The through hole of the upper sealing member of the heater is aligned with the through hole of the first heater holder, A heater module in which the first conduit and the second conduit are arranged in alignment.

9. In paragraph 8, The second holder includes a receiving groove for receiving the heater, and is a heater module made of an elastically deformable material and surrounding the heater.

10. In paragraph 6, It further includes a heater housing disposed on the inside of the heater body and disposed on the outside of the first heater holder and the second heater holder, and a heater cover coupled to the upper side of the heater body. A heater module in which the heater upper sealing member is arranged to surround the upper portion of the heater housing and seals the space between the heater cover and the heater housing.

11. Main body; A heater module detachably coupled to the main body and including a heater for heating an aerosol generating material; and A cartridge is included that is detachably coupled to the main body and contains the aerosol generating substance to be delivered to the heater, The above heater module, Heater body; A heater disposed inside the heater body and for heating the aerosol generating material delivered from the cartridge; and Includes a heater upper sealing member arranged on the upper side of the heater body, An aerosol generating device in which a portion of the heater is exposed to the upper side of the heater upper sealing member.

12. In paragraph 11, The above cartridge contains a moisture absorbent, An aerosol generating device in which a portion of the heater exposed to the upper side of the heater upper sealing member comes into contact with the absorbent.

13. In paragraph 11, The cartridge includes a protruding recognition protrusion, The fraudulent heater module further includes a heater control unit, An aerosol generating device wherein the heater control unit includes a switch that is turned on and off by contact with the recognition protrusion.

14. In paragraph 11, An aerosol generating device in which the heater upper sealing member contacts the cartridge to form a space that receives an aerosol generating substance supplied from the cartridge and seals the formed space.

15. In paragraph 11, Includes a side cover detachably connected to the heater body, The above body includes a path connected to a suction sensor placed inside the above body, In the vertical direction, a gap is formed between the main body and the side cover, An aerosol generating device in which the gap and the duct are connected when the heater module is assembled to the main body.

Images